It’s slated to be a busy few years for Carnival Cruise Line.
From new vessels to investments in its non-public locations and an upcoming overhaul of its loyalty program, the self-described “fun ship” line is leaning into the development of recent megaships providing differentiated experiences for visitors whereas making an attempt to drive deeper loyalty from frequent cruisers. And that is precisely what you may discover when its next two ships take to the seas in 2027 and 2028.
Gone is the Bolt curler coaster — Carnival’s game-changing, first-of-its-kind trip at sea — changed as an alternative by an expansive new water park with a half dozen slides and prolonged opening hours.
Carnival hosted a media day on Sunday aboard Carnival Celebration in Port Miami, the place Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, shared extra particulars concerning the cruise line’s new “Innovation Itinerary” initiative — its long-term technique centered on contemporary onboard sights and developed visitor experiences.
Here’s what you want to know.
What to anticipate from the brand new megaships launching in 2027 and 2028
The first brand-new Carnival ship since 2023 will hit the seas in 2027 when Carnival Festivale begins crusing from Port Canaveral. Themed round music and celebration, Carnival Festivale will incorporate lots of the similar facilities as the opposite three Excel Class vessels that debuted lately — Mardi Gras (2021), Celebration (2022) and Jubilee (2023). Its largest modifications will likely be on the stern, with Carnival swapping the “thrill” of its fashionable Bolt curler coaster for “chill” with a sprawling new water park.
Dubbed Sunsation Point, the water park will function six slides, two of which will likely be family-friendly raft rides. Some of the slides will even welcome youngsters as small as 3 toes tall. These slides will wind round swimming pools, splash pads and shaded lounge areas, providing facilities for all members of the family.
Perhaps most enjoyable is the announcement that Sunsation Point will supply night entry on choose days, with prolonged opening hours permitting the slides to stay open into the night — enabling cruisers to expertise the slides at night time.
In addition to the water park, Festivale will function practically 70% extra interconnecting cabins, changing the present Family Harbor staterooms and lounge on current Excel Class ships to higher accommodate bigger, multigenerational teams who might have shied away from the devoted household space up to now.
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Itinerary particulars for Festivale will likely be launched someday this summer season.
Duffy additionally introduced the identify of the fifth Excel Class vessel at Sunday’s occasion: Carnival Tropicale, which is able to take its first voyage in 2028. However, no additional particulars on itineraries nor its dwelling port had been introduced.
Related: Carnival cruise ships by measurement: Here are the most important Carnival cruise ships, largest to smallest, by tonnage
Since Duffy confirmed that Carnival Festivale will name Port Canaveral dwelling, that additionally means one other thrilling change is on the horizon.
Carnival Mardi Gras to function shorter itineraries
Carnival Mardi Gras was the primary ship within the line’s Excel Class when it took its maiden voyage in 2021. Calling Port Canaveral dwelling, it at present operates predominantly six-, seven- and eight-night sailings to the Caribbean.
That’ll change with the launch of Festivale.
The line has introduced that Mardi Gras will shift to shorter-duration cruises in 2027, permitting visitors to expertise the facilities of Carnival’s first true megaship with out committing to a prolonged voyage. This may particularly enchantment to households wanting to mix a visit to Orlando’s honored theme parks with a brief cruise getaway.
Related: 43 Carnival Cruise Line ideas, tips and hacks to improve your trip at sea
Other developments
(*2*)Carnival additionally highlighted a lot of developments nonetheless to come, including the upcoming debut of its non-public seashore growth, Celebration Key, which is able to start welcoming visitors July 19. The seashore will likely be situated within the Bahamas on the south facet of Grand Bahama Island and, upon opening, will likely be ready to accommodate up to 13,000 visitors per day.
Related: Sneak peek! First pictures of Carnival Cruise Line’s new seashore membership within the Bahamas
Elsewhere, Duffy showcased the beforehand introduced non-public island funding in RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, which must be full by the top of 2026, together with some new facilities coming to Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras — which will likely be renamed Isla Tropicale next 12 months.
Finally, Duffy confirmed {that a} revamped VIFP Club loyalty program is on the horizon, with full particulars anticipated this summer season and a launch someday in 2026. While particulars are nonetheless underneath wraps, Duffy famous that Platinum membership has greater than doubled since 2021, and Diamond ranks have tripled — validating the road’s loyal membership base, although it stays to be seen how current members will truthful in an overhauled program.
Bottom line
There’s so much to be enthusiastic about in the event you’re a loyal Carnival cruiser — or in the event you’ve been contemplating reserving a crusing within the next few years. The line is investing throughout its portfolio, with two extra megaships becoming a member of the fleet in 2027 and 2028, each of which is able to function a large new water park (although on the expense of the Bolt curler coaster). And we’re simply over three months away from the debut of Celebration Key, the corporate’s latest non-public vacation spot.
Stay tuned, as there’s much more to come.
