It is slated to be a busy few years for Carnival Cruise Line.
From new vessels to investments in its personal locations and an upcoming overhaul of its loyalty program, the self-described “enjoyable ship” line is leaning into the pattern of latest megaships providing differentiated experiences for friends whereas attempting to drive deeper loyalty from frequent cruisers. And that is precisely what you will discover when its subsequent 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 a substitute 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.
This is what it’s essential to know.
What to anticipate from the brand new megaships launching in 2027 and 2028
The primary 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 identical facilities as the opposite three Excel Class vessels that debuted in recent times — Mardi Gras (2021), Celebration (2022) and Jubilee (2023). Its greatest adjustments will likely be on the stern, with Carnival swapping the “thrill” of its well-liked Bolt curler coaster for “chill” with a sprawling new water park.
Dubbed Sunsation Level, the water park will function six slides, two of which will likely be family-friendly raft rides. A few of the slides will even welcome kids 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.
Maybe most fun is the announcement that Sunsation Level will provide 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 evening.
Along with the water park, Festivale will function almost 70% extra interconnecting cabins, changing the present Household Harbor staterooms and lounge on present Excel Class ships to higher accommodate bigger, multigenerational teams who could 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 title of the fifth Excel Class vessel at Sunday’s occasion: Carnival Tropicale, which can take its first voyage in 2028. Nonetheless, no additional particulars on itineraries nor its residence port had been introduced.
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Since Duffy confirmed that Carnival Festivale will name Port Canaveral residence, 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 residence, it at the moment operates predominantly six-, seven- and eight-night sailings to the Caribbean.
That’ll change with the launch of Festivale.
The road has introduced that Mardi Gras will shift to shorter-duration cruises in 2027, permitting friends to expertise the facilities of Carnival’s first true megaship with out committing to a prolonged voyage. This might particularly attraction to households trying to mix a visit to Orlando’s honored theme parks with a brief cruise getaway.
Associated: 43 Carnival Cruise Line ideas, methods and hacks to boost your trip at sea
Different developments
Carnival additionally highlighted a variety of developments nonetheless to return, together with the upcoming debut of its personal seashore growth, Celebration Key, which can start welcoming friends July 19. The seashore will likely be positioned within the Bahamas on the south facet of Grand Bahama Island and, upon opening, will be capable of accommodate as much as 13,000 friends per day.
Associated: Sneak peek! First photographs of Carnival Cruise Line’s new seashore membership within the Bahamas
Elsewhere, Duffy showcased the beforehand introduced personal 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 subsequent yr.
Lastly, Duffy confirmed {that a} revamped VIFP Membership loyalty program is on the horizon, with full particulars anticipated this summer season and a launch someday in 2026. Whereas particulars are nonetheless below 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 present members will honest in an overhauled program.
Backside line
There’s quite a bit to be enthusiastic about for those who’re a loyal Carnival cruiser — or for those who’ve been contemplating reserving a crusing within the subsequent few years. The road is investing throughout its portfolio, with two extra megaships becoming a member of the fleet in 2027 and 2028, each of which can 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 personal vacation spot.
Keep tuned, as there’s much more to return.
