New Ships, Destinations & Exciting Innovations Ahead

Carnival Cruise Line just dropped a wave of exciting announcements about what’s coming in the next five years and it’s clear the fun isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

From new ships and destinations to onboard innovations and guest experience upgrades, here’s everything you need to know about what Carnival has in store.

Carnival’s Growing Fleet & New Excel-Class Ships

Carnival Cruise Line now boasts its largest fleet ever with 29 ships and big plans for more. Leading the way is the newly announced Carnival Festivale, the fourth Excel-class ship, debuting in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, Florida. Inspired by the original ship that helped define Carnival’s legacy, Festivale will introduce:

• Three new themed zones, including immersive, music-inspired spaces
• Sunsation Point, a massive top-deck family zone featuring Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the line’s most family-friendly water park to date
• 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70% more than previous Excel ships, perfect for families
• A dedicated space for the Turtles program (ages 6 months–2 years)
• Brand new dining concepts, with help from Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse

Following Festivale, Carnival Tropicale will arrive in spring 2028, and carry over many of the new features, with more surprises still to come.

Project Ace: Carnival’s Next-Generation Cruise Ships

Looking further ahead, Carnival announced Project Ace, a brand-new ship platform debuting in 2029. These ships will be the largest in Carnival’s history (230,000 gross tons, over 3,000 staterooms, and up to 8,000 guests). Expect new dining, reimagined outdoor decks, and never-before-seen entertainment options. The first ship will arrive in 2029, followed by sister ships in 2031 and 2033.

Upgraded Short Cruises & Secondary Ports

When Carnival Festivale launches, Mardi Gras will shift to offering short cruises from Port Canaveral, perfect for guests looking for a quick getaway with all the perks of a mega-ship. Carnival is also reaffirming its commitment to secondary homeports, including:

• Returning to year-round cruising from Mobile, Alabama in 2027
• Exploring deployment of a larger Conquest-class ship from Baltimore

New & Enhanced Private Destinations

Carnival is expanding its footprint in the Caribbean and beyond, launching a new destination portfolio called the Paradise Collection, which includes:

• Celebration Key (July 2024) – Carnival’s first exclusive destination designed specifically for its guests
• RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay (2026) – Enhanced with a new pier for Excel and Project Ace ships
• Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay, Roatan) – Coming in 2026 with a new pool, beach club, and expanded beach area

Onboard Enhancements Across the Fleet

Carnival plans to update many of its existing ships with modernised décor, new dining and entertainment options, and experiences inspired by upcoming vessels like Festivale and Tropicale. These updates will roll out gradually as ships head into dry dock.

A Revamped Loyalty Program Is Coming

Carnival also teased a refresh of its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Loyalty Program, set to launch in 2026. The goal? To deliver even more value and stronger recognition for returning guests. More details are expected later this summer.

Carnival is making it clear they’re not just keeping up with cruise industry trends, they’re setting them. With new ships, next-level onboard features, enhanced destinations, and a focus on family-friendly innovation, the next chapter of Carnival Cruise Line is looking bold, fun, and full of surprises.