Carnival Tropicale bookings open for 2028 Galveston sailings
Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for its new Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, which will sail from Galveston starting April 15, 2028.
Travelers can now book cruises on Carnival Tropicale, Carnival Cruise Line's fifth and final Excel-class ship. The vessel is scheduled to begin sailing from Galveston, Texas, on April 15, 2028.
The ship will offer a range of itineraries from its Galveston homeport. Destinations include Carnival's private destinations and popular Caribbean ports.
Itineraries and Texas Theme
The ship will operate four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises. Ports of call include Carnival's own Celebration Key, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale on Roatán, and Puerta Maya in Cozumel. The itinerary list also features Progreso and Nassau.
Like its sister ship Carnival Jubilee, which also sails from Galveston, Carnival Tropicale will feature a Star of Texas emblem on its bow.
Ship Construction and Features
As reservations opened, Meyer Werft shipyard cut the first steel for the 180,000-gross-ton vessel, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The yard and cruise line marked the occasion with a Texas-themed celebration. Executives, including Carnival's Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and newbuilds, and Meyer Werft's CEO André Welter, wore cowboy hats and western attire.
André Welter, who became CEO of Meyer Werft on July 1, commented on the project. "I am delighted to experience my first construction celebration as the new CEO of Meyer Werft," Welter said. "Carnival Tropicale is already the fifth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, a successful and highly popular series that reflects our long-standing partnership with Carnival."
Another Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2027.
Onboard Activities and Dining
The new ship will introduce entertainment inspired by the golden era of show business, with more details to be revealed later. Announced features include a major family fun zone called Sunsation Point. This area is anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, which features six slides and splash areas designed for younger passengers.
Carnival Tropicale will also offer new dining venues under its "Next Course" program. Uku Lei Lei will serve Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences. Fetaccine will blend Greek and Italian flavors. Emeril’s Coastal Seafood will shows seafood dishes inspired by American coastlines, created with Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer, Chef Emeril Lagasse.
The ship's Grand Central Atrium and the Turning Tides raft slide are among other highlighted spaces shown in renderings.
