Carnival's Fleet Expansion with New Excel-Class Ships

Carnival Cruise Line is set to enhance its fleet with the addition of two new Excel-class ships: the Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, debuting in 2027 and 2028, respectively. The Festivale will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida, and feature themed zones, expansive waterparks, and new family-friendly attractions. This initiative marks a strategic shift for Carnival, traditionally known for using its smaller ships for short cruises, as it responds to industry competition from Royal Caribbean, which has successfully deployed its larger ships on short itineraries. Additionally, Carnival is considering deploying a larger Conquest-class ship to Baltimore in 2027. These developments are part of Carnival's five-year strategic plan to expand its fleet and enhance its offerings, aiming to solidify its position in the cruise industry. Reservation and itinerary details for the new ships are expected to be announced this summer.