PAPENBURG, Germany, 10 September 2026 – Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for Carnival Tropicale, its newest ship and the fifth and final vessel in the Excel class, ahead of the ship’s planned debut from Galveston, Texas, in April 2028.
Carnival Tropicale will offer four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises from Galveston, connecting guests with destinations in Carnival’s Paradise Collection, including Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale and Puerta Maya. The programme will also include Caribbean calls such as Progreso and Nassau.
The ship will carry the Star of Texas on its bow, recognising its connection with the Lone Star State and its future Texas homeport.
Galveston programme opens for booking
With reservations now available, Carnival has confirmed a range of itinerary lengths from Galveston. The deployment will connect the Texas homeport with several destinations in Carnival’s Paradise Collection alongside Progreso and Nassau.
“Today marks an exciting day for Carnival Tropicale as guests can now begin planning their vacations aboard this incredible new ship,” said Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line. “From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028.”
Carnival Tropicale is currently under construction at MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany. To mark the opening of reservations and the ship’s progress at the yard, Carnival Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT held a western-themed construction celebration centred on the ship’s future Texas home.
Carnival and shipyard leaders wore custom cowboy hard hats and western clothing, while the event featured Texas-inspired décor and a Texas-style barbecue for the shipyard team.
“I am delighted to experience my first construction celebration as the new CEO of MEYER WERFT,” said André Walter, who has served as CEO of MEYER WERFT GmbH since 1 July 2026. “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.”
Sunsation Point leads new family offering
Carnival Tropicale will introduce Sunsation Point, a multi-deck family activity area designed to operate from daytime into the evening. The area will be anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, featuring six waterslides. Named attractions include SunSoaker, Turning Tides and Racing Currents, alongside splash areas for younger guests.
Other indoor and outdoor activities will include a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66, sports courts and the Treehouse Adventure Trail, which will feature netted pathways and obstacles.
New arcade areas will include The Vault Retrocade, combining classic and contemporary games. The ship will also offer special evening activities and extended waterpark hours.
New dining concepts join Excel-class offering
Carnival Tropicale will feature dining concepts introduced through Carnival’s The Next Course programme.
These will include Uku Lei Lei, serving Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences, and Fetaccine, combining Greek and Italian flavours. Emeril’s Coastal Seafood will offer seafood dishes inspired by coastlines across the United States and has been developed in partnership with Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse. The ship will also introduce entertainment experiences and dedicated spaces drawing inspiration from the golden era of show business.
Carnival Tropicale is the fifth and final Excel-class ship planned for Carnival Cruise Line. Its Galveston programme begins on 15 April 2028, with reservations for the newly announced sailings now open.
Source: Official announcement by Carnival Corporation & plc on 10 September, 2026, Papenburg
