Carnival Cruise Line is bringing its newest ship to Texas. Carnival Tropicale, the fifth and final vessel in the line’s Excel Class, will debut from Galveston on April 15, 2028, with bookings now open.
The new ship will sail 4-, 5-, 6- and 8-day cruises to destinations across the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Mexico. Itineraries will include Carnival’s Paradise Collection destinations such as Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale and Puerta Maya, along with ports including Progreso and Nassau.
Carnival Tropicale is currently under construction in Papenburg, Germany.
Family Fun Takes Center Stage
One of the ship’s main attractions will be Sunsation Point, a multi-deck family entertainment zone designed to keep guests busy throughout the day and into the evening.
The area will feature Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, a new family-focused water park with six waterslides, including SunSoaker, Turning Tides and Racing Currents, along with splash areas for younger children.
Additional activities will include a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66, sports courts and the Treehouse Adventure Trail, where guests can navigate netted pathways and obstacles. The ship will also introduce new arcade spaces, including The Vault Retrocade, combining classic arcade games with newer experiences.
New Dining Concepts
Carnival Tropicale will also introduce several new dining options under Carnival’s “The Next Course” culinary lineup.
Uku Lei Lei will serve Hawaiian-inspired dishes with Asian influences, while Fetaccine will combine Greek and Italian flavors. Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, created in partnership with Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse, will focus on seafood inspired by America’s coastal regions.
The ship will also introduce new entertainment experiences and spaces inspired by the golden era of show business, with additional details expected to be announced ahead of its 2028 debut.
For more information, visit carnival.com.
