Carnival Tropicale opens for bookings, sets sail from Galveston in 2028

Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for Carnival Tropicale, its newest ship and the fifth and final addition to the cruise line’s Excel class.

The ship is currently taking shape at MEYER WERFT’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and is set to begin sailing from Galveston, Texas, on April 15, 2028.

As Carnival’s newest ship based in Texas, Carnival Tropicale will display the Star of Texas on its bow, highlighting its connection to the Lone Star State.

The ship will offer four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises, with itineraries featuring Carnival’s Paradise Collection destinations, including Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale and Puerta Maya, as well as Caribbean ports such as 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, in a statement.

“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."

New family attractions

Carnival Tropicale will introduce several new features to the Excel class, including Sunsation Point, a multi-deck family entertainment zone designed to operate from day into night.

The area will be anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, billed by the cruise line as the most family-friendly water park at sea. It will feature six waterslides, including SunSoaker, Turning Tides and Racing Currents, along with splash areas for younger guests.

Other attractions will include a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66, sports courts and the Treehouse Adventure Trail, featuring netted pathways and obstacles.

The ship will also introduce new arcade spaces, including The Vault Retrocade, which will combine classic games with newer gaming experiences.

Sunsation Point will remain active after sunset with evening programming and extended water park hours.

New dining concepts

Carnival Tropicale will also feature Carnival’s The Next Course collection of dining concepts.

Among them is Uku Lei Lei, serving Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, combining Greek and Italian flavours; and Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, featuring seafood inspired by U.S. coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse.

The ship will also debut new entertainment experiences and exclusive spaces inspired by the golden era of show business.

Carnival says additional details about Tropicale’s entertainment and onboard experiences will be announced in the months ahead.

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