Carnival Festivale has floated for the first time at Meyer Werft as construction of Carnival Cruise Line's next Excel-class ship continues in Papenburg, Germany.
The ship became waterborne after its building dock was flooded in late September 2026. Meyer Werft said the operation allowed the vessel to be repositioned inside its covered construction hall, creating space for work on another ship.
The milestone is not the ship's final departure from the building hall or its delivery to Carnival, but it marks an important stage as the new vessel moves closer to entering service in 2027.
Carnival Festivale takes to the water
Meyer Werft's enclosed building dock in Papenburg is large enough to accommodate two major vessels at the same time.
Flooding the dock enabled Carnival Festivale to float and be moved within the hall while outfitting and construction continue. The ship will undergo further work before its eventual conveyance from the inland shipyard towards the North Sea.
Carnival's official ship information lists Carnival Festivale at 182,015 gross tonnes, with accommodation for 5,356 guests at double occupancy and approximately 1,768 crew members.
Port Canaveral debut planned for May 2027
Carnival Festivale is scheduled to begin carrying passengers from Port Canaveral in May 2027, joining sister ship Mardi Gras at the Florida homeport.
The new ship will operate six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises, with itineraries including visits to Carnival's Celebration Key destination on Grand Bahama.
Carnival has said the ship will sail year-round from Port Canaveral following its introductory voyages.
New music-themed spaces and expanded waterpark
The new ship will continue the broad Excel-class platform used by Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, while introducing its own venues and themed areas.
Music will form a central part of the onboard design, with new spaces inspired by different musical styles and the ways music brings people together.
The ship will also introduce Sunsation Point, a family-focused outdoor area featuring Carnival WaterWorks Ultra. Carnival describes it as the largest waterpark in its fleet, with six slides as well as splash areas, shaded play spaces and other family facilities.
Carnival Festivale will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will become the fourth Excel-class vessel built for Carnival Cruise Line.
Another Excel-class ship follows
Meyer Werft has also started construction of Carnival Tropicale, a further Excel-class vessel scheduled to enter service from Galveston in April 2028.
The two ships are expected to complete the current Excel-class series. Carnival Tropicale will share elements of the updated platform while introducing lounges inspired by the golden age of entertainment.
What happens next?
Work on Carnival Festivale will continue inside Meyer Werft's building hall before the ship is moved outside for final outfitting, testing and sea trials.
Carnival and the shipyard have not yet announced the precise date for the ship's final float-out or its River Ems conveyance.
Frequently asked questions
Has Carnival Festivale been delivered?
No. The ship has floated for the first time inside Meyer Werft's construction facility, but building and outfitting work remain underway ahead of its planned 2027 delivery.
When will Carnival Festivale enter service?
The ship is scheduled to begin its passenger programme from Port Canaveral in May 2027.
How many passengers will Carnival Festivale carry?
Carnival's official fact sheet lists capacity for 5,356 guests at double occupancy. Total occupancy can be higher when additional berths are used.
Where will Carnival Festivale sail?
The ship is scheduled to operate year-round Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, including six- and eight-night cruises.
Is Carnival Festivale powered by LNG?
Yes. Like the other ships in Carnival's Excel class, Carnival Festivale is designed to operate using liquefied natural gas.