Carnival Cruise Line has released details and is finding the ditch as it continues to build a new music-inspired ship that will come to Port Canaveral in 2027.
Reservations are currently open for the Carnival Festival, a Groston ship of 180,000 with a capacity of up to 6,400 guests. The company’s fourth Excel-class ship will sail alongside Mardi Gras, a sister ship that arrived in Port Canaveral in 2021.
The new ship will be split into six zones, including two new immersive zones inspired by music.
“Music is a universal language that brings together family and friends, and Carnival Festival amplifies that unique connection. The experience we offer appeals to all generations.” “Everyone will find a rhythm on this ship, regardless of age or interest.”
The ship’s Grand Central Atrium is the main hub of Deck 6-8 with floor-to-ceiling windows, color-changing lights and a rotating selection of live entertainment.
Studio 724 celebrates the creative music production process, with lights and animations synchronized with sound. This zone serves as the home of the deck 6 sparks, featuring cocktails inspired by song and live music performances. Piano bar 88 is also located on deck 6.
At the mix bar on Deck 7, guests can drink cocktails at the turntable-themed bar or visit the Limelight lounge, designed to match the musical theme.
The Deck 8 festival aims to bring the energy of an outdoor music festival to the cruise ship setting. Bright Promenade connects guests to food and drinks, including the Festival Ground Coffee & Bar, Pizza Palooza and Rhythm & Roll Deli.
Sunsation Point spans decks 16-18 and acts as the “ultimate family adventure zone.” The anchor in this zone is Carnival Waterworks Ultra. The area includes six water slides, a splash pad and a shady play area. The festival will be the first to extend nighttime hours to waterwork on some nights.
Deck 16 will also offer relaxation in the Vista pool, as well as snacks from Sunsation Sips, Shaq’s Big Chicken and Swirls Ice Cream. Deck 17 includes a new concept with Vault Retrocade Arcade, Scenic Overlook Bar, The Treehouse, netbridges, obstacles and dry slides.
The boat will have the familiar Excel class offerings such as a pool, poolside bar, ice cream, ice cream behind deck 8 and BBQ, as well as Lido, a poolside zone with Red Frog Tiki Bar and several food options.
Construction is currently underway on Carnival’s latest ship. This celebrated the keel laying ceremony at the Meyerwellft shipyard in Germany earlier this month. The festival will begin its sailor’s journey on a 15-night Atlantic voyage scheduled for May 16, 2027 in Port Canaveral.
On May 19, 2027, the ship will make its first voyage to the Bahamas on a four-night cruise that includes stopping at Carnival’s Celebration Key and Half Moon Kay on Relaxing Away. They then begin a sailing schedule for Caribbean cruises, primarily six and eight nights, with regular ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Marten. All sailing includes a visit to the Carnival Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island.
The key to the carnival celebration begins at the Grand Bahama with sightings of shacks, colorful fanfares
Once the Carnival Festival arrives, Mardi Gras, which is currently sailing for more than a week’s itinerary, will switch to short sails of four and five nights.
The festival will be added to the Carnival’s growing fleet, which currently includes 29 ships and five ships scheduled to arrive until 2033. This includes the fifth Excel class ship to sail in 2028, and three ships in the new class currently under development.
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