Ship Overview
Carnival Festivale will be the fourth Excel-class mega-ship in Carnival Cruise Line's fleet, scheduled to debut in 2027. The name pays homage to one of Carnival's original "Fun Ships" — the first Festivale served from 1977 to 1996 and helped establish Carnival's identity as the pioneer of fun, affordable cruising.
As an Excel-class vessel, Festivale will feature LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion for cleaner operations, the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, and an array of dining, entertainment, and accommodation options that have made her sister ships industry leaders.
The Original Festivale (1977–1996)
The first Carnival Festivale began life as SS Transvaal Castle (1961), serving the UK-South Africa route for Union-Castle Line. She became SA Vaal in 1966, then joined Carnival in 1977 as Festivale. She helped launch the "Fun Ship" concept before being sold in 1996. After stints as Island Breeze and The Topaz, she was scrapped in Alang, India in 2008.
Anticipated Specifications
Based on Excel-class sister ships. Final specifications may vary.
Excel-Class Sister Ships
Carnival Festivale will join three sister ships that showcase the excellence of this groundbreaking class:
Mardi Gras
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Jubilee
Expected Features
Based on Excel-class hallmarks, Carnival Festivale is expected to include:
BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster
The first roller coaster at sea — an electric-powered thrill ride reaching speeds up to 40 mph, 187 feet above the waterline.
Themed Zones
Six distinct neighborhoods including French Quarter, La Piazza, Summer Landing, and the adults-only Lido deck retreat.
20+ Dining Venues
From Emeril Lagasse restaurants to Guy Fieri favorites, Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken, and premium steakhouses.
Grand Central Atrium
A stunning multi-deck atrium serving as the ship's social hub with bars, entertainment, and ocean views.
Ultimate Playground
Expanded waterpark with multiple slides, splash zones, and family-friendly aquatic adventures.
Excel Suites
Premium accommodations including the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite with private outdoor deck space.
Development Timeline
Scheduled Debut — Carnival Festivale expected to enter service as the fourth Excel-class ship.
Construction Phase — Being built at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, following sister ships.
Name Announcement — Carnival reveals the revival of the classic "Festivale" name for the fourth Excel-class vessel.
Original Festivale Retires — The first Festivale leaves Carnival's fleet after 19 years of service.
Festivale Joins Carnival — Ex-SA Vaal (ex-Transvaal Castle) becomes Carnival's Festivale, one of the original Fun Ships.
Ken's Logbook: Carnival Festivale
Stories and insights from cruisers who have sailed on Carnival Festivale will appear here.
Watch: Carnival Festivale Highlights
Swipe through ship walkthroughs, top-10s, and stateroom tours.
Deck Plans
Interactive deck plans for Carnival Festivale are available on the cruise line's official website.
Live Ship Tracker
Track Carnival Festivale's current position and voyage details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Carnival Festivale launch?
Carnival Festivale is scheduled to debut in 2027 as the fourth Excel-class ship in Carnival's fleet.
What class is Carnival Festivale?
She will be an Excel-class mega-ship, sister to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. At approximately 182,800 gross tons, she'll feature LNG propulsion and cutting-edge amenities.
Will Carnival Festivale have the BOLT roller coaster?
Yes! As an Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale is expected to feature BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the groundbreaking attraction introduced on Mardi Gras in 2021.
Why is it called Festivale?
The name honors one of Carnival's founding fleet ships. The original Festivale (ex-Transvaal Castle) served from 1977-1996 and was instrumental in establishing Carnival's "Fun Ship" identity.
Where will Carnival Festivale be homeported?
The homeport has not been officially announced. Given Excel-class requirements for LNG bunkering, likely candidates include ports with established infrastructure. Check Carnival's website for updates.
Sources & Attribution
Ship specifications are based on Excel-class sister ships and are subject to change. Official details will be updated as Carnival releases confirmed information.
- Carnival Cruise Line — Official cruise line website
- Historical information from maritime databases and Carnival corporate announcements
- Excel-class specifications from Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee data
Page last updated: December 2, 2025
Sources & Attribution
Ship specifications from official cruise line materials. Photos credited where shown. Data verified against industry sources.