What was the TSS Tropicale?

TSS Tropicale was Carnival's first purpose-built ship, delivered in 1982. She was designed from scratch for Fun Ship cruising rather than converted from another vessel.

What made Tropicale significant?

Tropicale introduced the iconic winged funnel designed by Joe Farcus and served as the prototype for all future Carnival ships. She proved purpose-built cruise ships could outperform conversions.

TSS Tropicale (1981) — First Purpose-Built Fun Ship

Item: TSS Tropicale (1981)
Author: Ken Baker

The Ship That Changed Everything

Before Tropicale, every Carnival ship was a converted ocean liner. Tropicale was different—she was the first ship Carnival ordered new, designed specifically for Fun Ship operations from keel to funnel. No conversion compromises. No inherited limitations. Pure Carnival DNA. She carried the iconic winged funnel that Joe Farcus designed, a signature that every Carnival ship still wears today.

Service Timeline

1981: Ordered from Aalborg Værft, Denmark—Carnival's first new-build

1982: Delivered as TSS Tropicale, introducing the iconic winged funnel

1982-2000: Served Carnival for 18 years as Caribbean specialist

2001: Transferred to Costa Cruises as Costa Tropicale

2005: Became Pacific Star for P&O Australia

2008: Sold to Pullmantur as Ocean Dream

2021: Scrapped at Alang, India after 39 years—COVID casualty

Specifications

Gross Tonnage: 36,674 GT
Length: 660 feet (201m)
Passenger Capacity: 1,022 passengers
Builder: Aalborg Værft, Denmark
Carnival Service: 18 years (1982-2000)
Total Service: 39 years

From the Logbook

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Legacy

Every cruise ship built since owes something to Tropicale. She proved that cruise lines could design and build their own ships. She proved that purpose-built vessels outperformed conversions. The winged funnel she debuted still flies on every Carnival ship. The Danish engineering principles applied to her construction still influence shipyard decisions. The prototype made everything else possible.