Carnival Cruise Line is bringing another brand-new Excel-class ship to Texas.
Carnival has announced that Carnival Tropicale, the cruise line’s fifth Excel-class ship, will homeport in Galveston when it is delivered in 2028. The new ship will join Carnival Jubilee, giving Galveston two of the newest ships in the Carnival fleet.
The announcement continues Carnival’s long relationship with the Port of Galveston, where the cruise line has operated for more than 25 years.
Carnival Tropicale Is Coming to Galveston
Carnival Tropicale will be one of Carnival’s large Excel-class ships, carrying more than 6,000 guests. When she arrives in Galveston, she will join Carnival Jubilee, which was delivered to the Texas port in 2024.
Like Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Tropicale will feature the Star of Texas on her bow, highlighting the ship’s connection to the state.
Carnival currently homeports four ships in Galveston, and the addition of Carnival Tropicale will further strengthen the cruise line’s presence in Texas.
A Big Investment in Texas Cruising
Carnival Cruise Line has been a major player in the Texas cruise market for decades. The cruise line has partnered with the Port of Galveston for more than 25 years and has helped grow Galveston into one of the most important cruise ports in the United States.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said that bringing Carnival Tropicale to Galveston celebrates both Carnival’s history and future in Texas.
“For more than 25 years, Texas has been at the heart of Carnival’s growth, and this new Excel-class ship ensures we continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests in and around the state,” Duffy said.
Carnival Tropicale Brings Back a Historic Name
The name Carnival Tropicale has special meaning for Carnival Cruise Line.
The original MS Tropicale was Carnival’s first originally designed cruise ship. That ship helped define the Fun Ship era, placing entertainment, fun, and shared experiences at the heart of the Carnival cruise vacation.
MS Tropicale also introduced Carnival’s now-iconic winged funnel, one of the most recognizable features in cruising.
With Carnival Tropicale, that legacy will return in 2028, reimagined for a new generation of cruisers.
What Guests Can Expect on Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale will be powered by liquefied natural gas, also known as LNG. Carnival Jubilee, which is also homeported in Galveston, was the first LNG-powered ship based at the Texas port.
Carnival Tropicale will also take some inspiration from Carnival Festivale, another Excel-class ship scheduled to be delivered in April 2027.
New Dining and Entertainment
Carnival has shared that Carnival Tropicale will feature new dining and entertainment offerings. While full details have not yet been released, guests can expect the ship to continue the Excel-class focus on big-ship experiences, family-friendly fun, and a wide variety of onboard venues.
Sunsation Point
One of the new areas planned for Carnival Tropicale is Sunsation Point.
This brand-new zone will be anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, a multi-level waterpark. Sunsation Point will also include additional family-friendly recreation and entertainment features.
For families cruising from Galveston, this could become one of the most exciting areas of the ship.
Carnival’s Growth in Galveston
Carnival’s continued expansion in Galveston is also important for the local tourism economy. Many cruise guests travel to Galveston and the greater Houston area before or after their cruise, spending money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local attractions.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said Carnival’s investment has played a big role in the port’s growth.
“Carnival’s continued investment in the Port of Galveston is a big reason why we’re the cruise port of choice for a growing number of Americans and why we’re setting new growth records year over year,” Rees said.
In 2024, Carnival became the first cruise line to welcome more than 10 million guests to Galveston. That same year, Carnival Jubilee became the first new cruise ship to be inaugurated at the Port of Galveston.
When Will Carnival Tropicale Itineraries Open for Booking?
Carnival has not yet released reservation or itinerary details for Carnival Tropicale.
The cruise line says more information, including booking and itinerary details, will be announced later this year.
For now, Carnival fans in Texas have something big to look forward to. With Carnival Jubilee already sailing from Galveston and Carnival Tropicale arriving in 2028, Carnival is making it clear that Texas will continue to be an important part of its future.
Would you sail on Carnival Tropicale from Galveston when she debuts in 2028? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan