New Carnival Tropicale heads to Galveston in 2028

Carnival Cruise Line just made a big announcement for Texas cruisers. A brand-new ship is heading to Galveston in 2028!

Carnival Tropicale Is Coming to Galveston

The Carnival Tropicale will be Carnival’s fifth Excel-class ship. It will homeport at the Port of Galveston after its delivery in 2028.

This is exciting news for Texas-based cruisers. Galveston already welcomed the Carnival Jubilee in 2024. Once the Tropicale arrives, Galveston will be home to two of the three newest ships in Carnival’s entire fleet.

A Big Deal for Texas Cruising

Carnival currently has four ships based in Galveston year-round. The Jubilee and the Tropicale will become the centerpiece of that lineup.

Carnival president Christine Duffy had this to say about the announcement:

“Carnival Tropicale joining our Galveston lineup is a celebration of both our history and our 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.”

The Port of Galveston is clearly thriving. Port director and CEO Rodger Rees shared his excitement too:

“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. Carnival has been a valued partner for this port and this community for 26 years.”

What to Expect on the Carnival Tropicale

The ship carries a name with history. It is named after Carnival’s very first originally designed cruise ship, the original Tropicale.

The new ship will run on LNG fuel, which is cleaner than traditional marine fuel. It will hold over 6,000 guests, making it one of the largest ships in the fleet.

New Features and Fun Zones

The Tropicale will bring some exciting new additions on board. Here is what has been announced so far:

• Sunsation Point – a brand-new zone exclusive to this ship
• Carnival WaterWorks Ultra – a multi-level waterpark
• New dining and entertainment options
• Additional family-friendly activities and recreation

Design Inspired by a Sister Ship

Some of the Tropicale’s design will take inspiration from its sister ship, the Carnival Festivale. The Festivale had its keel-laying ceremony in Germany and is set for delivery in April 2027.

When Can You Start Planning?

Carnival says full reservation and itinerary details for the Tropicale will be released later this year. So if you are a Texas-based cruiser or anyone who loves sailing out of Galveston, keep an eye out for updates!