5 Reasons To Get Excited For Carnival Festivale™ - The Newest Ship Sailing From Galveston In 2027

Posted on 09/03/2025
Carnival Cruise Line

There’s big news for cruisers! Shout-out to Carnival’s next ship, Carnival Festivale™, setting sail in 2027 from Galveston with immersive experiences in its pocket, family fun in its heart, and music in its soul. The name may nod to one of Carnival’s earliest ships, but this is something completely new. Think of it as a floating festival built around six different Zones, each with its own vibe. From dazzling light-and-sound shows at Studio 724 to family thrills at Sunsation Point, and foodie finds like Pizza Palooza and Rhythm & Rolls Deli, Festivale is a whole band of new experiences.
So, why all the buzz? Here are five reasons Carnival Festivale™ should be on your radar.

REASON 1: Sunsation Point: The Ultimate Family Adventure Zone



Carnival Festivale™ is bringing all the fun with the new Sunsation Point! Stretching across Decks 16 through 18, this vibrant zone is all about one thing—bringing families together for unforgettable moments. From laid-back lounging to splashy thrills, Sunsation Point has something for everyone.
Here’s what you’ll find at each deck: 



Deck 16: Relax & Recharge
Ease into vacation mode! Deck 16 is all about easy going fun, with laid-back lounging and delicious bites. Think of it as your family’s go-to spot to snack, chill, and recharge between adventures. Grab a treat, claim a lounge chair, and soak up the sun. Deck 16 sets the tone for a perfect day at sea.



Deck 17: Nostalgia Meets New Adventures
Bring out your inner kid at the Vault Retrocade, packed with classic arcade games everyone will love. When it’s time to refuel, the Scenic Overlook Bar has you covered with panoramic views, sports on the big screen, and even giant Jenga! And don’t miss the Treehouse Adventure Trail—with netted bridges, playful obstacles, and a dry slide that’s as fun as it is photo-worthy.



Deck 18: Splash, Glow & Groove
Ready for the ultimate thrills? WaterWorks Ultra is Carnival’s biggest and best water park ever—made for kids, parents, and everyone in between. And for the first time, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down—nighttime water park hours come alive with glowing slides, vibrant lighting, and a live DJ spinning beats for all ages. It’s a splash party under the stars that turns every evening into a celebration.
Whether your family loves kicking back, gaming it up, or dancing in a glow-lit water park, Sunsation Point makes every moment at sea a memory in the making.

REASON 2: Turn Up the Volume at The Festival & Studio 724 



If you love great food, live music, and an atmosphere that feels like a nonstop celebration, step into the heart of Carnival Festivale’s™ entertainment scene on Deck 8. Here you’ll find The Festival—a one-of-a-kind zone that brings the energy of an outdoor music festival to the open sea—and just steps away, Studio 724, an immersive space that celebrates the art (and fun!) of music-making. Together, these spots create the heartbeat of the ship’s entertainment scene.
Here's what you can expect: 

The Festival: Where Food Meets Fun



This vibrant space is made for guests who want to move to their own rhythm—whether that’s dancing, dining, or just soaking up the music vibes. And when it comes to food, you’ll want to bring your appetite because the lineup is delicious:
Pizza Palooza – a fresh spin on everyone’s favorite comfort food, with bold flavors and festival flair.
Rhythm & Rolls Deli – where classic deli favorites meet street food creativity, perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying meal.
Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar – The ultimate day-to-night hangout. Chill with a latte by day, then come back in the evening for cocktails, live music, and good vibes. 

Studio 724: Music, Magic & More



There’s something magical about music—it’s in the air, it moves you, and it brings people together. On Carnival Festivale™, that magic gets turned up to the next level at Studio 724, a two-deck zone that surrounds you with sound, light, and energy like never before.

This isn’t just a place to hear music—it’s a place to experience it. With immersive audio, dazzling lighting, dynamic animations, and a vibe that’s part concert, part celebration, Studio 724 is a one-of-a-kind immersive zone that celebrates the art of music-making. 

This zone is all about interaction and inspiration. Guests can explore themed dining and drinks while enjoying live performances and creative experiences. Fan-favorite bars like:
Alchemy Bar – a fan-favorite where expert mixologists craft cocktails with a touch of magic.
Piano Bar 88™ – where sing-alongs and good times are always on tap.
The Spark and Mix – fresh new venues serving up inventive drinks in stylish atmospheres that feel just as vibrant as the music itself.

With so much sound, light, and flavor wrapped into one unforgettable space, Studio 724 is more than a venue—it’s a full-on immersion in the joy of music. Whether you’re here for the beats, the drinks, or the vibe, one thing’s for sure: Studio 724 makes every night on Carnival Festivale™ feel like an encore.

REASON 3: Experience Paradise at Celebration Key™



Mark your calendars—starting May 19, 2027, Carnival Festivale™ kicks off her Caribbean cruises with a 4-day Bahamas getaway featuring exclusive stops at Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. From there, Carnival Festivale™ is bringing the sunshine, turquoise waters, and island vibes straight to you with an amazing lineup. Guests can choose from a variety of 6- and 8-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries, including:
Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and RelaxAway
Southern Caribbean: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao

And the best part? Every single sailing includes a visit to Celebration Key™—Carnival’s brand-new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, designed just for fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

REASON 4: Setting Sail: Carnival Festivale’s™ Grand Debut Across the Atlantic



The countdown is on! On May 2, 2027, Carnival Festivale™ will set sail on her very first journey—a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England, to her brand-new home in sunny Florida. And trust us, this debut is nothing short of spectacular. Along the way, guests will explore stunning destinations including La Coruña & Vigo, Spain; Funchal, Madeira Island; Tenerife in the Canary Islands; and Grand Turk. After two unforgettable weeks at sea, she will arrive at her new homeport, Port Canaveral, Florida, on May 16, 2027—ready to kick off her Caribbean adventures.

REASON 5: A Special Celebration at Sea



Carnival Festivale’s™ excitement doesn’t stop there! For those who love to celebrate in style, on December 27, 2027, she will set sail on a special 7-day New Year’s cruise that promises to make saying goodbye to 2027—and hello to 2028—an experience you’ll never forget.

Picture this: dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky, live music and entertainment filling every corner of the ship, and a midnight toast shared with family, friends, and fellow cruisers as the countdown begins. 

Ready to Sail?
Bookings are now open—Call your travel advisor to start planning your vacation today!

 

 

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