Carnival Festivale to Homeport at Port Canaveral in 2027

Port Canaveral is set to welcome another new cruise ship, as Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its fourth Excel-class vessel, Carnival Festivale, will be based at the Florida port starting in spring 2027.

The LNG-powered ship will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries, taking over the current schedule of her sister ship, Carnival Mardi Gras. In turn, Mardi Gras will shift to shorter three- and four-day cruises, marking the first time an Excel-class ship has been deployed on a short cruise program.

“We’re thrilled that Carnival Cruise Line has selected Port Canaveral as the homeport for their latest Excel-class ship,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “We are very proud of our 35-year relationship with Carnival Cruise Line and this deployment is a reflection of our partner’s confidence in our Port to consistently deliver a high-quality experience for its guests.”

The deployment of Carnival Festivale further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Carnival and Port Canaveral, highlighting the port’s role as a key hub for the cruise line’s next-generation ships.