Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for Carnival Tropicale, its newest ship and the fifth and final addition to the Excel class. The ship is currently progressing through construction at MEYER WERFT’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, ahead of its debut from Galveston, Texas.

Beginning 15 April 2028, Carnival Tropicale will sail from Galveston with four-, five-, six- and eight-day cruises. The itineraries will connect guests to destinations in Carnival's exclusive Paradise Collection, including Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale and Puerta Maya, along with popular Caribbean ports such as Progreso and Nassau. The ship will also feature the Star of Texas on her bow, highlighting its connection to the Lone Star State.

"Today marks an exciting day for Carnival Tropicale as guests can now begin planning their vacations aboard this incredible new ship," said Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line. "From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028."

To celebrate the opening of reservations, Carnival Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT hosted a western-themed event at the Papenburg shipyard. The celebration included Texas-inspired décor, western attire and Texas-style barbecue, bringing a touch of the ship’s future home to Germany.

"I am delighted to experience my first construction celebration as the new CEO of MEYER WERFT," said André Walter, who has served as CEO of MEYER WERFT GmbH since July 1, 2026. "Carnival Tropicale is already the fifth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, a successful and highly popular series that reflects our long-standing partnership with Carnival."

Carnival Tropicale will introduce several new experiences for families, including Sunsation Point, a multi-deck family entertainment zone. Its centrepiece will be Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, featuring six waterslides, including SunSoaker, Turning Tides and Racing Currents, along with splash areas for younger cruisers.

Other activities will include a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66, sports courts, the Treehouse Adventure Trail with netted pathways and obstacles, and new arcade spaces such as The Vault Retrocade. Evening activities and extended waterpark hours will add to the entertainment after sunset.

Dining will also be a key part of the Carnival Tropicale experience through The Next Course concepts. Guests can enjoy Uku Lei Lei, offering Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, combining Greek and Italian flavours; and Emeril's Coastal Seafood, featuring seafood dishes inspired by America's coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse.

The ship will also introduce new entertainment experiences and exclusive spaces inspired by the golden era of show business. More details about the entertainment and other onboard experiences will be announced in the coming months.