A new chapter in Carnival Cruise Line’s history is taking shape in Papenburg, Germany. At Meyer Werft, construction of Carnival Tropicale has reached an important milestone with the symbolic cutting of the ship’s first steel.
Using a plasma cutter capable of reaching temperatures of more than 20,000 degrees Celsius, the ceremony marked the beginning of another spectacular addition to Carnival’s growing Excel-class fleet.
Scheduled to enter service in April 2028, Carnival Tropicale will set sail on her maiden voyage from Galveston, Texas, establishing a strong connection with her future home port. That connection will be reflected in the ship’s design too, with the “Star of Texas” adorning her bow.
At 344 metres long and with a gross tonnage of 180,000 GT, the ship will accommodate more than 6,000 guests. But Carnival Tropicale is about more than size. Her name itself reaches back into Carnival’s history, paying tribute to the original MS Tropicale and the ship that helped shape the cruise line’s famous “Fun Ships” era.
The original Tropicale was an important part of Carnival’s evolution, while her distinctive winged funnel design became an instantly recognisable symbol of the brand. Now, that heritage is returning in a very different ship – one designed for a new generation of cruisers.
Carnival Tropicale will be the fifth Excel-class ship built for Carnival Cruise Line, continuing the long-standing partnership between Carnival and Meyer Werft. Her sister ship, Carnival Festivale, is scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2027.
Like the latest generation of Carnival ships, Carnival Tropicale will combine entertainment, dining and family-focused experiences with more environmentally conscious technology. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will introduce a host of new spaces designed to keep guests entertained from morning until late into the evening.
One of the highlights will be Sunsation Point, a vibrant new area created especially with families in mind. At its centre will be Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, a multi-storey water park offering plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Around it, guests will find a variety of additional leisure and entertainment attractions.
The result is a ship that looks both forward and back: rooted in the colourful heritage of Carnival’s Fun Ships, while embracing new technology, contemporary design and the kind of experiences today’s cruise travellers are looking for.
Pictures Meyer Werft and Carnival Cruise Line
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