Carnival to Debut Second Excel Class Ship in Galveston

Exciting news for Texas cruisers – Carnival Cruise Line is bringing a second Excel class ship to Galveston to join Carnival Jubilee with year-round sailings. Here is the full release from the cruise line:

Carnival is choosin’ Texas – again – and going bigger than ever. Building on decades of leadership and a deep-rooted connection to the Lone Star State, Carnival Cruise Line announced that its fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, will homeport in Galveston when it’s delivered in 2028.

With more than 25 years of partnership with the Port of Galveston, Carnival has long led the cruise industry in Texas. Building on this commitment, Carnival Tropicale will join Carnival Jubilee – which was delivered to Galveston in 2024 – making Galveston home to two of the three newest ships in the Carnival fleet.

Carnival Tropicale will proudly boast the Star of Texas on her bow, just as Carnival Jubilee does. The two Excel-class, 6000-plus guest ships will be the cornerstone of a robust offering of ships and itineraries that will sail year-round from the Port of Galveston as Carnival solidifies its leadership in the Texas cruise market.

“Carnival Tropicale joining our Galveston lineup is a celebration of both our history and our future in Texas,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “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.”

Carnival Tropicale is named after the original MS Tropicale, which was Carnival’s first originally designed cruise ship. That vessel helped shape the Fun Ship era, making entertainment and shared joy as central as the destinations themselves. It also introduced the iconic winged funnel to the fleet, which is now one of the most recognizable symbols in cruising.
In 2028, that legacy returns, reimagined for a new generation with innovative design and next-generation guest experiences.

Carnival currently homeports four ships in Galveston, and its continued investment in the region has been a driving force in the state’s tourism economy, attracting guests from across the Southwest region and beyond who come to Galveston and the greater Houston area and spend on other tourism activities as part of their trip.

“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,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “Carnival has been a valued partner for this port and this community for 26 years. We look forward to many more years of growth together.”

In 2024, Carnival became the first cruise line to welcome more than 10 million guests to Galveston, underscoring the strength of the Texas market. That same year, Carnival Jubilee was the first new ship to be inaugurated at the Port of Galveston. The Excel-class ship was the first North American ship to provide guests with 5G connectivity, and the first homeported in Galveston powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – reflecting Carnival’s focus on innovation and sustainability.

Carnival Tropicale will also be powered by LNG and take some of her inspiration from her sister ship Carnival Festivale, which will be delivered in April 2027. There will be new dining and entertainment offerings, as well as a brand-new zone dubbed Sunsation Point, which will be anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra – a multi-level waterpark – and many other family-friendly recreation and entertainment features.

Reservation and itinerary details for Carnival Tropicale will be released later this year.