Carnival Tropicale to Bring Next Wave of Exciting Fun to Galveston

Carnival Cruise Line is going all in on Texas—again—and this time, they’re making an even bigger splash.

Building on decades of success and a strong connection to the Lone Star State, Carnival has officially announced that its fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, will call Port of Galveston home when it debuts in 2028.

With more than 25 years of partnership in Galveston, Carnival has become a dominant force in the Texas cruise market. The addition of Carnival Tropicale builds on that legacy, joining Carnival Jubilee—which began sailing from Galveston in 2024.

This means Galveston will soon be home to two of the three newest ships in the Carnival fleet, reinforcing the port’s status as a major cruise hub in the U.S.

Like its sister ship, Carnival Tropicale will proudly display the Star of Texas on its bow—a symbol of the cruise line’s deep-rooted ties to the state. Together, these two massive Excel-class ships—each accommodating over 6,000 guests—will anchor a year-round lineup of sailings from Galveston.

The name Carnival Tropicale carries a special meaning. It pays tribute to the original MS Tropicale, Carnival’s first purpose-built cruise ship. That vessel helped define the brand’s signature “Fun Ship” experience—where entertainment, fun, and shared memories became just as important as the destinations themselves.

It also introduced the iconic winged funnel, now one of the most recognizable symbols in cruising.

In 2028, that legacy returns—reimagined for a new generation with cutting-edge design, upgraded technology, and next-level guest experiences.

Carnival currently operates four ships out of Galveston, and its continued investment has played a major role in boosting the region’s tourism economy. Travelers from across the Southwest and beyond are drawn to Galveston and the greater Houston area, often extending their trips and spending locally.

In fact, 2024 marked a major milestone—Carnival became the first cruise line to welcome over 10 million guests through Galveston, highlighting the port’s rapid growth and popularity.

The new Carnival Tropicale will follow in the footsteps of its sister ships by embracing innovation and sustainability. Like Carnival Jubilee, it will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), helping reduce emissions while delivering a modern cruising experience.

The ship will also take inspiration from Carnival Festivale, set to launch in 2027, and will introduce exciting new features for guests.

Expect:

New dining concepts and entertainment options

A brand-new themed zone called Sunsation Point

The debut of Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, a multi-level waterpark

Expanded family-friendly attractions and recreation spaces

What’s Next?

Details on itineraries and bookings for Carnival Tropicale are expected to be released later this year—so if you’re a fan of cruising from Texas, this is one announcement you’ll want to keep an eye on.