There’s a new way to vacation coming to Texas, as Carnival Cruise Line gets ready to bring a tropical vacation with a twist to Galveston. Think big experiences, bold flavors and plenty of ways to make every day at sea unforgettable.

Beginning April 15, 2028, Carnival Tropicale™ will join Carnival’s Excel-class lineup, introducing exciting new vacation experiences and exclusive spaces inspired by the golden era of show business. Once onboard, guests can trade everyday routines for days filled with sunshine, incredible entertainment, globally inspired dining and new adventures, all with the signature fun Carnival is known for.

Whether guests are looking to race down a waterslide, discover a new favorite dish or simply find the perfect spot to relax with an ocean view, Carnival Tropicale will offer something for every kind of cruiser. And the experiences continue ashore, with itineraries featuring destinations within Paradise Collection by Carnival™, including Celebration Key™, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, Isla Tropicale™ and Puerta Maya™, along with popular Caribbean ports like Progreso and Nassau.

Here are three reasons travelers will want to experience Carnival Tropicale.

There will be no shortage of ways for guests to soak up the day at Sunsation Point, Carnival Tropicale’s expansive outdoor destination where families can play, splash, relax and take in ocean views across multiple decks.

At the heart of it all is Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, Carnival’s biggest water park yet and its most family-friendly water park at sea. Six waterslides bring plenty of ways to make a splash, including two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides, racing slides, a twisting kids’ slide and splash pads designed for different ages.

But the adventure goes well beyond the water. Families can put their skills to the test at Fairway 66 Mini Golf, head up high on the ropes course and adventure trail or get a little friendly competition going on the sports court. When it’s time to slow things down, lounge chairs and a scenic overlook offer the perfect place to relax and take in the views, while The Vault Retrocade brings even more ways to play.

As the sun goes down, Sunsation Point takes on a whole new vibe, with special events and entertainment keeping the outdoor fun going after dark. Guests can grab a bite, enjoy the ocean breeze or stick around for the nighttime action as the space transforms for the evening.

From waterslides and friendly competition under the sun to sunset views and entertainment after dark, Sunsation Point is designed to keep the tropical vacation going from day to night.

Dining will be another reason for guests to get excited about Carnival Tropicale. From the flavors of Hawaii and Asia to Mediterranean favorites and fresh coastal seafood, Carnival is bringing a new twist to flavors from around the world.

At Uku Lei Lei, a colorful island atmosphere brings together Hawaiian inspiration and bold Asian flavors. Guests can dig into dishes like Mongolian beef short rib and fresh poke bowls before finishing things off with a tropical-inspired dessert. With its relaxed island vibe, it’s a dining experience that feels right at home on a tropical getaway.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, Fetaccine brings together Greek seaside flavors and Italian favorites in one laid-back dining experience. Guests can start with sizzling shrimp saganaki before choosing from dishes like chicken parmesan or Greek lamb chops, with cannoli offering a sweet way to finish the meal.

Seafood lovers can head to Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, where flavors from the Gulf to New England meet Celebrity Chef and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse’s signature Creole flair. Fresh oysters, Gulf shrimp, whole roasted fish and other chef-driven specialties celebrate the best of the coast in a setting that feels refined yet relaxed.

And these new restaurants are only part of what’s on the menu. Carnival favorites including Guy’s Burger Joint™, Big Chicken™, BlueIguana Cantina™, Street Eats, Bonsai Sushi™ and Bonsai Teppanyaki™ give guests even more choices, whether they’re grabbing a quick poolside bite or sitting down for a memorable meal.

With so many flavors to explore, dining aboard Carnival Tropicale becomes another part of the adventure — and another way Carnival is bringing a fresh twist to the tropics. 

Carnival Tropicale will also bring a fresh take on entertainment at sea, combining old-Vegas flair and tropical energy to create nights filled with music, laughter and plenty of showstopping moments.

At Grand Central, the ship’s soaring atrium becomes part of the show, with floor-to-ceiling windows, dazzling LED screens and dramatic lighting setting the scene. It’s also home to Center Stage, where singers, dancers and larger-than-life performances bring the space to life throughout the cruise.

The excitement continues with Playlist Productions™, bringing favorite songs to life through high-energy musical performances, and Family Feud Live™, where guests can step up to the iconic Face-Off podium and compete just like they’ve seen on TV. For even more laughs, The Punchliner Comedy Club™ features both family-friendly shows and performances geared toward adults.

And the entertainment doesn’t stop when guests leave the theater. Piano Bar 88™ keeps the music going, while the expanded Alchemy Bar adds a stage for live performances alongside its signature cocktails.

From dazzling productions and interactive game shows to comedy and live music, Carnival Tropicale puts its own tropical twist on showtime, making every evening feel like opening night.

With new ways to dine, play and be entertained from day to night, Carnival Tropicale™ is set to bring a fresh tropical twist to Carnival vacations when she begins sailing from Galveston in 2028.