Carnival Tropicale Sets Sail for Galveston in 2028
Carnival Cruise Line announced on April 24, 2026, that its fifth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Tropicale, will make its homeport in Galveston, Texas, upon its debut in 2028. This move underscores the cruise line’s commitment to the Lone Star State and cements Galveston’s status as a significant cruise hub.
The Carnival Tropicale will join forces with the Carnival Jubilee, which commenced operations from Galveston in 2024. This makes the port the home to two of the three newest ships in Carnival’s fleet. Both Excel-class ships can accommodate more than 6,000 guests and will operate year-round itineraries. The Carnival Tropicale will proudly display the Star of Texas on its bow, mirroring its sister ship.
Named in honor of the original MS Tropicale—Carnival’s first purpose-built cruise ship—the new vessel will boast innovative features. These include the Sunsation Point, anchored by the Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, a multi-level waterpark. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reflecting Carnival’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.
“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. The company has maintained a partnership with the Port of Galveston for over 25 years and became the first cruise line to welcome over 10 million guests to Galveston in 2024.
Source: Carnival News