Carnival Selects Texas for Its Newest Excel-Class Ship

Carnival will base its fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, in Galveston starting in 2028, joining Carnival Jubilee as the second newest vessel in the Texas port's fleet. Both ships will carry over 6,000 guests and operate year-round, each displaying the Star of Texas on their bows. The new ship honors MS Tropicale, Carnival's first purpose-built vessel, which launched the Fun Ship concept and introduced the line's iconic winged funnel design. Carnival Tropicale will run on liquefied natural gas like its sister ship and feature expanded dining and entertainment options alongside Sunsation Point, a multi-level waterpark complex. The announcement underscores Carnival's 25-year commitment to Galveston, where the cruise line now operates four vessels and brought more than 10 million guests in 2024 alone. Itinerary details and reservations will become available later this year.

Originally reported by Porthole Cruise and Travel, Julie Bouchner (April 24, 2026).