Construction of Carnival Cruise Line's fourth Excel-class ship is progressing on schedule, with Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany now installing the propulsion pods that will eventually power the 182,800-ton vessel. The azimuth thrusters, which will enable the ship to reach speeds of 21.5 knots, are being fitted to the hull in a meticulous process shown in a new shipyard video. Propellers will be added only shortly before launch, but the infrastructure is already in place.
The installation process demonstrates the complexity of building a modern cruise ship. Workers carefully positioned the first propulsion pod using cranes and rigging, then applied a purple acrylic-based sealant to the joint before securing it. A second pod installation was captured on video, showing engineers overseeing every step. In the background of the footage, "Carnival Festivale" lettering is visible on the aft hull, still awaiting paint and currently surrounded by construction scaffolding.
Meyer Werft has released regular updates throughout construction to build passenger excitement for the ship's debut. The keel was laid in August 2025, steel cutting occurred in April 2025, and crew cabins were completed by February 2026. Massive engines went in during March, and by April most of the hull was assembled. The shipyard continues work on interior fittings, final installations, and hull painting.
Carnival Festivale will debut on May 19, 2027, with a 4-night Bahamas cruise departing Port Canaveral. Before that maiden voyage, the ship must complete final outfitting, pass sea trials, and make a transatlantic crossing to her Florida homeport. For passengers planning an early sailing or Excel-class enthusiasts, these construction milestones offer a tangible sense of the ship's progress toward service.
Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (August 7, 2026).
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