Carnival Cruise Line announced its fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, will homeport from Galveston, Texas, deepening its connection to the Lone Star State.
The 6,000-plus passenger ship will join Carnival Jubilee, which began sailing from Galveston in 2024, when she debuts in 2028, making Galveston home to two of the three newest ships in Carnival’s fleet. Just like Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Tropicale will proudly wear the Star of Texas on her bow and is expected to sail year-round from the port.
“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. “For more than 25 years, Texas has been at the heart of Carnival’s growth, and this new Excel-class ship ensures we continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests in and around the state.”
The new ship is named after the original MS Tropicale, Carnival Cruise Line’s first cruise ship. The MS Tropicale helped shape the “Fun Ship” era and introduced the iconic winged funnel – easily one of the most recognizable symbols in cruising. When she debuts, Carnival Tropicale will continue that “Fun Ship” legacy with a new design and new experiences for today’s guests.
Currently, Carnival Cruise Line homeports four ships in Galveston–Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Miracle. Carnival’s presence attracts guests from all over and provides a sizeable economic boost to the region.
“Carnival’s continued investment in the Port of Galveston is a big reason why we’re the cruise port of choice for a growing number of Americans and why we’re setting new growth records year over year,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “Carnival has been a valued partner for this port and this community for 26 years. We look forward to many more years of growth together.”
In 2024, Carnival became the first cruise line to welcome more than 10 million guests to the port. That same year, Carnival Jubilee became the first new ship to be inaugurated at the Port of Galveston. All of these things and more are the reason the port continues to grow and break records.
When she begins sailing, Carnival Tropicale will be powered by LNG, offer new dining venues and entertainment options, a brand-new zone called Sunsation Point, and many more family-friendly offerings.