Carnival Tropicale Cruises | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Carnival Tropicale: Your XL Ocean Adventure Awaits

Connect with fellow cruisers sailing aboard Carnival's cutting-edge 183,900-ton Excel-class ship, launching in 2028.

Carnival Tropicale

The Story

The Carnival Tropicale represents the next generation of Carnival Cruise Line's Excel-class fleet. Set to debut in 2028, this impressive 183,900-ton vessel continues Carnival's tradition of delivering fun, memorable ocean vacations with modern amenities and innovative design.

As part of Carnival's Excel XL-class series, the Tropicale brings together everything the line has learned about creating the ultimate ocean cruise experience. At 183,900 gross tons, she's built to offer plenty of space for guests to spread out and enjoy their time at sea, whether they're relaxing by the pool, dining at specialty restaurants, or catching evening entertainment. The Excel-class design philosophy focuses on creating distinct zones throughout the ship, giving cruisers variety in their onboard experience while maintaining the welcoming, laid-back atmosphere Carnival is known for.

The Tropicale appeals to families looking for multi-generational vacations, couples seeking a fun getaway, and friend groups ready to make memories together on the ocean. With Carnival's signature approach to cruising—affordable, approachable, and packed with activities—this ship will give both first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors plenty to enjoy. Whether you're interested in Caribbean sunshine, coastal explorations, or longer ocean voyages, the Tropicale is designed to make the journey just as exciting as the destinations.

Ready to start planning? Connect with fellow cruisers on CruiseHuddle to share tips, ask questions, and get the inside scoop on what to expect when the Carnival Tropicale sets sail.

Onboard Highlights

🎢

BOLT Roller Coaster at Sea

Race friends on Carnival's signature electric coaster looping high above the ship's top deck.

🍝

Emeril's Restaurant

Savor Emeril Lagasse's chef-driven menu in an exclusive specialty dining venue found on Excel-class ships.

🌊

WaterWorks Aqua Park

Twist through multi-story water slides designed for thrill-seekers of every age.

🎭

Grand Central Live Entertainment Hub

Enjoy multi-level shows, aerial acts, and music spanning the ship's dramatic atrium-style venue.

🍹

RedFrog & BlueIguana Tequila Bars

Sip Caribbean rums and craft margaritas at these lively poolside signature bars.

🛏️

Family Harbor Staterooms

Relax in upgraded family accommodations with private lounge access exclusive to this ship area.

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

2028

👨‍✈️ Crew

1,735

🏢 Decks

18

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

183900 gt

📏 Length

346 m / 1135 ft

↔️ Beam

42 m / 138 ft

⚡ Speed

23 kn / 43 km/h / 26 mph

🔧 Builder

Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)

🏷️ Ship Class

CCL EXCEL (XL)

🎀 Christened By

tba

⚓ Sister Ships

Carnival (FestivaleMardi GrasCelebrationJubilee)AIDA (novacosma)P&O (IonaArvia)Costa (SmeraldaToscana)

Questions

The Carnival Tropicale is scheduled to launch in 2028. As the debut date approaches, Carnival will announce specific itineraries and booking windows. Check CruiseHuddle regularly for updates from fellow cruisers tracking this ship's progress and booking availability.
The Carnival Tropicale measures 183,900 gross tons, making her one of Carnival's largest ships. As an Excel XL-class vessel, she offers substantial space for dining venues, entertainment areas, staterooms, and outdoor deck space for passengers to enjoy during their ocean voyage.
The Excel XL-class represents Carnival's modern approach to ship design, emphasizing distinct zones throughout the vessel for different activities and moods. These ships incorporate Carnival's latest thinking on passenger flow, entertainment options, and creating varied experiences within one ocean-going vessel.
Specific itineraries for the Carnival Tropicale haven't been announced yet, as the ship launches in 2028. Carnival typically deploys its larger Excel-class ships on popular ocean routes including Caribbean sailings and other warm-weather destinations that showcase the vessel's resort-style amenities.
Yes, Carnival designs its ships with families in mind, and the Excel-class vessels include dedicated kids' and teens' areas, family-friendly dining options, and activities for all ages. The Tropicale's size means plenty of programming and space for multi-generational groups traveling together.
Beyond the fare

What Carnival Cruise Line actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across Carnival Cruise Line.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities
$17
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$238
before a single drink
Service charge
20%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $60–$85 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.

Raised gratuities $1 on Apr 2, 2026 (first since 2023). Quietly moved the service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. Bottomless Bubbles (soda) is $11.99/day, over $14 with service charge. IMPORTANT: fund your Sail & Sign account before boarding or you will queue at Guest Services mid-cruise.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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