First Block Laid on New Carnival Cruise Ship, Carnival Festivale

Carnival Cruise Line has officially marked the beginning of construction for its newest ship, the Carnival Festivale, with a keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. This significant milestone was celebrated by key executives from Carnival, who placed commemorative coins under the ship’s 598-ton keel block, symbolizing good fortune for the vessel. The Carnival Festivale is set to redefine the cruise experience with its vibrant design and unique offerings.

Construction Milestone Celebrated with Commemorative Ceremony

The keel laying ceremony for Carnival Festivale signifies the official start of the ship’s construction, as the foundational blocks are assembled. Brett Vitols, associate vice president of new builds for Carnival Cruise Line, along with Petu Kummala, associate vice president of interior design and architecture, were present at the event. They were joined by the Meyer Werft team, including project manager Georg Schauen, to commemorate this important occasion. The placement of coins, inscribed with musical notes, under the keel block is a traditional gesture meant to bring good luck to the ship.

Cruise week report: Royal’s new ship, Carnival food secrets, Alaska inside

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed her excitement about the new ship, stating, “Carnival Festivale isn’t just joining our fleet; she’ll be setting the tone for how to have fun at sea by blending vibrant designs and guest experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.” Duffy emphasized the ship’s focus on music, describing it as a universal language that connects people globally. She also acknowledged the collaboration with Meyer Werft, highlighting their skilled craftsmanship in bringing Carnival Festivale to life.

Innovative Features and Future Itineraries

Carnival Festivale will be the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class and notably the first in this class to forgo a roller coaster. The ship will feature the inaugural WaterWorks Ultra waterpark on its top deck, boasting six waterslides that will even operate during select nights of each cruise. This innovative addition aims to enhance the onboard experience for guests of all ages.

Set to homeport at Port Canaveral starting in 2027, Carnival Festivale will offer a variety of exciting cruise itineraries to the Caribbean and The Bahamas. As Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand its fleet, the introduction of Carnival Festivale promises to deliver a unique blend of entertainment, design, and unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking adventure at sea.