What To Expect From Galveston's New Cruise Ship

(KMDL-FM) If there was ever any doubt that Galveston, Texas, is one of the world's premier cruise ports, this should put that argument to rest. Carnival Cruise Line has announced that Galveston will be the new homeport for its fifth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Tropicale, when it is delivered in 2028.

How massive is the Carnival Tropicale? Imagine taking the entire population of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, and putting them on a cruise ship. When you consider the vessel will have accommodations for more than 6,000 guests and a crew of just under 2,000, you could fit all of Breaux Bridge on the boat and still have room for karaoke on the main deck.

Carnival has confirmed that guests wanting to book passage on the Tropicale may begin doing so. You can get booking and itinerary information via this Carnival website. Guests can expect a ship filled with amenities, including an all-ages waterpark with six different water slides. There is a treehouse adventure trail obstacle course, and even family raft rides.

Where Will the Carnival Tropicale Sail to From Galveston?

According to a press release from Carnival regarding itineraries for the Tropicale:

The ship will offer four-, five-, six-, and eight-day cruises to connect guests to Carnival's exclusive Paradise Collection destinations, including Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale, and Puerta Maya, as well as popular Caribbean ports like Progreso and Nassau.

The ship will feature Hawaiian- and Asian inspired dining concepts, in a restaurant called Uku Lei Lei. At an eatery called Fetaccine, you'll be able to enjoy both Italian- and Greek-influenced dishes. Emeril's Coastal Seafood restaurant will also be on board, as will a wide range of other dining choices, including everyone's favorite, a really large buffet.

How Much Will it Cost to Sail on the Carnival Tropicale?

A cruise ship docked at a pier with another ship in the background — Photo by Edward Lawrence on Unsplash

We looked at a few booking options for you and found a 4-day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston for $519 and a 6-day sailing for $589. Restrictions apply to those prices, but they are booking trips now. You can also find sailings to the Bahamas and other ports of call in the Caribbean as well.

The Tropicale will embark on its first cruise out of Galveston on April 15, 2028. If space is still available, you may book through Carnival directly, via online agents, or your trusted local travel advisor. Bon Voyage, and look for even bigger ships arriving soon in the Port of Galveston.

Gulf Coast Cruise Ships Ranked By CDC Health Inspection Score

If you have plans for a cruise vacation between now and New Year's Day 2027, then you will be sailing on one of the 14 ships we have listed below. Safety and sanitation are always concerns for cruise passengers. We wanted to know how our Gulf Coast fleet fared when it comes to your good health. Scroll down to find your ship and its CDC Inspection Score.

Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells