A first for the new CEO, André Walter: construction has begun at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg on the second (of two ordered) cruise ships for the US cruise line Carnival Cruise Line.
With a symbolic steel-cutting ceremony using a plasma torch capable of reaching temperatures of over 20,000 degrees, Meyer Werft today celebrated “a milestone” in the construction of the “Carnival Tropicale” for Carnival Cruise Line. The new Excel-class cruise ship is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage from Galveston in the US state of Texas in April 2028.
CEO Walter celebrates “long-standing partnership”
For shipyard boss André Walter, this marks a first. Following disputes over financial problems, the intervention of the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony, as well as a succession of turnaround specialists at the helm of the company, the former Airbus manager took the reins at the start of July. “I am delighted to be celebrating this milestone for the first time as the new CEO,” said Walter. The “Carnival Tropicale”, the fifth ship in the Excel class for Carnival Cruise Line, “reflects our long-standing partnership with Carnival Cruise Line.”
The name “Carnival Tropicale” is inspired by the former “MS Tropicale”, a ship that played a pivotal role in the development of Carnival’s “Fun Ships” era. Its funnels, with their distinctive wings, are now among the cruise line’s most recognisable trademarks. The “Star of Texas” will be affixed to the ship’s bow, symbolising its connection to its home port, according to a statement marking the start of construction. Measuring 344 metres in length and with a gross tonnage of 180,000 GT, the ship will accommodate 6,000 guests.
“Today is a special day for the Carnival Tropicale, as we celebrate the progress of its journey from concept to reality,” said Ben Clement, Executive Vice President of Maritime & New Builds at Carnival Cruise Line. The cruise line executive also had some warm words for the shipyard: “We greatly value our partnership with Meyer Werft and are proud to be building the Carnival Tropicale together. This marks another important milestone in our collaboration.”
The “Carnival Tropicale” will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is based on the design of her sister ship,the “Carnival Festivale”, which is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2027. The new ship is set to feature “innovative dining and entertainment concepts” as well as a new themed area called Sunsation Point, which will be designed as a family-friendly adventure zone. At the heart of this area will be the multi-storey water park, Carnival WaterWorks Ultra.
