ain't we got fun

New Vegas-inspired Carnival cruise ship to dock on Texas coast in 2028

Carnival Tropicale to homeport in Galveston in 2028

Galveston will be home to two of Carnival's three newest ships when the Carnival Tropicale docks in 2028.

Photo courtesy of Carnival

A new massive Carnival cruise ship — the Carnival Tropicale — will bring "old-Vegas flair" and tropical charm to Galveston in 2028. The Carnival Tropicale will join a fleet of four other Carnival cruise ships currently homeporting in the coastal city.

The Excel-class ship was named after Carnival's original 1982 cruise ship, MS Tropicale, which defined the cruise line's "Fun Ship" era that made "entertainment and shared joy as central as the destinations themselves," according to a release.

The Carnival Tropicale also serves as an embodiment of the cruise line's 26-year history in partnership with the Port of Galveston. In 2024, Carnival celebrated a milestone as the first cruise line to bring over 10 million guests to Galveston in 2024.

"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."

Carnival Tropicale to homeport in Galveston in 2028 TBD if the Carnival Tropicale will actually have horns.Photo courtesy of Carnival

Carnival Tropicale will accommodate more than 6,000 guests and feature showstopping experiences typical of Carnival's Excel-class ships. The Sunsation Point top deck entertainment zone and the Carnival WaterWorks Ultra will offer all-day and all-night fun with six waterslides, two splash pads, a mini golf course, outdoor games, an arcade, and much more.

The Carnival website also teases vibrant live performances inspired by "the golden age of show business" in Las Vegas.

The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas to reflect Carnival's "focus on innovation and sustainability" and take some inspiration from its sister ship, Carnival Festivale, which will dock in Florida's Port Canaveral in 2027.

Carnival Tropicale is expected to sail year-round after it ports in Galveston in 2028, and reservations and trip itineraries are expected to be released later in 2026. Those who want to be first in line for updates and promotions can register online at carnival.com.

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OPENING ALERT

Cowboy meets Cabernet at Texas bootmaker’s new Hill Country wine castle

Republic Boot Co/ Facebook

The Republic Wine Castle will open May 1.

Folks in the Middle Ages may be more known for fanciful poulaines than crocodile cowboy boots, but that doesn’t mean one Texas cobbler doesn’t feel right at home among towers and turrets: Republic Boot Company is set to debut its Republic Wine Castle in the Hill Country.

The castle is scheduled to open its doors at 101 Durango in Johnson City on May 1.

Houston-based Republic is known for its high-end artisan cowboy boots and celebrity clients like Houston Texans owner Cal McNair and the team’s cheerleading squad, plus unexpected fans like rapper Paul Wall. The flagship is housed in a 100-year-old building in Houston’s hip Heights neighborhood.

“We’ve always said that Republic isn’t just about making boots; it’s about preserving the soul of Texas,” explained Chris Conrad, CEO and Founder of Republic Boot Company, in a release. “Acquiring this castle allows us to create a legendary destination where our customers can immerse themselves in the craft and make bucket-list memories. It’s bold, it’s unique, and it’s exactly where the Republic belongs. We have some wild plans for this property that the world hasn't seen before.”

The 12-acre estate, built in 2019, has been extensively renovated in line with its Houston store, which features ranch-chic furniture and big buck mounts. A release says some of the castle's regal personality, however, was kept intact.

More importantly, the castle will also have wine. The brand is using the occasion of its grand opening weekend (May 1-3) to unveil its new Texas wine offering (served in chalices, we hope), made with fruit grown in Johnson City. The celebration will also include live music and custom boot fittings.

Republic is no stranger to unique shopping opportunities. Its $6,000 Gator Hunt Experience that allows clients to shoot their own alligator hide and fashion it into a pair of custom boots. Hunters also get a taxidermy mount, 10 pounds of alligator meat, and hopefully a few recipes on how to cook it. We’re imagining gumbo.

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