Meyer Werft installs pod propulsion on Carnival Festivale

The Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg is progressing with the construction of the Carnival Festivale for Carnival Cruise Line. The vessel has recently received its pod propulsion system, featuring 360-degree rotatable propeller gondolas known as Azipods. This technology is designed to provide better maneuverability and reduced vibrations compared to traditional propeller and rudder configurations. At maximum thrust, the ship is expected to reach a speed of 21.5 knots.

Launched in mid-August 2025, the Carnival Festivale is currently in the assembly phase, with various sections being joined to form the complete hull. The ship is scheduled to begin operations on May 2, 2027, starting with a transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Port Canaveral, where it will eventually be stationed for Caribbean cruises.

Meyer Werft remains a major hub for modern cruise ship construction, having built vessels for companies such as AIDA, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The facility includes the world's largest covered dry dock, Baudock II.