First steel cut for Carnival Cruise Lines' newest 6,400-guest ship

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft has cut the first steel to be used in the construction of Carnival Festivale, a new ship ordered from the company by US-based Carnival Corporation for its Carnival Cruise Line brand.

Carnival Festivale will be Carnival’s fourth Excel-class ship to be powered by LNG. With an expected gross tonnage of 180,000 upon completion, the ship will be able to accommodate up to 6,400 guests.

Earlier this week, Carnival revealed that the ship will feature two music-themed zones on decks six, seven, and eight, while a new outdoor zone will span the top three decks.

Other notable attractions will include a water park with six slides and dedicated splash areas for infants. Additional features will include a treehouse-inspired elevated adventure trail, a sports court, a ropes course, a miniature golf course, and themed video arcade spaces.

The new outdoor zone will also host evening events with extended water park hours and other activities.

Carnival Festivale will be operated out of Port Canaveral, Florida, alongside sister ship Mardi Gras.