GDS Selected for Carnival Cruise Line’s New Excel Class Fleet

GDS Pioneering Light has been selected to deliver lighting technology for Carnival Cruise Line’s next generation of Excel Class ships, further strengthening GDS’s position as a leading lighting partner to the world’s major cruise lines.

The new programme will see GDS technology installed aboard two of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest vessels, with Carnival Festivale launching in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale following in 2028. Designed by Nautilus Entertainment Design and built by Meyer Werft, the new ships will feature GDS technology across some of their most prominent and dynamic entertainment and public venues. Videlio FUNA will act as systems integrator for the programme.

At the heart of the lighting systems will be the GDS Drive Hub, providing a centralised, high-performance backbone for the installations. Drive Hub will be complemented by a wide selection of GDS colour-changing luminaires, including Quasar and Sirius, with a number of fixtures incorporating custom finishes developed specifically for the project.

“We are delighted to have been selected for Carnival Cruise Line’s new Excel Class programme. This project represents almost two years of work by the GDS team, from initial design and prototyping through testing, development and full-scale mock-ups, so being selected is a hugely rewarding moment and a real testament to the team’s commitment and expertise.” said Alan Colquhoun at GDS Pioneering Light.

With Festivale and Tropicale joining the Carnival fleet in 2027 and 2028 respectively, the programme marks another major step forward in GDS’s expanding presence across the global cruise market.