In a move to offer more diverse vacation options, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing short itineraries on its Excel-class ships for the first time. The new schedule for 2027-2028 will feature the Mardi Gras sailing shorter cruises while the Carnival Celebration continues its popular week-long voyages. These new offerings are designed to give guests more ways to experience the largest ships in Carnival’s fleet, which feature attractions like the BOLT roller coaster and numerous dining and entertainment venues.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said:
“With a new Excel class ship on its way to Port Canaveral in 2027, we’re excited to offer more ways to experience these fabulous ships our guests love, with new shorter itineraries on Mardi Gras for the first time”
“Mardi Gras introduced a number of new entertainment and dining options along with the first roller coaster at sea, so it’s fitting that this ship will take on another first for us as the largest-ever to sail short cruises. This will give our guests more variety as they choose their next family vacation – whether that’s a short getaway on Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral or a week-long sailing on her beautiful sister Carnival Celebration from Miami.”
Mardi Gras
For the first time, the Mardi Gras will offer four- and five-day sailings to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral. These new itineraries will begin on May 22, 2027, and are being added to the lineup in conjunction with the arrival of the new Excel-class ship, the Carnival Festivale, in 2027.
- Five-day voyages will visit three ports: Carnival’s new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, as well as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Nassau.
- Four-day getaways will stop at two ports: Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Carnival Celebration
Meanwhile, the Carnival Celebration will continue its successful deployment from PortMiami, extending its popular seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from May 2027 through April 2028.
- Eastern Caribbean itineraries will visit a variety of destinations, including Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. A special New Year’s sailing will also be available.
- Western Caribbean cruises will feature stops at Celebration Key, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay).
Carnival Celebration
This new deployment strategy not only gives guests more choices but also highlights Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest exclusive destination on Grand Bahama island, as a major feature on many of these upcoming itineraries.
For more details on these new itineraries, visit Carnival Cruise Line’s website.
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