Carnival Cruise Line is shaking up its 2027-2028 deployment with shorter cruises on its Excel-class ships.
Mardi Gras, based in Port Canaveral, will debut 4- and 5-day sailings to The Bahamas starting May 2027, while Carnival Celebration will continue its 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean routes from Miami. Many itineraries feature a stop at Celebration Key, the line’s new private destination.
Mardi Gras Short Getaways
Following three week-long cruises in early May 2027, Mardi Gras will launch its first-ever short cruise schedule:
- 5-day Bahamas sailings (starting May 22, 2027) — Calls at Celebration Key, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay and Nassau.
- 4-day Bahamas sailings (starting May 27, 2027, Memorial Day weekend) — Visits Celebration Key and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay.
The ship’s attractions include more than 20 dining venues, 12 bars, the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, Loft 19 and BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
Carnival Celebration Week-Long Voyages
From May 2027 through April 2028, Carnival Celebration will offer 7-day itineraries from Miami:
- Eastern Caribbean — Ports include Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay and Nassau. A special New Year’s sailing departs Dec. 26, 2027.
- Western Caribbean — Calls at Celebration Key, Cozumel and Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay).
Excel-Class Growth Continues
Carnival’s Excel-class fleet—Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee—carries over 6,400 guests per ship. Two new Excel-class vessels are on the way: Carnival Festivale in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028.
For more information, visit Carnival.com.
