Carnival Expands 2027–2028 Florida Cruises With Three Ships and New Routes

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed its plans for an expanded Florida-based deployment during the 2027–2028 cruise season. The announcement confirms that three ships, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Vista, will operate itineraries from PortMiami and Port Canaveral, providing passengers with a wide array of Caribbean destinations and onboard experiences. The move underscores the company’s focus on Florida as a key market for its operations and its ongoing commitment to delivering diverse and convenient vacation options for travelers.

Carnival Venezia Relocates to PortMiami

The 4,000-guest Carnival Venezia, which joined Carnival’s fleet in 2023 as part of the company’s Italian-themed "Fun Italian Style" series, will relocate to PortMiami beginning in May 2027. This deployment marks a shift from its traditional summer homeport of New York and will run through April 2028. The relocation aligns with Carnival's goal of expanding long-haul cruising options from South Florida.

The vessel will offer six- and eight-day Caribbean itineraries, featuring a combination of popular and exclusive ports. The six-day Western Caribbean route includes stops at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new exclusive destination in the Bahamas, as well as visits to Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. The eight-day Southern Caribbean itineraries will call at marquee locations such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Amber Cove. Both itineraries highlight Carnival Venezia’s blend of Italian-inspired design and Carnival's signature entertainment and onboard experiences.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed optimism about the move, stating, "Moving Carnival Venezia to Miami creates even more choice for guests with longer itineraries to popular Caribbean destinations, adding a new flavor of fun with our Italian Style experiences."

Carnival Magic Expands Its Miami Offerings

Carnival Magic will continue to homeport at PortMiami, but guests can look forward to an expanded selection of six- and eight-day cruises covering the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. The itineraries will include stops at highly sought-after destinations such as Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Celebration Key, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Southern Caribbean sailings will also offer visits to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, catering to passengers in search of diverse tropical escapades.

The ship’s enhanced itineraries are expected to drive continued interest, leveraging Miami’s status as a leading global cruise hub and Carnival’s investments in creating extraordinary travel experiences.

Carnival Vista Continues Its Port Canaveral Program

Remaining in its established homeport of Port Canaveral, the Carnival Vista will operate a selection of seven-day year-round cruises to destinations across The Bahamas, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Western Caribbean. Featured ports of call include Carnival’s private destinations, Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Isla Tropicale, as well as Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. These itineraries aim to provide Central Florida travelers with more opportunities to enjoy scenic and culturally rich destinations without the need for extensive travel to embarkation ports.

Strategic Growth and Future Announcements

Carnival Cruise Line is using the 2027–2028 deployment to further enhance its footprint in one of the world's most competitive cruise markets. Notably, the new itineraries offer more flexible and longer cruises, catering to evolving consumer preferences. According to Duffy, the company remains focused on providing "convenient getaways from Florida with a wide variety of sailings," ensuring Carnival's continued appeal across a diverse range of travelers.

Alongside the opening of bookings for Carnival Venezia’s, Carnival Magic’s, and Carnival Vista’s itineraries, Carnival hinted at additional 2027–2028 deployments expected to be announced in the coming weeks. These updates are anticipated to provide even greater travel options for passengers seeking unique vacation experiences from Florida ports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Carnival Venezia relocating to Miami?

The move is part of Carnival’s strategy to expand its Florida operations and offer longer Caribbean itineraries. Additionally, it allows more passengers to enjoy the unique Italian-inspired design and experiences of Carnival Venezia from a major cruise hub.

What makes Celebration Key significant for Carnival passengers?

Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive private destination in the Bahamas. It is designed to offer passengers unique, relaxing experiences in a pristine environment, enhancing the overall appeal of Carnival’s Caribbean itineraries.

What itineraries will Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista offer?

Carnival Magic will sail six- and eight-day cruises from Miami to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean, featuring high-demand destinations such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Celebration Key, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Meanwhile, Carnival Vista will offer seven-day voyages to The Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, and Western Caribbean from its homeport in Port Canaveral.

When can passengers book these itineraries?

Bookings for Carnival Venezia’s, Carnival Magic’s, and Carnival Vista’s 2027–2028 deployments have already opened. Additional itinerary announcements for this period are expected in the near future.

Will Carnival Venezia continue its summer program in New York?

No, Carnival Venezia will shift its summer operations from New York to Miami, focusing on longer Caribbean itineraries between May 2027 and April 2028 as part of its newly announced deployment.