Carnival Returns to Light Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball for 2026

Carnival Cruise Line will return to New York City’s Times Square to light the New Year’s Eve Ball for the fifth consecutive year, again serving as the official cruise line sponsor of the annual celebration.

Carnival Corporation & plc CEO Josh Weinstein is slated to lead the company’s delegation on-site as the Ball is lit to mark the start of 2026. Carnival also said guests sailing across its fleet will ring in the New Year with onboard festivities at sea, though the company did not share ship-by-ship programming details.

Times Square plans and TV tie-ins for New Year’s Eve 2026

In addition to participating in the ball-lighting ceremony, Carnival will sponsor a live musical performance staged in Times Square during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026.

• Ball lighting: Carnival will take part in the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball lighting for the fifth straight year. The company said the appearance continues its role as the event’s official cruise line sponsor.
• On-site representation: Weinstein will lead Carnival’s delegation in Times Square. The company said he is set to represent Carnival as the Ball is lit to usher in 2026.
• Broadcast sponsorship: Carnival will sponsor one of the live musical performances during the ABC broadcast from Times Square. The performance is part of the program’s national telecast.
• How to watch: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 will air live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 31. The program will be available to stream the following day on Hulu, starting Jan. 1.

Weinstein points to 2025 momentum

In comments tied to Carnival’s Times Square return, Weinstein linked the New Year’s Eve appearance to what he described as a strong year for the company, pointing to the opening of Celebration Key, high guest satisfaction, and progress across Carnival Corporation.

“We’re thrilled to bring Carnival fun back to Times Square for our fifth year,” Weinstein said, adding that “2025 has been transformative.”

Weinstein also framed the moment as a bridge into the coming year, saying, “As we light the Ball in 2026, we’re looking forward to delivering even more unforgettable vacation happiness to families around the globe—something our guests continue to tell us we do so well.”

Celebration Key milestone highlighted ahead of the New Year

Carnival used the New Year’s Eve announcement to spotlight Celebration Key, its exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, which opened in July 2025. The cruise line said the destination welcomed its one-millionth visitor in December.

According to the company, Celebration Key features more than a mile of white-sand beach and large freshwater lagoons that Carnival describes as among the largest in the Caribbean.

New advertising campaign featured in the update

Carnival also referenced its newer advertising campaign, Carnival Is Calling, which launched in November. The campaign includes Find Your Fun Again commercials featuring Nick Offerman, an Emmy-winning actor, author, and humorist, and is positioned by the company as a response to what it playfully calls America’s “fun deficit.”

Duffy: Entering 2026 with “momentum and deep gratitude”

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the company is heading into 2026 with “incredible momentum and deep gratitude” for guests, team members, travel advisors, and partners, while pointing to Celebration Key as a continuing focus.

“As we ring in the new year, Celebration Key continues to be a must-visit destination for our guests,” Duffy said.

Carnival’s Times Square appearance is scheduled for Dec. 31 alongside the live ABC broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern, with the company also using the moment to continue promoting Celebration Key and its broader marketing efforts heading into 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Carnival Cruise Line doing in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?

Carnival will participate in lighting the New Year’s Eve Ball and will again serve as the official cruise line sponsor for Times Square New Year’s Eve. The cruise line will also sponsor a live musical performance during the ABC broadcast from Times Square.

How can viewers watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026?

The program will air live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 31, and it will be available to stream the next day on Hulu starting Jan. 1.

What is Celebration Key, and what milestone did it recently reach?

Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, which opened in July 2025. Carnival said it welcomed its one-millionth visitor in December and features more than a mile of white-sand beach along with large freshwater lagoons the company describes as among the largest in the Caribbean.

Who is behind the Carnival Is Calling campaign?

Carnival Is Calling launched in November and includes Find Your Fun Again commercials featuring Nick Offerman, an Emmy-winning actor, author, and humorist.