CCL-Carnival Cruise Line will reposition its larger vessel, Carnival Dream, to New Orleans/Port NOLA in May 2027, joining Carnival Liberty and marking the only cruise company to maintain two ships homeported in the city year‑round.
With a capacity of 3,646 guests—more than 700 above the ship it replaces—the move aims to boost local tourism and economic activity, as emphasized by Carnival President Christine Duffy.
Before entering service at Port NOLA, Carnival Dream will conclude two sailings from Galveston in early May 2027: a Western Caribbean voyage (Belize, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale/Roatan) and a Bahamas cruise (Celebration Key, Key West, and Nassau).
On May 16, 2027, the ship will dock in New Orleans and begin offering 4‑ and 5‑day cruises to Mexican ports.
Meanwhile, Carnival Liberty will continue to sail from New Orleans through April 2028, offering 7‑day Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries that include ports of call such as Celebration Key, Key West, Nassau, Cozumel, Belize, Grand Cayman, and Isla Tropicale. Holiday cruises during Thanksgiving and Christmas will feature eight‑day itineraries to Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, while a 14‑day Panama Canal voyage will depart in November 2027, visiting Aruba, Cartagena, Colón, Curacao, Cozumel, Limon, and Montego Bay.
Carnival Liberty recently completed a European dry dock, during which the vessel received notable enhancements, including a WaterWorks aqua park, Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge dedicated to military families, a mini‑golf course, revamped casino, upgraded youth areas, a new photo Dream Studio, and refreshed retail stores.
This redeployment forms the first in a series of vessel relocations scheduled through spring 2028, with additional homeports and itineraries expected to be announced in the coming weeks.