CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has outlined expanded deployment plans for its Excel-class vessels in the 2027-2028 season, introducing shorter itineraries for the first time in the class’ history.
Mardi Gras, homeporting from Port Canaveral, will transition to a program of 4- and 5-day Bahamas cruises beginning in late May 2027, following 3 week-long sailings earlier that month. The new schedule is timed alongside the arrival of Carnival Festivale and will feature calls at Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, depending on itinerary length.
Carnival Celebration will maintain her established 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami throughout the same period. Eastern Caribbean routes will include ports such as Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, with a special New Year’s voyage departing December 26, 2027. Western Caribbean sailings will visit Celebration Key, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale, previously known as Mahogany Bay.
Excel-class vessels, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, each carry more than 6,400 guests and are equipped with over 20 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, dedicated retreat spaces, and attractions such as BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster. Two additional Excel-class ships are scheduled to join the fleet: Carnival Festivale in spring 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028. These ships will introduce further enhancements to the class, which represents the line’s most advanced offering to date.