CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has released details of new sailings for the 2027–2028 season aboard Carnival Radiance, confirming an expanded program of short itineraries from Long Beach focused on two of the ship’s most frequently visited West Coast destinations, Ensenada in Mexico and Catalina Island.
Between May 3rd, 2027 and April 28th, 2028, the Sunshine-class vessel will operate a series of Baja Mexico cruises from Long Beach. The schedule includes 3-night sailings calling at Ensenada and 4-night itineraries featuring both Catalina Island and Ensenada. In addition, a 4-night voyage with consecutive calls at Ensenada is planned for January 3rd, 2028, alongside a 5-night Christmas sailing departing on December 23rd, 2027 with calls at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.
Carnival Cruise Line has indicated that the program reflects the company’s continued cooperation with its long-established port partners in both Catalina Island and Ensenada, supported by ongoing collaboration with local authorities and communities. The line recently concluded a 15-year agreement with the City of Avalon, extending a relationship that has spanned more than two decades and emphasizing a shared approach to sustainable tourism.
In Mexico, Carnival Corporation has announced the development of Ensenada Bay Village, a new shoreside destination currently under construction in Ensenada. The project represents an investment exceeding $26 million and is intended to enhance the port experience through a combination of cultural, recreational, and leisure offerings. The destination is planned to accommodate guests from multiple cruise lines and is targeted to open by 2028, subject to construction progress.
With regular calls at Ensenada and Catalina Island, the new itineraries are designed to provide a balanced Baja-focused experience while maintaining the convenience of short-duration sailings from Southern California. Short cruises from Long Beach continue to be positioned as flexible options for weekend and holiday travel, particularly for guests seeking brief voyages without long-distance travel.
Carnival Radiance, which accommodates up to 2,984 passengers, features a range of dining venues and onboard amenities typical of the Sunshine class. These include casual and specialty restaurants, wellness facilities, and multiple bars and lounges, supporting the ship’s role as a core platform for short, entertainment-oriented cruises on the U.S. West Coast.