Carnival Unveils Expanded Deployment of Excel-Class Ships for Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises in 2027-2028

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its plans to expand the deployment of its Excel-class ships for the 2027-2028 season, introducing shorter cruise itineraries for the first time in this class’s history.

Starting in late May 2027, the Mardi Gras will operate 4- and 5-day Bahamas cruises from its homeport at Port Canaveral, following three week-long sailings earlier that month. This new schedule coincides with the arrival of the Carnival Festivale and will feature stops at Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, depending on the itinerary duration.

Meanwhile, the Carnival Celebration will continue its existing 7-day itineraries to Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations from PortMiami. Eastern Caribbean routes will visit ports including Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, with a special New Year’s cruise departing on December 26, 2027. The Western Caribbean sailings will cover stops at Celebration Key, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale, formerly known as Mahogany Bay.

The Excel-class vessels—Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee—can carry over 6,400 guests and are equipped with more than 20 dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and various attractions including BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster. Two more Excel-class ships, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, are set to join the fleet in spring 2027 and 2028 respectively, bringing further enhancements to this innovative class, which is the line’s most advanced offering so far.

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