Multiple cruise lines have released new information about itineraries and deployments within their fleet.
First, Carnival Cruise Line announced that Mardi Gras will be adding shorter itineraries to its 2027-28 lineup. The Excel-class ship will sail 4- and 5-night sailings to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. The 5-night sailings will visit Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Nassau, while the 4-night sailings will visit Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
“With a new Excel class ship on its way to Port Canaveral in 2027, we’re excited to offer more ways to experience these fabulous ships our guests love, with new shorter itineraries on Mardi Gras for the first time,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Mardi Gras introduced a number of new entertainment and dining options along with the first roller coaster at sea, so it’s fitting that this ship will take on another first for us as the largest-ever to sail short cruises. This will give our guests more variety as they choose their next family vacation – whether that’s a short getaway on Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral or a week-long sailing on her beautiful sister Carnival Celebration from Miami.”
Next, Princess Cruises announced its biggest Alaska cruise and cruisetour season for 2027. Princess Cruises has nearly 60 years of expertise sailing throughout Alaska, and will deploy a fleet of eight ships during the 2027 season. Star Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess, and Ruby Princess will offer 17 cruise destinations which feature four glacier-viewing experiences, 85 call to Glacier Bay National Park and calls to ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia. Travelers can also pair a cruise with one of 28 cruisetour itineraries.
“Few places captivate like Alaska – its beauty, its people and its sense of wonder,” said Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer, Princess Cruises. “That’s why our team puts so much heart into every detail of our Alaska Season. For 2027, we’ve designed experiences to bring guests closer to the soul of the Great Land – closer to glaciers, closer to wildlife, and closer to local culture and communities both onboard and ashore – all in a way only Princess can deliver.”
Last, MSC Cruises is bringing the Forbes Vetted “Best Cruise Ship for Families” to Galveston, Texas this fall. MSC Seascape will begin offering its signature blend of European style and American Comfort to the Texas market this November. She will feature brand new family offerings including the LEGO Parade, a LEGO Family Game Show, the Boxes Family Game Show, the Guinness World Record Family Quiz, and Masterchef at Seas Juniors. The new entertainment will join the returning favorites of Break the Wall, Vikings, Cabin 12006–The Experience, Beat the Music, and more.
Matteo Mancini, Family Entertainment Development Director, MSC Cruises said, “Galveston has long been a popular departure point for families with children seeking unforgettable cruise experiences, and we know the arrival of MSC Seascape will offer top-of-the-line entertainment for cruisers of all ages. The ship is set to bring offerings to captivate today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha travelers, from immersive digital entertainment to interactive game shows designed to inspire wonder, excitement, and lasting memories for the entire family.”
Tony B shared some of this news and more on The Cruise Show. You can also listen to The Cruise Show wherever you get your podcasts.