Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its first batch of the 2027-28 cruise schedule, highlighting an expanded presence in New Orleans. As the only cruise line to operate two ships year-round in the city, Carnival will be reintroducing the larger Carnival Dream in May 2027 alongside the Carnival Liberty, enhancing the region’s tourism and economic activity.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “More capacity with a larger ship means more tourism activity for Port NOLA and the region, where we’ve enjoyed a successful partnership for over three decades.” This development promises more options for travelers as they plan their future vacations, contributing positively to local communities.
Before making its return to New Orleans, the Carnival Dream will complete a couple of final sailings from Galveston in May 2027, featuring an exciting week-long Western Caribbean itinerary that includes stops in Belize, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale, followed by another week-long Bahamas cruise visiting Celebration Key, Key West, and Nassau.
Starting May 16, 2027, Carnival Dream will kick off its voyages from New Orleans after a long absence since 2019. It is set to offer a series of four- and five-day trips to Mexico. The Carnival Liberty will continue to operate from the same port, providing a diverse selection of seven-day Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries through April 2028.
Additionally, for the holiday season, Carnival Liberty will feature special eight-day sailings that include stops at Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. For those desiring a more extended travel experience, a unique 14-day Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise is planned for November 28, 2027. This cruise will afford guests the chance to explore multiple vibrant destinations, including Aruba, Cartagena, Colon (Panama Canal), Curaçao, Cozumel, Limon, and Montego Bay.
This significant expansion by Carnival is likely to bolster tourism and generate excitement among cruise enthusiasts, enhancing New Orleans’ reputation as a favored departure point for cruises in the Caribbean and beyond. The plans for increased capacity and diverse itineraries signal a bright future for cruise tourism in the region.