Carnival Expands 2027-28 Cruises From New Orleans

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled the first part of its 2027-2028 voyage schedule and officially opened bookings. This rollout features an increase in cruise capacity from New Orleans.

The company emphasized that it remains the only cruise operator with two ships based year-round in New Orleans. Starting in May 2027, Carnival Dream will return to the city, joining Carnival Liberty, thus reestablishing a dual-ship presence.

“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,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “As we roll out our deployment plans through the spring of 2028, we have great news to share with our homeport communities. Fun is on the move, and that means more options and more variety as guests book their future cruise vacations.”

Final Sailings from Galveston

Before relocating, Carnival Dream will make two final sailings out of Galveston in May 2027. One is a week-long journey to the Western Caribbean, with stops in Belize, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale. The second is a week-long Bahamas itinerary that includes Celebration Key, Key West, and Nassau.

Return to New Orleans

On May 16, 2027, Carnival Dream will make its way back to New Orleans for the first time since 2019. From there, it will begin offering four- and five-night cruises to destinations in Mexico.

Carnival Liberty will continue operating out of New Orleans with a range of seven-night routes through the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas, extending into April 2028.

Holiday and Special Cruises

Holiday offerings aboard Carnival Liberty will include special eight-day cruises during Thanksgiving and Christmas, with visits to both Celebration Key and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay.

For those looking for longer getaways, a 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise through the Panama Canal will set sail on November 28, 2027. This extended voyage includes stops in Aruba, Cartagena, Colon (Panama Canal), Curaçao, Cozumel, Limon, and Montego Bay, offering passengers a comprehensive travel experience across the Caribbean and Central America.