Carnival Cruise Line is giving the Carnival Sunshine a fresh and adventurous role for the 2027–28 season, and it’s one of the ship’s most ambitious deployments yet.
The newly announced itineraries take the Sunshine deeper into Europe and beyond, mixing classic Mediterranean favorites with brand-new destinations that Carnival guests haven’t experienced before.
According to Carnival, these sailings are designed to give travelers more variety, longer itineraries, and unique moments at sea that go well beyond the typical cruise schedule.
From historic European ports to Carnival’s first-ever stops in Africa, the upcoming season signals a clear expansion of the cruise line’s international footprint.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the goal is simple: offer more ways for guests to explore iconic places while still enjoying the fun, easygoing Carnival experience onboard.
First-Ever Africa Calls and New European Stops
Between late May and October 2027, Carnival Sunshine will operate a series of Mediterranean and North African cruises sailing from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia, Italy.
These voyages will range from week-long trips to longer sailings that allow guests more time ashore across multiple regions.
For the first time in Carnival Cruise Line history, the Sunshine will visit Africa, with scheduled calls in La Goulette, Tunisia, and Tangier, Morocco.
The itineraries also introduce new European ports, including Bari in Italy, Bar in Montenegro, and Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica.
At the same time, popular guest favorites are making a return, with stops in cities like Genoa, Palermo, Catania, Palma de Mallorca, and Izmir.
The strategy mirrors a wider shift across the cruise sector, with brands like Carnival Australia increasingly focusing on emotional storytelling and experience-led marketing to connect more deeply with travelers.
One standout sailing is a rare solar eclipse cruise, departing Barcelona on July 25, 2027, positioning guests at sea for the celestial event on August 2.
Transatlantic Sailings and a Texas Homecoming
To kick off its European season, Carnival Sunshine will leave Norfolk, Virginia, on May 15, 2027, for a 15-day transatlantic voyage to Dover, England.
From there, the ship will sail through Western Europe before settling into its Mediterranean program out of Barcelona.
At the end of the season, Sunshine will make the journey back across the Atlantic, arriving in Miami before repositioning again later in the year.
Starting November 17, 2027, the ship will begin a new lineup of four-day and 10-day cruises from Galveston, Texas.
This move places the Sunshine alongside Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Jubilee, strengthening Galveston’s role as a major Carnival homeport.
With longer itineraries, rare destinations, and standout sailings like the solar eclipse cruise, Carnival Sunshine’s 2027–28 season is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in the ship’s history.
