Carnival Cruise Line is preparing for a historic moment in its long sailing history. In the summer of 2027, the cruise brand will visit Africa for the very first time, opening an entirely new chapter for its global itineraries.
The milestone will be led by Carnival Sunshine, which is set to become the first Carnival ship to call on African ports.
The move reflects growing demand from guests looking for more culturally rich and less traditional cruise destinations.
For many Carnival loyalists, Africa has long been on the wish list but until now, it remained just out of reach.
Tunisia and Morocco Join Carnival’s Mediterranean Map
The Africa debut will take place during Carnival Sunshine’s Mediterranean summer season in 2027, with ports in Tunisia and Morocco officially added to the schedule.
Guests will be able to explore La Goulette, near Tunis, as well as Tangier, a gateway between Africa and Europe.
One standout itinerary is an eight-night round-trip cruise from Barcelona, sailing to Italy, Tunisia, and France.
Stops include Naples, Palermo, Ajaccio, Marseille, and La Goulette, marking Carnival’s first-ever African port visit.
Later in the season, Tangier will also appear on a 13-night transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami.
That crossing includes additional calls in Spain and the Caribbean, such as Alicante, Málaga, and Grand Turk.
A Bigger European Season With a Celestial Highlight
Carnival’s 2027 European program is shaping up to be one of its most ambitious yet. The Sunshine will operate more than 15 departures between May and October, sailing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Dover.
The season spans Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Montenegro, and now, Tunisia and Morocco. One major highlight is a special solar eclipse cruise in August 2027, timed to place the ship along the path of maximum visibility.
After wrapping up its European season, Carnival Sunshine will reposition to Galveston to launch a new series of Caribbean sailings.
Meanwhile, Carnival will double its European presence in 2027, with Carnival Miracle also operating itineraries in the region.
For Carnival guests, this expansion means more variety, deeper cultural experiences, and a chance to explore parts of the world the brand has never reached before.
For a closer look at how these historic sailings fit into Carnival’s broader European plans, the full breakdown of Carnival Sunshine’s 2027–28 itineraries, including Africa, Europe and the rare solar eclipse cruise, can be found here.
