If you’ve been waiting for Carnival Cruise Line to mix up its itineraries for its biggest ships, 2027 is going to be your year. Carnival just announced that cruises on the Mardi Gras will shift from their traditional week-long sailings to brand-new short cruises — the first time an Excel-class ship will offer this option. And if that isn’t enough, these itineraries are beach-lover’s dreams, featuring not one but two private destinations on nearly every sailing.
The decision makes perfect sense for Carnival. By keeping guests at its own private destinations like Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, the cruise line maintains a fun, safe, and controlled environment. But don’t think you’ll be locked into staying within the gates — Celebration Key offers shore excursions that venture outside the resort-style destination, giving guests the chance to explore more of the local culture.
Short Cruises on Carnival Mardi Gras
After three week-long voyages from Port Canaveral in May 2027, Carnival Mardi Gras short cruises will kick off on May 22, 2027. These will include:
- Four-day cruises visiting Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay — the perfect long weekend escape.
- Five-day cruises adding Nassau into the mix, giving guests who actually like Nassau, the chance to combine it with some beach time.
Carnival Celebration Cruises Stay the Same
While Mardi Gras shifts to shorter sailings, Carnival Celebration cruises will continue to sail seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 2028.
- Eastern Caribbean sailings will include Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.
- Western Caribbean itineraries will bring guests to Celebration Key, Cozumel, and the rebranded Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay).
The Excel-Class Experience
Carnival’s Excel-class ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee — are the cruise line’s biggest and most innovative, carrying more than 6,400 guests each. They’re packed with entertainment, bars, lounges, and dining venues, plus adult escapes like the Serenity Retreat and Loft 19. In spring 2027, the fleet will welcome Carnival Festivale, followed by Carnival Tropicale in 2028, adding even more choices for guests.
Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC are increasingly leaning into short cruises because they appeal to a wider range of travelers who may not be able — or willing — to commit to a week or longer at sea. These three- to five-day sailings are perfect for first-time cruisers testing the waters, repeat guests looking for a quick getaway, and even younger travelers who want a vacation that fits into busy work schedules.
They’re also a smart business move for the cruise lines: shorter itineraries mean ships can turn over passengers more frequently, keeping onboard spending high, while strategically visiting their own private destinations ensures that most of that spending stays within the company. Plus, homeports like Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades make it easy for guests to hop aboard without extensive travel planning, further fueling the popularity of short, convenient, and highly profitable cruises.
All Shore Excursions Available at Carnival’s Celebration Key