Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled an exciting new lineup of 2027 and 2028 sailings for Carnival Sunshine, featuring first-ever visits to Africa, expanded European itineraries, and a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse cruise at sea.
Running from late May through October 2027, Carnival Sunshine’s new deployment offers a mix of week-long and extended Mediterranean and North African sailings, with departures from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. The season is designed for flexibility, allowing guests to combine sailings for longer back-to-back vacations.
First-Ever African Ports for Carnival
One of the biggest highlights of this deployment is Carnival’s first-ever visits to African ports. Carnival Sunshine will call on La Goulette and Tangier, opening the door to new cultural experiences and destinations that have never before been part of Carnival’s itinerary lineup.
These ports are paired with a wide range of Mediterranean stops across Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Montenegro, and Malta, creating itineraries that blend iconic cities with less-visited destinations.
New and Returning European Destinations
In addition to Africa, the 2027/2028 season introduces several new European ports for Carnival, including Bari, Bar, and Ajaccio.
The schedule also brings back a number of classic ports that Carnival has not visited in many years, giving returning guests a chance to rediscover longtime favorites such as Genoa, Salerno, Palermo, and Catania in Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Izmir, Turkey.
Solar Eclipse Cruise: August 2027
A standout sailing of the season is a special solar eclipse cruise departing July 25, 2027, from Barcelona. Carnival Sunshine will be positioned along the path of maximum visibility for the rare solar eclipse on August 2, 2027.
This unique itinerary includes ports such as Marseilles, Genoa, Salerno, Catania, Valletta, and La Goulette, along with themed onboard programming and activities focused on the celestial event.
Carnival will also offer a similar eclipse experience aboard Carnival Miracle on an 11-day Carnival Journeys sailing from Dover, England, featuring a dedicated day at sea on August 2 for optimal eclipse viewing.
Transatlantic Sailings and European Deployment
To kick off the European season, Carnival Sunshine will depart Norfolk, Virginia, on May 15, 2027, on a 15-day transatlantic crossing to Dover, England. From there, the ship will reposition from Dover to Barcelona beginning May 30, with calls across Western Europe.
At the end of the season, the ship will sail from Barcelona back to Miami, offering another extended transatlantic option with stops in Alicante and Malaga, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco.
Overall, the season includes 15 European sailings:
- One departure from Dover
- Four sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome)
- Ten sailings from Barcelona
Return to Galveston in Late 2027
After completing its European and transatlantic itineraries, Carnival Sunshine will return to the U.S. and begin a new series of 10-day and 4-day cruises from Galveston, Texas, starting November 17, 2027. The ship will join Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Jubilee in the homeport.
What Guests Can Expect Onboard
Along with new destinations, Carnival Sunshine continues to offer guest-favorite dining, entertainment, and family amenities. Onboard highlights include Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, WaterWorks, SportSquare, Playlist Production shows, and the Cloud9 Spa.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said the deployment delivers variety, adventure, and memorable experiences. With Africa, Europe, and a solar eclipse all on the same schedule, this season is shaping up to be something special.
Have you ever experienced a solar eclipse while traveling, and would you want to see one from a cruise ship? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan