Carnival Cruise Line has revealed its most adventurous Carnival Sunshine 2027–28 itineraries, including first‑ever visits to African destinations, expanded European itineraries, and a special cruise designed for optimal viewing of the 2027 solar eclipse. The newly released schedule brings more variety and memorable experiences for global travelers.
First-Ever African Ports for Carnival Cruise Line
In a historic move, Carnival Sunshine will visit African ports for the first time in the cruise line’s history. These calls will take place in:
- La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia – A gateway to historic sites like Carthage and the vibrant Tunis medina.
- Tangier, Morocco – A cultural hub where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, ideal for exploring markets, kasbahs, and coastal views.
These African itineraries form part of week‑long and longer cruises departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.
New and Returning European Ports
Carnival Sunshine’s 2027 Europe schedule also includes fresh destinations across the Mediterranean and eastern Europe, including:
New European port of calls:
- Bari, Italy – A southern Italian city with a historic old town and seaside charm.
- Bar, Montenegro – Coastal town with rugged mountains and Adriatic views.
- Ajaccio, Corsica, France – Birthplace of Napoleon, with beaches and French culture.
Returning or revived European stops:
- Genoa, Italy – Historic port with ancient lanes and maritime museums.
- Salerno, Palermo & Catania, Italy – Classic Italian destinations.
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain – A Balearic island favorite.
- Izmir, Turkey – A rich blend of history and coast.
These new and returning ports give guests options from history and culture to beaches and food.
Special Solar Eclipse Cruise in 2027
One of the standout sailings is a special solar eclipse cruise that positions Carnival Sunshine in the path of the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027.
- Departure: July 25, 2027, from Barcelona, Spain.
- Itinerary highlights: Visits to Marseille (France), Italian ports like Genoa and Catania, Valletta (Malta), and La Goulette (Tunisia) before the eclipse.
This sailing will include themed programming and activities on the cruise to mark the event, making it a unique experience at sea.
(Note: Another ship in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Miracle, will run a similar solar eclipse cruise from Dover, England, with a dedicated day at sea for viewing on August 2, 2027.)
Transatlantic and European Sailing Itineraries
Before arriving in Europe, Carnival Sunshine will sail from Norfolk, Virginia, on May 15, 2027, for a 15‑day transatlantic cruise crossing to Dover, England.
From May 30, 2027, the ship will begin its European season with departures that include:
- One sailing from Dover, England.
- Four sailings from Civitavecchia (Rome).
- Ten sailings from Barcelona.
These routes cover Western and Eastern Mediterranean destinations and give travelers choices in trip length and destinations across southern Europe.
At the end of the season, Sunshine will sail from Barcelona to Miami, USA, on a repositioning voyage that includes calls in Spain and North Africa before an ocean crossing.
U.S. Sailings from Galveston in Late 2027
After completing its Europe and Atlantic routes, Carnival Sunshine returns to the United States in November 2027 and begins a new series of cruises from Galveston, Texas.
The ship will offer:
- 10‑day cruises visiting Caribbean and Gulf Coast stops.
- 4‑day short cruises from Galveston.
Sunshine will join fellow Carnival ships Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Jubilee at the Texas homeport, giving passengers a range of options from short getaways to longer sea vacations.
How to Book Carnival Sunshine and What to Expect Onboard
Bookings for the new Carnival Sunshine 2027–28 are open now through Carnival Cruise Line’s website and travel agents such as CruiseBooking.com.
The ship continues to feature many of Carnival’s popular onboard amenities, such as:
- Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse dining options.
- WaterWorks, SportSquare, and theatre entertainment.
- Cloud9 Spa for wellness and relaxation at sea.
These offerings make it easy for families, couples, and first‑time cruisers to tailor their experience to their tastes and interests.
Why to Choose Carnival Sunshine
The 2027–28 schedule for Carnival Sunshine gives travelers:
- New cultural experiences in Africa with Tunis and Tangier stops.
- Greater variety in European cruising with new and returning ports.
- Exclusive solar eclipse sailing that targets one of the rarest sky events.
- Flexible options from the U.S., including Galveston departures at the end of the year.
Many cruise enthusiasts may see this schedule as a chance to visit destinations they have not sailed to before, including Africa for the first time with Carnival.
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