Carnival Cruise Line charts new waters with inaugural African port calls in 2027 Mediterranean sea
Carnival Cruise Line is set to make a historic leap in its itinerary offerings by including African ports for the first time in its Mediterranean programme, scheduled for the summer of 2027. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for the cruise giant, traditionally known for its Caribbean and Americas-focused routes, as it broadens its footprint into North Africa’s vibrant coastal destinations.
The vessel spearheading this new chapter will be Carnival Sunshine, which will call at key ports in Tunisia and Morocco. These calls are integrated into a series of seven- to ten-night cruises operating during the European summer season, with departures planned from major hubs such as Barcelona and Civitavecchia. The African itinerary highlights include La Goulette, the gateway port to Tunis, and Tangier, Morocco’s bustling Atlantic gateway.
Among the standout sailings is an eight-night roundtrip from Barcelona that weaves together a rich tapestry of Mediterranean and North African culture. Guests will experience stops in iconic European ports like Naples, Palermo, Ajaccio (Corsica), and Marseille, alongside the African call at La Goulette. This itinerary exemplifies Carnival’s commitment to offering diverse and immersive experiences by blending established European destinations with fresh African encounters.
Adding further allure, Carnival Sunshine will also undertake a transatlantic repositioning voyage in October 2027, sailing from Barcelona to Miami. This 13-night crossing will include calls at Spanish ports such as Alicante and Málaga, a visit to Grand Turk in the Caribbean, and a stop at Tangier, marking another African port call during this repositioning.
The 2027 Mediterranean deployment is designed with flexibility in mind, supporting back-to-back cruise options that allow passengers to combine multiple sailings across different regions. This approach caters to evolving traveller preferences for extended and varied cruise experiences, enhancing the appeal for those seeking to explore multiple cultures and coastlines in one journey.
Throughout the season, Carnival Sunshine’s itineraries will span a broad geographic range, including destinations in Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Montenegro, Tunisia, and Morocco. The summer programme will feature over 15 departures between May and October 2027, operating from key European ports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Dover.
One particularly unique offering is a special solar eclipse cruise scheduled for August 2027. Positioned along the path of maximum eclipse visibility, this sailing will provide passengers with an extraordinary celestial spectacle from the comfort of the ship, blending natural wonder with luxury cruising.
Following the conclusion of its European season, Carnival Sunshine will reposition to Galveston, Texas, where it will embark on a series of four- and ten-night Caribbean cruises, underscoring Carnival’s continued strength in the Americas market.
The 2027 programme also signals Carnival Cruise Line’s broader ambition to deepen its presence in Europe, with plans to double its fleet in the region. Alongside Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Miracle will operate summer itineraries covering both the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, offering African travel professionals and their clients an expanded portfolio of European cruise options.
Introducing African ports into Carnival’s Mediterranean routes reflects a wider industry trend toward diversifying cruise itineraries and tapping into emerging markets. For Africa’s travel sector, this development opens new avenues for collaboration and growth, as the continent’s coastal destinations gain visibility on the global cruise map.
While specific details on shore excursions and operational logistics at the African ports have yet to be disclosed, Carnival Cruise Line confirms these calls are part of a long-term strategy to enhance its European deployments and offer fresh, compelling experiences to its global clientele.
This pioneering move by Carnival Cruise Line not only enriches its destination portfolio but also signals a promising shift in cruise tourism dynamics, inviting African tourism stakeholders to anticipate and prepare for increased cruise traffic and associated business opportunities in North Africa’s key ports.
Originally Published at travelnews.africa
