Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Itineraries for 2026/27: A Look at What’s Coming

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its plans for 2026 and 2027, introducing new itineraries that will expand their offerings from several major U.S. ports. These updates include new destinations, longer cruises, and the expansion of one of their most popular private islands, Half Moon Cay. Here’s a closer look at what families can expect from these upcoming voyages.

Half Moon Cay Gets a Major Upgrade

One of the highlights of Carnival’s announcement is the expansion of Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas that has long been a favorite stop for many cruisers. Known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, the island is set to undergo significant improvements. The expansion will include a larger beach area, enhanced dining and beverage options, and a new pier that will allow larger ships, including Carnival’s Excel-class vessels like the Mardi Gras, to dock directly at the island. This means more accessibility and convenience for guests looking to enjoy this tropical retreat.

New Itineraries from Miami

From Miami, Carnival Celebration will offer a range of seven-day cruises exploring both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. These new itineraries will feature stops at the soon-to-open Celebration Key, another exclusive destination Carnival is developing, as well as other popular ports like Nassau, Grand Turk, and San Juan. These options provide a variety of experiences, from exploring historic sites to enjoying beautiful beaches, catering to different interests and travel styles.

Expanded Offerings from Port Canaveral

Carnival’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Venezia will sail from Port Canaveral with new itineraries that also include visits to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key. The Mardi Gras will focus on seven-day cruises, while the Carnival Venezia will offer both seven- and fourteen-day options, including Southern Caribbean routes. The Venezia, known for its Italian-themed decor and experiences, will add a unique flavor to these Caribbean cruises, offering families a blend of cultural immersion and tropical adventure.

Galveston-Based Cruises

For those departing from Galveston, the Carnival Jubilee will launch new itineraries beginning in September 2026. The ship will offer six- and eight-day cruises to the Western Caribbean and The Bahamas, with stops in destinations like Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, and Nassau. Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze will also sail from Galveston, providing a mix of shorter and longer cruises to the Caribbean. These itineraries are designed to offer flexibility, whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended journey.

Unique Journeys from Baltimore

Carnival Pride will continue to sail from Baltimore, offering week-long cruises to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Notably, Carnival Pride will also feature longer, 14-day cruises to the Southern Caribbean, as well as a unique journey to Greenland and Canada. These itineraries are ideal for families seeking more off-the-beaten-path destinations and the chance to experience different cultures and landscapes.

What These Itineraries Mean for Families

The new itineraries from Carnival Cruise Line provide families with a wide range of options for their next vacation. Whether you’re looking to explore new destinations, enjoy time on a private island, or embark on a longer adventure to more remote locations, these cruises offer something for everyone.

FreshCruiser Tip: Whether you’re a frequent cruiser or planning your first voyage, these new options provide plenty of inspiration for your next family adventure on the seas.

What to Pack for your kids on an Alaskan Cruise

Items to bring to Alaska to enhance your kids’ overall experience

Getting ready for upcoming Alaskan cruise with your kids this summer?  We will be sailing to Alaska for the second time in two weeks. There’s so much to look forward to and so much to pack! After you’ve finished packing the basics for your kids, check out my list below of items that will enhance your upcoming Alaskan Cruise.  

Binoculars

I love these binoculars for kids as you don’t have to worry about focusing, easy for them to carry, and durable. There is so much to see on an Alaskan cruise and having binoculars really gets the kids involved and interested in what is out there.

Journal

Depending on your child’s age and interests, they can write about their day or draw what they saw in a journal. It’s a great way to look back at the trip through their eyes. I take pictures of some of their drawings to add to our photo album. I plan on having my son write down the wildlife he sees in order to practice his writing skills. My three-year-old daughter will also have a journal. It will mostly be her beautiful scribbles but a fun dinner activity. When she’s done, we’ll make a note at the bottom of what she drew.

Books about Alaska

Grab some books on Alaska to read to the kids before you leave. It gives them an understanding and builds excitement. Pack their favorite ones to bring with you. It’s fun to reread after seeing many of the places in the book. Below are a few of our favorites. 

• Too Alaska!! (Peter the Cruise Ship)
• Larry Gets Lost in Alaska
• Good Night Alaska
• Alaska’s Midnight Sun

Activities for the Table

Dinners can be long on a cruise so make sure to bring different activities for them to play with between courses. Grab some new items from the toy section of a Dollar Store. Their tin puzzles, small figurines, and cars keep my kids distracted and happy.

This is our current favorite is Water Wow!

What else?

Other favorite must-haves for cruises includes: cold and warm weather clothes, sunscreen, hats, playing cards, crayons, and bathing suits.

Packing can be frustrating as you are worried about forgetting something important. Make a list and keep adding to it as you remember things that you want to bring. We use packing cubes to help keep things organized and fit everything.

FreshCruiser Tip: Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved in the packing process. Allow a little space for a few clothes or small toys they want to bring.

Note:  All the products were selected by FreshCruiser. The links contain affiliate links.

Symphony of the Seas Construction Update: Final Steps

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is almost ready for its maiden voyage. The video shows the ship coming to life with the decorative aspects being put in place, technology being tested, and the Captain preparing for the inaugural sailing. I’ve been following the progress of the ship since the beginning, and it’s amazing how so different aspects come together in the end to make the vision complete. The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, is my type of slide!

Symphony of the Seas, 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, will set sail in April 2018. It will spend the summer in the Mediterranean. In the Fall, the ship will make Miami, FL her home port departing on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

According to Royal Caribbean, Symphony of the Seas will span 16 guest decks, encompass more than 230,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,500 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,759 staterooms.

Review of North Star on Royal Caribbean Cruises

I do research on every ship we are considering to find out if the amenities, cruise size, and activities are for my family before we book. I have to admit, when I came across the North Star on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, it wasn’t on the top of my list. It would be a $40 per person charge since we were sailing during the Ovation of the Seas China season. The price seemed high compared to all the included activities such as the rock climbing wall, bumper cars, roller skating, and Splashaway Bay.

I was wrong.

It was one of my favorite activities I did while cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. I was able to literally experience a birds-eye-view of the ship.

Your journey starts by entering the capsule. The glass-windowed capsule has 360 degree views. The capsule moves slowly throughout the approximately 12-minute trip.

As North Star’s arm moved over to the port of the ship, you are suspended over the ship, looking back at all the cabins and upper decks.

Next, the arm extends upwards to an 80-degree angle and you are now over 300 feet above sea level. As you look down to the ship, you feel as though you are “soaring” and almost spying on the fun below.

A North Star Date  – Left the kids behind

On a sea day, my husband and I dropped the kids off at the Adventure Ocean and had an afternoon date since my toddlers were unable to go on the North Star due to height requirements. Leaving the kids behind, allowed us to truly take in the vast height and remarkable views. There was only one other couple in the pod with us, which made the experience more romantic and all around enjoyable.

I highly recommend the experience.

About North Star

Below are a few North Star Facts (Source: Royal Caribbean)

• Guinness World Record holder for being the “Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship”
• Available on three Royal Caribbean ships: Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas.
• 14 guests including room for one wheelchair, plus one Operator
• Complimentary on all sailings (Except for Ovation of the Seas sailings during its China season)
• Open while at sea and in port
• Air conditioning and heat available in the pod
• No limit to the amount of times a guest can experience North Star
• Premium packages available

 

FreshCruiser Tip: It will be the most crowded at the beginning of the cruise. Plan to go on North Star a few days later to escape the crowds.

Diary: Our first cruise with children

It was a big moment in our parenting journey. We introduced our children to the joys of cruising. We took our one-year-old and three-year-old on a 3-day cruise leaving out of Long Beach on the Carnival Inspiration. The ship departed on Friday evening and returned early Monday morning.  The itinerary included one day at sea and a port of call in Ensenada, Mexico.  My husband and I have taken over 10 cruises before having children. Cruising with kids opened up a whole new world to us. We loved it.

My husband and I like to explore the entire ship upon embarkation. As we entered the Carnival Inspiration, we set off to discover all the fun places on the ship. At one point my son stopped and looked down at the Lido deck at all the people sun bathing, eating, and drinking. He was memorized. It was a moment I will never forget.  I was viewing everything through his eyes. I realized that it is important to slow down and take it all in.  My husband and I tend to rush from one place or activity to the next.  

Pre-children, we would rush to arrive at the buffet or dining room before breakfast was over. On this cruise, we were the first people to arrive at the dining room for breakfast. We got there at 7:20am. We were all dressed and ready to go but found out it was too early for breakfast.  After a quick wait, we had a nice quiet breakfast together. There’s a magical feeling of having the cruise ship to yourself in the early morning.

Soft serve yogurt for breakfast? Sure.

Pushing the bed to the wall so the kids could stand on it to look out the window? Of course.

Riding in the glass elevators to glaze at the people in the atrium? Every time.  

Bedtime? Bedtime was when we were partied out. One night we followed the show’s dancers to the after party in the atrium. My son and I danced to Tina Turner’s Proud Mary while my daughter fell asleep in my husband’s arms. Another night my son was completely exhausted and begged to go to bed during our 5:30pm dinner.

We weren’t even off the ship and were already discussing when we could go again. My kids tried new foods, heard a wide spectrum of music, watched in awe during the nightly shows, and learned cruise terminology (port, starboard, cabin, lido deck, aft, forward). Before having children, we would be extremely relaxed and well rested as we disembarked at the end of a cruise. This time, we were exhausted. It was 100% worth it.

FreshCruiser quoted in Scenic Tours news article, "Travel resources to help you plan your river cruise"

FreshCruiser's cruising expertise on planning a river cruise was recently included in a news article from Scenic Tours.

Here's an excerpt from Scenic Tours News story, "Travel resources to help you plan your river cruise."

Planning a river cruise should be an enjoyable experience. One where you and your partner get to relax, safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of for you and that you get to experience new places almost daily from the comfort of one luxurious ship...

"Ideas of a vacation vary greatly and it’s important to find a cruise that is right for you. For instance, just because your parents or friends enjoyed a certain cruise, it doesn’t mean you will enjoy it as well. I encourage people to ask fellow cruisers their opinions and I always ask them why they picked the cruise, what was their favorite part, and if there is anything they would avoid." - FreshCruiser

To read the full article, which includes more of my thoughts on travel resources to help you plan your river cruise, visit Scenic Tours News.

FreshCruiser Tip: When looking to plan a cruise, don’t be afraid to ask questions to people you trust or travel professionals.

FreshCruiser quoted in Emerald Waterways article, "River cruising versus ocean cruising"

FreshCruiser's cruising expertise on river cruising versus ocean cruising was recently included in a news article from Emerald Waterways.

Here's an excerpt from Emerald Waterways News story, "River cruising versus ocean cruising."

"Whether you’ve previously taken an ocean cruise and would like to find out what a river cruise entails, or have never taken either and would like to discover which you’d prefer, our guide aims to help you make a decision on which cruise experience you should try next.

Both river cruising and ocean cruising offer fantastic opportunities for exploring the world’s best destinations, but the two may differ more than you would imagine.

...

“River cruising is truly about enjoying the river scenery, experiencing local cultures, and getting pleasure from the quaintness and luxury of the ship.

“I like that larger ocean cruises can travel far distances at a swift pace. On a recent ocean cruise, we visited diverse ports in Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Israel.” - FreshCruiser"

To read the full article, including more of my thoughts on river versus ocean cruising, visit Emerald Waterways News.

In pursuit of your dream of travel, even with a family

If you recently entered into parenthood, chances are you feel your days of jet-setting to an exotic location for a quick weekend trip are over. Not only do I encourage you to bring baby along, but there is a new world of traveling open to you. Consider a cruise. Cruises are a great way for families to travel as there is such a variety of activities to do. Cruises include your food, which helps with budgeting as well and dreaded wonder of where can I find something that my kids will eat? Cruises are known for their buffets, which in the parenting world is a dream food destination as it makes even the pickiest eaters happy.

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