Carnival Introduces First Time Short Excel Class Cruise Itineraries for 2027/28

Carnival is bringing Mardi Gras into the short cruise itinerary market in 2027/28 with four- and five-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral – the first time the cruise line has made short itineraries available on an Excel class ship.

“With a new Excel class ship on its way to Port Canaveral in 2027, we’re excited to offer more ways to experience these fabulous ships our guests love, with new shorter itineraries on Mardi Gras for the first time” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Mardi Gras introduced a number of new entertainment and dining options along with the first roller coaster at sea, so it’s fitting that this ship will take on another first for us as the largest-ever to sail short cruises.”

Mardi Gras’ Short Cruises

After first operating three week-long voyages from Port Canaveral, departing May 1, 8, and 15, 2027, Mardi Gras will begin its all-new schedule of four- and five-day sailings to the Bahamas beginning May 22, 2027.

The five-day sailings will visit Celebration Key, RelaxAway/Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. The four-day itineraries will include Celebration Key and RelaxAway/Half Moon Cay.

Simultaneously, Carnival Celebration will extend its seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from PortMiami from May 2027 to April 2028. Itineraries will include stops such as Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Cozumel, and Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay), and others.