Carnival Cruise Line Expands Fun Italian Style Sailings Across the United States, Caribbean, South America, and Beyond in 2027

Published on December 29, 2025

In a move that reflects evolving traveler preferences and the growing appeal of immersive onboard themes, Carnival Cruise Line is set to significantly broaden the reach of its Fun Italian Style cruising concept in 2027. Originally introduced to blend Italian-inspired design with the brand’s well-known entertainment and hospitality, this experience has already gained attention aboard select ships. With updated deployment plans, the concept will soon be showcased across a wider range of itineraries and ports spanning the United States, the Caribbean, and South America. Central to this expansion are the Carnival Firenze and the Carnival Venezia, two ships whose itineraries will be reshaped to introduce Italian-influenced cruising to new regions. The initiative is being positioned as both a travel and tourism enhancement, offering guests culturally inspired interiors, culinary touches, and ambiance while maintaining the familiar Carnival atmosphere. Through these deployment changes, access to diverse destinations will be paired with a consistent onboard identity that appeals to both repeat cruisers and first-time travelers. As 2027 approaches, this strategy is being viewed as an effort to strengthen Carnival presence in key homeports while offering longer, more varied journeys that highlight the richness of international cruising experiences.

Expansion of an Italian-Inspired Cruise Concept

The Fun Italian Style concept has been positioned as a distinctive onboard offering that combines Italian city-inspired aesthetics with Carnival Cruise Line’s signature amenities. First launched in 2023, the concept has been exclusively available aboard the Carnival Venezia and the Carnival Firenze. These ships were designed to deliver a sense of European elegance while preserving the lively atmosphere traditionally associated with Carnival sailings.

Through the 2027 deployment updates, the concept is being extended to additional destinations rather than new vessels. This approach allows the existing ships to act as ambassadors of Italian-themed cruising across multiple regions, providing guests in different markets with access to the same immersive experience.

Carnival Firenze Begins a Global Journey from California

Currently operating year-round cruises from Long Beach, the Carnival Firenze is scheduled to undergo the most significant transformation in 2027. After completing a final sailing from the Los Angeles area in early January, the ship will be repositioned for an extensive series of international voyages.

A sequence of repositioning cruises has been planned to carry the vessel from the west coast of the United States to South America. These longer itineraries, ranging from 14 to 16 nights, will be offered to travelers seeking extended exploration. Destinations across Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil will be included, allowing guests to experience diverse cultures, landscapes, and ports of call in a single journey.

These voyages are expected to appeal to travelers interested in destination-focused cruising, where time at sea is balanced with in-depth regional exploration. The Italian-inspired onboard environment will accompany guests throughout the journey, providing a consistent thematic experience regardless of the destination.

Florida Debut and Caribbean Exploration

Following its South American voyages, the Carnival Firenze is scheduled to make its Florida debut in late February. Upon arrival in Miami, a spring season will begin, marking the first time the ship has sailed from this major cruise hub.

During this deployment, a wide range of itineraries will be offered, spanning four to 13 nights. Sailings will cover the Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas. This variety is designed to cater to both short vacationers and travelers seeking longer, more immersive Caribbean experiences.

The introduction of the Fun Italian Style product to Caribbean itineraries represents a blending of European-inspired onboard design with tropical destinations. Guests departing from Florida will gain access to a ship that offers a different aesthetic compared to traditional Caribbean-focused vessels.

Summer Season Planned for New York City

By mid-May 2027, the Carnival Firenze is scheduled to reposition once again, this time to New York City for the summer season. While specific itineraries have yet to be announced, expectations have been set for a diverse mix of sailings.

Potential destinations include the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada. This deployment will allow travelers from the northeastern United States to experience the Fun Italian Style concept without traveling to southern ports. The presence of the Firenze in New York City is expected to strengthen Carnival Cruise Line’s footprint in the region during the peak summer travel period.

Carnival Venezia Shifts to a Miami Homeport

In parallel with the Firenze’s global journey, the Carnival Venezia is also scheduled for notable changes in 2027. After several years operating from New York City and Port Canaveral, the ship will complete a winter season from its Central Florida homeport before being repositioned to Miami.

Once in Miami, a year-round deployment will begin in late May. From this port, the Venezia will operate a series of six- and eight-night cruises to the Western, Southern, and Eastern Caribbean. These itineraries are being designed to offer consistent access to popular Caribbean destinations while maintaining the Italian-inspired onboard atmosphere.

The move to Miami positions the Venezia in one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, increasing exposure to international travelers and reinforcing Carnival’s presence in the Caribbean market.

Origins and Design of the Italian-Themed Ships

Both the Carnival Firenze and the Carnival Venezia were originally built for Costa Cruises, a brand with deep Italian roots. The Firenze entered service in 2021, while the Venezia was built in 2019. These ships were transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in 2023 and 2024, respectively, as part of a broader fleet integration strategy.

With designs comparable to Carnival’s Vista-class ships, the vessels feature interiors inspired by the Italian cities of Florence and Venice. Architectural elements, decorative details, and public spaces reflect European influences while being adapted to suit Carnival’s operational style.

This combination has allowed the Fun Italian Style concept to stand out as a hybrid offering, merging Old World inspiration with modern cruise entertainment.

Impact on Travel and Tourism Markets

The 2027 deployment changes are expected to have a positive impact on travel and tourism across multiple regions. By introducing Italian-themed cruising to ports in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line is broadening the appeal of its itineraries to a diverse audience.

Longer repositioning cruises are likely to attract seasoned travelers, while shorter Caribbean sailings will remain accessible to vacationers seeking convenience and value. The presence of these ships in major ports such as Miami and New York City also supports local tourism economies by increasing passenger traffic.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As Carnival Cruise Line prepares for these changes, the expansion of the Fun Italian Style concept is being positioned as a strategic evolution rather than a temporary experiment. By leveraging existing vessels and redeploying them across multiple regions, the company is ensuring that the Italian-inspired experience reaches a wider audience.

With itineraries spanning multiple continents and seasons, the Carnival Firenze and the Carnival Venezia are set to play a central role in the brand’s global offerings in 2027. Travelers can expect a blend of cultural inspiration, diverse destinations, and the familiar Carnival experience as these ships embark on their new journeys.