Carnival Cruise Line Now Expands Texas Operations with Carnival Sunshine in Galveston Starting 2027

Published on November 21, 2025

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that between the 2027-2028 cruise seasons Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Spirit as the homeported ship in Galveston. The change is part of a new deployment strategy that aims to meet the salegenerated demand in the state and grow Carnival’s influence in Texas. The Sunshine will assume home port status in Galveston for the first time, and as a 3,000-berth ship will offer diverse sailings to various parts of the Caribbean and keep Galveston a part of the Carnival’s key ports of embarkation.

The Spirit will sail to Port Tampa Bay, Tampa FL where it will introduce a new set of Caribbean itineraries, rounding out the cruise line’s offering in the Florida, and Tampa, market. According to the line president, Christine Duffy, the addition of cruise ship Sunshine to Galveston is a reflection of the tremendous growth occurring in the Texas market and the demand for Caribbean sailings where cruises have SI limited supply.

Galveston Lineup to Feature Four Ships, Expanding Caribbean Cruise Options

With the arrival of Carnival Sunshine, Galveston will continue to offer a robust lineup of four Carnival ships. The new itineraries will provide a range of cruise options, from four-day getaways to 10-day voyages across the Caribbean. Departing from Galveston in November 2027, these cruises will offer both shorter sailings to Mexico and longer trips reaching destinations further into the Caribbean.

Shorter cruises will primarily focus on Mexico, with calls to popular ports like Cozumel and Progreso, while the longer itineraries will expand to include a variety of sought-after destinations, including:

• Cozumel, Mexico
• Belize
• Celebration Key (RelaxAway)
• Half Moon Cay
• Grand Turk
• Amber Cove (Dominican Republic)
• Limón (Costa Rica)
• Colón (Panama)
• Roatán, Isla Tropicale
• Grand Cayman
• Montego Bay (Jamaica)

These itineraries will cater to a wide range of cruise travelers, whether they are looking for a quick beach getaway or an extended vacation exploring the vibrant cultures and coastlines of the Caribbean.

Carnival Spirit’s New Caribbean Sailings from Tampa

As part of this strategic deployment change, Carnival Spirit will begin Caribbean cruises from Tampa in 2027, offering a variety of six-, seven-, and eight-day itineraries to tropical destinations. Key ports of call include Belize, Isla Tropicale, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Cozumel (Mexico), and Progreso. For those looking to embark on a longer adventure, the Carnival Spirit will offer eight-day Panama Canal cruises visiting Limón (Costa Rica), Grand Cayman, and Colón (Panama).

The ship will also feature a special 13-day “Carnival Journeys” cruise starting on January 30, 2028, taking guests to Grand Cayman, Limón, Colón, Aruba, Curaçao, and Ocho Rios. This unique sailing will offer travelers an opportunity to experience an extended cruise with a range of diverse destinations and culturally enriching experiences.

Boosting Florida’s Cruise Market with New Caribbean Options

The shift of Carnival Spirit to Port Tampa Bay marks a strategic move to expand Carnival’s offerings in Florida. Tampa has become an increasingly important port for the cruise industry, with Carnival now offering more diverse itineraries that cater to the growing demand for Caribbean cruises. This move will provide Florida-based travelers with more options to explore the Caribbean’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities.

With Carnival Spirit’s new itineraries from Tampa, the cruise line is tapping into a region known for its bustling cruise industry and easy access for guests in Florida and neighboring states. The expanded options from Tampa will make it easier for passengers to embark on cruises without needing to travel far to reach their embarkation point.

What This Means for Texas and Tampa Cruise Markets

The deployment changes will have a significant impact on the cruise markets in both Texas and Florida. By bringing Carnival Sunshine to Galveston, Carnival is strengthening its commitment to Texas and meeting the increasing demand for Caribbean cruises in the region. Galveston’s port will remain a key departure point for travelers in the state, helping to drive tourism and economic growth in the area.

Similarly, the introduction of Carnival Spirit’s Caribbean sailings from Tampa will provide greater flexibility and variety for Florida travelers, reinforcing the state’s position as a leading cruise hub in the U.S. Both Galveston and Tampa will benefit from this expansion, with more travelers able to enjoy affordable and diverse cruise options to some of the most popular Caribbean destinations.

Booking and Further Information

Carnival Sunshine’s itineraries from Galveston and Carnival Spirit’s Caribbean routes from Tampa are now available for booking. Travelers interested in these exciting new options can visit the official Carnival Cruise Line website or consult with tourism agencies in Texas and Florida for up-to-date information on itinerary details, pricing, and availability.