Carnival Is Finally Going Here in 2027 — And It’s a First for the Line

Carnival just dropped a 2027 announcement that’s going to make a lot of repeat cruisers do a double-take — because it includes something the line has never done before.

It’s part of a Europe season for Carnival Sunshine, but the real headline isn’t just “another Mediterranean schedule.” There are two specific stops that quietly change what a Carnival itinerary can look like… and once you notice them, you can’t unsee it.

And then there’s one sailing in this lineup that’s being built around a rare, can’t-miss moment — the kind of thing people plan trips around years in advance.

In this article, I’ll break down what Carnival announced, what these port days could actually feel like (in real-life, not brochure-life), and the one detail that might help you decide which sailing is worth grabbing first.

What Carnival Actually Announced (And Why It’s a Big Deal)

Carnival just put something brand new on the map for 2027: its first-ever scheduled calls to Africa. This isn’t something hidden in the fine print. It’s part of Carnival Sunshine’s Europe season, with port stops in La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia, and Tangier, Morocco.

That matters because Carnival has plenty of “new” itineraries every year that are really just familiar ports rearranged. This is different. For a lot of Carnival regulars, North Africa has been something you’d usually need a different cruise line (or a totally different kind of trip) to pull off.

Carnival also tied this deployment to a bigger 2027 Europe program on Sunshine, including a mix of ports the line hasn’t visited in a long time and a few that are newer to the rotation. In other words: it’s not just “same Mediterranean, different ship.” It’s a season built to feel like you’re getting a story to tell when you get home.

And if you’re the kind of cruiser who likes chasing unique moments? One of these sailings has a very specific reason it’s going to get extra attention (I’ll get to that in a bit).

The Two Africa Stops: Tunis (La Goulette) and Tangier — What Cruisers Should Know

First, a quick translation: you’re not docking in “downtown Tunis.” You’re docking in La Goulette, the cruise port area that sits outside the city. The good news is it’s close enough that you can still do the “big hits” in a single port day—you’ll just need a plan (and usually a ride).

La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia: what a port day can look like

Most cruisers treat La Goulette as a jumping-off point for three classics:

• The Medina of Tunis (the historic old city): a quick ride away
• Carthage (ancient ruins): usually one of the easiest “big history” picks
• Sidi Bou Said (the blue-and-white postcard village): perfect for views, photos, and a slower vibe

In plain English: this is a “choose-your-adventure” port. If you want history, Carthage is the easy yes. If you want photos and coffee-with-a-view vibes, Sidi Bou Said is the move. And if you love markets, the Medina is where you’ll get that busy, maze-like energy (in a good way—just don’t expect it to be quiet).

Tangier, Morocco: the one that feels close

Tangier can be a great “walk it or short taxi” kind of stop if you’re docking near the city/old town area. It’s the kind of port where you can soak up the atmosphere without turning it into a complicated day.

One quick heads-up: there’s also a separate port called Tanger-Med that’s much farther from Tangier city. If you ever see that name, it changes the whole day (more driving, less wandering).

Bottom line: both ports are very doable, but Tunis (La Goulette) is usually more “pick an excursion,” while Tangier can be more “let’s explore and see what happens.”

When These Sailings Happen + Where They Leave From

Here’s the part that makes this whole thing way easier to plan: Carnival isn’t doing a one-off “test cruise” and calling it a day. Carnival Sunshine’s Europe season runs from late May through October 2027—before relocating to a final homeport in Galveston, Texas in November 2027—and it’s set up with enough sailing options that you can actually build a real trip around it.

Two primary Mediterranean homeports (May – October 2027)

Carnival says these Europe/North Africa cruises will mainly sail out of:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

That’s great news because both are big travel hubs with lots of flights, and both are the kind of places people already want to tack on a few extra days before or after a cruise (because… it’s Barcelona and Rome).

A mix of week-long cruises and longer ones

Carnival also made it clear this season is designed with a mix of week-long and longer itineraries, which is basically cruise-speak for: you can do one sailing… or you can stack two back-to-back and feel very powerful.

Next up (and yes, this is the one people will circle in red marker): Section 4 — the sailing built around that “unexpected moment.”

The Unexpected Moment Carnival Built One Sailing Around

Here’s where this announcement goes from “cool” to “okay, that’s smart.”

Carnival isn’t just adding Africa ports in 2027 — they’re also running a special solar eclipse cruise on Carnival Sunshine that’s timed and routed to give guests a prime spot for the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. The cruise departs July 25, 2027, from Barcelona, and Carnival says the ship will be positioned along the path of maximum visibility for the eclipse.

If you’ve never seen a total solar eclipse, it’s the kind of experience people don’t stop talking about afterward.

Why watching it from a ship is such a flex

On land, eclipse viewing can be amazing… but it can also turn into a weather gamble + traffic chaos combo.

At sea, the ship can be placed in an ideal viewing area (and you get a wide, open horizon with fewer “oops, that building/tree/mountain is in the way” problems). Carnival is clearly leaning into that, because this sailing is being marketed around eclipse viewing, not as a random bonus.

What ports are on this sailing?

Carnival also listed the itinerary stops for this eclipse-focused cruise. It includes visits to:

• Marseilles, France
• Genoa, Salerno, and Catania, Italy
• Valletta, Malta
• La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia

Carnival also says the ship will have themed programming and onboard activities for the eclipse — basically, expect some fun extras beyond just “go out on deck and look up.”

How Carnival Sunshine Gets There (And Why Longer-Cruise Fans Should Care)

Here’s the behind-the-scenes truth: these Africa stops don’t just “happen.” Carnival Sunshine has to move into position for the Europe season… and that movement creates a couple of cruises that long-cruise fans absolutely love.

Step 1: The big jump across the Atlantic (the repositioning cruise)

Carnival Sunshine is scheduled to leave Norfolk, Virginia on May 15, 2027, sailing a 15-day transatlantic to Dover, England.

Translation: lots of sea days, lots of time to actually enjoy the ship, and a vibe that’s usually more relaxed than a quick 4- or 5-day run.

Step 2: Dover to Barcelona (with extra ports along the way)

After that, Carnival says beginning May 30, 2027, the ship will sail from Dover to Barcelona, with calls across Western Europe.

These kinds of “moving-the-ship” cruises can feel like a two-for-one: you’re not just getting from Point A to Point B… you’re collecting ports on the way.

Step 3: Barcelona back to Miami (another long one, with good stops)

At the end of the season, Carnival says Sunshine will depart Barcelona for Miami, giving guests another extended ocean crossing — and this one includes visits to Alicante and Malaga (Spain) plus Tangier (Morocco).

So yes, you get two chances at the “long cruise, big journey” experience: one going over, one coming back.

Why longer-cruise fans should care

If you’re a “more cruise, less chaos” person, these sailings are usually where the magic is: more sea days, a slower pace, and port combos you don’t normally see on standard itineraries.

If you’re the kind of cruiser who lives for sea days, you’ll want to read the biggest sea day mistakes (and how to avoid them) before booking a longer crossing.

Who These Cruises Are Perfect For (And Who Might Want to Skip)

Let’s be real: a Europe + North Africa cruise is not the same vibe as a “throw on flip-flops and find the nearest taco” Caribbean sailing. (Both are great… just different moods.)

You’ll probably love this if you…

Want your vacation to feel like a story, not just a tan.

• You’re into history and culture. Old cities, ancient ruins, and places that feel totally different from your usual ports.
• You’ve cruised a lot and want something new. If you’re tired of the same rotation, this is a real change of pace.
• You like having a loose plan. Not a minute-by-minute schedule—just a “we know what we’re doing first” plan.
• You enjoy longer cruises and sea days. More time to relax, explore the ship, and not feel rushed.

You might want to choose carefully if you…

This isn’t a “don’t go” list. It’s more “know your vacation personality.”

• You only want easy beach days. These ports are usually more sightseeing than sandals-and-smoothies.
• You hate extra logistics. Longer flights, time changes, and a bit more travel planning come with the territory.
• Busy city energy stresses you out. Some areas can feel lively and sales-y—especially around shopping spots.
• You prefer to wing it completely. You can — but you’ll have a better day if you decide ahead of time: history, views, markets, or food.

If busy port days aren’t your thing (or you just want a quieter ship), here are 8 reasons to skip the port and stay onboard instead.

Quick Practical Tips for a North Africa Port Day

These ports can be amazing… and they can also be the kind of day where you think, “Wow, I should’ve planned this just a little better.” Here’s the simple game plan.

1) Pick your one big thing before you get off the ship

Choose one main goal (ruins, old town, views, shopping, or food). Trying to do everything usually means you mostly do stress.

2) Decide: easiest day or DIY day

If you want the simplest setup, book a ship excursion — you’re paying for a clear plan, transportation, and peace of mind.

If you’re going DIY, especially in Tunis (La Goulette), make it easy on yourself by lining up your ride first, agreeing on the plan and price up front, and confirming exactly when and where you’ll meet to head back.

3) Bring small cash… and keep it low-key

Small bills help for quick buys. Just don’t make your wallet the main character.

4) Expect shopping energy (and don’t take it personally)

In market areas, some sellers will try hard to get your attention. A friendly smile + “no thanks” + keep walking usually works best.

5) Dress for walking and watch the clock like it’s your job

Comfy shoes are your best friend. Add one light layer if you tend to get chilly.

And for timing, do this:

• Set an alarm for when you need to start heading back
• Set a second backup alarm (because port days get busy fast)

Quick grab-and-go checklist

• ID / ship card
• phone
• small cash
• water
• sunscreen

And if you ever realize you forgot something, don’t panic—here are 20 free things you can get from Guest Services on a cruise (just ask!).

What This Could Signal for Carnival’s Future Itineraries

Cruise lines don’t add brand-new ports just to be interesting — they add them to see what cruisers do next.

And Carnival didn’t tuck these Africa stops into a single “special” sailing. They built them into Carnival Sunshine’s 2027 Europe season, which is usually a sign they want to see how much demand this kind of itinerary can pull.

If these sailings sell well, expect more new-to-Carnival ports

If these sailings sell well, don’t be surprised if Carnival keeps building on this momentum. Cruise lines watch what books fast, what gets shared, and what guests rave about afterward—so if North Africa turns into a “must-do,” you could see more itineraries that include one (or both) of these ports, plus a few extra curveball stops added into future Europe seasons to keep things feeling fresh beyond the usual Mediterranean loop.

It also shows Carnival is leaning into big moment cruising

That eclipse sailing is a perfect example of cruises being planned around a headline-worthy experience — not just ports. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a “maybe” booking into an “okay, we’re doing this” booking.

The bigger takeaway

Carnival is basically saying: we can still be fun-first… and also give you something you haven’t done before. If you’ve been waiting for Carnival to mix in more “wow, that’s different” routes, 2027 is a pretty loud hint that they’re willing to do it.

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