Carnival Announces First-Ever Dedicated Hawaii Cruise Series

Carnival fans, this is the news you’ve been waiting for. The cruise line has just revealed a brand-new addition to its 2027–2028 line-up, and it’s one that’s been at the top of many cruisers’ wish lists for years.

Think longer sailings, dream destinations, and a chance to tick off a true bucket-list itinerary, all without leaving U.S. soil.

Here’s what we know so far.

Here’s What’s Coming

Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out its first-ever dedicated series of cruises to Hawaii, and they’re putting Carnival Legend on the job.

From October 2027 through April 2028, the ship will sail ten 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises from Long Beach, California, taking guests on an unforgettable roundtrip adventure across the Pacific.

These 14-day Carnival Journeys sailings will take guests to some of Hawaii’s most iconic destinations:

• Honolulu (Oahu) – Explore Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and legendary surf spots.
• Maui – Discover the Road to Hana or watch the sunrise from Haleakalā.
• Kauai – Known as the “Garden Isle,” perfect for lush hikes and waterfall views.
• Hilo (Big Island) – Gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Kona (Big Island) – Famous for coffee farms and snorkelling with manta rays.
• Ensenada, Mexico – A fun stop to break up the sea days on the way back.

As part of Carnival’s special Journeys programme, these longer cruises will also feature enrichment activities, throwback dining menus, and unique onboard events to match the destinations.

More from Long Beach

When Carnival Legend isn’t sailing to Hawaii, it will offer a mix of 6- and 8-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera.

These sailings will visit some of the region’s most popular ports, including:

• Puerto Vallarta
• Mazatlán
• Cabo San Lucas
• La Paz
• Ensenada

This means West Coast cruisers will have even more options for longer vacations, whether they’re chasing tropical beaches in Mexico or heading across the Pacific to Hawaii.

What Carnival Says

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy shared her excitement about the new itineraries:

“This update to our 2027/28 represents important pieces of our strategy to deliver more fun experiences that only Carnival can offer. With fun on the move, we’re creating new options – a newer ship for Norfolk and a new series dedicated to Hawaii sailings from Long Beach are both great examples of that.

We’re also continuing our commitments in all our homeports, and Carnival Pride’s year-round deployment in Baltimore is a testament to that as well.

From Baltimore to Norfolk and Long Beach, we’re proud to bring guests more opportunities to depart closer to home on itineraries that feature incredible destinations.”

Booking & Tips

Carnival’s Hawaii cruises are some of the most sought-after sailings on the calendar, and with a whole season now available, demand is expected to be high.

If this is on your bucket list, it’s smart to:

• Book early – longer itineraries often sell out months in advance.
• Compare cabin types – a balcony is worth it for scenic cruising days around the islands.
• Plan extra time off – with 14 days at sea, plus travel days, you’ll need a good chunk of time to make the most of it.

Check Carnival’s website or speak with your travel agent to see dates, pricing, and availability.

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