Carnival Announces Rare Solar Eclipse Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line has something special in store for cruisers in 2027. The line’s newest deployment update includes a rare opportunity that will let guests experience a major celestial event at sea. While many travelers will be watching from land, Carnival plans to give its guests one of the best seats in the world for an unforgettable moment.

Carnival Reveals 2027–2028 Deployment Plans

Carnival Cruise Line has shared new details about its 2027 and 2028 itineraries, giving cruisers an early look at what is coming next for some of the fleet’s most popular ships. The update includes new sailings for Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise, and Carnival Elation, along with one very special voyage designed around a rare solar event.

Carnival Miracle will extend her stay in Galveston, Texas, before crossing the Atlantic for a season in Europe. Meanwhile, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise will continue sailing from their Florida homeports, offering familiar itineraries that remain favorites among Carnival guests.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Solar Eclipse at Sea

Among Carnival’s new itineraries, one sailing stands out for its rarity and timing. Carnival Miracle will offer an 11-night Carnival Journeys voyage from Dover, United Kingdom, departing July 29, 2027. This cruise is positioned perfectly for guests to witness a total solar eclipse at sea on August 2, 2027.

The ship’s location in the open ocean will give passengers an unobstructed view of the eclipse, turning the day into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said there will be many ways to view the eclipse, but seeing it from a Carnival ship will be the most fun way to do so.

What Guests Can Expect on the Eclipse Voyage

The special 11-night cruise aboard Carnival Miracle will visit a collection of ports that combine classic European charm with plenty of opportunities for exploration. The itinerary includes stops in Guernsey, Lisbon, Leixoes, La Coruna, Le Havre, and Zeebrugge. Each port offers its own mix of history, culture, and coastal scenery.

On August 2, the ship will be positioned for ideal viewing of the solar eclipse, allowing passengers to watch the phenomenon unfold from the deck as the sky darkens over the sea. For many travelers, it will be a rare combination of natural wonder and cruise adventure that will not happen again for decades.

Carnival Miracle’s European Adventure

Before the eclipse cruise, Carnival Miracle will begin her 2027 season sailing from Galveston, Texas. The ship will offer a range of four- to ten-night itineraries across the Caribbean, including visits to Cozumel, Grand Turk, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan, Celebration Key, and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.

In May 2027, the ship will set off on a 14-night transatlantic voyage from Galveston to Europe, calling at Bermuda, Funchal, and Ponta Delgada before arriving in Portugal. Once in Europe, Carnival Miracle will operate from both Dover in the United Kingdom and Civitavecchia, near Rome. Depending on the sailing, guests can choose from itineraries exploring the British Isles, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the Greek Isles, and the Mediterranean through October 2027.

Fan Favorites Staying Home in Florida

While Carnival Miracle spends the season exploring Europe, two of Carnival’s most beloved ships will continue to sail from Florida. Carnival Paradise will remain in Tampa, offering four-, five-, and six-night cruises to the Caribbean. Depending on the itinerary, guests can visit Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Key West, Grand Cayman, Nassau, Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.

Carnival Elation will stay in Jacksonville, also sailing a mix of four-, five-, and six-night itineraries to the Bahamas. Most of these cruises will include stops at Celebration Key, Princess Cays, or RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, with some also calling at Nassau. The announcement confirms that both Fantasy-class ships will continue welcoming guests through at least spring 2028, putting to rest speculation about their retirement.

Bookings for Carnival’s 2027 and 2028 itineraries, including the special eclipse sailing aboard Carnival Miracle, will open through Carnival Cruise Line’s official website and travel partners once the full schedule is released.

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