Carnival Venezia Trades New York Summers for Miami Base

For years, one Carnival ship has become a familiar summer sight for cruisers heading out of New York. But in just a couple of seasons’ time, that tradition is set for a shake-up.

The line has confirmed a major deployment change for one of its “Fun Italian Style” vessels, and bookings have already opened for its new itineraries.

So what’s happening, and where will this ship be headed next?

The Announcement

The majestic Carnival Venezia cruise ship sails the ocean at dusk, its multiple decks glowing warmly against the fading light, with the vast sea stretching into the horizon.

Carnival Cruise Line revealed on October 1, 2025, that Carnival Venezia will be moving south for an entire year-long deployment. The ship will be based in Florida from May 2027 through April 2028, with reservations now open for her new voyages.

The move marks the first time since joining the fleet in 2023 that Venezia won’t spend her summer season in New York, breaking the pattern that many cruisers have come to expect.

Itineraries From Miami

From her new home in Miami, Carnival Venezia will operate 6- and 8-day sailings across the Caribbean.

Six-day Western Caribbean cruises will include ports such as Celebration Key, Montego Bay in Jamaica, and George Town in Grand Cayman. The longer 8-day Southern Caribbean itineraries feature stops at Amber Cove, plus a mix of destinations in Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba.

These itineraries are designed to give guests a wider range of choices, with both classic ports and longer voyages to some of the region’s most sought-after spots.

Two Carnival cruise ships docked at the Port of Miami, with iconic red funnels, set against the Miami skyline and clear turquoise waters, under a brilliant blue sky. — Port of Miami

Fun Italian Style at Sea

Carnival Venezia is one of the line’s two “Fun Italian Style” ships, originally built for Costa Cruises before being transferred and refitted for Carnival in 2023. While the ship now features Carnival favourites such as the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, and WaterWorks aquapark, it still carries a distinctive Italian-inspired look.

The design pays tribute to Venice, with themed décor and details that set it apart from other ships in the fleet. It’s a blend of Carnival’s lively atmosphere with touches of Italian elegance, giving guests a unique twist on the usual Fun Ship experience.

Carnival’s Reasoning

Explaining the decision, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said the redeployment opens up even more options for travellers sailing out of Florida. She highlighted that Venezia’s arrival in Miami will bring longer itineraries to popular Caribbean destinations, along with the ship’s distinctive Italian-style flavour.

“With Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista continuing to build on their strong popularity, the wide variety of sailings we’re opening today speaks to our commitment to guests who want convenient getaways from Florida,” Duffy added.

What It Means for New York

For New York cruisers, the change means a noticeable gap. Since joining the fleet, Carnival Venezia has been a regular summer presence in the city, offering a mix of Caribbean and Bermuda sailings. With the ship heading south in 2027, it leaves questions about what Carnival’s deployment strategy will look like for the Northeast.

The line has not yet confirmed whether another vessel will step in to take Venezia’s place during those peak summer months, so New York cruisers will need to wait and see how the schedule shapes up.

Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista

Carnival Magic cruise ship sailing on the ocean

Alongside Venezia’s new Miami season, Carnival also confirmed the next round of itineraries for two of its most popular Florida-based ships.

Carnival Magic, homeported year-round in Miami, will continue offering 6- and 8-day cruises across the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. Guests can expect ports such as Half Moon Cay, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, and the US Virgin Islands on longer Eastern Caribbean itineraries. The Dream-class ship entered service in 2011 and carries around 3,690 passengers.

From Port Canaveral, Carnival Vista will keep its mix of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings. A 6-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary, for example, includes stops at Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key, and the line’s upcoming private destination RelaxAway. Vista, the first of her class, debuted in 2015 and is known for unique features like the SkyRide, a pedal-powered ride suspended 150 feet above the sea, alongside family favourites such as the WaterWorks park.

Bookings Now Open

With Venezia joining Magic and Vista in Florida, Carnival is putting extra focus on longer Caribbean getaways from two of the busiest cruise ports in the world. The move gives Miami a fresh flavour with the line’s Italian-inspired ship, while also strengthening the variety of sailings on offer across the state.

Bookings for the 2027–28 seasons of Carnival Venezia, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Vista are now open, giving cruisers plenty of time to plan ahead for these new deployments.