Florida cruisers will have new ships, itineraries and private-island options to consider in 2027, with major developments planned from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Festivale is scheduled to begin sailing from Port Canaveral in May 2027 following its maiden transatlantic voyage. The ship will operate six- and eight-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries, and every sailing is set to include a stop at Celebration Key, Carnival’s newer private destination.
The ship is planned with families and teens in mind, including a water park with six slides and two family raft rides. Guy’s Burger Joint and Big Chicken are also expected to be among its dining options.
Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Believe will make its maiden voyage on Dec. 18, 2027. The fourth Wish Class ship will homeport in Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises. Disney has announced an Encanto stage show at the Walt Disney Theater, a Frozen theatrical dining experience and a Little Mermaid-themed piano lounge.
Elsewhere, Disney Cruise Line will return to New York City in September 2027 with Disney Wish. The ship will offer four- to seven-night voyages to Bermuda, New England and Canada.
Carnival is also expanding its adults-only Sailings Exclusively for Adults program in 2027. The 21-and-up sailings will include six itineraries across four ships, including Carnival Firenze departures from New York City, plus Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Tampa. The program includes a no-children policy, upgraded restaurant menus, additional casino access and themed parties, according to the source.
MSC Cruises says upgrades at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas are due to open in late 2027. Planned additions include new food venues, a playground and splash pad at Seakers Cove Family Beach, an adults-only beach and more cabanas. The island’s upgraded pier is also expected to accommodate two ships at once.
For travelers comparing 2027 departures, the Florida homeports offer distinct choices: Port Canaveral’s Carnival Festivale will focus on longer Caribbean sailings with Celebration Key calls, while Disney Believe’s Fort Lauderdale program will center on shorter Bahamas and Caribbean trips.
