Carnival Cruise Line is set to make history in the summer of 2027 with the introduction of African ports into its Mediterranean programme for the first time.

This strategic expansion marks a major milestone for the cruise operator, long known for its dominance in Caribbean and Americas-focused itineraries, as it broadens its global footprint to include North Africa’s dynamic coastal destinations.

Carnival Sunshine will spearhead this landmark move, calling at ports in Tunisia and Morocco as part of a series of seven- to ten-night Mediterranean cruises.

Scheduled for the European summer season, these sailings will depart from major embarkation hubs including Barcelona and Civitavecchia.

Newly introduced African ports include La Goulette, the gateway to Tunis, and Tangier, Morocco’s vibrant Atlantic port city.

A Diverse Mediterranean and North African Itinerary

Among the standout offerings is an eight-night roundtrip cruise from Barcelona that blends classic Mediterranean destinations with Carnival’s new African calls. Passengers will visit iconic ports such as Naples, Palermo, Ajaccio in Corsica, and Marseille, alongside La Goulette in Tunisia.

This carefully curated itinerary highlights Carnival’s commitment to delivering culturally rich and diverse travel experiences by combining established European favorites with fresh North African encounters.

Carnival Sunshine’s 2027 deployment also includes a 13-night transatlantic repositioning voyage in October, sailing from Barcelona to Miami.

This crossing features calls at Alicante and Málaga in Spain, Grand Turk in the Caribbean, and another stop in Tangier, reinforcing Carnival’s intention to integrate African ports into multiple voyage types.

Throughout the season, the ship’s itineraries will span a wide geographic range, covering destinations across Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Montenegro, Tunisia, and Morocco.

The programme is designed to allow back-to-back cruise combinations, catering to travellers seeking extended and immersive journeys across multiple regions.

Strategic Growth and Opportunities for Africa’s Tourism Sector

The 2027 Mediterranean season will feature more than 15 departures between May and October, operating from key ports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Dover.

A highlight of the programme is a special solar eclipse cruise scheduled for August 2027, offering guests a rare opportunity to witness the celestial event from within the path of maximum visibility at sea.

Following its European season, Carnival Sunshine will reposition to Galveston, Texas, resuming four- and ten-night Caribbean cruises and reaffirming Carnival’s strong presence in the Americas.

The expanded programme also reflects the company’s broader ambition to significantly grow its European operations, with plans to double its fleet in the region.

Carnival Miracle will further support this strategy by operating summer itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

For Africa’s travel and tourism sector, Carnival’s entry into North African ports represents a meaningful opportunity for increased visibility, collaboration, and economic growth.

While details on shore excursions and port logistics are yet to be announced, Carnival has confirmed that these African calls are part of a long-term strategy to enhance its European offerings.

This move not only enriches Carnival’s destination portfolio but also signals a transformative shift in global cruise tourism, inviting African tourism stakeholders to prepare for increased cruise traffic and the business opportunities it will bring.