Published on February 6, 2026
Carnival Cruise Line is doubling down on its commitment to Baltimore, a well-established cruise port on the East Coast. With the announcement of new sailings for the 2027-28 season, the cruise line is set to significantly enhance its offerings, including the introduction of two ships homeporting in the city for the first time ever. This strategic move is a significant game-changer for travelers who are eager to explore the Caribbean without the hassle of flight connections, baggage restrictions, or rising airfare costs.
A New Era for Baltimore’s Cruise Port: Carnival Miracle Joins Carnival Pride
Carnival has been a staple in Baltimore for over two decades, but the introduction of a second year-round ship marks an exciting new chapter. Starting in the fall of 2027, Carnival Miracle will join Carnival Pride, offering an expanded range of Caribbean itineraries from this Mid-Atlantic homeport. Carnival Miracle, which will arrive on November 20, 2027, following a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Italy, will offer a variety of Caribbean itineraries. These will include seven-, eight-, and nine-day cruises to destinations like the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. In addition, Carnival will provide longer 12- and 14-day sailings that will reach more far-flung destinations like Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Maarten, which are not commonly included on Baltimore itineraries.
What Does This Expansion Mean for Caribbean Travelers?

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For many travelers in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and even parts of the Midwest, Baltimore has long been one of the most practical homeports for Caribbean cruises. With its strategic location, travelers can drive to the port, eliminating the need for flights and all the associated challenges. Baltimore’s significance as a cruise hub is further amplified with the addition of Carnival Miracle. This new expansion will offer not just more itineraries, but also more variety, with longer sailings that explore off-the-beaten-path Caribbean islands.
With two ships now operating from Baltimore, travelers can look forward to an even greater selection of voyages. The new itineraries mean passengers have more options in terms of sailing length, port stops, and timeframes, including the longer Carnival Journeys sailings that explore Southern Caribbean gems like Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, and St. Lucia.

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Carnival Miracle: A Ship Tailored for Longer, Destination-Rich Itineraries
Carnival Miracle, a Spirit-class ship, is ideally designed for extended Caribbean itineraries. The ship’s features cater specifically to guests looking for a more relaxed cruising experience across multiple sea days. Carnival has made sure that its guests are well taken care of during their longer voyages, with a range of dining options, plenty of entertainment, and bars to keep passengers engaged. Notable onboard offerings include Guy’s Burger Joint, a Steakhouse, WaterWorks, and the Alchemy Bar, along with the ever-popular Punchliner Comedy Club and Playlist Production shows.

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This variety of experiences is essential for longer cruises, where entertainment and dining play a key role in keeping passengers entertained and relaxed. For travelers on a seven- to 14-day cruise, Carnival Miracle promises a full experience of fun, relaxation, and adventure.
Carnival Pride: Staying in Baltimore Year-Round
While the addition of Carnival Miracle is the headline news, the presence of Carnival Pride in Baltimore for year-round sailings is also important. Carnival Pride will continue to offer a variety of itineraries that appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers. These cruises will include seven-day voyages to the Bahamas, seven-day cruises to Bermuda, and longer Carnival Journeys cruises of nine, 12, and 14 days that focus on Southern Caribbean destinations. Ports of call for these longer sailings include some of the most popular islands in the region, such as Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Tortola.
For travelers who have already experienced the charm of the Bahamas or Bermuda, the deeper Southern Caribbean ports provide an exciting opportunity for exploration and relaxation.
Carnival Firenze: New Plans for 2027-28 Caribbean Sailings
The 2027-28 announcements also include the repositioning of Carnival Firenze, which will operate out of Port Canaveral for the 2027-28 season. Carnival Firenze will introduce a flexible Caribbean itinerary schedule with sailings ranging from four to 14 days. Shorter trips to the Bahamas will feature Carnival’s exclusive destination, Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, while longer sailings will head further into the Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean regions.
Carnival Firenze will also embark on a one-time 11-day Carnival Journeys sailing in May 2027, departing from Miami. This voyage will visit the newly opened Celebration Key, as well as other Caribbean favorites like Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. After this sailing, the ship will head north to New York for seasonal summer sailings, providing yet another convenient option for Northeast travelers to visit the Caribbean.
Expanding the Reach of Caribbean Cruises
Carnival’s strategic planning for its 2027-28 season is driven by the clear demand for more convenient, accessible Caribbean cruises from regions like the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With two ships in Baltimore, longer itineraries, and more flexibility in ship deployment, Carnival is responding to the needs of travelers who seek a more diverse and relaxing Caribbean experience. For many, the ability to drive to Baltimore and embark on a Caribbean cruise is a major convenience that eliminates the need for time-consuming and costly flights.
What This Means for the Future of Caribbean Cruises
This expansion of Carnival Cruise Line’s operations in Baltimore is a signal of the growing importance of drive-to ports in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. With more variety in itineraries, destinations, and sailing lengths, Baltimore is set to become a key gateway to the Caribbean. For those eager to explore the islands without the hassle of flying, Carnival’s expanded offerings provide an exciting opportunity to set sail from one of the East Coast’s most accessible cruise ports.

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Tags: Baltimore Cruises, caribbean cruises, Carnival Cruise line, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride

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