Carnival Cruise Line will make its first calls to Africa as part of its Mediterranean cruise program, marking a milestone for the brand. The move comes with the deployment of Carnival Sunshine to Europe for the northern summer of 2027.
From late May through to October 2027, Carnival Sunshine will operate a series of seven- to ten-night cruises that include port calls in La Goulette, the gateway to Tunis in Tunisia, and Tangier in Morocco. It will be the first time Carnival Cruise Line has included African ports on its itineraries.
Expanded Mediterranean season
The 3,000-guest ship will sail from major European homeports including Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome), offering a mix of classic Mediterranean destinations alongside the new North African ports. One highlighted eight-night round-trip sailing from Barcelona features visits to Naples and Palermo in Italy, Ajaccio in Corsica, Marseille in France and La Goulette.
The broader 2027 program also introduces a range of ports that are either new to Carnival or returning after an extended absence, including Bari in Italy, Bar in Montenegro and Ajaccio, adding further depth to the line’s European offering.
Special sailings and repositioning cruise
Among the standout departures is a special cruise timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, with Carnival Sunshine positioned at sea to allow guests to experience the rare event.
At the conclusion of the Mediterranean season, the ship will undertake a 13-night transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami, calling at destinations in Spain and Morocco before crossing to the Caribbean.
Opportunity for the Australian travel trade
For Australian travel advisors, the addition of North African ports provides a fresh selling angle for Mediterranean cruises, combining European highlights with culturally rich destinations in Tunisia and Morocco. The expanded range of itineraries offers new options for clients seeking something different from traditional Mediterranean routes.
