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Carnival is doubling down on short, easy West Coast cruising. Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened bookings for 2027 and 2028 sailings from Long Beach,
Carnival Cruise Line has officially unlocked its 2027–2028 schedule for Carnival Radiance — and it’s packed with Baja Mexico and California coast getaways designed for quick breaks, long weekends, and holiday escapes.
What makes this program stand out is its long-term commitment to familiar ports, consistent year-round options, and a couple of rare itineraries that break the pattern in exciting ways.
What Carnival Radiance Will Be Doing From Long Beach
Carnival Radiance will operate from Long Beach, California, with sailings running May 3, 2027, through April 28, 2028.
The focus is on short yet diverse cruises that are perfect whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or dreaming of a festive break at sea.
Here’s how the lineup shapes up:
- 3-day cruises — one call in Ensenada, Mexico
- 4-day cruises — stops in Catalina Island and Ensenada
- Special Jan. 3, 2028 sailing — a 4-day itinerary with two back-to-back visits to Ensenada
- Holiday cruise on Dec. 23, 2027 — a 5-day Christmas voyage with Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada
Long Beach Sailings 2027–2028
Here’s a simple table that breaks down the core itinerary types:
| Departure Date | Length | Ports of Call |
|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2027 – Apr 28, 2028 | 3-day cruise | Ensenada, Mexico |
| May 3, 2027 – Apr 28, 2028 | 4-day cruise | Catalina Island → Ensenada |
| Dec 23, 2027 | 5 days | Cabo San Lucas → Ensenada |
| Jan 3, 2028 | 4 days | Ensenada → Ensenada (double visit) |
These itinerary patterns give West Coast cruisers flexibility, whether they want a quick trip or something a bit more festive.
Why These Ports Still Matter
Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada is one of the most popular short-cruise ports out of Southern California.
It’s close enough for a short getaway but vibrant enough to offer beaches, culinary options, local markets, and regional wine country experiences.
Carnival’s expanded schedule keeps reinforcing Ensenada as a key partner destination — and there’s more in the works.
Carnival Corporation is building a $26 million shoreside experience called Ensenada Bay Village that’s expected to be ready by early 2028.
That village aims to add recreation areas, cultural spaces, wellness options, and an adult-only pool environment — enhancing the port experience for nearly all ships calling there.
Catalina Island
Just over 20 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island remains a fan favorite for West Coast cruises thanks to its charm, outdoor activities, and easy tender access from Long Beach.
Recently, Carnival also finalized a 15-year agreement with the City of Avalon, helping ensure cruise access to this island community for years to come.
The Ship Behind the Itineraries — Carnival Radiance
To fully appreciate this schedule, it helps to know the ship itself.
- Originally launched in 2000 as Carnival Victory
- Underwent a major $200 million transformation in 2021, becoming Carnival Radiance
- Gross tonnage: ~101,509 GT
- Passenger capacity: up to ~2,984 guests (double occupancy)
- Crew size: 1,108 onboard professionals
- Features popular spots like Shaq’s Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the Cloud9 Spa
This Sunshine-class ship consistently blends laid-back fun with high-energy options — ideal for weekend breaks or short seasonal voyages.
A Ship Built for Short Cruises
Carnival Radiance is particularly well-suited for this deployment.
Originally launched in 2000 as Carnival Victory, the ship underwent a $200 million transformation in 2021, emerging as a Sunshine-class vessel.
The ship accommodates 2,764 guests, or up to 2,984 passengers under updated Carnival specifications, and features popular onboard venues such as:
- Shaq’s Big Chicken
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- Cucina del Capitano
- Cloud9 Spa
- Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge
- Alchemy Bar
These features make the ship a strong fit for short, high-energy sailings.
More Carnival Ships Coming to the West Coast
While Carnival Radiance continues its Long Beach program, Carnival is also expanding capacity in the region:
- Carnival Panorama and Carnival Legend are scheduled to operate on the West Coast during 2027 and 2028
- Together, these ships will offer both short Baja itineraries and longer Mexican Riviera cruises
If Ensenada Bay Village opens as planned, all of Carnival’s West Coast ships may eventually include the new destination.
Final Cruising Thoughts
In a world where cruise deployment plans can sometimes feel crowded or distant, this Long Beach announcement stands out because it’s simple, flexible, and packed with variety — all without leaving the West Coast.
Whether you’re thinking Friday to Monday with Ensenada, a longer holiday escape, or something festive over Christmas, the 2027–28 Carnival Radiance schedule gives plenty of reasons to start planning early.
And if Ensenada Bay Village really does open as planned by 2028, those port days might become even richer and more memorable.
