A company that calls its cruises “The Fun Ships” can't let a major milestone pass without creating a major event.
For its upcoming 55th birthday, Carnival Cruise Line will celebrate an unprecedented event at sea. You might assume there will be hats, noisemakers, singing, and maybe even gift bags, but the cruise line has much more planned than a typical birthday party.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line Has Biggest Problems With Beverage Packages
“Carnival Cruise Line will celebrate its 55th birthday in 2027 by adding some extra fun as 11 cruise ships participate in three celebration ship gatherings at sea. In the spirit of creating fun vacation memories with family and friends, the unique events birthday gathering will bring ships and their guests together near the exclusive Celebration Key and RelaxAway destinations, Half Moon Cay,” the cruise line's brand ambassador, John Heald, shared on its website. facebook.
The 55th birthday cruises include a variety of itineraries visiting destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, ranging from three to eight days. During each of the three gathering events, several Carnival ships will simultaneously host birthday celebrations on the Lido deck.
One ship, Carnival Legend, will participate in two of the three meetings. In addition to the fun, guests can also look forward to a special birthday-themed cocktail, special birthday cakes at the restaurants, a Lido dessert buffet show, and lively party games and trivia.
Image Source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival shares birthday reunion dates
Meetup events will take place on the following dates in 2027 during the voyages listed below:
- Meeting of March 9, 2027: Four ships celebrate near the celebration key
- From Mobile: Carnival Spirit will reunite for an eight-day cruise beginning March 6.
- From Jacksonville: Carnival Elation will sail on a five-day cruise beginning March 6.
- From Tampa: Carnival Legend will sail on a six-day cruise starting March 7.
- From Port Canaveral:
- Carnival Freedom will sail a five-day cruise starting March 8.
- March 10, 2027 Meeting: Three Boats Celebrate Near RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
- From Galveston: Carnival Jubilee will sail an eight-day voyage departing March 6.
- From Tampa: Carnival Legend will sail on a six-day itinerary departing March 7.
- From Baltimore: Carnival Pride will sail on a seven-day cruise departing March 7.
- March 13, 2027 Meeting: Five ships celebrate near the celebration key
- From Miami: Carnival Celebration will sail on a seven-day cruise departing March 7.
- Carnival Sunrise to Sail on Four-Day Cruise Starting March 11
- Carnival Conquest will sail on a three-day cruise starting March 12.
- From Port Canaveral: Carnival Vista will sail an eight-day voyage departing March 6.
- Carnival Glory will sail on a three-day cruise departing March 12.
Carnival ship gatherings are rare
It's not as common for cruise lines to bring their ships closer together at sea because doing so is complicated. Boats should be maneuvered to be close to each other, but not too close.
Carnival has booked ship gatherings for special occasions and some of Heald's fans are excited about the event.
“We were on the Glory to celebrate her 50th birthday, and it was amazing to see the reunion just south of Cozumel! Yes, some ships didn't have things on board, but the Glory had EVERYTHING. From the loot and souvenirs to the meals and everything else,” Matt Savage shared. “I'll have to look into this one, as well as the birthday cruise in America next year!”
Some passengers who sailed in similar “Sailabration” events for the cruise line's 50th birthday were disappointed.
“Reading the reviews, I see that we weren't the only ones who weren't very impressed with the 50th 'Sailabration.' We paid a lot more for that cruise than a typical cruise, and aside from the ship meet-and-greet (which started very late while we were under the scorching sun waiting for other ships to arrive), there was practically nothing special about it. Denise Wilson posted.
READ ALSO: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
That seemed to be a common theme in the comments.
“I was at Mardi Gras on the 50th and it was very disappointing. I ran into seven other boats, they all honked, we circled around and that was it. We didn't book this one,” Judy Bellavance added.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to get answers to all your questions.
