Sarah Bretz, ContributorCarnival Cruise Line is commemorating 35 years of voyages from central Florida with a special celebration aboard Mardi Gras. As the first major cruise line to sail from Port Canaveral in 1990, the line has grown its operations over the years to homeport more ships than any other cruise line and embark over 1.2 million guests from the port each year.
To celebrate the anniversary and longtime partnership, Carnival hosted a celebration that included leaders from the Canaveral Port Authority, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Brevard County. David German, Port Canaveral’s vice president of cruise business development, presented Carnival with a framed Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners proclamation, documenting the special resolution the board passed this week to recognize the economic growth created by the 35-year relationship.
Carnival Cruise Line also announced the donation of a hybrid pickup truck that will support the work of Keep Brevard Beautiful, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation in the area. The donation coincides with the weekend of World Ocean Day, emphasizing Carnival’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Carnival homeports four ships year-round and another one seasonally at Port Canaveral. The line’s next upcoming vessel, Carnival Festivale, will also homeport at the eastern Florida port when she debuts in 2027.
“Port Canaveral has been a cornerstone of Carnival’s success for 35 years,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside the community that has been such an essential part of our growth. Our exciting growth continues with the opening of Celebration Key next month, our exclusive destination that will really be a game-changer for us and for our guests.”
Carnival Vista, which is homeported at Port Canaveral, will make the first official visit to Carnival’s brand-new destination in the Bahamas — Celebration Key — next month. All Carnival ships sailing from Port Canaveral will offer sailings that visit Celebration Key.
“We are proud to celebrate Carnival Cruise Line’s 35th anniversary of sailing from Port Canaveral and humbled by what this milestone represents,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “From the inaugural sailing of Carnivale in 1990 to having five year-round and seasonal vessels in their homeported fleet today, Carnival Cruise Line is our longest continuous cruise business relationship, contributing economic value over the decades for our Port community, the Central Florida region and our state.”
Carnival offers a variety of cruises from Port Canaveral, from weekend getaways to longer sailings in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and even the Panama Canal. Cruises from Port Canaveral are currently open for booking through spring 2027.
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