What new cruise ships are coming to Port Canaveral?

Two brand-new mega ships are set to sail from Port Canaveral in 2027: Carnival Festivale, expected to debut in May, and MSC World Atlantic, scheduled to start Caribbean cruises in November.

Port Canaveral already holds the title of the world's busiest cruise port, and the Space Coast is about to get even more exciting for cruise fans. Next year, two of the newest and largest ships in the world will call Brevard County home, and the port is spending $95 million to expand a terminal so it can welcome them.

For anyone who lives on the Space Coast (or is thinking about moving here), that means more ships, more itineraries, and more reasons to love living a short drive from one of the busiest cruise hubs anywhere. Here is what we know about Carnival Festivale, MSC World Atlantic, and the Cruise Terminal 10 expansion, along with what it all means for Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and Merritt Island.

Carnival Festivale: Arriving in 2027

Carnival Cruise Line chose Port Canaveral as the homeport for its fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale. According to FOX 35 Orlando, the roughly 180,000-ton, LNG-powered ship will join its sister ship Mardi Gras, which arrived at Port Canaveral in July 2021. WKMG News 6 reports that Festivale is expected to begin sailing in May 2027.

What makes Carnival Festivale different

Based on details reported by Cruise Fever, Festivale swaps the roller coaster found on earlier Excel-class ships for a three-deck outdoor water zone with six waterslides. Public spaces are built around a music theme, including a live performance lounge and a turntable-style bar, and the ship adds new dining with Hawaiian and Asian flavors alongside Carnival favorites. It is also designed with far more connecting staterooms, a big plus for families and multigenerational trips.

Festivale is planned to sail mostly 6- and 8-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries, which makes it a natural fit for Space Coast residents who want a week away without a flight.

MSC World Atlantic: Arriving November 2027

The second new ship hit a big milestone this fall. In early October 2026, MSC World Atlantic had its first float-out at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France, moving from the construction dock into the harbor, according to WKMG News 6. Crews are now working on the interiors.

MSC World Atlantic by the numbers

  • Guests: up to 6,758
  • Cabins: 2,582
  • Pools: seven, including adults-only pools
  • Family features: an aqua park, a ropes course, and a clubhouse with bumper cars, roller skating, and basketball
  • Itineraries: 7-night and 14-night Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral starting November 2027

It will be the 25th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and one of the largest ships ever to homeport on the Space Coast.

A $95 Million Upgrade at Cruise Terminal 10

To welcome ships this size, Port Canaveral launched a $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10 in August 2026. Spectrum News 13 reports the project will make the terminal about 30% larger, growing it to more than 145,000 square feet. Plans include a modernized interior with more natural light, expanded security and screening areas, and new elevators and escalators.

When it is finished, the terminal will be able to handle ships carrying up to 6,700 passengers. The project is part of the port's $1 billion improvement plan and is set to be completed by November 2027, right on time for MSC World Atlantic. As with any large construction project, timelines can shift, so keep an eye on official port updates.

What This Means for Life on the Space Coast

A vacation that starts close to home

One of the underrated perks of living in Brevard County is skipping the airport for a Caribbean vacation. From Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, or Merritt Island, the drive to the cruise terminals is short, and the 2027 lineup gives you even more ships and itineraries to choose from. Cruise Fever reports the port expects to homeport 23 ships in 2027.

A boost for local businesses

More cruise passengers means more visitors eating, shopping, and staying in the area before and after their sailings. In Spectrum News 13's coverage, local restaurant and travel business owners near the port described cruise guests as a big part of their customer base, and they welcomed the growth.

Living near the port

If you love the idea of watching ships sail out from your neighborhood, Cape Canaveral and the north end of Cocoa Beach put you closest to the action. Our guide to living near Port Canaveral covers what day-to-day life is like, and our look at newer condo buildings in Cape Canaveral is a great starting point if you want a lock-and-leave home close to the terminals. The port is also working toward another big attraction, the Bowen Aquarium at Port Canaveral.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Carnival Festivale start sailing from Port Canaveral?

Carnival Festivale is expected to begin sailing from Port Canaveral in May 2027. It is planned to offer mostly 6- and 8-day Caribbean itineraries and will join its sister ship Mardi Gras at the port.

When will MSC World Atlantic sail from Port Canaveral?

MSC World Atlantic is scheduled to begin 7-night and 14-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral starting in November 2027. The ship completed its first float-out at its French shipyard in October 2026.

Is Port Canaveral the busiest cruise port in the world?

Yes. Port Canaveral holds the title of the world's busiest cruise port based on 2025 numbers, and the port is investing in projects like the $95 million Cruise Terminal 10 expansion to handle even larger ships.

Thinking About Living Near Port Canaveral?

If a home base close to the cruise terminals, the beach, and the launch pads sounds like your kind of Florida, we would love to show you around Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and Merritt Island. My partner Nichole and I got your back. Reach out anytime at (321) 212-7676 or www.livingspacecoast.com.