Carnival could bring larger cruise ship to Baltimore starting in 2027

Carnival Cruise Line could bring a bigger ship to Baltimore beginning in 2027, the company said Sunday.

In a news release about its five-year strategic plans, Carnival announced changes to its fleet, including its existing service in Baltimore.

“Carnival is exploring moving a larger Conquest class ship to Baltimore in 2027 that can accommodate about 1,000 more guests than Carnival Pride, the Spirit class ship currently deployed from Baltimore,” the company wrote.

The news comes as another cruise operator using Maryland’s cruise terminal, Royal Caribbean, takes its Vision of the Seas line to Fort Lauderdale beginning in late 2026, according to a spokesperson.

The cruise industry and the travelers it attracts are key to the Port of Baltimore, which handled more than 444,000 passengers in 2023, according to the Maryland Port Administration.

Carnival Cruise Line recently signed a new five-year contract with the MPA, which is also welcoming other upscale cruise lines, including Aida and Crystal, for in-port cruise visits next year.

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