Carnival is offering a kid-free kind of cruise after scrapping a slew of sailings scheduled for later this year.
The cruise line has confirmed that it will offer four new adults-only trips this fall aboard the Carnival Firenze.
According to Carnival, these cruises will “feature a mix of Mexican Riviera destinations,” and will set sail between Oct. 12 and Nov. 16, 2026, the same weeks that the 11 axed cruises were scheduled to depart.
“Carnival will be offering four new sailings for Carnival Firenze from Long Beach between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20, 2026,” the cruise line told PEOPLE in a statement. “These sailings are part of our Sailings Exclusively for Adults (SEA) program and will be available only to guests who receive a targeted offer.”
Carnival has confirmed that it will offer four new adults-only trips this fall aboard the Carnival Firenze. RL0919/Wikimedia Commons The Firenze, which debuted in April 2024, departs from Long Beach, California, and is distinguished by its “Fun Italian Style” inspired by the fabled city of Florence. With room for more than 5,000 passengers at max capacity, it’s been a popular option for quick getaways.
Introduced in 2025, Carnival’s SEA program features invite-only cruises reserved for guests 21 and older with expanded casino access and themed parties.
“Every detail is tailored to people who love big wins, big fun, and a splash of indulgence,” assures Carnival.
SEA voyages also tout the vague promise of “elevated dining experiences.”
“A completely no-kids cruise means even more fun for you, with exceptional entertainment, music, and activities. And when it’s time to kick back, it’s a more relaxed environment to recharge in,” Carnival added.
The adults-only update comes in the wake of Carnival’s announcement last month that it was canceling nearly a dozen scheduled sailings aboard the Firenze, “due to changes to itinerary plans.”
Carnival notified all affected guests who were given the option to rebook or receive a full refund.
“We have apologized to our impacted guests and are offering them the option to rebook another Carnival cruise with their cruise fare protected on a comparable sailing in similar accommodations, along with an onboard credit,” the cruise line added.
Introduced in 2025, Carnival’s SEA program features invite-only cruises reserved for guests 21 and older with expanded casino access and themed parties. DisobeyArt – stock.adobe.com Guests who rebooked by March 26 were given an additional consolation prize: a $50 onboard credit.
“Guests who choose not to reschedule will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and any pre-purchased items to the original form of payment,” Carnival said.
The company also revealed changes to several 2026 sailings on its Carnival Panorama ship, which also departs from Long Beach. While destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán remain on the itinerary, port schedules and stop orders have been shuffled.
It has not been a season of smooth sailing for the cruise industry.
Recent geopolitical tensions, including violence tied to cartel activity in Mexico, have rattled cruisers as US security warnings issued in February raised fresh concerns about popular cruise stops like Puerto Vallarta.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict with Iran has resulted in volatile oil prices during what cruise lines call their critical “wave season,” when companies typically lock in bookings with heavy discounts.
For now, Carnival is betting big on its East Coast expansion — promising future voyages from Miami and New York to hotspots in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Canada.
Cruise competitor Royal Caribbean has deployed a more-is-more strategy, debuting the largest cruise ship in human history, which includes a tree house accommodation that costs upwards of six figures for a week-long stay.
