Baltimore’s Cruise Outlook in 2025: Shifts, Growth, and the Road Ahead
The waves are shifting in Baltimore’s cruise world — and the city is riding them with its sights set firmly on the future.
Carnival Doubles Down on Charm City
Carnival Cruise Line just sealed a five-year deal to stay in Baltimore through at least 2029, with an option to extend even further. That’s a serious show of confidence — especially as the company prepares to bring in a larger Conquest-class ship by 2027, adding space for 1,000 more guests.
Baltimore has been Carnival’s East Coast gem for 20 years, and this move locks in the port as a year-round launchpad to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
“We’re proud to call Baltimore home,” said Carnival officials. And it looks like they mean it.
Royal Caribbean Waves Goodbye
While Carnival’s leaning in, Royal Caribbean is pulling back. The Vision of the Seas will leave Baltimore by October 2026, setting sail for a new home in Fort Lauderdale.
This departure marks the end of Royal Caribbean’s Baltimore chapter — for now — and takes more than 40 sailings a year off the board.
Local travelers aren’t thrilled.
“Losing Royal is rough,” one Redditor commented.“We won’t see them again until the Bay Bridge gets a serious upgrade,” said another.
Still, there’s hope Carnival’s expansion might help fill the gap.
New Bridge, New Era
After the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2024, federal and state officials have unveiled a sleek, modern cable-stayed design to take its place. It’ll be taller, stronger, and built to withstand future maritime risks — a $1.7 billion rebuild fully funded by Washington.
The rebuild is expected to wrap up by 2028, with demolition already underway.
Why does it matter for cruises? More clearance = bigger ships = more cruise options down the line.
Quick Look: What’s Happening at the Port
💡 What🚢 DetailsCarnival's PlanStaying put through 2029, bigger ship coming in 2027Royal Caribbean ExitFinal cruise sails in October 2026 Bridge Rebuild New structure arriving by 2028, fully funded Local Buzz Mixed emotions: Carnival growth excites, Royal exit disappoints
Final Word
3 day cruises from baltimore may be losing a cruise giant, but it’s gaining momentum. With Carnival doubling down and a next-gen bridge in the works, the city’s cruise future looks anything but dry.