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Carnival cruise ship battered by waves in storm off Charleston

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: May 29, 2023 / 4:16 PM EDT / CBS News

A storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, battered a Carnival cruise ship for hours late Friday night before it docked, leaving passengers terrified.

Passengers aboard the Carnival Sunshine described shattered glass, water pouring into rooms and hallways, the ship pitching about and a lack of communication from cruise staff. Some passengers and crew members needed "minor assistance" from medical staff, a Carnival cruise spokesman told CBS News. "Guests on board the ship were safe," the spokesman added. 

Carnival Sunshine, which was headed from the Bahamas to South Carolina, arrived in Charleston behind schedule, according to the spokesman. Some crew cabins needed to be temporarily taken out of service because of water damage. The ship's next voyage, on which it has since embarked, was also delayed.

The National Hurricane Center on Friday warned of a non-tropical area of low pressure off Florida that was set to move northward and inland over the Carolinas during the weekend. Forecasters said there would be gusty winds, dangerous surf and rip current conditions along portions of the U.S.'s southeastern coast through Sunday.

Passenger Sharon Tutrone, a professor at Coastal Carolina University, tweeted Friday that the ship was rocking. She said that the only time passengers heard from the captain was in the afternoon, when he told them he had an experienced crew and would do everything he could to minimize discomfort as the ship encountered the storm. 

"They said it will get worse as we get closer to the storm," she tweeted. "@CarnivalCruise  is doing an EXCELLENT job!"

She tweeted again on Saturday afternoon, describing " 14 hours of high winds, rain and massive waves ." 

"We were surrounded by lightning and the ship took a huge hit by a wave and sounded like it split in two," Tutrone tweeted.

Several passengers, including Brenda Goodwin Sherbert, posted on social media about broken glass on the ship . They also wrote about water coming in through balcony doors.

"We had a 40 foot wave hit our side of the ship,.. we almost fell out the bed.. things were crashing all around us and the carpet on my side of the bed was soaked bc water came in thru our balcony door," Goodwin Sherbert wrote.

Passenger Reid Overcash, who was on the cruise with his wife, said televisions on the ship displayed a message during the storm: "Public address announcement please standby." 

He said it was when winds had reached between 70-90 mph and the ship was tilting left that he truly feared for his life.

"Myself being in emergency services and retired, I knew nobody was going to come and rescue us with winds over 40 knots," Overcash said.

The trip marked Overcash's seventh cruise. He said he's not going to let the frightening experience stop him from going on more cruises in the future. 

"It's just one of them unlucky experiences that occurs once in a while," he said.

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Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Carnival passengers recount ‘nightmare’ cruise as storm floods ship

Videos showed the carnival sunshine cabins and hallways flooding and ceilings leaking.

Matthew Branham and his fiancée, Madison Davis, were lying by a Carnival Sunshine pool on Friday aboard a cruise returning to Charleston, S.C., from the Bahamas when an announcement came over the loudspeaker. The captain was expecting rougher weather that evening, but there was nothing to worry about. So Branham and Davis didn’t worry.

As the day went on, “We noticed it started getting cooler in the afternoon — much, much cooler,” said Branham, 25, of Castlewood, Va. “And then it was like a switch was flipped, and it literally turned into a nightmare.”

En route back to Charleston Friday night into Saturday, the Carnival Sunshine navigated into a strong storm system that battered the southeast over the holiday weekend. Videos emerged on social media showing cabins and hallways flooding, shop floors littered with destroyed merchandise and leaking ceilings . Passenger Brad Morrell snapped a photo of an automated instrument map reporting a 69 knot, or 79 mph, wind.

#CarnivalSunshine : Due to return to Charleston, South Carolina this Saturday, May 27, 2023, has been delayed due to severe weather. The ship is currently off the South Carolina coast and holding position, unable to return to the port because of high winds & rough seas. #cruise 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2B6HlAn2yD — ∼Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) May 28, 2023

Carnival said in a statement that the weather was unexpectedly strong, causing conditions that were rougher than forecast, but that its fleet operations center team, which relies on outside meteorology resources for itinerary planning, “coordinated to keep the ship in its safest location.”

“Attempting to sail out of the large front could have been dangerous,” the statement continued. “The ship proceeded to the port as soon as the weather began to clear.”

Strong Southeast storm slams Carolinas

Carnival said the captain made “several announcements about the weather and the delay it caused in returning to Charleston, asking guests to use extra precaution while walking around the ship.” Additionally, “some of the worst weather occurred in the overnight hours when announcements are not typically made, but guests and crew were safe.”

The ship’s medical staff did help a “small number” of guests and crew members who needed minor assistance following the storm. Despite the significant damage and a delay in schedule, Carnival Sunshine embarked on its next five-day Bahama sailing on Saturday.

From their sea-view room, Branham and Davis watched as waves surged over their window and braced themselves as the 892-foot-long ship lurched in the storm.

“Waves were hitting the boat so hard that it was like an earthquake experience, jarring you like a really rough roller coaster — even in the middle floor,” Branham said.

They were told to stay in their cabins. Meanwhile, Branham said, TVs were falling off walls, and glassware was sliding off shelves and shattering on the floor. “You could not stand up in your room,” he said. “You could be thrown from the bed.”

They packed up their belongings when their floor started to flood and took shelter in a main lobby area.

“All of the employees were sprinting downstairs with life vests,” Branham said. “There were little kids besides us screaming and crying and throwing fits.”

Throughout the storm, Branham wondered why there weren’t more announcements from Carnival staff. Besides the warning of rougher seas earlier Friday and one Saturday morning after they’d weathered the storm, Branham said they weren’t given any official updates on their situation. When he asked workers what was going on, they told him not to worry.

⁦⁦ @CarnivalCruise ⁩ #carnivalsunshine still 75mph winds at 9:25am. Sitting and spinning in the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/NITCO2l9Ss — FlyersCaptain™®© (@flyerscaptain) May 29, 2023

“But you see rooms flooded, and you can pick up a handful of sand and you’re kind of like, ‘What in the world? Why is nobody telling us anything?’” Branham said.

Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer and cruise industry legal expert, says his firm has been contacted by some Carnival Sunshine passengers who were injured during the storm, including a man who says he was struck by a door and broke his foot. Others have asked him about the potential for a class-action lawsuit.

While Walker said passengers should make their complaints known to Carnival, he doesn’t believe filing a lawsuit would be an efficient next step. Instead, impacted passengers can ask Carnival for a refund or a credit for another cruise, although there’s no guarantee the cruise line will grant such requests.

Pete Peterson, owner of Storybook Cruises , which is affiliated with Cruise Planners, said cruise ships keep a close eye on weather developments and will adjust their itinerary depending on the severity of the storm.

“Cruise lines monitor the weather all the time. They’re not going to put their passengers in harm’s way,” said Peterson, who has been a cruise adviser for more than 20 years and has sailed on nearly 60 cruises. “Obviously, some cruise lines are better at doing this than others.”

In 2016, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas returned to port after cruising into a “bomb cyclone,” which damaged the ship amid winds gusting to 100 mph. The ship sailed into the remnants of Hurricane Hermine seven months later, causing additional problems.

To ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers, a cruise ship can alter its course and circumvent the rough weather system. In stormy conditions, the crew can deploy the stabilizers, which will prevent the ship from rolling and bucking.

“You don’t experience the up and down,” Peterson said. “It’s not as rough a ride.”

Both approaches can add to a cruise line’s expenditures, Peterson said. Stabilizers slow the vessel, thereby consuming more fuel. Sailing around the storm can take longer than the original route and disrupt the company’s cruise schedule, leading to delays or cancellations. The cruise line may have to reimburse passengers or provide them with future credits because of the inconvenience.

“When they do something like that, it’s going to cost them money,” Peterson said.

Craig Setzer , a meteorologist and hurricane preparedness specialist, said that even with the hurricane-like conditions and flooding, “I would never be in doubt of the vessel’s integrity,” he said. “Cruise ships are structurally very, very sound and can survive a lot. They’re really rugged.”

Matthew Cappucci contributed to this report.

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Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

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Video shows carnival cruise ship in disarray after ‘horrific’ south carolina storm.

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Terrified passengers on a Carnival cruise were left vomiting after a torrential storm pounded the ship in South Carolina — flooding the vessel and ripping doors off their hinges.

The Carnival Sunshine was returning to Charleston following a week-long trip in the Bahamas when it got caught in wild weather and rough seas over the Memorial Day weekend.

Videos shared online by vacationers show flooded hallways littered with glass and other debris, doors ripped off their hinges and downed pipes laying soaked on the floor.

The ship’s crew members were forced to evacuate their flooded quarters, according to a video shared on Twitter that shows the area in disarray.

Throughout the storm, several passengers also complained they were starting to feel sick due to the boat’s rough movements.

One traveler described being able to “smell people being sick walking down the halls,” the Daily Mail Reported .

Cruise-goer RJ Whited, who was celebrating his engagement to fiancé Tracy on the Carnival Sunshine, told WCIV that the ship was shaking “so violently.”

Passengers also complained that they didn’t hear from the ship’s captain or any crew members for hours during the chaos.

“They left us blind,” passenger Daniel Taylor told the outlet. “Not reassuring us about what was going on, where we were headed to, what the plan was. They could have updated us and let us know something.”

Another passenger, Christa Seifert-Alicea, said they didn’t receive word from the captain or crew for more than 12 hours.

“What we endured is indescribable, not only to feel it yourself but to hear and see it set in on every single person around you from adult, child and the elderly is something I will never forget,” Seifer-Alicea said.

Water damage and broken glass were left in the hallways and rooms following the storm.

A Carnival spokesperson said only a “small number” of passengers and crew members required “minor assistance.”

“Carnival Sunshine’s return to Charleston was impacted by the weather and rough seas on Saturday. Guests on board the ship were safe. Our medical staff helped a small number of guests and crew members who needed minor assistance,” the cruise liner said in a statement to WCIV.

“The weather’s prolonged impact on the Charleston area delayed the ship’s arrival on Sunday and as a result, the next voyage’s embarkation was also delayed. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all our guests.”

The spokesperson added that the Carnival Sunshine is now sailing on a five-day Bahamas cruise and will return to Charleston on Thursday.

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Carnival cruise ship floods after its battered in storm off Charleston

A storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina left passengers terrified after it caused flooding on a Carnival cruise ship, CBS reports.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Passengers aboard the Carnival Sunrise described water pouring into their rooms and hallways, shattered glass, the ship bouncing about and a lack of communication from cruise ship staff.

Some passengers and crew members needed “minor assistance” from medical staff, a Carnival cruise spokesman told CBS News.

“Guests on board the ship were safe,” the spokesman added.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks ]

Carnival Sunshine, which was headed to Charleston from the Bahamas, arrived behind schedule, according to the spokesperson. The ship needed to suspend service in several of the crew cabins due to water damage, and the ship’s next voyage was also delayed. CBS News said it has since embarked.

The National Hurricane Center warned of a non-tropical area of low pressure off the Florida coast of Friday that was expected to head toward the Carolinas over the weekend. Meteorologists said that there would be gusty winds, dangerous surf and strong rip currents along portions of the U.S.’s southeastern coast through Sunday.

Read: Georgia man accused of putting victim in chokehold in pizza store parking lot

Cruise passenger Sharon Tutrone, a professor at Coastal Carolina University, tweeted Friday that the ship was rocking. She went on to say that the only time passengers heard from the captain was in the afternoon, when he told them the crew was experienced and would do everything they could to minimize discomfort.

“They said it will get worse as we get closer to the storm,” she tweeted. “@CarnivalCruise  is doing an EXCELLENT job!”

She tweeted again on Saturday afternoon, describing “14 hours of high winds, rain and massive waves.”

After 14 hours of high winds, rain and massive waves. The ship took a hit from a wave that sounded like the ship split in two. The @Carnival Sunshine is finally in Charleston. @Carnival maybe you should have a pilot onboard so we didn’t have to sit and drift for 6 hours waiting. — Sharon Tutrone (@SHARONTUTRONE) May 27, 2023

Read: AAA issues warning for teen drivers as 2023′s ‘100 Deadliest Days’ begin

Several other passengers, including Brenda Goodwin Sherbert, posted on social media about broken glass all over the ship and about water coming through their balcony doors.

Read: JSO: Carjacking suspect apprehended after short police chase in Hyde Park area

CBS News spoke with passenger Reid Overcash, who was on the cruise with his wife. He said that televisions on the ship displayed a message during the storm: “Public address announcement please standby.”

Overcash also told CBS News that when winds reached between 70 to 90 mph and the ship was tilting left, he truly feared for his life.

“Myself being in emergency services and retired, I knew nobody was going to come rescue us with winds over 40 knots,” he told CBS News.

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The trip was Overcash’s seventh cruise. He said he’s not going to let this experience stop him from going on future cruises.

“It’s just one of them unlucky experiences that occurs once in a while,” he told CBS News.

CLICK HERE to reach the original article by CBS News.

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Cruise ship Carnival Sunshine pounded by large waves during coastal storm near Charleston, South Carolina

Video shared on social media shows dark clouds covering the sky and large whitecaps raging in the surrounding waters of the atlantic ocean. cruise ship passengers reported water damage and broken glass, as well as high waves that battered the vessel..

Passengers aboard the cruise ship Carnival Sunshine were left distressed as large waves churned up by a powerful storm off the Southeast coast pounded the vessel, delaying its return from the Bahamas over the Memorial Day weekend.  

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Passengers aboard the cruise ship Carnival Sunshine were left distressed as large waves churned up by a powerful storm off the Southeast coast pounded the vessel, delaying its return from the Bahamas over the Memorial Day weekend .

Video shared on social media Sunday by Brad Morrell , filmed outside his room onboard the cruise ship that was returning to Charleston, South Carolina , shows dark clouds covering the sky and large whitecaps raging in the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cruise ship passengers reported water damage and broken glass, as well as high waves that battered the vessel.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Video shared on social media Sunday by Brad Morrell, filmed outside his room onboard the cruise ship that was returning to Charleston, South Carolina, shows dark clouds covering the sky and large whitecaps raging in the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

(Brad Morrell via Storyful / FOX Weather)

Carnival Cruise Line released a statement to FOX Weather on Monday morning to describe the incident, which was reported to occur Saturday:

"Carnival Sunshine’s return to Charleston was impacted by the weather and rough seas on Saturday. The weather’s prolonged impact on the Charleston area delayed the ship’s arrival on Sunday and as a result, the next voyage’s embarkation was also delayed. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all our guests.

"The weather and rough surf led to some crew cabins being temporarily taken out of service while we clean up water damage. All the public areas of the ship are open and in service and Carnival Sunshine is currently operating its next cruise, a five-day Bahamas sailing."

VACATION TURNS INTO NIGHTMARE FOR A SEATTLE MAN AFTER A ‘ROGUE WAVE’ PARALYZES HIM

The low-pressure system responsible for the harsh weather over the Memorial Day weekend was being monitored for tropical and subtropical development by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) last week, though it remained a non-tropical low throughout its duration.

Forecasters from the NHC had visited the Carnival Cruise Line headquarters in Miami two days before the ship got caught in the powerful storm.

The area of low pressure has now moved inland over North Carolina and will gradually weaken in the days ahead, but not before dampening more holiday beach plans in parts of the mid-Atlantic and generating dangerous rip currents along the East Coast.

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WATCH: Pool waves crash as Carnival cruise ship heads back to port on rough seas

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Cruise ships are in for a rough ride over the weekend as a Gulf low pushes toward Florida, bringing with it 10-20′ seas and rain squalls.

As of Friday morning, the Carnival Valor was traveling straight through the middle of the Gulf. Friday night and Saturday, seas are forecast to be at their worst.

The Carnival Glory is expected to depart from Cozumel Friday on its way back to dock in New Orleans Sunday.

A Norwegian cruise ship will follow the same path as the Glory on its way to dock Sunday.

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Cruise Ship 'Destroyed' After Being Hit by Hurricane-Force Winds

Passengers have described their terrifying night on a cruise ship that was hit by hurricane-force winds.

Several of them shared videos on social media showing the damage to the Carnival Sunshine as it encountered severe weather on Saturday while returning to Charleston, South Carolina, from The Bahamas at the weekend.

One video shared on Twitter by the Crew Center account showed doors broken off their hinges, destroyed furniture, and water flooding hallways and rooms.

"The aftermath aboard Carnival Sunshine after a severe storm," the tweet said. "The crew from Deck 0-4 evacuated to the theater, and anywhere they could rest... the crew bar destroyed."

Craig Setzer, a broadcast meteorologist, noted on Twitter that the ship was hit by almost 80 mph winds on Saturday morning.

Daniel Taylor, a passenger on the cruise, told Newsweek that the situation started getting rough on Friday afternoon.

At around 4.45 p.m. that day, Taylor said the captain made an announcement that the ship may arrive in Charleston later than scheduled due to adverse weather conditions. The captain said crew members "would do everything they could to minimize discomfort," Taylor said. He said vomit bags were put out at all of the elevators a short time later.

By 7 p.m. on Friday, he said the ship started hitting large swells. "The sound of us crashing into the swells could be heard over the music playing" at the show he was at, he said. "Stage lights mounted on the ceiling began to shake, the disco ball started swinging and the LED wall on the stage… began rolling side by side on its own."

Staff started closing off the public deck areas later that evening, he said, and he saw plates and cups falling at a dinner buffet. By 11:15 p.m., he said 80 mph winds started hitting the ship.

At that point, the captain "turned the ship from sailing northwest toward Charleston to head north/northeast heading directly into the eye of the storm system," Taylor said.

He heard passengers in the cabin across from him "hollering in the hallway" and saw that water was leaking from their cabin ceiling.

In the early hours of Saturday, Taylor said staff changed the television screens to tell passengers to stand by for an announcement. "We were no longer able to see where we were going, how fast we were going, what the wind speed was, or anything. We were blind to what was going on," he said.

"This was also around the time our internet went out, so we weren't able to look at the weather online, or contact anyone."

The ship was then being hit with large swells "over and over" and Taylor said he saw crew members wearing life vests.

Taylor said it was 7:30 a.m. on Saturday when the cruise director made an announcement that the ship was outside Charleston harbor but could not dock as planned due to the weather. "At this point, it has been almost 15 hours with no update from the captain or cruise director. We were essentially left blind, in the dark, about anything going on that entire time," he said.

Taylor said the Carnival Sunshine finally arrived at the port at around 5.30 pm Saturday, some nine hours later than scheduled.

Other passengers on the ship shared details of their ordeal on social media, with some complaining about a lack of communication from the ship's crew.

RJ Whited posted a video on Facebook showing damage on the ship and the large waves hitting the vessel.

The aftermath aboard Carnival Sunshine after a severe storm. The crew from Deck 0-4 evacuated to the theater, and anywhere they could rest… the crew bar destroyed. pic.twitter.com/MqsDJYvrSG — Crew Center (@CrewCenter) May 28, 2023

Wow!!! “Apparent wind 69 knots”!!!!!! So that’s nearly 80 mph wind minus the ships forward speed of 5 mph. Headline should read “Carnival ship sails through hurricane force winds.” https://t.co/93esbgeIQK — Craig Setzer (@CraigSetzer) May 29, 2023

"Our cruise ship last night was literally sideways and slung everything in our room breaking, people in the hallways throwing up and sleeping on the stairs," Whited wrote in the post .

In another post , he accused the cruise ship's management of putting passengers' lives in danger and said some crew members had been injured.

"We also found out that they knew about the storm and instead of us staying back to ride it out a few hours they hit it head-on so we could make it back for the other cruise to be on time," he wrote.

"Winds were 80 to 90 miles with some waves 60 or more feet high and the waves were hitting so high that people on the 7th and 8th-floor balcony doors were opened by the waves. Tiles were falling, and water coming through rooms and all in the halls. Carnival doesn't care about your life, only to get back so they can make more money with more cruises."

Reid Overcash said the crew did not communicate with passengers as the ship was stopped in the ocean during the storm.

"No communications from Captain or staff. Tv is out with the message 'Public announcement please standby: The winds are hurricane Gail force and ship is leaning to the left,' I believe the Captain was trying to out run the storm. Bad decision," Overcash wrote on Facebook .

Christa Seifert-Alicea, another passenger, told ABC News 4 that passengers did not receive communication for over 12 hours.

"What we endured is indescribable, not only to feel it yourself but to hear and see it set in on every single person around you from adult, child and the elderly is something I will never forget," she said.

In a statement to Newsweek , a Carnival spokesperson said: "Carnival Sunshine's return to Charleston was impacted by the weather and rough seas on Saturday. The weather's prolonged impact on the Charleston area delayed the ship's arrival on Sunday and as a result, the next voyage's embarkation was also delayed. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all our guests."

The spokesperson said Carnival Sunshine is now sailing on its next cruise.

Update 5/29/23, 9:20 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to add a statement from a Carnival spokesperson.

Update 5/29/23, 10:50 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to add comments from Daniel Taylor.

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How Hurricanes Idalia and Franklin Are Impacting Cruise Schedules

Update (Wednesday, August 30 @ 10:15 A.M. Central): 

After rapidly strengthening, Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the gulf coast of Florida this morning. However the impact on the state — and cruises — is far from over. As of now, several ports are closed as they wait for the storm to pass.

Below, we have a number of updates on trips impacted by the weather.

Carnival Sunshine: Carnival says the current sailing from Charleston is sailing its scheduled route. With the port currently closed, the cruise line still hopes to sail the upcoming September 2 cruise as planned.

Carnival Elation: Sailing from Jacksonville, the ship is “currently at sea, a safe distance from the storm.” Carnival says it will return once an assessment is completed. For passengers on the August 31 sailing, they are asked not to go to the cruise terminal until told to do so. Passengers can sign up for text alerts by texting CCL1 to 278473.

Carnival Liberty: Port Canaveral is currently closed, and Carnival Liberty is at sea, away from the storm. It is hoped that the September 1 cruise can sail as planned.

Carnival Paradise: This ship sails from Tampa, where the port is closed at this time. The ship will return once the storm passes and it is cleared to enter. Guests on the August 31 sailing are asked not to go to the port until confirmed by Carnival. Passengers can sign up for text alerts by texting CCL2 to 278473.

Royal Caribbean: The cruise line posted the following message to its guests as of last night:

“Along with our Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer, we’re currently watching the development of multiple weather systems. There are no changes as of now, but we are committed to keeping you informed as the situation evolves. As always, please know that the safety and comfort of our guests are always our highest priority. Please check back for any potential changes.”

Update (Monday, August 28 @ 5:30 P.M. Central): 

Tropical Storm Idalia is now near hurricane strength with sustained winds of 70 miles per hour. The storm is expected to pick up speed as it moves north and continue strengthening. Now it is predicted to become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida.

Carnival has adjusted the schedule of two ships more in response.

Carnival Conquest , which departed today for a four-day cruise, will now visit Bimini on Tuesday, have a day at sea on Wednesday and visit Nassau on Thursday. Originally the ship was slated to visit Key West and Cozumel.

Carnival Valor cancelled a stop in Costa Maya today, but will visit Cozumel tomorrow.

We will continue to watch for more updates.

Original Article:

As the tropics heat up following what’s been a record-hot summer for much of North America, the impact on cruises ramps up as well.

Last week, Hurricane Hilary led to impacts on the West Coast. Now, two storms look to impact cruises in the Caribbean and Atlantic .

Hurricane Franklin currently churns in the Atlantic, north of the Dominican Republic and east of The Bahamas. With maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour, Franklin is expected to strengthen, with many storm models pointing to a Category 3 storm with winds of 111-129 miles per hour.

The storm is currently moving northwest, but is expected to turn out toward sea, putting it dangerously close to Bermuda starting Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Roughly 1,000 miles away between the tip of the Yucatan and Cuba, another storm is brewing.

Tropical Storm Idalia has just been upgraded from a tropical depression, now with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. From there, Idalia is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday as it moves moves toward the gulf coast of Florida.

Both storms are in places where they can have an impact on cruise itineraries, and in some cases they already are. Your cruise line will be in touch with the latest updates , but here is what we know as of now.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has told us they are monitoring both storms and have already made some adjustments to itineraries due to Hurricane Franklin.

Carnival Magic: Originally set to sail from Norfolk, VA to Bermuda on a six-day cruise, Carnival Magic will now instead sail to Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport to steer clear of Hurricane Franklin.

Carnival Legend: Similar to Carnival Magic, Legend was slated to sail from Baltimore on a six-day cruise to Bermuda. Instead, it will now visit Nassau and Freeport.

A Carnival spokesperson also told us “The safety of our guests and crew is our priority, and we are continuing to monitor forecasts and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard and the local port authorities to provide timely updates to our guests as more information becomes available.”

Looking at current itineraries and schedules, we think possible impacted ships could include Carnival Vista and Carnival Glory, which are set to sail to the Yucatan near the projected path of Idalia.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has multiple ships sailing toward the area of Tropical Storm Idalia, including Voyager of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas. 

As of now, however, there are no updates to the schedule announced by the cruise line. Itinerary updates can be found here .

Other Cruise Lines (Disney, Virgin, Norwegian)

There are a number of other lines that are either visiting ports that could be impacted by a storm, or the weather is between the ship and a scheduled port.

For instance, Norwegian Pearl’s itinerary calls for it to visit Bermuda, which will likely feel the effects of Hurricane Franklin. Scarlet Lady is scheduled to sail from Miami to Costa Maya, which would put in in the path of Idalia. Disney Fantasy is scheduled to visit Cozumel tomorrow morning according to CruiseMapper.com .

We’ve contacted Norwegian Cruise Line for details of any possible changes and have yet to hear back. Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Lines show no itinerary updates as of now. 

Again, your cruise line will be in touch if there are any schedule updates . We will continue to check periodically for any announced cruise schedule changes due to the weather.

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Carnival Updates on Hurricane Ian for Multiple Ships

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• September 29, 2022

Carnival Cruise Line has provided an update on itinerary changes and cancellations for multiple ships sailing in the Caribbean region, as its Fleet Operations team in Miami continues to monitor Hurricane Ian.

Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville’s JAXPORT, and the Port of Charleston are closed. As a result, the following voyages have been canceled: the four-day Carnival Paradise voyage scheduled to depart Tampa on September 29th, the September 29th four-day cruise on Carnival Elation from Jacksonville, and the three-day Carnival Liberty cruise from Port Canaveral scheduled for September 30th.

Booked guests will receive a full refund plus a 25 percent future cruise credit.

As well, itineraries have been adjusted for the following sailings:

Carnival Sunrise

Sunrise is currently operating a four-night itinerary out of Miami that departing on September 24th. The voyage did not stop at Bimini on Wednesday, September 28th as planned. Instead, the vessel spent the day at sea and returned to Miami on Thursday.

Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty ‘s current four-night itinerary that departed Port Canaveral on Monday did not stop in Princess Cays in Wednesday. The ship remained at sea and is now en route to Port Canaveral. It will dock once the port reopens.

Carnival Horizon

Horizon is currently operating a six-night itinerary from Miami that departed Saturday, September 25th. It did not stop in Grand Cayman on Wednesday, and visited Cozumel on Thursday. The vessel is now scheduled to return to PortMiami on Saturday, October 1st.

Carnival Paradise

Paradise is currently operating a five-night cruise from Tampa. The ship extended a visit to Cozumel overnight and departed on Wednesday. The ship is headed back towards Tampa but will remain at sea until Port Tampa Bay reopens.

MORE: Disney Cruise Line Dropping Vaccine Mandate For All Passengers

Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation is currently on a five-night sailing from Jacksonville, and replaced a scheduled call to Princess Cays with a sea day. The vessel visited Freeport, Bahamas on September 28th instead of having a scheduled sea day. It will remain at sea until JAXPORT reopens.

Carnival Ecstasy

Ecstasy departed Mobile, Alabama on September 26th on five-night cruise, visiting Progreso on Wednesday. The ship was in Cozumel on Thursday. These are the same ports as the original itinerary, but reordered; initially the itinerary was set for a visit to Cozumel before Progreso.

Carnival Glory

Carnival Glory departed New Orleans on Sunday, September 25th for a seven-night cruise. Instead of visiting Key West and two ports in the Bahamas, the ship is now stopping in Roatán, Belize, and Cozumel.

Carnival Sunshine

The Port of Charleston is closed, with hopes that it will reopen on Sunday. The scheduled five-day October 1st sailing is now planned to be a four-day cruise departing October 2nd. Guests will receive a one day pro-rated cruise fare refund and $50 per person in onboard credit (up to $100 per cabin). Those who decide not to travel will receive a full refund.

READ NEXT: Hurricane Ian Changes Multiple Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

This article was originally published on Tuesday, September 27th. It was republished on Thursday, September 29th and updated again on September 30th.

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Anatomy Of A Near-Disaster: Examining The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident Of 2023

On May 27, 2023, the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship encountered a violent storm off the coast of North Carolina, sending shockwaves through the cruise industry and raising concerns about passenger safety.

While the ship eventually made it back to port safely, the incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the open sea and the importance of robust safety measures.

This article delves into the details of the Carnival Sunshine storm incident, providing a comprehensive analysis of the events that unfolded, the potential risks involved, and the lessons learned from this near-disaster.

From examining the storm’s intensity and the ship’s response to exploring the impact on passengers and the cruise industry, this in-depth exploration sheds light on the complexities of maritime safety and the importance of preparedness.

Whether you’re an avid cruiser seeking insights into safety protocols or simply intrigued by the intricacies of maritime operations, this guide serves as your one-stop resource for understanding the Carnival Sunshine storm incident and its broader implications.

The Storm’s Fury: Reconstructing the Events of May 27, 2023

The brewing storm: weather forecasts and initial warnings.

The Carnival Sunshine storm incident of 2023 was a harrowing experience for passengers and crew alike. It all began with the brewing storm that was forecasted days before the ship set sail. Weather experts had issued warnings about a developing tropical disturbance in the region.

However, the severity of the storm was initially underestimated, leading to a false sense of security among those onboard the ship.

As the ship embarked on its journey, the storm slowly gained strength. Passengers were informed of the worsening weather conditions, and the captain and crew closely monitored the situation. Despite the looming threat, the ship continued its course, hoping to navigate through the storm without incident.

Encountering the Storm’s Wrath: The Carnival Sunshine’s Ordeal

On May 27, 2023, the Carnival Sunshine found itself in the midst of a powerful storm. The ship was rocked by strong winds, towering waves, and torrential rain. Passengers and crew members were advised to stay in their cabins and secure any loose objects.

During this time, the ship faced significant challenges, battling against the relentless forces of nature. The crew worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone onboard. Despite the chaos and fear that engulfed the ship, acts of bravery and kindness were witnessed as passengers supported each other through this ordeal.

Navigating the Tempest: The Ship’s Response and Rescue Efforts

The Carnival Sunshine’s crew swiftly activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of passengers. They communicated with onshore rescue teams, providing updates on the ship’s location and conditions. Efforts were made to stabilize the ship and minimize the impact of the storm.

Meanwhile, rescue vessels were dispatched to assist in the evacuation of passengers if necessary. The crew’s training and preparedness were put to the test as they worked diligently to keep everyone safe.

Their swift response and coordination were crucial in managing the situation and preventing further harm.

It is important to note that despite the challenging circumstances, the majority of passengers and crew members were able to safely disembark the Carnival Sunshine once the storm had passed. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of preparedness and quick action in such situations.

For more information on cruise ship safety protocols and emergency response procedures, you can visit https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/cruiseship/what_is_vsp_cruising.htm .

Assessing the Risks: Understanding the Potential Dangers of the Storm

When it comes to cruising, one cannot ignore the potential dangers that can arise from adverse weather conditions. The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident of 2023 serves as a reminder of the importance of assessing the risks associated with storms and understanding their potential dangers.

By examining the storm’s intensity and impact, the ship’s design and structural integrity, as well as the human factors and safety procedures, we can gain valuable insights into how to improve safety measures and better protect passengers in the future.

The Power of the Sea: Analyzing the Storm’s Intensity and Impact

The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident involved a powerful storm that put the ship and its passengers in a precarious situation. It is crucial to understand the intensity and impact of such storms to accurately assess the risks involved.

Meteorological data and expert analysis can provide valuable insights into the strength of the storm, including wind speeds, wave heights, and rainfall amounts. By studying these factors, cruise lines can better determine whether it is safe to set sail or make necessary adjustments to their routes to avoid potentially dangerous weather conditions.

In the case of the Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident, it is important to note that storms can be unpredictable and can escalate rapidly. While cruise ships are equipped with advanced weather monitoring systems, unexpected changes in weather patterns can still pose a significant risk.

Therefore, it is vital for cruise lines to have contingency plans in place to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew when faced with severe weather conditions.

Ship Design and Structural Integrity: Evaluating the Carnival Sunshine’s Resilience

The design and structural integrity of a cruise ship play a crucial role in determining its ability to withstand the forces of a storm. Cruise lines invest heavily in ensuring their vessels are built to withstand adverse weather conditions.

From reinforced hulls to stabilizers that counteract the motion of the ship, various measures are taken to enhance the ship’s stability and safety.

It is imperative for cruise lines to regularly assess and update their fleet to meet the latest safety standards. By conducting thorough inspections and implementing necessary upgrades, cruise ships can better withstand storms and minimize potential risks to passengers and crew.

The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continuously evaluating and improving ship design to enhance safety measures.

Human Factors and Safety Procedures: Assessing Passenger Response and Crew Actions

During the Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident, the response of both passengers and crew members played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board. It is essential to assess how human factors and safety procedures come into play during such incidents.

Adequate training for crew members in emergency response protocols, as well as clear communication with passengers, are key factors in ensuring a safe and orderly evacuation, if necessary.

Passenger education and awareness are also crucial in promoting a culture of safety on board cruise ships. Informing passengers about safety measures, emergency procedures, and the importance of following instructions can help reduce panic and improve overall response during a crisis.

Additionally, implementing advanced technologies, such as improved communication systems and emergency evacuation drills, can further enhance passenger safety during storms.

The Aftermath: Passenger Experiences and Industry Repercussions

Passengers’ tales: first-hand accounts of the storm’s impact.

The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident of 2023 left a lasting impact on the passengers who were on board the ill-fated cruise ship. Many passengers have shared their harrowing experiences of the storm, recounting the terrifying moments when the ship was tossed around by powerful waves and buffeted by strong winds.

Some described feeling a sense of helplessness as they were confined to their cabins for hours on end, unsure of when the storm would subside.

Passengers reported scenes of chaos and confusion as the ship’s crew worked tirelessly to ensure their safety. Some praised the crew for their professionalism and quick thinking, while others expressed frustration at the lack of communication and organization during the crisis.

Despite the challenging circumstances, many passengers also shared stories of camaraderie and support among fellow travelers, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of adversity.

These first-hand accounts serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of preparedness in the cruise industry. Cruise lines must continually evaluate and enhance their safety protocols to ensure the well-being of their passengers in the event of a similar incident in the future.

Industry Response: Cruise Lines’ Actions and Safety Reviews

In the wake of the Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident, cruise lines across the industry have taken proactive steps to address safety concerns and reassure passengers of their commitment to their well-being.

Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, undertook a comprehensive review of their emergency response procedures and made several improvements based on lessons learned from the incident.

Other major cruise lines followed suit, conducting safety audits and implementing new measures to enhance passenger safety during extreme weather conditions. These measures include the installation of advanced weather tracking systems, improved communication protocols, and enhanced training for crew members.

Cruise lines have also increased their collaboration with meteorological agencies to receive real-time weather updates and make informed decisions regarding itinerary changes or ship rerouting.

The industry’s response to the Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident demonstrates its dedication to learning from past mistakes and prioritizing passenger safety. Cruise lines are continually striving to ensure that incidents like this are minimized, if not completely avoided, in the future.

Regulatory Scrutiny: Assessing Compliance and Potential Changes

Following any major incident in the cruise industry, regulatory bodies conduct thorough investigations to assess compliance with safety regulations and identify areas for improvement. The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident prompted a comprehensive review of the cruise ship’s compliance with international safety standards and guidelines.

The investigation led to recommendations for industry-wide changes, including stricter guidelines for ship stability in adverse weather conditions and enhanced training for crew members on emergency response procedures.

Additionally, regulatory bodies have called for increased transparency and accountability from cruise lines regarding their safety protocols and contingency plans.

These regulatory measures aim to establish a more robust framework for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members on board cruise ships. By holding cruise lines accountable and implementing necessary changes, regulatory bodies contribute to the overall improvement of safety standards in the industry.

Lessons Learned: Gleaning Valuable Insights from the Incident

The Carnival Sunshine Storm Incident of 2023 served as a wake-up call for the cruise industry, highlighting the importance of preparedness and safety measures. By examining the incident, valuable insights can be gained to prevent similar situations in the future. Here are some key lessons learned:

Enhancing Weather Monitoring and Forecasting Systems

One of the crucial aspects that emerged from the incident was the need for enhanced weather monitoring and forecasting systems. Cruise ships operate in unpredictable environments, and accurate and timely weather information is vital for ensuring passenger safety.

By investing in advanced technology and collaborating with meteorological agencies, cruise lines can better anticipate and navigate through adverse weather conditions. Additionally, developing onboard systems that provide real-time weather updates to both crew and passengers can greatly enhance situational awareness.

Improving Ship Design and Safety Features

The incident shed light on the importance of ship design and safety features in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. Cruise ships should be built with reinforced structures and improved stability to withstand rough seas and high winds.

The installation of advanced propulsion systems and stabilizers can help maintain ship stability during adverse weather conditions. Moreover, the implementation of comprehensive safety measures, such as improved emergency lighting, backup power systems, and resilient communication channels, can ensure effective response and evacuation procedures in the event of a storm or any other emergency situation.

Strengthening Passenger Education and Emergency Preparedness

Passenger education and emergency preparedness play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on board. The incident highlighted the need for comprehensive safety drills and training programs for passengers, enabling them to respond effectively to emergencies.

Cruise lines should provide clear and concise instructions on emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, life jacket usage, and communication protocols. Additionally, enhancing communication channels to reach passengers quickly and efficiently during critical situations can help minimize panic and ensure a swift response.

By implementing these lessons learned, the cruise industry can significantly enhance the safety and preparedness of its ships, ultimately ensuring a more secure and enjoyable experience for passengers.

It is imperative for cruise lines to prioritize the well-being of their guests and constantly strive for innovation and improvement in all aspects of ship operations.

Moving Forward: Embracing Safety Culture and Continuous Improvement

Following the Carnival Sunshine storm incident of 2023, it has become imperative for the cruise industry to reevaluate and strengthen its approach to safety. Embracing a safety culture and continuous improvement is crucial in ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew members.

The Importance of Safety Culture: Embedding Safety as a Core Value

A safety culture goes beyond mere compliance with regulations; it involves instilling safety as a core value within an organization. This means that safety is prioritized at all levels and becomes an integral part of the company’s identity.

By embedding safety as a core value, cruise lines can create an environment where every employee feels responsible for safety and takes proactive measures to prevent accidents and incidents.

One way to reinforce safety culture is through comprehensive training programs that address potential risks and provide employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergencies. These programs can include simulated scenarios, hands-on training, and regular drills to ensure that staff members are well-prepared to respond effectively in any situation.

Furthermore, fostering open communication channels is vital for a strong safety culture. Employees should feel comfortable reporting safety concerns or near-miss incidents without fear of retribution. This allows for timely identification and resolution of potential hazards, preventing them from escalating into full-blown emergencies.

Continuous Improvement and Risk Mitigation: Fostering a Learning Organization

Continuous improvement is a key aspect of maintaining and enhancing safety standards in the cruise industry. By adopting a mindset of constant learning, organizations can identify areas for improvement and implement measures to mitigate risks.

Regular safety audits and inspections play a critical role in identifying potential weaknesses and areas of improvement within a cruise ship’s operation. These assessments should be carried out by independent third-party organizations to ensure objectivity and adherence to industry best practices.

The findings from these audits should be used as a basis for implementing corrective actions and enhancing safety protocols.

Another important aspect of continuous improvement is the analysis of near-miss incidents and accidents. By examining the root causes and underlying factors, cruise lines can identify trends and patterns that may indicate systemic issues.

This analysis can then inform the development and implementation of targeted interventions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Regulator-Industry Collaboration: Ensuring Effective Oversight and Shared Responsibility

Effective oversight and regulation are essential in maintaining safety standards within the cruise industry. Regulators and industry stakeholders must work together to establish and enforce robust safety requirements.

Collaboration between regulators and cruise lines can take the form of regular meetings, sharing of information, and joint initiatives aimed at addressing safety concerns. By working together, they can identify emerging risks and develop proactive measures to mitigate them.

Transparency and accountability are also crucial in this collaboration. Cruise lines should be open and transparent about their safety practices, making information easily accessible to both regulators and the public.

This fosters trust and ensures that all parties are working towards a common goal of ensuring passenger and crew safety.

In conclusion, the Carnival Sunshine storm incident of 2023 serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and responsibilities inherent in maritime operations. While the incident unfolded without serious injuries or loss of life, it underscored the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and a commitment to safety at all levels.

By examining the incident’s details, understanding the potential risks, and learning from the lessons it imparts, the cruise industry can continue to strive for excellence in safety practices, ensuring that passengers can embark on their voyages with confidence and peace of mind.

As maritime technology evolves and the demand for cruise experiences continues to grow, the industry must remain at the forefront of safety innovation, embracing new advancements and continuously refining existing protocols.

By doing so, the cruise industry can foster a culture of safety that prioritizes the well-being of passengers and crew, transforming every voyage into an adventure marked by both enjoyment and unwavering safety.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Carnival Freedom ship caught fire Saturday near the Bahamas after passengers reported a lightning strike on the boat during a thunderstorm .

Carnival Cruise Line said the crew reported a fire on the port side of the ship's exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, sailing to Freeport after being unable to dock at Princess Cay due to weather conditions. 

"Our onboard team acted quickly to contain and put out the fire," Carnival Cruise Line said. "While we continue to investigate multiple eyewitness reports of a lightning strike, our technical team completed a thorough assessment during the ship’s visit to Freeport on Sunday."

LIGHTNING FATALITIES WERE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD IN 2023, SAFETY COUNCIL SAYS

Around the time of the fire, radar showed a storm cell over the area and a lot of lightning activity.

Multiple passenger videos show flames and dark smoke billowing from the exhaust funnel as rain continues to pour onto the deck.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was supposed to dock at Princess Cay on Saturday about 9 a.m., but passengers were told that the boat would continue to Freeport due to strong winds . 

During the afternoon, the rain returned, and passengers reported hearing loud thunder and then seeing the smoke. Soon after, guests were told to remain in their cabins.

"Why is our tail on fire?" someone can be heard saying in the video recorded by Barnes. "That's not good, y'all."

On Monday, Carnival Freedom returned to Port Canaveral , where guests disembarked.

The cruise line said damage to the ship is "more than we first thought" and will require immediate repair to stabilize the funnel. Cruises scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on March 25th and March 29th have been canceled. All guests on the canceled trips will receive a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

FOX Business reported that the same cruise ship caught on fire in 2022 after being struck by lightning. 

Another video recorded on Saturday by X user @breezebreeze showed the fire on the ship.

"Carnival Freedom on fire AGAIN!!" they wrote on X.

Original article source: Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike

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Travel | Revamped Carnival Glory headed to Port Canaveral

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Carnival Cruise Line has revamped its Carnival Glory cruise ship with new features before it heads to its new home at Port Canaveral.

The 110,000-gross-ton ship is taking on three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from the port, joining three other Carnival ships. Built in 2003, the ship has a 2,980-guest passenger capacity based on double occupancy.

It recently came out of a 21-day dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, receiving some enhancements found on other Carnival ships.

Changes include a new casino layout, including a nonsmoking area, and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge that pays deference to military veterans and active-duty service members, taking over the SkyBox Sports Bar. Also added were a Dreams Photography Studio and upgrades within the spa.

When it debuted more than 20 years ago, Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, was named its godmother. Its space-themed pedigree extends to enhancements added to the youth area Camp Ocean, which now has a large video wall for its Space Cruisers program. Its curriculum was developed in partnership with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Also updated is the video arcade and redubbed The Warehouse.

The refurb also removed the aft-pool Sky Dome, while the ship received routine hotel maintenance, cosmetic enhancements, ADA compliant updates in public areas and select staterooms including the addition of Ambulatory Accessible staterooms.

Stateroom balconies were also redone with new windows and doors and every stateroom had new LED lighting and bathroom nightlights added.

The ship sailed out of Barcelona on Thursday for a 14-night transatlantic voyage to Port Canaveral.

Its first sailing from Florida will be May 2. It joins Carnival Freedom, Carnival Vista and Carnival’s Mardi Gras calling the Orlando-area port home.

Leaving is Carnival Liberty, which is moving to New Orleans.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said Carnival Glory received an updated hull paint scheme during the 2024 dry dock. It had its hull paint scheme updated in 2021.

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The Carnival Glory cruise ship passes the French Quarter and Algiers Point as it heads down the Mississippi River on May 21, 2023. 

• STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
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Carnival Liberty will set sail from New Orleans this summer to beach vacation destinations

• Author email
• Apr 19, 2024
• 1 min to read

The Carnival Liberty will set sail from New Orleans this summer and make multiple stops at beach vacation destinations.

The ship will sail out of New Orleans several times this summer for seven-day itineraries to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, according to a recent news release from Carnival.

Another ship, Carnival Glory, went on an over two-week-long hiatus to upgrade several spots on the ship, the news release said. A new bar and lounge dedicated to Army veterans and active duty military and a photography studio are some of the latest additions.

Other spaces, including the casino, spa and youth area, were redesigned. Frequent cruisers may notice the new decor and furnishings across all public areas on the ship.

The Glory has yet to announce if it has any plans to sail out of New Orleans.

These are the destinations that the Carnival will be traveling to from New Orleans in 2024. 

Eastern Caribbean cruise

Carnival Liberty will set sail from New Orleans for the first time for their seven-day Eastern Caribbean vacation.

From May 26 to June 2, the ship will stop in Key West, Freeport and Nassau before returning to the Crescent City.

Other dates for this itinerary are July 7-14 and August 4-11. 

Western Caribbean cruises

Carnival Liberty has two Western Caribbean cruises sailing from New Orleans in June. The destinations include Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel. The dates for both cruises are June 2-9 and June 16-23. 

Another Western Caribbean cruise will depart from New Orleans, then make stops to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel in the span of seven days. Dates include June 9-16, June 23-30, July 21-28 and August 18-25. 

Western Caribbean cruises are also offered later in the summer. One takes place June 30 to July 7 and July 28 to August 4 and sails through Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel.

The last seven-day Western Caribbean cruise travels to Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel on July 14-21, August 11-18 and August 25 to September 1. 

Email Poet Wolfe at [email protected] .

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