Most cruise travelers dream of balmy breezes, sunny skies, and warm temperatures for their cruise vacation. That isn’t what guests should expect when embarking on Carnival Pride in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, January 25, 2026, however.

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the 7-night Bahamas cruise to alert them to the possibility that poor weather may have a significant impact on their sailing, including embarkation.

“Carnival Pride’s Captain, Renato Bendinelli, and our Fleet Operations Center have been actively monitoring weather forecasts for Baltimore,” the email explains. “Heavy snow is expected in the region, and this could impact our operational plans for the day.”

According to the National Weather Service, Baltimore will be under a winter storm watch from 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 through 7 a.m. on Monday, January 26. This includes the expectation for at least five inches of snow, with a possibility that more than 10 inches of snow may fall.

The snowfall may also be mixed with sleet and freezing rain, which can create extremely hazardous conditions for anyone driving to the cruise port.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the weather advisory notes. “A mix with sleet or freezing rain is possible Sunday. Significant icing is possible especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times.”

Port of Baltimore is approximately 20 miles north of Highway 50, but still well within the expected area of heavy snow, icy conditions, and poor visibility.

Carnival Cruise Line is urging guests to sign up for text alerts to stay up to date in case of changes to Carnival Pride‘s embarkation or departure from Baltimore on Sunday.

No Changes Yet Confirmed

Guests eagerly anticipating their 7-night sailing are naturally concerned about whether or not their itinerary may be changed.

“For now, there are no changes, but, since forecasts can vary, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if it becomes necessary to adjust things,” Carnival confirmed.

Carnival Pride‘s upcoming itinerary is as follows:

• Sunday, January 25 – Depart Baltimore at 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, January 26 – Day at Sea
• Tuesday, January 27 – Day at Sea
• Wednesday, January 28 – Bimini from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, January 29 – Princess Cays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, January 30 – Celebration Key from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, January 31 – Day at Sea
• Sunday, February 1 – Arrive in Baltimore, expected debarkation by 10 a.m.

With two days at sea to begin the cruise, it is possible there is a small margin that could help account for any delays leaving Baltimore without needing to adjust the port visits. If any departure delay is extensive, however, the ports of call will undoubtedly be impacted.

Again, at this time, there is no delay for Carnival Pride and no confirmed itinerary changes. Guests should stay in close contact with Carnival Cruise Line in case there are any changes.

No Compensation Will Be Provided

Carnival has been clear that in these types of weather-related circumstances, no compensation will be provided to guests who might miss their ship because they aren’t able to arrive at the cruise terminal on time.

Read Also: What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, confirmed this with a guest who is planning to drive not to Baltimore, but to Norfolk to board Carnival Sunshine. Like Baltimore, Norfolk is also under a winter storm watch with an expected mix of rain, sleet, and snow.

“As of now there’s a POSSIBILITY of UP TO 3 FEET of snow accumulation starting late on 23 Jan and all weekend,” the guest explained. “We should have had some communication [from Carnival]. … If we miss the ship boarding time will we get fully refunded. If not why not and when do we get some news on this. Do you not care?????”

While the National Weather Service for Norfolk does not verify “up to 3 feet” of snow, it does confirm “moderate to major impacts in infrastructure and transportation.”

Guests are always responsible for reaching the cruise terminal in time for boarding, as is clearly printed on every boarding pass. While it’s true that weather is outside of guests’ control, it is also outside the cruise line’s control.

“I can assure you that if there is anything that needs to be communicated to you regarding this the Beards at the Mothership will do so,” Heald noted, urging everyone to travel safely to both Norfolk and Baltimore.

The same response applies no matter what may delay a guest in reaching the cruise terminal. In August 2025, a family driving from Senioa, Georgia to Port Canaveral was delayed due to congestion from a traffic accident and missed embarkation for Carnival Glory.

Despite the fact that the traffic accident was not their fault, they did not receive any refund for missing their cruise. Similarly, any guests delayed in reaching their cruise ships due to the impact of winter weather on driving or flights should not expect compensation.

Carnival Alerts Passengers to Snowstorm Threat That May Affect Carnival Pride