Carnival Ship Delayed by Winter Storm, Next Baltimore Cruise Cut Short

Carnival Pride Cruise Ship at Night

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Pride will be one day late returning to Baltimore because of the approaching winter storm.
  • The next cruise will now depart on Monday, January 26, and will be a 6-night itinerary instead of 7 nights.
  • The Bimini visit is cancelled and further changes may yet be forthcoming, but compensation is being offered.

Just one day after alerting guests to the possibility of weather-related changes, Carnival Cruise Line has had to revise its plans for Carnival Pride sailing from Baltimore.

The ship will now be unable to return to the port as planned on Sunday, January 25 and instead is delayed until Monday, January 26, with the next sailing shortened accordingly.

“The Port of Baltimore has advised that we should not expect to dock Sunday (January 25), which will impact the itinerary for your upcoming cruise,” the email notification read.

“We are now making plans to dock around noon time, Monday, January 26, forcing a shortening of your cruise by one day.”

It is not unusual for cruise lines to have to make last-minute adjustments for severe weather. While such changes are less common for winter storms, safety is always the top priority.

Carnival Pride Winter Storm Letter
Carnival Pride Winter Storm Letter

Carnival Cruise Line is urging guests to sign up for text alerts and to wait to proceed to the cruise terminal in Baltimore until final embarkation plans are confirmed on Sunday.

“We will be back in touch no later than 3:00 PM, Sunday, January 25,” the notification said.

At this time, it is expected that embarkation should begin around 4 p.m. on Monday, January 26, though further schedule adjustments may be necessary depending on the storm’s overall impact.

The National Weather Service has Baltimore under a winter storm warning from 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 24 through 4 a.m. on Monday, January 26. Widespread snow, ice, and extreme cold are all expected with this storm, including from 7-14 inches of snow and sleet.

“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” the advisory reads. “Travel could be nearly impossible.”

Furthermore, the advisory goes on with a word of caution.

“Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary,” the advisory, issued Friday just after 5 p.m., concludes.

While a cruise ship does not need to consider the impact of icy roads, the safety of port personnel, support operations at the port, visibility for the ship, and other weather-related factors are of critical concern.

Itinerary Will Be Changed for Next Carnival Pride Cruise

Carnival Pride‘s January 25 (now January 26) sailing was to have been a 7-night Bahamas itinerary with visits to Bimini, Princess Cays, and Celebration Key. Because the sailing must be shortened by more than a full day, the overall itinerary has also been impacted.

“We will not be able to visit Bimini but are anticipating that our visits to both Celebration Key and Princess Cays will remain part of our voyage plan,” the email said.

Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore
Carnival Pride Docked in Baltimore (Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Depending on the final details of when Carnival Pride is able to dock, debark guests on the current sailing, and welcome new guests aboard, it is possible the port times will be adjusted for both private destinations. Guests will be provided those details as they are confirmed.

The speed and strength of the storm, as well as any lingering impacts such as power outages to the cruise terminal or port facilities, may also impact Carnival Pride‘s plans on Monday.

Compensation Offered to Guests

Because guests will be missing a full day of their sailing, Carnival is issuing a one-day, pro-rated refund of guests’ cruise fares back to the original form of payment.

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Furthermore, guests will also receive pro-rated refunds of pre-paid packages and amenities, such as the CHEERS! drink package, CHEERS! zero proof package, or Bottomless Bubbles as well as wi-fi packages and pre-paid gratuities. Those refunds will be issued as onboard credit for guests to enjoy during their 6-night cruise.

There is no confirmation whether or not Carnival Cruise Line will be offering any reimbursement assistance for changed travel plans or the need for extra hotel rooms for guests who may already be in the Baltimore area ahead of their sailing.

Further updates are sure to come as the storm moves through Baltimore and Carnival Pride arrives. Guests should stay in close communication with Carnival Cruise Line to receive updated information as quickly as possible.

Carnival Ship Delayed by Winter Storm, Next Baltimore Cruise Cut Short

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