Guests setting sail on two amazing Carnival cruises from PortMiami this weekend may encounter some challenges on their way to the cruise terminal due to a special event impacting traffic on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Carnival Cruise Line has sent notifications to booked guests on Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon about the potential for traffic snarls, encouraging travelers to be prepared for delays.

“Miami will be hosting Diplo’s Run Club 5K on the day of your embarkation,” the email explained. “The route will pass near PortMiami, resulting in some street closures and heavier than normal traffic in some nearby areas.”

While there is no adjustment to either ship’s scheduled departure time, it is important that all guests be onboard by the final boarding time printed on their boarding passes or else they may miss their cruise.

Carnival is urging guests to add extra time to their morning travel plans to reach PortMiami in case there are delays, as well as to check traffic conditions via online apps, websites, or alerts as they approach the port. This will permit last-minute adjustments in case of traffic snarls and congestion.

“If you purchased Carnival’s transfer services, please note that our transfer times may also be impacted,” the email noted. “We are working closely with our transportation provider to offset any potential delays.”

Both Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon are departing on Southern Caribbean itineraries on Saturday. These itineraries are very popular and attractive to guests because they are less frequently available.

Carnival Conquest’s 13-night itinerary is especially intriguing as not only is it a longer Carnival Journeys cruise, but it is also a SEA adults-only sailing that will offer even more unique experiences onboard.

Read Also: Everything to Know About Carnival’s Adults-Only SEA Cruises

The ship is scheduled to visit St. Thomas, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and Barbados before returning to the Sunshine State on Friday, January 30.

Carnival Horizon‘s cruise is an 8-night itinerary with visits planned for the classic “ABC” ports – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – before returning to Miami on Sunday, January 25.

How the Race Will Affect Port Traffic

The Diplo Run Club hosts races in different cities across the country with fun festivities after each event to celebrate the runners’ accomplishments. The Miami 5K starts and finishes at Maurice A. Ferré Park at 1075 Biscayne Bay Boulevard, at the base of the MacArthur Causeway.

Cruise guests who drive to PortMiami will better know the MacArthur Causeway as the lead into the PortMiami Tunnel, a convenient way to reach the cruise terminals from I-395.

The race route is a roundtrip loop north up Biscayne Boulevard and across Northeast 13th Street to Northeast Second Avenue as far as Northeast 27th Terrace.

Because the race starts at 9 a.m., runners will be on the course just as cruise guests are beginning to head for PortMiami. Roads will remain closed until approximately 10:30 a.m.

Furthermore, the festival at Maurice A. Ferré Park will continue throughout the morning. This could create additional traffic snarls not only due to participants and spectators, but also because of vendors and operational needs.

Will Other Ships Be Impacted?

It isn’t just guests for Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon that may experience traffic difficulties due to this event.

Saturday, January 17 is a busy day for PortMiami with seven ships in port. In addition to the two Carnival cruise ships, any guests setting sail on the following vessels should likewise be prepared for traffic congestion:

• Icon of the Seas
• Resilient Lady
• Norwegian Encore
• MSC World America
• Oceania Nautica

When all seven ships are combined and considering both embarking and debarking guests, more than 55,000 passengers may be moving through PortMiami on Saturday.

In addition, traffic from cargo operations, port employees, private boaters, and ongoing construction of the new Cruise Terminal G will also add to the traffic concerns. All guests should ensure they have plenty of time to reach their appropriate terminal in time to start their cruise vacation with ease.

What’s Happening Near PortMiami That Has Carnival Sending an Advisory?