Serenade of the Seas has now arrived in Miami, but with even higher numbers of ill guests and crew members than initially reported.
A total of 98 guests and crew members have reported gastrointestinal illness with vomiting and diarrhea, which has been confirmed as norovirus.
Extra cleaning and sanitizing are being done onboard, but there appears to be no delay in the ship’s departure on her next sailing.
The gastrointestinal illness making the rounds aboard Serenade of the Seas‘ September 19, 2025 sailing continues to worsen even as the ship has reached PortMiami at the end of its 13-night, one-way repositioning cruise from San Diego.
The ship arrived in South Florida on Thursday, October 2, right on schedule.
The CDC requires cruise ships to report outbreaks to the Vessel Sanitation Program when the total number of cases reaches 3% of either the number of guests or crew members onboard.
Now, with 94 out of 1,874 guests onboard Serenade of the Seas reporting symptoms, 5% of guests onboard are feeling ill, up from 71 (3.8%) when the outbreak was first reported.
More crew members are also impacted. The initial report had just a single crew member (.1% of the 883 crew members onboard) reporting illness, but now four crew members (.5%) are ill.
Now that Serenade of the Seas has reached Miami on schedule, crew members will have a better opportunity to fully sanitize the ship after guests have debarked.
This may slightly delay embarkation for the ship’s next sailing, a 3-day one-way voyage to Colon, Panama, as the ship prepares for her winter season offering Southern Caribbean itineraries with departures from both Panama and Colombia.
Even without delays, additional mitigation measures to prevent further spread and contamination are sure to be taken. So far, the ship has already increased cleaning and sanitation in all public areas and guest staterooms and is isolating sick passengers and crew members.
Testing has confirmed that this outbreak is due to norovirus, one of the most widespread and highly communicable causes of vomiting and diarrhea in the world.
Guests onboard any ship, whether an outbreak has been reported or not, should practice thorough and frequent handwashing with warm water and soap, especially after using the restroom and before dining.
Minimizing contact with high-traffic surfaces, such as elevator buttons, touchscreens, serving utensils, door handles, and stairway railings is another good step to avoid contracting norovirus.
Norovirus Outbreaks in 2025
According to the CDC, norovirus is the cause of more than 90% of gastrointestinal illnesses aboard cruise ships. Because cruise lines do not need to report outbreaks below the 3% infection threshold, it is possible that any cruise ship might have some of the illness aboard at any time.
“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas, and rapid turnover of passengers,”the CDC notes.
CDC Sign (Photo Credit: Tada Images)
So far in 2025, there have been 19 cruise ship disease outbreaks reported to the CDC. Of those, 14 are confirmed as norovirus.
Of the remaining five outbreaks, three did not have a causative agent confirmed. One was an E. coli outbreak aboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ray in January, and the other case was due to ciguatera contamination aboard Sea Cloud Cruises’ Sea Cloud Spirit also in January.
Two other Royal Caribbean ships have been impacted by significant norovirus outbreaks this year. Radiance of the Seas had an outbreak with 160 (7.4%) guests and 8 (.9%) crew members in early February, while Navigator of the Seas reported an outbreak with 134 (3.4%) guests and 7 (.6%) crew members in July.
Other norovirus outbreaks have been reported aboard ships from Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, and more.
Already in 2025, the total number of norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships is nearly equal to the total number of norovirus outbreaks in 2024 (15), and more than the outbreaks reported in all of 2023 (13).
Thanks to Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, several cruise ships have steered toward Canada and New England instead of sailing to Bermuda or the Bahamas as planned.
Those who were diverted to Portland, Maine, were met with a funny sign welcoming them to “Northern Bermuda.”
So far, ships like Carnival Pride and Norwegian Escape have been diverted to the New England destination.
Some of the cruise guests visiting Portland, Maine, this week aren’t there because they wanted to be, but because they had no other choice.
Hurricane Humberto has now fizzled out, but Hurricane Imelda has strengthened into a Category 2 storm.
But regardless of the reason, the cruise port is happy to host them, as seen through their funny welcome sign.
As Imelda barrels down on Bermuda, Portland put out a sign welcoming diverted cruisers that reads “Welcome to Northern Bermuda.”
Portland, of course, is quite far north of Bermuda with a distance of approximately 750 miles between the destinations.
“I thought it was very thoughtful for them to greet those who were diverted…Sign is strategically placed just prior to the security check before reboarding the ship,” one recent visitor shared, although it’s not clear when exactly they were in the port.
Most cruise guests got a good chuckle out of the comedic sign.
“Born and raised within 30 minutes of Portland. That’s 100% Maine Humor, right there,”one person said.
“Love the humor,” another agreed.
Past guests also noted that the New England destination has pulled similar cheeky stunts in the past when they received unexpected visitors due to stormy weather.
The Spirit-class ship joined TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1 and American Cruise Lines’ ACL American Song in the port on Wednesday, October 1.
Cruise Ships Docked in Portland, Maine (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Notably, Portland can accommodate two large cruise ships at once at the Ocean Gateway Terminal, and an additional smaller vessel at the Portland Ocean Terminal (Maine State Pier).
On October 2, Norwegian Escape will also make a last-minute appearance in Portland. She will join Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Quest, which was already on the port schedule.
The NCL ship is in the middle of a 12-night voyage that was supposed to sail to the Caribbean, but as with Carnival Pride, she had to adjust due to the hurricanes.
There is also a possibility that Carnival Venezia might stop in Portland in the coming days as part of a 5-night Bermuda voyage that may be redirected to Canada.
The Italian-themed ship is supposed to visit Bermuda for an overnight call on October 3 and October 4, but the cruise line has warned that this could change due to dangerous maritime conditions and potential damage to the cruise port.
One Carnival guest feels that being required to pre-pay for specialty dining is an inflexible, money grab practice that needs to end.
While the issue was opened for an online vote, there is not much support for the idea of free reservations and charging only after the meal.
Different cruise lines have different policies to curb the practice of making reservations than not showing up, including no-show and late cancellation fees.
It can be a treat to indulge in one (or more!) specialty dining reservations while on a cruise, but some less-than-friendly practices have made cruise lines reconsider how they charge for these exclusive venues.
Pricing policies have varied from full charges up front to a reservation that is only charged after the meal, with each cruise line taking steps to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to try out different tastes.
One Carnival cruise guest, however, has taken issue with the pre-pay policy. They reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, to express their outrage.
“Making us pre-pay for dinner at the steak restaurant is nothing but the money grab. it shows you do not trust your customers,”the guest claimed.“You need to stop this policy. There needs to be flexibility.”
To be fair, fine dining restaurants, including steakhouses, on land do not charge for reservations. Costs are only applied after a customer’s meal and vary widely depending on what is ordered, as different drinks and dishes have different prices.
Onboard Carnival ships, however, specialty restaurants are “prix fixe” (French for “fixed price”) with a flat rate charge regardless of what guests order. For Carnival’s signature Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, that price is currently $52 per adult and $15 per child.
While Heald did not respond to the guest directly, he included their outrage on his daily poll, leaving it up to his more than 642,000 Facebook followers to vote and share their thoughts on the pricing.
The original guest is not receiving a great deal of support, as fewer than 400 votes agree with their assertion that the pre-pay pricing is a money grab that needs to stop.
In contrast, more than 5,750 voters understand the policy and the need for pre-payment.
By pre-paying, not only do guests guarantee their specialty restaurant reservation, but the cruise line is assured of payment even if guests do not show up for the mealtime they reserved.
If guests are unable to make their reservation because their plans or preferences change, they can speak with the restaurant manager to make adjustments or cancel if necessary.
Guest reactions to the pre-pay policy are generally positive, noting that it forces travelers to be accountable to the plans they’ve made.
Will Carnival Implement Cancellation Fees?
At the moment, Carnival Cruise Line has no clear policy on whether or not fees are charged for changing or cancelling one’s specialty dining reservation. Because the specialty restaurants are pre-pay, it stands to reason that guests who simply no-show for a reservation would forfeit that fee without any refund.
In recent weeks, both of Carnival’s major competitors, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, have implemented no-show or cancellation fees.
On Royal Caribbean ships, no-show fees are intended to “preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options,” according to the cruise line.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Steakhouse (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)
This is meant to help end the less-than-polite practice of guests making multiple reservations at different restaurants for the same night.
Some guests have been snagging highly desirable times and days for the dining experiences, then simply cherry picking which ones they want at the time of their cruise and letting the rest lapse.
The fee helps the cruise line recoup some of that lost revenue and is an attempt to discourage this “restaurant hogging” behavior.
Norwegian Cruise Line also recently implemented a $10 per person no-show fee for specialty dining reservations. While this is a minimal amount, it is at least a step toward curbing unused reservations.
If Norwegian Cruise Line guests are able to cancel or modify their reservation more than two hours before its specified time, there is no fee. Presumably, an onboard wait list would likely be able to fill that reservation with enough advance notice of a cancellation.
The final port call of MSC Euribia’s current 7-night voyage, which is in Flåm, Norway, will unfortunately be cut short.
This change was made to avoid the worst of the strong winds that will impact the vessel’s journey back to Kiel, Germany.
As the MSC ship may still encounter some rough seas, the pools will be drained and guests are encouraged to be extra cautious during the final leg of the voyage.
On the other side of the world in Northern Europe, strong wind gusts are bringing very rough seas, leading to an itinerary change for MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia.
The 6,327-guest ship is nearing the end of a 7-night sailing to Denmark and Norway that embarked in Kiel, Germany, on September 27, 2025.
Unfortunately, strong winds reaching over 50 knots per hour (or 57 miles per hour) will impact the final port call of the voyage, which is scheduled for Flåm, Norway, on Thursday, October 2.
Specifically, the winds are expected to impact the 184,011-gross ton vessel during its journey from Flåm back to Kiel, where disembarkation will take place on the morning of October 4.
As a result, the time in Flåm will be shortened from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – which is a difference of four hours and thirty minutes.
“Rough seas are expected in the Northern Sea this week, with wind gusts forecasted to exceed 50 knots on Thursday, 2 October. This may affect our navigation to Kiel,” MSC Cruises wrote to current guests.
“To ensure your safety and comfort, we will now be departing earlier, at 13:30, so that we can sail ahead of the worst of the weather,” the update continued.
Due to the new time constraints, shore excursions like the popular “Norwegian Waterfalls and Dramatic Sceneries by Train (FLA04 and FLA22)” have been cancelled.
They will be automatically refunded in the form of an onboard credit, which can be used to book alternative shore excursions.
A Rough Voyage Home
Thanks to sophisticated stabilization systems and heavy steel hulls, modern cruise ships are perfectly capable of handling rough seas.
However, the forecasted winds may cause big swells, which can make the journey back to Kiel uncomfortable, especially for passengers who are prone to seasickness.
Every now and then, a rogue wave can make cruise ships rock or tilt dramatically, but these events are rare, and it’s extremely unlikely for a vessel to completely tip over.
As disappointing as the early departure from Flåm may be, it will help mitigate the rockiness onboard at least somewhat.
But as the Meraviglia-Plus Class ship is still expected to encounter some bad weather, the 1,711 crew members are taking precautions to make sure everyone stays safe.
“Following our departure on Thursday, we expect challenging navigational conditions due to this weather system,”MSC Cruises advised.
“For your safety, all pools on board will be emptied, and we strongly advise guests to avoid the outer decks. Please exercise caution when moving around the ship and always use handrails.”
Nicknamed the “port of land and see,” the Port of San Diego features two cruise ship terminals right in downtown, putting you within easy access of off-site parking options, hotels, dining and entertainment.
Beyond positioning you nicely for an extended stay in San Diego, either pre- or post-cruise, the terminal also offers year-round cruises from a wealth of cruise lines to destinations such as Mexico, the Panama Canal and Hawaii. Here’s what you need to know.
The Port of San Diego is home to two cruise ship terminals: the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, located at 1140 North Harbor Drive, and Broadway Pier, located at 1100 North Harbor Drive.
Both terminals are just under a 3-mile drive from San Diego International Airport.
In addition to serving cruise passengers, Broadway Pier is also a venue for special events and provides public waterfront access.
The terminals sit right in downtown San Diego, surrounded by major hotels and nearby attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum, and more.
According to the Port, within two miles of the terminal, you can find 20 hotels, 10 art galleries, nine performing arts venues, 8 public parks, six museums, and more.
San Diego Cruise Port Address
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
Broadway Pier, 1100 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal Facilities
The B-Street pier and cruise ship terminal is the largest and primary San Diego cruise ship terminal. It can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously.
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal (Photo Credit: Manuela Durson)
The main terminal building is 30,000 square feet, with supplemental structures for passenger reception and baggage handling. In total, the terminal measures in at 120,000 square feet.
There are no dining options within this terminal, but you will find plenty of seating and restrooms, as well as free WiFi. (Internet packages are available if you want faster WiFi than what is provided for free, or longer access to free WiFi.)
Broadway Pier Facilities
The Broadway Pier and Port Pavilion can be used to accommodate a third cruise ship, but is less likely to be used on a regular basis. Additionally, the Port Pavilion is used as an event venue and provides public access to the water.
Since the Port Pavilion is more of a tourist attraction, it also includes amenities such as a visitors’ center and restaurant. It’s likewise meticulously designed to act as a piece of waterfront architectural art, with sculptures and a light garden.
San Diego Broadway Terminal (Photo Credit: Ken Wolter)
The pavilion received LEED Gold certification, a mark of sustainability made possible through efforts such as using water-efficient fixtures and reducing indoor lighting needs via the building’s 7,550 square feet of windows.
In another effort toward greater sustainability, in 2023, the port expanded its shore power capacity at both the Broadway Pier and B Street cruise ship terminals, so that two cruise ships can plug into the shore power system simultaneously.
The Broadway Pier’s terminal area measures in at 52,000 square feet.
Cruise Lines that Use the San Diego Cruise Port
Cruise lines that use the San Diego cruise port include:
Holland America Line
Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise Line
Of these, Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line visit the port the most.
Parking Information for San Diego Cruise Port
There are no on-site parking options at the San Diego Cruise Port. Instead, off-site parking is provided by a variety of third-party operators.
Ace Parking
Ace Parking operates 11 lots in the general port area, with rates ranging from $15 to $40 per day. The closest lots to the cruise port are those located at the Wyndham hotel, and BRIC North and BRIC South. These lots are directly across the street from the cruise port.
Ace Parking Shuttle, San Diego
For all other lot locations, you’re not going to want to walk from them, to the port, and will need to take a rideshare service. In some cases, shuttle service is provided, but it’s not guaranteed at all lots.
San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly
Located right next to the San Diego International Airport, San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly does offer cruise parking starting at $24.95 per day, and provides free shuttle service to the cruise port.
However, the provider does recommend that, before parking, you drop off all other passengers and your luggage at the cruise ship terminal. This way, fewer people need to use the shuttle and everyone enjoys a faster experience.
Park, Shuttle & Fly
San Diego’s Park, Shuttle & Fly has two lots. Lot A is at 3405 Pacific Highway and Lot B is at 3275 Pacific Highway. Both are under a 10-minute drive to the cruise ship terminal.
The shuttle runs 24/7. Oversized vehicles such as RVs are not able to park here.
ABM Parking
ABM Parking offers parking at several different lots near the cruise port, but shuttle service is not provided and vehicles over 25 feet in length cannot be accommodated. ABM Parking lots include:
The 1384 Kettner Blvd. Lot (half a mile from the terminal)
The 1304 India St. Lot (half a mile from the terminal)
The 800 4th Avenue Lot (Less than a mile from the terminal)
Parking at San Diego International Airport
Additionally, because the airport is so close to the cruise port, you also have the option of just parking at the airport, as if you were arriving for a flight.
There are two parking terminals at the airport.
Newly opened, Terminal 1 Parking Plaza features nearly 3,000 parking spaces over 1.1 million square feet, with more than 500 parking spaces reserved for “clean vehicles,” such as electric vehicles.
Furthermore, there are nearly 100 electric vehicle charging ports, and the plaza is 24/7 security patrolled. Rates are $38 per every 24 hours.
Terminal 2 Parking Plaza isn’t as new, but offers similar security and 16 electric vehicle charging ports. The same rate of $38 per every 24 hours applies.
Traveling from Nearby Airports
As San Diego International Airport is the closest airport to the port, and as the large airport offers plenty of service to other destinations around the country, chances are that if you’re flying in for a cruise, this is where you’ll land.
Getting from the airport to the cruise terminal is relatively easy. There’s really no need for you to get a rental car, since you’re so close. Instead, take a taxi, rideshare or public transit.
For a taxi, after disembarking from your flight, follow the signage to the transportation plazas. A customer service representative will direct you to the first available taxi.
San Diego International Airport (Photo Credit: Roaming Panda Photos)
If you want to take a rideshare service, the airport permits the following providers to operate from the airport terminals: Lyft, Uber, Wingz and Opoli.
Follow signage to rideshare passenger pickup locations. Pickup locations will differ depending on if you arrived in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
For public transit, you have two options.
You can take the Route 923 bus from the North Harbor Dr. & Spanish Landing stop (which will require you to walk for about six minutes down Airport Terminal Rd). The bus will drop you off at the North Harbor Dr & 1140 stop, right at the terminal.
You can also take the Route 992 bus from the airport to the North Harbor Dr & 1140 stop.
Whichever option you choose, the bus fare will be $2.50 and the ride will be about 15 minutes.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Car
If you’re driving to the San Diego cruise port, you’ll likely want to drop off your passengers at the port first, before heading on to your chosen parking options.
Photo Courtesy: Port of San Diego
If you’re traveling from the north side of the city, take Interstate 5 South to Exit 17/Front Street. Turn right on Broadway, then right on North Harbor Drive and follow signs for the port.
If you’re traveling from the south side of the city, take Interstate 5 North to Exit 17/Front Street. Follow the signs to North Harbor Drive and then follow signs for the port.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Rideshare
You can take a rideshare to the cruise port from anywhere in the city. Just ask your rideshare driver to drop you off at one of the port’s drop-off and check-in points.
At that time, you’ll be asked to present your ID (such as a passport) and a ship ticket or boarding document for that day. You’ll have to present both in order to access the port.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port by Shuttle Service
You can book shuttle service to the cruise port via a handful of providers.
Transit Van Shuttle, for example, offers door-to-door shuttle service for groups of any number. The service provider operates vehicles that can fit up to 10 passengers and operates throughout Southern California. You have to submit a quote request, however, to get pricing.
Photo Credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock
Additionally, suppose you book a hotel stay in San Diego ahead of your embarkation date.
In that case, you will find that some hotels will offer free shuttle service to the port if you book a cruise and stay package (some of these packages also include free parking). Comfort Inn San Diego Airport at the Harbor is one such hotel that offers this service.
How to Get to San Diego Cruise Port Using Public Transportation
You can take various public transportation to the San Diego cruise port. As already mentioned, several bus routes stop within walking distance of the port, including the 992 and 923 bus routes.
Additionally, the Santa Fe Depot is located two blocks away from the cruise port and you can take many trains and buses to this depot, too, from elsewhere around the city or state, and then walk to the port.
Attractions Near San Diego Cruise Port
As already mentioned, the San Diego cruise port is located near tons of different things to see and do, particularly in the Embarcadero area, along the waterfront.
Nearby museums include the USS Midway Museum, set on a decommissioned aircraft carrier. The museum is the most-visited ship museum in the world. There’s also the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
At the maritime museum, you can view and board historic ships such as the world’s oldest active sailing ship, the Star of India, which was built in the 1860s.
USS Midway Museum (Photo Credit: Raimundo79)
For those who enjoy museums of a different stripe, the New Children’s Museum is also easily accessible from the port, as is the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
If you have enough time before or after your cruise, and if you’re visiting during the spring or summer baseball season, you might consider heading to Petco Park to catch a Padres game.
For more general sightseeing and exploring, walk the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find seemingly endless dining, drinking and shopping options.
While not exactly within walking distance, San Diego’s famed Balboa Park is a short bus or Uber ride away, and where you’ll find additional attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Best Time to Visit San Diego
San Diego boasts great temperatures all year-long, with averages hovering in the 70s just about every month of the year. The weather, though, can be rainy or cloudy, with rainfall most common in the winter and cloudy, overcast days common in May and June.
Cruise Ship Docked in San Diego (Photo Credit: meunierd)
Otherwise, if you’re looking to visit when you can find cheapest travel rates, including flights and hotels, you might be able to snag a good deal during the city’s low seasons, which include the spring and fall.
You might also choose to time your trip around things to do and experience, rather than weather or cost. For example, winter is a good time for whale watching off the coast, while also offering annual events such as the city’s restaurant week and museum month (February).
Royal Caribbean has officially unveiled the fleet of five brightly-colored ferries that will be used to bring guests to the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
The ferries will be owned and operated by the 100% Bahamian-owned Bahamas Transport Logistics and offer efficient navigation and operation.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open in December 2025 and will offer a variety of day pass admission options with all-inclusive amenities.
From the moment guests embark on excursions to Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, they’ll be immersed with tropical vibes.
The cruise line has unveiled the fleet of water ferries that will transport guests to the exclusive, first-of-its-kind destination, each one in a different vibrant shade:
Flirty Flamingo in bright pink
Sassy Starfish in oceanic blue
Coral Calypso in energetic orange
Twisted Turtle in bold green
Lucky Lizard in happy turquoise
The ferries are decorated with the iconic crown-and-anchor logo and energetic swirls to immediately set the mood when guests set off for their beach club experiences.
Royal Caribbean Nassau Beach Club Ferry
“We are committed to delivering an exceptional, sustainable, and authentically Bahamian experience for our guests,” said Philip Simon, President of the Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas.
“These new vessels exemplify our dedication to operational excellence and innovation, seamlessly connecting visitors with the natural beauty and lively culture of The Bahamas from ship to shore.”
The ferries will be owned and operated by Bahamas Transport Logistics (BTL), a 100% Bahamian-owned company. This emphasizes Royal Caribbean’s commitment to local benefits and involvement with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which has been a core value of the project from the beginning.
Royal Caribbean Nassau Beach Club Ferry
Each double-decker ferry is equipped with advanced navigation and propulsion to ensure smooth operation and quick turnaround times for the most efficient transport possible. This will give guests the maximum amount of time to enjoy their exclusive beach days without overcrowding or delays.
Ferries will stop at both the Chill Pier and the Family & Party Pier, so guests are brought right to their destination of choice.
Immersion in Bahamian Culture and Hospitality
Boarding one of these colorful ferries during a day in Nassau, Bahamas is just the very first step for an authentic Bahamian experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Currently under construction on Paradise Island, just across the harbor from the Nassau cruise docks, the new 17-acre beach club will offer multiple options for cruise guests with a Chill Beach, Party Cove, and Family Beach.
Artisan huts will sell Bahamian-made goods and various eateries will offer authentic tastes of the islands, including shrimp kabobs with a guava glaze, corned beef fritters, and a tropical salad with pineapple and candied walnuts.
In Party Cove, guests can enjoy an energetic atmosphere at The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar, perfect for getting one’s groove on.
Different luxury experiences and entertainment will also be available, including family cabana and day bed rentals, VIP areas, DJ music, beach games, and poolside service.
Prices for day passes to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island have not yet been revealed, but are being advertised as “everything you need for the ultimate beach day” and “where exclusive meets all-inclusive” according to the promotional website.
All three Paradise Grill eateries as well as seven beach bars and three poolside bars will all be included, along with Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, lockers, and more. Cabanas and day beds will still have an additional rental fee.
There will be two different levels of passes guests can choose from to further customize their experience. One includes an unlimited open bar, while the other is an unlimited non-alcoholic drink pass.
Guests on select itineraries will also have the opportunity to bundle their Royal Beach Club Paradise Island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay options for savings up to 45% off purchasing passes and amenities separately.
Construction began on the new destination in April 2024, and it is slated to open in December 2025. With that opening just weeks away now, new details are sure to entice guests to consider the new hotspot for their next visit to the capital of the Bahamas.
Carnival Cruise Line will base Carnival Venezia at PortMiami from May 2027 to April 2028, in a move that cuts out her traditional summer season deployment to New York.
Carnival Venezia will sail 6- and 8-day Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises from the South Florida port.
The cruise line opened 2028-28 bookings for Carnival Venezia, along with Carnival Magic, also based at PortMiami, and Carnival Vista, which homeports at Port Canaveral.
Carnival Venezia, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s “Fun Italian Style” ships, has spent summers based in New York since joining the fleet in 2023, but that will change in 2027, when the vessel deploys to PortMiami.
The cruise line announced the change on October 1, 2025, the same day it opened bookings for the ship’s PortMiami voyages, which will operate from May 2027 to April 2028.
The line also opened sales on 2027-28 sailings aboard Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista, which are homeported year-round at PortMiami and Port Canaveral, respectively.
“Carnival Venezia moving to Miami creates even more choice for our guests with longer itineraries to the most popular Caribbean destinations and adds a new flavor of fun with our ‘Italian Style’ experiences,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“With Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista continuing to build on their strong popularity, the wide variety of sailings we’re opening today speaks to our commitment to guests who want convenient getaways from Florida,” Duffy added.
The 4,000-guest Carnival Venezia will sail 6- and 8-day Caribbean cruises. Six-day Western Caribbean ports of call include Celebration Key, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and George Town, Grand Cayman, for example, while 8-day Southern Caribbean voyages will feature Amber Cove plus ports in Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba.
Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze were both transferred from Carnival Corporation’s Costa Cruises brand to Carnival Cruise Line in 2023 and 2024, respectively. They had operated under the names Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze for the brand, which caters to the Italian market.
Carnival Venezia in St. Kitts (Photo Credit: SKNIS)
Both ships were renovated to include Carnival Cruise Line’s signature venues but maintained their Italy-inspired designs — Venezia modeled on the city of Venice and Firenze on Florence.
Cruisers from PortMiami who sail aboard Carnival Venezia will enjoy brand favorites such as the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge. The ship also features the Cloud 9 Spa along with entertainment spaces that include Carnival’s popular WaterWorks park.
Carnival Magic and Carnival Vista Maintain Current Deployments
Carnival Cruise Line will continue the deployments of Carnival Magic at PortMiami and Carnival Vista at Port Canaveral in 2027-28.
The 3,690-guest Carnival Magic will sail 6- and 8-day voyages to the Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean. The Dream-class ship entered service in 2011.
Carnival Magic’s 8-day Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, a private island destination, and ports in Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and the US Virgin Islands, for instance.
The ship is home to guest favorites, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, and the RedFrog Pub.
From Port Canaveral, Carnival Vista, which was the first in the line’s Vista class and launched in 2015, will offer itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. A 6-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary features Amber Cove, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key.
Among Carnival Vista’s thrilling experiences is the SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike attached to a track 150 feet above sea level. The ship also has the popular WaterWorks park.
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has had a second itinerary change related to Humberto and Imelda, both of which are currently Category 1 hurricanes.
Thanks to Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is essentially operating a cruise to (almost) nowhere.
When the Oasis-class ship embarked in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on September 28, 2025, she was supposed to be setting sail on a 7-night voyage to Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Thus, the original Bahamas itinerary was replaced with an overnight call in Sydney, Nova Scotia (September 30 to October 1) and a call to Halifax, Nova Scotia (October 3).
But due to a pier mix-up and the duel hurricanes bringing dangerous maritime conditions to the US East Coast and Canada’s East Coast, the call to Sydney will now also have to be cancelled.
“As previously announced by our Captain, during the itinerary planning for this cruise we secured approval to dock at a pier in Sydney, Nova Scotia,”Royal Caribbean wrote to the up to 5,518-guests onboard.
“However, after further coordination with the pilots who guide ships into port, the Port of Sydney reassigned our ship to a different pier that our marine experts and safety team deemed unsafe for a ship of this class,” the letter continued.
At 1,184 feet long and 228,081 gross tons, Symphony of the Seas would have been the largest cruise ship to ever dock in Sydney.
As winds and big swells can already make docking unsafe, the change in pier assignments may have simply been the straw that broke the camel’s back.
“Our teams have explored every available option, including working closely with our industry partners, to find a safe and viable alternative,”Royal Caribbean stated.
“With your vacation experience and safety in mind, none of the options met the standards to ensure your safety and comfort while onboard with us,” the cruise line explained.
The only port call remaining on the itinerary now is Halifax, dropping from three cruise ports to just one.
Compensation Increased
Although Royal Caribbean cannot control the weather, the cruise line already compensated guests for the last-minute change the first time the itinerary was altered as a gesture of goodwill.
Guests were provided with non-refundable onboard credits based on their stateroom category at a double occupancy rate, as well as a future cruise credit in the amount of one day’s worth of the cruise fare.
Inside cabins received a $75 credit, outside and balcony staterooms received a $100 credit, and suites got a $200 credit.
An additional $25 per person was added to the credit for the 3rd or more guests staying in the cruise cabin.
Symphony of the Seas Departing Cape Liberty (Photo Credit: ARK NEYMAN)
In light of the second itinerary change, the future cruise credit will now be improved to be worth two days of the cruise fare that guests paid instead of just one.
Additionally, any Royal Caribbean excursions booked for all of the cancelled ports of call – now including Sydney – will be automatically cancelled and refunded as onboard credits.
At the end of the sailing, any unused onboard credits from the reimbursed tours will be refunded to the original form of payment.
And personally, I wouldn’t need any compensation to be grateful to the cruise line for keeping me and all onboard safe and comfortable.
Hurricane Humberto has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm (from a Category 4) by the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) as of the evening of September 30, but is still dangerous with winds reaching 80 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, Imelda has been upgraded from a tropical storm to a full-fledged Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 85 miles per hour.
Both storms will produce dangerous marine conditions and potentially lethal rip currents along the US East Coast and parts of Canada’s East Coast over the next several days.
Nine Carnival ships have now made adjustments for the rough weather now impacting the Bahamas.
The cruise line continues to actively monitor the storms for any further changes to the fleet.
All guests should be understanding of changes that are made with safety as the first priority, as well as consideration for guests’ comfort in rough waters.
At the moment, nine Carnival cruise ships are being impacted by either Hurricane Imelda or Hurricane Humberto. Both are developing storms in the Atlantic.
Carnival Elation has become the ninth ship in the fleet to be impacted by the Atlantic hurricanes. The five-night September 29 sailing out of Jacksonville, Florida, is no longer heading to Princess Cays in the Bahamas on October 1. That will be a call to Nassau instead. The rest of the itinerary is as normal.
Carnival Venezia (Updated)
Carnival Venezia in New York (Photo Credit: Stephen Tomasulo)
October 1 Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line has now updated booked guests for Carnival Venezia’s October Bermuda sailing out of New York. The ship will still depart as normal, but will no longer be visiting Bermuda.
The vessel will instead be sailing to Canada, with a call to Saint John on October 3, and a call to Halifax on October 4, both ports based in New Brunswick.
September 22 Sailing
The Carnival Fun, Italian Style Carnival Venezia has skipped the last port visit on her 9-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary in order to head back to her New York homeport right away.
The ship departed on the sailing on Monday, September 22, 2025 and has already visited St. Thomas and San Juan on Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27. Sunday, September 28, was to have been a visit to Grand Turk, but the ship has instead turned her bow north to head back to the Big Apple.
To offer guests onboard just a little more time to enjoy port visits, however, the ship did remain in San Juan, Puerto Rico for two extra hours on Saturday, departing at 5 p.m. instead of 3 p.m. as previously planned.
Skipping Grand Turk will permit Carnival Venezia to remain well ahead of the rough weather, though her arrival time in New York on Tuesday
Carnival Magic’s September 28 eight-night sailing has been forced to make an itinerary change due to Hurricane Imelda. The vessel will no longer be making its scheduled call to the cruise line’s private island of Half Moon Cay on September 29.
The visit to Half Moon Cay has been rescheduled for October 4. Carnival Magic is still expected to return to Miami as normal on October 6.
Carnival Vista (Updated)
Carnival Vista in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Carnival Vista is also being impacted by Hurricane Imelda, with its call to Half Moon Cay on September 30 being cancelled. The vessel is adding a port visit to Grand Turk on September 30 instead.
The visit to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic will take place on October 1. The call to Celebration Key has also been moved to October 3. The six-night eastern Caribbean voyage will return to Port Canaveral on October 6 as normal.
Carnival Freedom is doing the switch around with ports during its September 27 five-night voyage out of Port Canaveral.
The ship is now calling at Nassau on September 29 and the company’s private destination of Princess Cays on September 30. There is no further impact, and the ship will return home on October 2.
Carnival Glory has had a further update to its September 29 sailing out of Port Canaveral. With Celebration Key being cancelled on September 30, the ship is instead spending a full day at sea. A call to Nassau, in the Bahamas, is planned for October 1. A return home is still expected as normal on October 3.
Carnival Sunrise
Carnival Sunrise (Photo Credit: Just dance)
On Carnival Sunrise‘s Thursday, September 25 departure, the first port of call was shifted to ensure a safer experience for guests.
That first call on the 4-night Bahamas sailing was a visit to Half Moon Cay, which is a tender port requiring smaller shuttles to bring guests to shore for a beautiful beach day. By moving the visit to Friday, September 26, instead of Saturday, September 27, the ship was better able to facilitate safe tendering.
Saturday was instead spent as a day at sea, and Carnival Sunrise is still scheduled to visit Celebration Key on Sunday, September 28, before returning to Miami on Monday, September 29.
Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride in Bermuda (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Carnival Pride is homeported from Baltimore, Maryland and the next cruise is a 7-night Bahamas itinerary with calls to Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Celebration Key. However, the storm development and positioning has made it too hazardous for the ship to proceed south to the Bahamas.
Instead, Carnival Pride will now sail north with a day in Portland, Maine from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1 and a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 2.
The remaining four full days of the itinerary, two before the ports and two after, will all be days at sea. The ship’s time of departure from and return to Baltimore are not impacted.
Due to the dramatic change of itinerary and cruise experience, Carnival is offering “a gesture of our appreciation for your understanding” with two options.
If guests do set sail, they will receive a $300 (USD) onboard credit per stateroom, plus a 25% future cruise credit. Guests who prefer not to head for colder climates will receive a 25% future cruise credit, though the remaining 75% of their cruise fare will be forfeit.
It should be noted that since the cruise is still setting sail, albeit to a completely different destination, Carnival is not under any obligation to provide compensation.
This gesture is in acknowledgment that the experience of visiting Maine and Canada is far different than the originally planned trip to the Bahamas.
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Daniel Wright98)
Carnival Sunshine is homeported from Norfolk, Virginia and her September 28 departure was originally planned as a 6-night Bahamas itinerary to Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini.
Just as with Carnival Pride, however, the position and intensity of the storm has made that itinerary too dangerous.
Instead, Carnival Sunshine will now head north with an overnight call in Saint John, New Brunswick, from noon on Tuesday, September 30 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1.
That will be the only port visit for the vessel, with the rest of the days spent at sea staying well away from the rough weather. The departure and arrival times for Norfolk have not changed.
Carnival Cruise Line is providing the same compensation as for guests sailing on Carnival Pride: a $300 onboard credit per stateroom plus a 25% future cruise credit for guests who do set sail. Guests who opt not to sail will receive the future cruise credit but forfeit the remaining 75% of their cruise fare.
“Despite the modified itinerary, we hope you will choose to sail knowing we are providing the best alternative itinerary given the circumstances,”the notification emails said, with a reminder to pack warmer clothes.
It is also possible that other Carnival ships may yet be impacted by the storms. All booked guests setting sail in the region in the next few days should stay alert for potential changes.
