Key Aspects:
- Carnival Splendor’s April 19 departure from Sydney is delayed after the ship participated in an overnight search and rescue.
- Guests have been reassigned new arrival windows starting at 8:30 p.m.
- All passengers are required to arrive at the terminal by 10:30 p.m.
Guests eager to board Carnival Splendor in Sydney for a quick getaway to Moreton Island, Australia, will have to wait a little longer.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced it is delaying embarkation for the 4-night voyage after the 3,012-passenger ship spent hours participating in a search for a missing passenger at sea.
In a notice sent to passengers on April 18, the cruise line explained the vessel was delayed returning from its previous 4-night sailing, scheduled to return on April 19 at 6:30 a.m. local time.
The delay is forcing the 113,573-gross-ton ship to push back check-in and boarding times to 8:30 p.m.
“As mentioned in our earlier update, Carnival Splendor has been involved in a search operation, which will delay the ship’s arrival in Sydney tomorrow,” the letter said, while apologizing for the unexpected delay.
“Please know that our teams will be working hard to get you onboard as soon as possible,” it continued.
Passengers are being asked to arrive at the terminal later in the evening based on revised embarkation windows tied to their original check-in times.
Guests originally scheduled to arrive between 11 and 11:30 a.m. will now check in between 8:30 and 9 p.m., while those with an 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. appointment are also reassigned to 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Passengers who were set to arrive between 12 to 12:30 p.m. will now check in between 9 and 9:30 p.m., and those schedule for 12:30 to 1 p.m. will now arrive between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
Guests originally assigned to the 1 to 1:30 p.m. as well as the 1:30 to 2 p.m. arrival window have moved to 10 to 10:30 p.m.
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All passengers must arrive at the cruise terminal no later than 10:30 p.m. to board the ship.
Carnival Splendor was originally scheduled to depart at 3:30 p.m. but the delayed arrival and late embarkation process mean the ship will now likely depart closer to midnight.
Guests who arrive earlier than their new allotted time will be asked to leave and return at the adjusted time.
The cruise line has not offered any compensation to make up for the lost time on board and has thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.
Carnival Splendor Delay Following Search
The delay in Carnival Splendor’s arrival follows a large search operation after a male passenger in his 70s went overboard while the ship was sailing along Australia’s east coast.
The incident occurred late at night as the ship traveled back to Sydney from Moreton Island. Family members noticed the guest was missing and alerted the crew around 2 a.m., prompting an immediate investigation onboard.
Crew members reviewed surveillance footage, which confirmed the passenger had climbed over a safety railing and gone into the water.
The ship initiated emergency procedures and contacted authorities, beginning a zig-zag search pattern to look for the missing guest.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority also joined in the search, deploying aircraft and helicopters along with a vessel in the area. Queensland Police also assisted, scanning the waters off the coast near Moreton Island.
Despite the extensive effort, the passenger was not located during the search.
