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New Orleans Cruise Port: Terminals, Piers and Getting Around

Emrys Thakkar
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New Orleans Cruise Port: Terminals, Piers and Getting Around

Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” New Orleans is a popular tourist destination famous for its vibrant culture, raucous nightlife, and unique Creole cuisine. Louisiana’s most populous city is also home to the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States – the New Orleans Cruise Port, or Port NOLA.

Strategically nestled along the Mississippi River, it’s the perfect departure point for cruises headed to Caribbean destinations in the Gulf of Mexico and river cruising experiences.

This informative guide will provide full details about the port and its facilities, essential travel information, and recommendations for the best attractions and amenities near the port to help you get the most out of your visit to NOLA.

In This Article:

New Orleans Cruise Port Locations

Port NOLA is conveniently located near the heart of downtown New Orleans. The port actually consists of two separate terminals, the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and the Julia Street Cruise Terminal, which sit beside each other along the western bank of the Mississippi River.

Since they are both located near the downtown core of New Orleans, they are easily accessible through various transportation options. 

The port also features two spillover berthing locations, which cater to smaller river cruise ships and ferries. These two locations, the Orange Street Wharf and the Thalia Street Wharf, are located just north of the two cruise terminals. 

Terminal Addresses

  • Erato Street Cruise Terminal: 1100 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130 
  • Julia Street Cruise Terminal: 920 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130

Port NOLA Terminals and Piers 

Rather than piers, Port NOLA’s two cruise terminals feature cruise ship berths built directly into the banks of the Mississippi River.

Where many of the cruise ports you find in the Caribbean and along the American Eastern and Western Seaboards rely on piers to allow cruise ships to dock in deeper waters, the Mississippi River is deep enough to allow cruise ships to berth along its banks. 

While they are similar in layout, the two terminals differ in scale and the facilities they offer.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal

The Erato Street Cruise Terminal is located just south of the Julia Street Cruise Terminal along the same stretch of the western bank of the Mississippi River.

Despite being a high-traffic cruise terminal, Erato Street Terminal only has berthing space for a single full-size cruise ship. This is just the unfortunate reality of a river-based cruise port.

Carnival Cruise Ship in New Orleans
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

Even following a $15 million development project in 2005, expansion of the terminal berths was constrained by space, the width of the Mississippi River, and water depth variability.

To compensate for space limitations, the turnover for visiting ships is incredible. Both terminals can handle an immense number of ships and passengers due to their efficiency and modern screening facilities.

Terminal Features

Designed as a multi-level terminal, Erato Street Cruise Terminal features an integrated parking garage above the indoor check-in and waiting areas. This allows visiting passengers to go through screen procedures well in advance of boarding their respective vessels.

The terminal is equipped with modern facilities, including numerous check-in counters, tourist information booths, a spacious and comfortable passenger waiting area, elevators, numerous restroom facilities, and plenty of vending machines.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal
Erato Street Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Port NOLA)

The terminal also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a luggage handling service. It also has a small snack and refreshment stand and a store that carries small New Orleans-themed souvenirs and cruise essentials, like sunscreen and seasickness medication. 

Primary Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. 

Julia Street Cruise Terminal

The Julia Street Cruise Terminal Complex was built before the Erato Street Cruise Terminal, so it is the smaller of the two. While it technically has berthing space for two smaller cruise ships, it cannot accommodate more than one modern mega-ship at a time.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal
Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ed Metz)

The terminal building has a similar layout to the Erato Street structure, but it is smaller and does not have terminal parking on the roof. Julia Street features the same modern facilities as Erato Street, including ample check-in areas and seated waiting lounges.

Read Also: Tampa Cruise Port – Terminals, Transportation, What’s Nearby

It also has direct walkway access to the Riverwalk Outlets waterside shopping mall. Paid luggage handling is available, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. 

Primary Cruise Lines: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. 

River Cruise Terminals

In addition to the two major cruise terminals, Port NOLA also features two smaller docking areas that are used for smaller river cruise ships:

Orange Street Wharf

  • Description: Primarily used for river cruises, it has limited facilities.
  • Cruise Lines: American Queen Voyages and Viking River Cruises. 

Thalia Street Wharf

  • Description: Thalia Street Wharf is the smallest of the two river cruise berths. It is used for small river cruise vessels and occasionally ferry services.
  • Cruise Lines: American Cruise Lines. 

Parking at Port NOLA

Port NOLA offers convenient parking options at both cruise terminals. 

Erato Street Cruise Terminal features a multi-level parking garage on top of the structure. Several elevators provide direct access to the cruise terminal from the parking lots, and there are designated handicapped spots for those with accessibility needs. The cost is $25 per day, but disabled veterans qualify for free parking for up to seven days. 

New Orleans Cruise Parking
New Orleans Cruise Parking (Photo Credit: PQK / Shutterstock)

There is also a lot adjacent to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The surface lot offers a porter service for those who need assistance with their bags. The lot is just a short walk to the terminal buildings, and the fee is also $25 per day. 

Additional overflow parking is located nearby, which is rarely required outside of peak cruise season. It has the same parking rates as the main lots and offers complimentary shuttle services to both cruise terminals. 

Reservations are not required for any of the lots, and parking is always available on a first-come-first-served basis. On-site security monitors all three lots so guests can rest assured that their vehicles will be watched while they enjoy their cruise vacation. 

Distance to the Airport and Directions

Port NOLA is roughly 17 miles from Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY). Since many passengers travel to the cruise port from out of state, the relatively close proximity to a major international airport is incredibly convenient. 

Louis Armstrong International Airport
Louis Armstrong International Airport (Photo Credit: William A. Morgan)

The airport’s single terminal is served by Interstate 10, allowing straightforward transit between it and the city’s downtown core. If you are planning to rent a vehicle and drive yourself to the cruise port, you can use the following directions:

  • Exit Terminal Drive and merge onto the 1-10 East towards New Orleans. Continue for 13.6 miles
  • Take Exit 11 and merge onto US-90 East for 1 mile
  • Use the right lane to exit onto Calliope Street, then turn right onto Tchoupitoulas Street
  • Watch for Port NOLA Cruise Port signs, then turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place 

Airport Transportation Options

If you are not planning on driving yourself, there are several simple and affordable transportation options: 

Public Transit Bus

Direct bus service is provided between the airport and the Central Business District of New Orleans through the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority.

Public Bus on Decatur Street, New Orleans
Public Bus on Decatur Street, New Orleans (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)

By taking Airport Express Route 202, you can be dropped off within walking distance of the Erato Street Cruise Terminal for just a $1.25 one-way fare, making it the most affordable method of transportation. 

Taxis and Ride-Share Vehicles

Taxis charge a flat rate of just $30 for transportation between the airport and either of the main Port NOLA cruise terminals. There is an extra $5 surcharge during rush hour (7 am – 9 am, and from 4 pm – 6 pm). The ride takes about 30 minutes, but this time is traffic-dependent.

New Orleans Taxi
New Orleans Taxi (Photo Credit: Emily Geraghty)

Uber and Lyft are also available, providing a convenient and budget-friendly link between the airport and port. Just be aware of surge rates, as this can increase costs beyond the $30 flat rate offered by the taxi providers. 

Shuttle Bus

Direct airport shuttles cost $24 per person, and tickets can be pre-purchased online. Carnival Cruise Line offers a complimentary shuttle service between the airport and Erato Street Cruise Terminal, but it is only available for Carnival passengers between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 

Cruise Lines Operating from Port NOLA 

Since Port NOLA is an important hub for cruise voyages throughout the Caribbean, Yucatan Peninsula, and the Bahamas, it serves a wide variety of cruise lines, including some of the world’s most well-known:

Cruise Ships Docked in New Orleans
Cruise Ships Docked in New Orleans (Photo Credit: Aleksandr Dyskin)
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • American Queen Voyages
  • Viking River Cruises
  • American Cruise Lines 

Caribbean and Mississippi River Cruises 

As mentioned, Port NOLA’s unique position along the Mississippi River allows it to serve as an embarkation point for two very different types of cruises.

The two main cruise terminals are used for larger cruise ships setting off on 4- to 10-day itineraries to destinations throughout the Caribbean, including Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and the Bahamas.

Carnival Cruise Ship in New Orleans
Photo Credit: Dr. Victor Wong / Shutterstock.com

The two nearby wharves that fall under the Port NOLA umbrella serve smaller cruise ships designed to navigate rivers. These more intimate experiences along the Mississippi River have itineraries ranging from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, visiting cities such as Memphis, St. Louis, and Vicksburg.

The focus tends to be more on experiencing American culture, history, and cuisine first-hand rather than enjoying the tropical vacations offered by the Caribbean-bound cruise ships. 

Best Time to Visit New Orleans 

The stretch between February and May is widely considered to be the best time to visit the city. It’s also the busy season for tourism in New Orleans, as the weather is pleasant, and some of the city’s most popular events are also hosted during these months, including Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Fest. 

Seasonal Weather Conditions

New Orleans can be a fun city to visit throughout the entire year, but you have to know what to expect. During the spring months, temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from the low 50s to the upper 70s.

View of New Orleans, at the Cruise Terminals
View of New Orleans, at the Cruise Terminals (Photo Credit: pisaphotography)

During the summer, hot and humid temperatures that regularly exceed 90°F can make it uncomfortable to explore the city. Plus, hurricane season is at its peak. 

During the fall, temperatures dip, and the weather becomes less wet and humid. By the time winter hits, temperatures dip down to the 45°F to 65°F range, and these cooler temperatures are also met with an increase in rainfall. 

Safety Concerns in the City

While New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities in the country and has a thriving nightlife and party scene, high crime rates in certain neighborhoods mean that visitors should practice basic precautions. Here are just a few tips we recommend to stay safe during your visit: 

  • Avoid Dangerous Neighborhoods: Stay in well-traveled, tourist-friendly areas, like the French Quarter, rather than straying into the Tremé Lafitte, 7th Ward, and other neighborhoods where crime rates are much higher.
  • Avoid Walking Alone: Travel in groups rather than wandering off on your own, especially at night.
  • Avoid Carrying Valuables: If you can, leave your valuables in your hotel room or on the cruise ship, as pickpocketing can be fairly common in the most crowded areas.
  • Carry a Contact List: You should always carry a list of emergency contacts, including the number for your cruise line. Numbers saved on your phone do not count.
  • Avoid Getting Overly Intoxicated: The city has a great nightlife, but you increase your risk of running into an unsafe situation if you are overly intoxicated in public.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Bourbon Street, New Orleans (Photo Credit: L Paul Mann)

Outside of staying safe while you explore the city, it’s also important to remember that hurricane season runs from June until November in Louisiana. If you are traveling during these months, monitor the weather and listen to instructions provided by your cruise line.

What to Do Near the Port

One of the reasons why New Orleans is such a popular tourist destination is the wide range of attractions crammed into a relatively small area. Here are just a few of our top picks for nearby things to do while you are visiting the port: 

The National World War II Museum

For history buffs, the National WWII Museum is a must-see. Located only 1.1 miles away from Port NOLA, the museum and its numerous interactive exhibits are easy to reach by foot.

National World War II Museum
National World War II Museum (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Louisiana State Museum

Unlike most state museums, the Louisiana State Museum consists of a statewide system of historical landmarks. New Orleans is home to some of the network’s most impressive, like the Presbytere and Cabildo buildings. These properties were constructed in 1813 and have a long-storied history.

Today, they are packed with artifacts that will fascinate all visitors. They’re also only 1.7 miles from the port in the city’s French Market neighborhood, so they are easy to visit by cab or on foot. 

Royal Carriage Rides

Enjoy a New Orleans tradition by taking a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city’s French Quarter. These narrated tours will take you back in time, pointing out some of the city’s more modern features.

Horse Drawn Carriage, New Orleans
Horse Drawn Carriage, New Orleans (Photo Credit: Cavan-Images)

There are several options, but the most famous provider is the French Quarter Mule Tours Company, which has pickup locations just 1.5 miles from port. 

Stroll Down Royal Street

Take in the atmosphere New Orleans is so famous for by walking down picturesque Royal Street. It’s only 2 miles from the port, and the street is dotted with art galleries, boutiques, historic architecture, restaurants, cafés, bars, and so much more. 

Jazz Museum

If you want to learn about the history of the music the city is world-famous for, the Jazz Museum is just 2.3 miles from the port. Not only is it packed with interesting artifacts, but it is also housed in the historic Old US Mint building.

Jazz Museum
Jazz Museum (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

Audubon Zoo

If you don’t mind taking a taxi, Audubon Zoo is just 6 miles away from the port. The city zoo dates back to 1914 and currently hosts over 2,000 animals.

It also has a Louisiana swamp-themed exhibit, where you can safely view some of the state’s notoriously dangerous animals, like alligators, cougars, black bears, snapping turtles, and numerous types of snakes. 

Dining Near New Orleans Cruise Port 

New Orleans is the ideal destination for food lovers. With a unique blend of cultures, the city has some truly unique dishes that have put the city and state on the map.

Whether you want to sit down to an authentic bowl of gumbo or jambalaya at a more formal restaurant, or you want to try a few po-boys and a plate of boiled crawfish at a food stand, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the French Quarter, especially if you wander down Bourbon Street.

Mother's Restaurant in Downtown New Orleans
Mother’s Restaurant in Downtown New Orleans (Photo Credit: William A. Morgan)

If you’re looking for some specific recommendations, here are just a few of our top picks: 

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is known for its fresh oysters, seafood chowder, and boiled lobster. Located a short walk north of Julia Street Cruise Terminal, it’s a great option for those looking for a modern restaurant that offers traditional New Orleans cuisine and some more basic American favorites.

Mother’s Restaurant is a more casual option under a mile from the port. Enjoy a po’boy, a serving of red beans and rice, or a big bowl of sausage gumbo in a casual eatery that has been a top choice for locals and tourists since 1938! 

The Ruby Slipper Café is one of the most famous brunch and breakfast spots in the entire city, and it is located just over 1 mile from the port. Don’t forget to try their fresh-baked butter biscuits if you want an authentic taste of Southern cooking!   

Nearby Shopping Recommendations

If you want to do some shopping while you’re in New Orleans, you’re in luck! Plenty of options within walking distance of the port, including the New Orleans Riverwalk Outlets.

This series of premium outlet stores are located adjacent to Julia Street Terminal. The outlet mall is just steps away and has everything from designer sunglasses to casual beachwear. It even has a food court with various dining options for those hoping to enjoy a quick bite before boarding their cruise ship.

River Walk at the Cruise Port
River Walk at the Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Nazar Skladanyi)

The French Market is a must-visit if you’re willing to travel a little further. This historic market is ideal for finding locally-made souvenirs. Not only is it fun to see, but you can also score some amazing deals. It’s also just 2.5 miles from the port, so it’s easy to get to.

Magazine Street is another option if you want something closer. It’s just over a mile from port and home to many boutiques and antique stores. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Where do you board cruise ships in New Orleans? 

You board cruise ships at Port NOLA’s Erato Street Cruise Terminal or Julia Street Cruise Terminal, which are both located near the downtown core of New Orleans. River cruises are usually boarded at one of the two nearby wharves. 

How long does it take a cruise ship to get from the Port of New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico? 

Depending on the cruise line you are traveling with and the size of the vessel, you should reach the Gulf of Mexico in about 6 to 8 hours after departing from Port NOLA. 

What is the best month to cruise from New Orleans? 

If you have booked a Caribbean cruise itinerary, most people agree that the stretch between November and May is the best time to travel. With pleasant weather, a much lower risk of hurricanes and storms, and mild temperatures, departing from New Orleans is a great time.

Tropical Storm Debby Forces Carnival Ship to Return Late

Melissa Mayntz
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Tropical Storm Debby Forces Carnival Ship to Return Late

As Tropical Storm Debby moves northward west of the Florida peninsula, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise will not be able to return to Port Tampa Bay as scheduled in the early morning hours of Monday, August 5, 2024. The port is currently at Condition Zulu and closed to all traffic.

At the moment, Carnival Paradise is well away from the storm on her current itinerary enjoying a day at sea following her visit to Cozumel, Mexico, just as planned on her 4-night itinerary. However, the ship cannot proceed back to her homeport until the storm has passed and the port has reopened.

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests, as well as notified guests onboard, of the storm-related delay and what the next steps will be for the vessel.

Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship
Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship

“Once the storm passes, officials will conduct an assessment, after which we will have more information,” the cruise line said. “We hope to be able to return this voyage to Tampa sometime late afternoon or early evening, Monday, although there is a possibility it may be Tuesday morning.”

After the storm has cleared the area, Port Tampa Bay authorities will inspect the cruise terminal, docks, sailing channel, and other facilities to ensure the port can reopen safely.

Only then will ships be given clearance to return and operations will resume. It does take approximately 2-3 hours for a cruise ship to transit all of Tampa Bay to the cruise terminal.

Inspections will happen as quickly as possible once storm winds drop to safe levels, usually just a few hours after the storm’s peak passes. If any damage or dangerous conditions are noted, repairs will need to be made before the port reopens.

It should be noted that the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy class Carnival Paradise is in no danger at the moment and the cruise line always keeps the vessel’s safety as the top priority.

Because it is likely that the ship will be delayed, however, Carnival Cruise Line has also notified guests on Carnival Paradise‘s next sailing that their embarkation will most likely be impacted.

That cruise is planned as a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary departing on August 5, with visits to Mahogany Bay, Belize, and Cozumel. For now, no itinerary changes have been confirmed.

“Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you have received confirmation from us on when your cruise will operate,” the notification read.

Booked guests are encouraged to sign up for text alerts to ensure they are notified of changes as soon as possible. Another update will be posted on Monday morning to keep guests informed of the plans.

If the ship is significantly delayed, guests will likely be provided with a prorated refund for a shortened sailing or onboard credit to compensate for the time lost.

These changes for Carnival Paradise follow significant changes for Carnival Elation, which was accelerated in her return to Jacksonville. This has permitted the ship to end her current sailing a day early and embark her next guests before the impact of Tropical Storm Debby arrives in northeast Florida.

Latest on Tropical Storm Debby

By Sunday afternoon, Tropical Storm Debby was located approximately 125 miles west-southwest of Tampa, moving north-northwest at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 65 miles per hour, less than 10 miles per hour below the threshold of an official hurricane.

The storm is expected to continue strengthening and is likely to be a hurricane when it makes impact in the Big Bend area of Florida on Monday morning. At that time, the storm is forecast to shift to a northeast track, bringing her impact toward Jacksonville and all of the southeastern US.

Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby

The tropical storm force winds extend up to 140 miles from the storm’s center, making it a large storm with significant impact great distances from its actual center.

Read Also: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

Storm surge, flooding rain, and high winds are expected along much of the western Florida coast, and both watches and warnings are in place from Cape San Blas all the way to the southern tip of the peninsula.

Similarly, tropical storm watches are already in place along the east coast from Jacksonville to north of Charleston, South Carolina.

All cruise travelers should stay in close communication with their cruise line for official updates about any delays, itinerary changes, or other alterations to their sailings over the next few days as the storm continues.

New Disney Cruise Ship Floats Out From Construction Hall

Melissa Mayntz
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New Disney Cruise Ship Floats Out From Construction Hall

It was a magical moment for the upcoming Disney Treasure as the new ship was floated out at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Saturday, August 3, 2024, where the vessel has been under construction since her steel cutting in January 2023.

This marks the completion of the ship’s exterior structure and she is now moving on to interior finishing.

Cheers greeted the ship as she floated out aft-first, guided by a tug to ensure a smooth float out without rubbing or scraping on the sides of the Hall 6 building.

Also on hand was adventure-seeking Minnie Mouse in her new themed Captain’s gear, embodying the spirit of the ship and all the adventures guests will be able to have onboard.

Disney Treasure Float Out
Disney Treasure Float Out

During the celebration, Disney tunes were playing for the crowd and fireworks burst from the roof of the construction hall as the ship made her way into the harbor, marking this pivotal moment in Disney Treasure‘s construction timeline.

Disney Cruise Line offers fireworks shows on each sailing where possible, a unique moment for guests to enjoy.

The full float-out took more than an hour to be very careful the ship is not damaged during the transition from interior to outdoors, as she was also turned in order to dock nearby at the proper angle.

As the ship finished her maneuver out of Hall 6, she sounded her mouse-ears-shaped horn with the classic notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star” – another distinctive feature of Disney Cruise Line – to celebrate the moment.

It is very appropriate that Adventurer Captain Minnie was on hand for the celebration, as Captain Minnie adorns the ship’s bow with a welcoming smile, joining the lineup of artwork each Disney ship is known for.

Each vessel in the Disney Cruise Line fleet features a different character – Sorcerer Mickey (Disney Magic), Steamboat Willie (Disney Wonder), Captain Mickey (Disney Dream), Sorcerer Mickey – a different pose (Disney Fantasy), and Captain Minnie (Disney Wish). The upcoming Disney Adventure will feature Captain Mickey on her bow when she debuts from Singapore in 2025.

Next Steps for Disney Treasure

Now that Disney Treasure has floated out, she has moved to a nearby dock to continue interior finishing work. A great deal must still be completed before her December debut, including the exacting details the cruise line is known for in all interior spaces.

A few exterior tasks must also be completed, such as adding the smokestacks, antennas, and other tall features to the new ship, which cannot be done inside the hall. In fact, cranes were moving the smokestacks into place within minutes of Disney Treasure being secured to the adjacent dock.

Up next for the ship will be her conveyance down the River Ems to move into the open ocean for sea trials, though that is still several weeks away.

After she is officially certified as complete and seaworthy, she will be handed over to Disney Cruise Line and shortly thereafter should begin her transatlantic crossing to bring her to Port Canaveral, her first homeport.

Disney Treasure‘s maiden sailing is scheduled for December 21, 2024, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean holiday itinerary that will visit Tortola, St. Thomas, and Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. The 144,000-gross-ton ship can welcome 4,000 guests aboard to make Disney cruise memories to treasure.

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

Even as Disney Treasure moved out of the Hall 6 construction bay, a key component of Disney Destiny moved in. Within minutes, the floating engine room block of Disney Destiny, also a Wish-class vessel, moved into the space to begin more construction work.

From one complete hull to the barely recognizable piece of the next ship, it was a very busy day at the Meyer Werft shipyard, with new magic already underway to bring the next Disney Cruise Line vessel to life.

15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

Holly Riddle
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15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

Long-time cruisers — particularly those that are loyal to the same cruise line, cruising with them over and over again — have their cruising routine down to an art. They know exactly what they’re going to do on embarkation day, where to go to avoid the crowds, what to do to save cash and how to have the overall best time possible.

However, newer cruisers aren’t so lucky. If you’re new to Carnival Cruise Line, there are certain things you’ll want to be sure that you do and don’t do, for the most enjoyable, affordable, stress-free experience possible. Here are the 15 top mistakes to avoid making on your first Carnival cruise.

In This Article

1. Thinking All of the Cruise Ships Are the Same

First things first, don’t make the mistake of assuming that all Carnival cruise ships are the same or nearly the same. Depending on the ship you book, your cruising experience could vary wildly.

For example, some of the older Carnival cruise ships offer a more classic cruising experience, with minimal activities and venues but still the traditional favorites like three-course meals in the dining room and a big pool deck.

These ships are smaller and hold fewer cruisers, and are ideal for cruisers who want a more laid-back, low-key cruise. These cruisers just want to get to the next island; they don’t necessarily need a floating resort at sea to get them there.

Carnival Elation Cruise Ship
Carnival Elation Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

In contrast, some of Carnival’s newer ships are just that: basically floating resorts at sea. If you want every single second of your cruise to be filled with entertainment and variety, with loads of options for what you do during every part of the day, you’ll want to cruise on a newer ship.

It’s not just size, activities and venues that change from ship to ship, though. Certain amenities that you might just naturally assume are on a cruise ship, don’t exist on every Carnival cruise ship.

This is the case, for example, when it comes to laundry facilities. While most cruise ships have them, Carnival’s newer Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) do not (though you can pay for laundry service on these ships).

2. Not Buying the Carnival Faster to the Fun Pass

If you’re not a VIFP Club Diamond or Platinum member (and, let’s be real, if this is one of your first Carnival cruises, you’re probably not), then one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not buying the Carnival Faster to the Fun pass, ahead of your cruise.

This pass gives you loads of perks that can make your cruise all-around more convenient. You get priority check-in at the cruise terminal. You’ll have priority stateroom access to drop off your bags, once you’re on the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line Embarkation
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

Your larger luggage will be expedited to your stateroom. You’ll have a dedicated guest services phone line. You’ll get priority dining reservations. You’ll even get priority water shuttle boarding and late or early debarkation.

All of this can ensure you spend more time actually having fun during your cruise, and less time waiting around in lines, bunched up with the rest of the cruising crowds.

Along the lines of, well, waiting in line, there are certain areas of every Carnival ship that get particularly crowded, at certain times. One of these areas is Guy’s Burger Joint.

Guy’s Burger Joint is a Guy Fieri-endorsed, complimentary dining option that’s available on every single Carnival ship. After being launched in 2011, the restaurant quickly became a fan favorite.

Guy's Burger Joint on Carnival Mardi Gras
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Mardi Gras

As such, it can get pretty crowded, with fans flocking to the restaurants for their burger and fry fix. If you go during certain times, you may find yourself waiting in a long line (albeit a fast-moving one).

Guy’s Burger Joint is only open six hours per day, on most days, so you’ll find it most crowded around lunchtime, as well as on embarkation days and during sea days. For fewer crowds and less of a wait, visit on a port day, when the rest of your fellow cruisers are off the ship, or go a little earlier or later than normal lunch hours.

4. Hitting Up the Lido Deck on Hot Sea Days

We get it. It’s a hot sea day in the Caribbean or similar warm locale. You don’t have any port to explore. Where else would you go other than the Lido Deck, where you can lounge in the sun, take a dip in the pool or just sip some tropical drinks at a bar?

Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

Unfortunately, that’s everyone’s idea, so the Lido Deck can get pretty busy on sea days, especially when the weather is nice. If you don’t mind the crowds, proceed with caution, and just make sure to get there early, if you want to snag a good lounger.

If you do mind the crowds, find something else to do. There are plenty of indoor activities that you can enjoy on a Carnival cruise, if you want to stay cool but the pool’s not an option.

5. Not Taking the Behind the Fun Tour

One of those fun, indoor activities? The Behind the Fun tour. This is an exclusive activity that’s booked as an excursion, and is limited to just over a dozen participants, so you’ll want to book your spot on the tour in advance.

Behind the Fun Tour
Behind the Fun Tour

During the tour, you’ll explore areas of the ship that are off limits to the public, such as the ship’s bridge, galley, staff areas and more. It’s literally a behind-the-scenes tour of everything that has to happen for you to have a fun cruise.

The tour can take up to just under four hours, depending on the ship you’re on, and you’ll also get some cool gifts to take home and light snacks.

6. Not Following the Carnival Code of Conduct

While a cruise can be a fun time to let down your hair and your inhibitions, it’s still important to follow the cruise ship rules, so that you and all your fellow cruisers continue to have a good time.

The Carnival Code of Conduct simply asks you to consider your fellow cruisers and be respectful and mindful of others. That means supervising your children, keeping noise in hallways down and not skipping lines, for starters.

Carnival Cruise Line Notice

You’ll be asked to acknowledge the Carnival Code of Conduct when you check-in for your cruise and, if you’re found in violation of the code during your cruise, you may be fined $500, confined to your stateroom or even removed from the ship and banned from the cruise line.

(And if you think that a cruise line would never go to such lengths, think again. Carnival has been cracking down on bad behavior, reminding passengers of this code and warning them to stay in line.)

7. Booking a Carnival Cruise Line Excursion

While, yes, Carnival will try to tell you that booking a Carnival Cruise Line excursion is the only way to really ensure that you make it back to the ship before it leaves port, more experienced cruisers will tell you that the risk of actually missing the ship is low.

Carnival Breeze Cruise Ship Docked in Cozumel
Carnival Breeze Cruise Ship Docked in Cozumel (Photo Credit: dkroy / Shutterstock)

All you have to do is make sure you book third-party excursions that leave you plenty of time, in case of an unforeseen delay.

Booking third-party excursions in port, versus Carnival’s excursions, comes with a wealth of benefits. You’ll be able to take excursions and tours that are less crowded, with fewer people. You’ll save money, as most third-party excursions are cheaper. You’ll also get more variety to choose from, as Carnival’s excursions are limited.

8. Playing Mini Golf on a Windy Day

This one is just a basic mistake that you can easily avoid.

Most Carnival cruise ships do have a miniature golf course, either a nine-hole or 18-hole course (with the outlier being Carnival Luminosa, which has no mini golf course).

Carnival Paradise Mini Golf
Carnival Paradise Mini Golf

However, save this fun activity for a day with low winds. Otherwise, you could find yourself chasing your golf ball all around the green, and that getting that hole-in-one is a lot harder than you thought.

9. Not Using the Carnival Hub App

The Carnival Hub app is filled with features and information that can make your cruise more fun. For example, before your cruise, you can make dinner reservations and purchase excursions or spa services.

Carnival Hub App
Carnival Hub App

Then, during your cruise, you can get information about what’s going on, on the ship, that day; chat with your fellow cruisers; and manage your account, viewing your charges and statements.

The app will also load all of your pre-booked reservations into the My Planner section of the app, so you can plan your day accordingly. You can even order food for delivery from the app.

10. Not Listening to the Cruise Director Announcements

Cruise directors are the individuals who are largely responsible for your cruising experience. They plan and organize all the fun, ensure that things keep sailing along and deliver important announcements to help you organize your day.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

In fact, some avid cruisers have found that they really prefer some cruise directors over others, so they’ll go out of their ways to cruise on certain itineraries, when their favorite cruise directors are working.

Whatever your view on cruise directors, though, be sure that you listen to their announcements. They’ll let you in on important info you might need to know for ship schedule or safety reasons, and they’ll also remind you of events and activities going on throughout the ship.

11. Not Pre-Paying for Your Gratuities or Packages

Before your Carnival cruise sets sail, you’ll have the option to pre-pay for your gratuities. Gratuities are charged per person, per day of your cruise, at a set rate that will differ depending on whether you’re staying in a suite or standard stateroom.

If you don’t pre-pay, you’ll be asked to sign off on your gratuities near the end of the cruise. However, pre-paying comes with a perk: You could save money.

Carnival Cruise Cabin
Carnival Cruise Cabin (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

Occasionally, the gratuity rate increases and, if you didn’t pre-pay, you’re stuck paying the new, higher rate, when you could’ve gotten the lower rate all along.

The same can be said for packages. If you pre-pay, as early as possible, you’ll get a lower rate. If you don’t, you’re stuck paying whatever the going rate is, upon boarding.

12. Not Reading the Tender Information

If you’re traveling on an itinerary that will include tendering (which basically just means that the cruise ship is too large to travel right up into the port of call, so you’ll have to take a smaller boat from the ship, to the port), be sure you read up on all the necessary information.

Tender Ports
Cruise Ship at Tender Port (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

Before the day you’re expected to tender, on Carnival, you’ll be provided with information regarding the tendering process. This process must be followed and, if it’s not, chaos and confusion can ensue.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Tendering – Top 6 Pro Tips

You can’t just walk off the ship, onto one of the tendering vessels and go. You have to get in line, get a number and essentially follow an orderly system. Reading up on this system ahead of time will ensure you save time and frustration.

13: Not Paying Attention to Debarkation Information

Similarly, there’s a debarkation process when your ship returns to its home port that’s intended to reduce crowds. After all, if five thousand cruisers are all trying to get off the ship at once, that’s just a recipe for disaster.

So, before your cruise heads back home, be sure to brush up on the debarkation rules and regulations. On Carnival, the cruise line asks that you are out of your stateroom before 8:30 on embarkation day.

Carnival Cruise Ship in Galveston
Carnival Cruise Ship in Galveston

From there, you can go to one of the designated waiting areas, to wait for you to be notified via the Carnival app that you’re able to leave the ship.

Carry off guests, or those that are carrying off their luggage themselves, are the first ones to leave. Guests that have checked their luggage come second.

14. Missing Free Special Dining Options

Don’t feel like you have to miss out on fun or interesting dining experiences on Carnival, just because you don’t want to spend a little extra at the specialty restaurants on the ship.

Keep an eye on the Carnival app and around the ship for free dining experiences that go beyond the handful of complimentary restaurants.

Carnival Luminosa Dining
Carnival Luminosa Dining

For example, go to the sea day brunches in the main dining room, the sea day afternoon tea in the main dining room, the Carnival Elegant evening in the main dining room or the free buffet that’s sometimes offered in Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse on embarkation day.

15. Not Packing Items That Can Be Pricey on the Ship.

Carnival knows that there are just some items you’ll need during your cruise, and if you didn’t pack them, you may be willing to pay a pretty penny for them.

Read Also: Cruise Like a Pro – 20 Mistakes Newbies Always Make

As such, make sure that you’re packing any OTC medications you might need, toiletries and plenty of sunscreen. Otherwise, you could find yourself paying double or triple the price you might pay, on land.

Cruise Ship Remains at Sea to Wait Out Tropical Storm Debby

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Ship Remains at Sea to Wait Out Tropical Storm Debby

Port Tampa Bay is now at Condition Yankee. With gale-force winds expected within 24 hours, all cruise ship operations are suspended for Sunday, August 4.

This means that Margaritaville at Sea Islander will be unable to conclude her current sailing on Sunday as originally scheduled, and instead will remain at sea while the storm conditions pass.

Margaritaville at Sea reached out to booked guests to alert them to the change so they have as much time as possible to adjust their travel plans.

“As a result of this temporary closure, your August 4, 2024 sailing aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will now depart Port Tampa Bay on Monday, August 5, 2024,” the notification confirmed.

The original itinerary was to have been a 5-night cruise leaving on Sunday, August 4 and returning on Friday, August 9, with visits to both Key West and Cozumel. Now, the ship will instead leave on Monday, August 5, but will still return on the Friday. The visit to Key West has been cancelled, but the visit to Cozumel, Mexico remains on Wednesday, August 7 as originally planned.

The cruise line has already cancelled and refunded any pre-paid shore excursions for Key West, which will be posted as onboard credit to guests’ accounts, along with any refunds for taxes, fees, or port expenses.

Similarly, any onboard add-ons for beverages, wi-fi, or gratuities that are priced by the day are being refunded for one day’s value due to the shortening of the cruise.

Guests are also being given a $100 onboard credit (per stateroom) as a courtesy for the shortened sailing. Any travelers who would prefer not to set sail on the shortened sailing may contact the cruise line to rebook without change fees.

The amount they paid for their August 4 cruise will be used as a future cruise credit, though differences in total cruise charges will apply. If the new cruise is less than the August 4 pricing, the difference will become onboard credit to enjoy during the new sailing.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander is the second ship for the boutique cruise line, having just debuted in mid-June. The 85,619-gross-ton ship is homeported year-round from Port Tampa Bay, offering primarily 4- and 5-night itineraries to Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso, depending on the sailing date and cruise length.

Latest Tropical Storm Debby Update

As of the 8 p.m. update on Saturday, August 3, Tropical Storm Debby is located 100 miles west-southwest of Key West and 270 miles south-southwest of Port Tampa Bay. The storm is moving northwest at 14 miles per hour, and showing maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

Port Tampa Bay stated, “In accordance with the current Port Condition, Port Tampa Bay has secured waterfront facilities and dock areas to remove debris and hazardous materials. The Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, made up of numerous local maritime entities has made arrangements for vessel traffic, and created queuing for those vessels that were required to depart port ahead of the storm.“

The storm is expected to continue moving northwest and then straight north west of the Florida peninsula through Monday morning, with a projected landfall in the Florida Big Bend area as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby (Credit: NOAA)

The storm will then curve eastward over the northern part of the state and into southeastern Georgia, before moving back into the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.

In preparation for the storm’s impact, Carnival Cruise Line has also adjusted the next sailing of Carnival Elation from Jacksonville, which is now shortening her current sailing and moving up departure for her next cruise a day early on Sunday, August 4.

Despite the progress of Tropical Storm Debby, no other cruises from Port Tampa Bay are impacted at this time. This could change, however, as weather conditions continue to evolve.

Read Also: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

“We encourage individuals cruising from Port Tampa Bay to contact the cruise line they are sailing with, should they have questions or concerns about their cruise itinerary,” the port posted. “Any changes to your cruise itinerary, including vessel weather avoidance plans and any port call changes, will be communicated by the cruise line directly.”

Cruise lines always keep safety as the first priority for any schedule changes and will give travelers as much notice as possible for any adjustments.

Carnival Cruise Ends Early Due to Tropical Storm, Next Voyage Moved Up

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Ends Early Due to Tropical Storm, Next Voyage Moved Up

Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests booked aboard the Monday, August 5, 2024, departure of Carnival Elation out of Jacksonville in Florida, that their embarkation and departure will now take place one day early on Sunday, August 4. The current voyage, which departed the homeport on August 1, will now end a day early.

This decision has been made to permit plenty of time for the ship to be away from the port as Tropical Storm Debby approaches on Monday.

Guests preparing for their cruise on Monday now have to finish their preparations and arrive at the cruise terminal a full day early, as they received email alerts on Saturday, August 3, about the change in embarkation.

Carnival Cruise Line has attempted to ensure everyone is notified of the change as soon as possible with email and text alerts. The cruise line’s popular Brand Ambassador, John Heald, also sent a quick note to his more than 580,000 followers to look for the email or text alert.

“Monday’s embarkation has moved to Sunday to avoid the storm,” Heald confirmed.

Guests will not be charged any additional fare for the extra time onboard, as is typical in this sort of very unusual situation.

Of course, this also means that the current sailing – a 4-night (now 3-night) Bahamas cruise that departed Jacksonville on August 1 – will also end a day early.

Similarly, those guests will likely be offered a one-day prorated refund for their shortened sailing, as is standard practice for losing a cruise day. Other compensation may also be offered, but each situation is different and it is never guaranteed.

The August 5 (now August 4) departure was to have been a 5-night Bahamas cruise with port visits to Nassau and Princess Cays. The cruise will now be six nights long, though it is unlikely that the ports of call will be changed. Instead, the ship will enjoy an extra day at sea.

The 71,909-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Elation is the oldest ship in Carnival’s fleet. She can welcome 2,190 passengers and is also home to approximately 900 international crew members. Homeported from Jacksonville, Florida, Carnival Elation offers year-round Bahamas itineraries.

While many travelers will be scrambling to reach the ship before she sets sail on Sunday instead of Monday, it should also be noted that many cruisers who depart from Jacksonville drive to the port and will be able to adjust their plans slightly more easily. Flying in to a cruise homeport a day or two before sailing is also a wise precaution for travelers.

Tropical Storm Debby Track

The change to Carnival Elation‘s itinerary is due to Tropical Storm Debby, which was officially named on Saturday. As of Saturday evening, the storm’s center is 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida and moving northwest at 15 miles per hour.

“The Fleet Operations Center in Miami is keeping a very close eye on what is happening in the tropics,” said Amy Sweezey, a weather contributor for Carnival Cruise Line. “The team at Carnival is working very hard behind the scenes to make sure that you are safe and of course can have fun.”

Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby Track (Credit: NOAA)

The storm is expected to strengthen as it makes a northward turn west of the Florida peninsula, and an eastern turn in the Florida Big Bend area will bring the storm – likely as a Category 1 hurricane – to landfall on Monday, August 5.

Because the tropical storm wind field extends up to 100 miles east of the center, the Port of Jacksonville may be feeling the storm’s impact even as it makes landfall across the state.

Read Also: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

The storm is expected to continue moving east after landfall, and will be strongly within the Jacksonville area by late Monday and through Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how its movement changes as it moves back out into the Atlantic.

Any cruisers sailing from or around Florida for the next few days will want to stay in close communication with their cruise line for updates and notice of any changes.

Carnival Warns of Possible Delays Reaching California Port

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Warns of Possible Delays Reaching California Port

Thanks to road work, passengers planning to embark on cruises onboard Carnival Panorama and Carnival Firenze may be delayed in their travels to the Port of Long Beach this weekend. 

The northbound side of the Shoemaker Bridge, which is one of the main routes into the Carnival-exclusive cruise port, will be closed on both Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4, 2024, with work taking place on the bridge from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST each day. 

The purpose of the closure is to allow crews to assess the damage that was caused by a truck accident in January of 2024, allowing them to make preparations to complete necessary repairs in the near future.

“The work is scheduled from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days on the underside of the Shoemaker Bridge, which was damaged when cargo carried by a truck struck the span in January. Crews will assess and evaluate steel framing on the bridge to determine what will need to be replaced at a later date,” reads a press release from the Port of Long Beach. 

Naturally, cutting out a key route to reach the port may mean alternative options and detours could be extra congested. As such, Carnival Cruise Line is warning this weekend’s guests to plan accordingly for potential delays. 

“Shoemaker Bridge (near the cruise terminal) will be closed for repairs this weekend, resulting in increased traffic and possible impact to your commute. To ensure a smooth embarkation experience, please allow ample travel time,” Carnival sent in a text message to guests.

“Remember you must be on board by the final boarding time printed on your boarding pass. Thank you and see you soon,” concluded the message.

While Carnival does enforce assigned arrival times, it’s typically a good idea for travelers to plan to arrive around an hour early – which leaves a buffer for any traffic jams and allows time to find parking. 

Which Sailings Are Impacted By The Road Closure? 

Carnival, which is the only mainstream cruise line to utilize the Port of Long Beach, has two ships scheduled to embark from the port this weekend. 

Carnival Panorama will be setting sail on a Mexican Riviera voyage on Saturday, August 3, 2024. 

The Vista-class vessel will operate a 7-night, round trip cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mazatlan, Mexico; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

The following day, on Sunday, August 4, the new Carnival Firenze will embark on a 4-night Baja Mexico sailing, calling on Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada, Mexico. 

Read Also: Full Guide on Long Beach Cruise Terminal Parking

As long as these passengers leave some extra time to get to the cruise port, they should have a wonderful time on their sailings. 

In addition to scheduling with traffic in mind – which can be bad in Los Angeles even without road closures – it is also a good idea to be aware of alternate routes to the port. 

Shoemaker Bridge Closure Route, Long Beach
Shoemaker Bridge Closure Route, Long Beach (Credit: Port of Long Beach)

As part of the Shoemaker Bridge closure, drivers coming from downtown Long Beach will only be able to access the northbound 710 Freeway from Anaheim Street. The on-ramps on Ocean Boulevard, Third Street, and Seventh Street will be unusable for the duration of the weekend. 

Additionally, Harbor Scenic Drive will be shut down at Harbor Plaza. Vehicles will be directed to use northbound Pico Avenue to access the port via the westbound Long Beach International Gateway bridge, which carries six lanes of Interstate 710 all the way from Long Beach to Terminal Island. 

Shoemaker Bridge Detour, Long Beach
Shoemaker Bridge Detour, Long Beach (Credit: Port of Long Beach)

However, it’s important to note that the eastbound Long Beach International Gateway Bridge, which connects to the northbound 710 Freeway, will be narrowed to just one lane while the work is taking place. 

Further closures include the Pico Avenue onramp to northbound Harbor Scenic Drive, as well as the northbound 710 onramp from Pico at Ninth and the Pier B streets.

Major Cruise Homeports Keeping Close Eye on Developing Tropical System

Melissa Mayntz
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Major Cruise Homeports Keeping Close Eye on Developing Tropical System

A new tropical system has developed near Cuba and is likely to impact multiple Florida homeports over the weekend and into early next week.

While there are no cruises with confirmed storm-related itinerary changes at this time, any travelers departing from Florida over the next few days should stay alert for potential adjustments.

The storm, which is currently centered over Cuba but moving west-northwest at 16 miles per hour, only has maximum sustained windspeeds of 30 miles per hour.

The system is expected to strengthen however, and may become an official tropical storm overnight between Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.

Tropical Cyclone
Tropical Cyclone (Credit: NOAA)

As the storm moves across the Straits of Florida, it is expected to turn northward and skirt alongside the peninsula, with landfall somewhere in the Big Bend area where the peninsula transitions into the panhandle.

While the Port of Miami and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale are well outside the area expected to be impacted by the storm, other Florida homeports are keeping close watch on the system.

Port Tampa Bay on the state’s west coast is likely to see the strongest impact from the storm, which may be directly alongside Tampa Bay throughout the day on Sunday, August 4.

“Port Tampa Bay continues to monitor severe weather in the tropics. At time point in time, there are no impacts to our operations, including departures and arrivals of our cruise partners,” the port’s Friday afternoon weather update stated.

“We encourage individuals cruising from Port Tampa Bay to contact the cruise line they are sailing with, should they have questions or concerns about their cruise itinerary. Any changes to your cruise itinerary, including vessel weather avoidance plans and any portcall changes, will be communicated by the cruise line directly.”

While any impact to Port Tampa Bay is more than 36 hours away, the storm’s track could shift to the east for a more direct impact on the port area. Four different ships could potentially see changes when sailing from Tampa

Two Royal Caribbean International ships are scheduled to set sail from Tampa on Saturday, August 3. Grandeur of the Seas is beginning a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing, while Enchantment of the Seas is beginning a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary on the same day.

On Sunday, August 4, Margaritaville at Sea’s newest ship, Margaritaville Islander, is scheduled to depart Port Tampa Bay on a 5-night Key West and Cozumel sailing.

If the storm system slows somewhat, the Monday, August 5 departure of Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise may also be affected. That Fantasy-class ship is scheduled to set sail on a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary that day.

In addition to Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral on the central-eastern coast of Florida may also have some storm impact if the system shifts further to the east or turns more sharply than anticipated. Any adjustments to sailings from Port Canaveral are likely to be for cruises leaving Sunday or Monday.

“Port Canaveral is closely monitoring the track and possible effects of Potential Tropical Cyclone Four,” the central Florida homeport posted on social media on Friday, August 2. “At this time, there is no impact to Port operations. We recommend our Port community continue to monitor weather updates and be prepared for changes in the storm’s progress.”

Read Also: Florida Cruise Ports – Your Full Overview and Guide

On Sunday, August 4, five ships from four different cruise lines are scheduled for Port Canaveral: Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista, MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy.

If the storm slows, Port Canaveral’s Monday ships – Utopia of the Seas, Disney Wish, and Carnival Glory – might also be impacted.

It should be noted that there are no changes at this time for sailings from either Port Tampa Bay or Port Canaveral, but cruise lines are keeping a close eye on the storm and will make any adjustments as necessary to ensure safe sailing.

Two Other Florida Ports May Also Be Impacted

Depending on the strength of the storm and the exact track it follows near the Florida peninsula, the Port of Jacksonville may also see disruptions. While only Carnival Elation is sailing from the northeast Florida homeport, the ship is scheduled for Monday, August 5 to begin a 5-night Bahamas itinerary.

Norwegian Cruise Ship in Jacksonville
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship in Jacksonville (Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO)

The latest predictions for the tropical system show the greatest impact on northeast Florida throughout Monday, but this may change as the speed and intensity of the storm adjusts over the weekend.

Finally, before the storm even begins impacting Florida’s homeports, one of the Sunshine State’s most popular ports of call could be disrupted. Key West is likely to see a strong impact from the storm on Saturday, August 3, though the forecast only has the system as a tropical depression at that time.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky is scheduled to visit Key West on Saturday as part of a 3-night Bahamas itinerary that also includes Great Stirrup Cay. While the weather may be less than ideal, the slow strengthening of the system may mean it is still possible for the ship to visit Key West with minimal impact.

Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates on this storm if necessary.

Carnival Makes it Clear After Private Slot Tournament Refused

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Makes it Clear After Private Slot Tournament Refused

A slot tournament can be a fun way to spend time in the casino even for travelers who have little or no gambling experience, but are private slot pull tournaments permitted on Carnival Cruise Line? Brand Ambassador John Heald has offered some clarification about what is and is not permitted onboard.

Heald’s announcement comes after a recent guest reached out to the Brand Ambassador noting that her cruise was “ruined” when she wasn’t permitted to hold a private slot tournament.

While the ship name and date of her sailing were not revealed, the issue is not that she wanted to organize such a tournament, but the manner in which she went about trying to do so.

“The main problem with what happened was that the guest had been standing inside the casino, holding a sign that said ‘Slot Pull Sign Up’ and was selling tickets to join,” Heald explained. “Now I understand that the guest may not have known the rules. But obviously this is not allowed as not only taking money from other guests for anything is not permitted, doing so inside the casino is, well, you know.”

This restriction is similar to a recent clarification Heald issued that setting up games of left-center-right for prize money is not permitted.

The same restriction applies to any unauthorized activity that involves exchanging money, as Carnival Cruise Line must adhere to local business and gambling laws based on where the ship is sailing.

It is possible to set up private slot tournaments, but it must be done through the casino while onboard the ship. Neither Heald nor his assistant is able to set up such a private event for guests prior to sailing, as the ultimate decision is up to each ship’s casino host.

“If you wish to have a private slot tournament please speak to the casino host once on board,” Heald suggested. “He or she will help you with this, help find a time, and go through the various rules.”

Whether or not a slot tournament can be arranged will depend on the overall popularity of the casino, available space, and any other operational concerns for an individual sailing.

Staffing, previously organized tournaments, or slot machine maintenance could all impact whether or not a private tournament can be set up.

What Is a Private Slot Tournament?

Private slot pulls or tournaments are often set up through social media groups, inviting guests booked on the same cruise to join in. All entrants typically pay a small fee to be part of the activity.

Once in the ship’s casino, designated slot machines are used – perhaps a favorite game of the group or a game that was voted on prior to the cruise.

A set number of “pulls” are then used, with each player having a turn. Individual scores may be tallied, and after everyone has played, the earned winnings are divvied up among players.

Casino on the Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Casino on the Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship

This can be a way for multiple players to spend a longer time on a single machine, potentially building to a much larger jackpot than they may earn individually with just a few dollars’ for the entry fee.

Read Also: 10 Carnival Ships Now have Non-Smoking Casinos

For example, just playing $5 may not earn a single player much, but if they are part of a group of 20 players, the $100 total from everyone’s entry fee could add up to much more substantial winnings.

While some cruise travelers enjoy these activities, others consider them unfair as it is usually the organizer’s casino card that will be used for the entire tournament. This gives that individual a great way to build up extra loyalty points in the casino without investing their own money.

Official slot tournaments organized by the cruise line do not use just one person’s card, and may be organized differently. For example, all players may play at once as quickly as possible for a set amount of time, with the winner determined by overall individual scores. Furthermore, a set prize amount is usually provided, rather than prizes determined by the machine’s total.

Have you ever joined in a slot tournament? Did you enjoy it? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

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