No doubt many cruise passengers have heard of the Titanic and that tragic moment when the iconic ocean liner hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean.
It’s something most think of when it comes to movies, but yes, even modern cruise ships can hit pieces of floating ice, and that’s the case with one Carnival cruise ship.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed to Cruise Hive that while the Carnival Spirit ship was sailing in Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, on September 5, the 2,610-passenger ship came into contact with a piece of drifting ice on its starboard side. This is much smaller than a growler or large iceberg.
You can watch footage of the moment the Carnival Spirit hit the drifting ice:
The cruise ship came to a halt after the contact just as a precaution and to assess any possible damage. The good news is that the vessel was cleared to continue sailing. Passengers on the ship reported that another small vessel also came alongside to check for any damage.
Carnival Cruise Line stated to Cruise Hive, “Carnival Spirit made contact with an errant piece of drifting ice on Thursday afternoon while sailing in Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. An assessment determined no damage to the ship’s hull and the vessel continued on its week-long Alaska cruise, with its next visit on Friday in Skagway.“
From April Futrell “Good evening James! We are on the carnival spirit and hit an iceberg just outside of Sitka and Tracy arm fjord! Here’s some pictures! We are safe and after assessing for damage we are back on track headed to Skagway!” pic.twitter.com/KIUkrlLtx9
The 88,500 gross ton vessel was not delayed by the impact and has continued en route to the first port of call. Carnival Spirit is still expected to call at Skagway on September 6 as scheduled.
Other ports on the 7-night voyage, which embarked out of Seattle on September 3, include Juneau on September 7, Ketchikan on September 8, and the final port visit at Victoria in British Columbia on September 10.
The ship, which entered service in 2001, is coming near the end of its Alaska season and will reposition to Mobile, Alabama, for cruises to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Often, when it comes to the Fjords in Alaska, cruise ships are forced to cancel their scenic routes due to increased ice in the area. However, the harsh region can be unpredictable, and this is not the first time a cruise ship has come into contact with ice.
In June 2022, the Norwegian Sun cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line hit an iceberg while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska. For context, the Hubbard Glacier is approximately 258 miles further north of Tracy Arm Fjord.
At the time, the cruise line confined that the Norwegian Sun was engulfed in dense fog, which hampered visibility and eventually resulted in the ship hitting the ice, which is also known as a growler. The incident resulted in the voyage being canceled and the ship needing repair.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
Thankfully, the Carnival Spirit hit a much smaller piece of ice compared to the Norwegian Sun. The ice may have been similar in length to one of the ship’s lifeboats. The ice did break up once the Carnival ship came in contact.
This recent incident reminds us just how harsh Alaska can be. The popular cruise port of Sitka has suffered from rockslides near where cruise ships dock. More recently, there was a tragic landslide at the cruise port of Ketchikan.
Nassau Cruise Port, recently given a $300 million facelift, serves as the gateway to the Bahamas. Welcoming over 3.5 million passengers per year, the cruise port sits in the heart of Nassau, the capital city. It’s also just minutes away from beaches and attractions, making it the ideal starting point for your adventure!
Nassau Cruise Port is situated along the north shore of Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. Like the city that gives the port its name, Nassau Cruise Port is on the island of New Providence, one of the 30 inhabited islands that make up the archipelago nation.
Given the island’s proximity to Florida, it is an extremely popular place for tourists, including those setting off on full Caribbean cruises. In fact, the Bahamas is actually the fourth most visited cruise destination in the world, just a few spots behind the world’s busiest cruise port – Miami, Florida’s PortMiami.
The prime location also places the port within easy reach of downtown Nassau, which makes it easy for visiting cruise passengers to explore the city’s rich culture and history.
As we will cover in greater detail later, arriving at the port also makes it easy to visit the many pristine beaches that are so integral to the lifestyle of the local population.
Another advantage of the port’s strategic location is that it is sheltered by Paradise Island, which runs parallel to the city of Nassau. This unique island provides a natural barrier, protecting the port and docked cruise ships from waves and winds that would otherwise blow in from the Atlantic.
The port’s exact address is:
Nassau Cruise Port, #1 Prince George Wharf, Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau Cruise Port Piers
Nassau Cruise Port is impressively large for such a small island. The port features a unique pier design that allows it to accommodate up to six full-sized cruise ships at the same time, along with several smaller vessels. This was actually part of a major redevelopment and rejuvenation project that greatly expanded the port.
Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas
Essentially, the design consists of one large pier extending perpendicular to the city, which has three piers branching from it. You can almost imagine it like a backwards capital ‘E’, with an additional pier extending backwards from the top of the ‘E’.
Since the three long piers run parallel to the shore, all departing and embarking passengers must walk along the same pier to get to the new terminal building, the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, located along the shore.
Nassau Cruise Port $300 Million Renovation
Nassau Cruise Port recently underwent a major rejuvenation effort. Fully reopening to the public on May 26, 2023, the project took roughly four years and cost over $300 million.
The renovations involved fully refurbishing and repairing all of the existing piers, as well as adding an additional berth for a full-size cruise ship. The repairs and refurbishment of the cruise berths also resulted in the port being able to accommodate larger cruise ships, including a total of three Icon or Oasis-class cruise ships at the same time.
Photo Credit: ENKA
The renovation project was funded as part of a joint operation between the national government of the Bahamas and Global Ports Holding PLC, the world’s largest cruise port operator.
In addition to expanding cruise ship facilities, the port renovations also enhanced the visiting passenger experience by adding additional entertainment areas and a fully modernized arrivals plaza. There is an art gallery, the Junkanoo Museum, a large theatre, and plenty of green space along with new food and drink options.
The final result of the renovations has been turning the Nassau Cruise Port from a dated cruise port to one of the most impressive in the Caribbean. Since the renovations, it is also capable of taking in over 3.7 million cruise passengers per year!
Cruise Terminal Amenities and Facilities
Since the major renovation project also involved making significant improvements to the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, passengers can enjoy a pleasant and comfortable experience during their visit.
The entire terminal and surrounding facilities were also designed to be fully accessible, with ramps and automated doors ensuring all passengers can enjoy their visit.
Cruise Passengers in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
Key amenities and services include the following:
Free Wi-Fi
The entire terminal building and on-shore entertainment areas feature complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. This upgrade was completed in February 2024, and there are plans to expand the coverage beyond the cruise port as part of the city of Nassau’s “Smart City Pilot,” which aims to transform Nassau into the center of innovation for all of the Caribbean.
Restrooms
Visitors will find clean and well-maintained public restrooms throughout the cruise terminal and the entertainment areas. There are also restroom facilities that are wheelchair-friendly.
Information Booths
Several information desks are scattered throughout the terminal and even on the piers themselves. Here, you will find friendly staff that can provide you with guidance and answer any questions you may have.
Shopping and Dining
The cruise port features a market to the side of the terminal building called the Port Marketplace. Here, visitors can shop for handmade local souvenirs and trinkets. The construction of this outdoor shopping area was part of the effort to help the cruise port reflect the unique culture and history of the Bahamas.
You can also visit several international clothing and jewelry stores, including Vida Cayo and Haus of Assembly, which carry beach clothing and accessories.
Shopping at Nassau Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
There’s also a small grocery store and pharmacy, which is really useful if you need any supplies to take with you when you board. The Gallery & Wine Bar is another highlight of the port. View exhibitions from local and international artists, then enjoy a delicious glass of wine in the bar area.
If you’re looking for something to eat, several restaurants just outside the terminal feature authentic Bahamian dishes. You’ll also find Isola Gelato, the Bearded Clam Sports Bar, and Linda’s Place, which serves small plates of local cuisine and basic lunch favorites.
Cruise Lines that Visit Nassau Cruise Port
As one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it is no surprise that Nassau Cruise Port is a regular stop for some of the most well-known cruise lines in the world. Just a few of the major cruise lines that visit the port include the following:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Virgin Voyages
Princess Cruises
Traveling to the Port from Nearby Airports
Since Nassau is only about 180 miles from the coast of Florida, many cruise passengers will fly to the island to board cruise ships that list the Nassau Cruise Port as their initial departure point.
Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA)
If you are one of the many taking one of these cruises, there is a good chance that you will fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), as this major airport functions as the main gateway for air travelers to Nassau and its cruise port.
Lynden Pindling International Airport (Photo Credit: Greg finnegan)
LPIA is the largest airport in the Bahamas, just 9 miles west of Nassau Cruise Port. It serves thousands of cruise passengers every day. With the airport servicing numerous international flights and domestic flights from other islands in the Bahamas, it is where most travelers will arrive.
Directions and Distance to the Port
The most common and convenient way to travel between the airport and the cruise port is to take a taxi or cruise line-provided shuttle bus. While traffic can be an issue, most taxi and shuttle rides take about 20 to 30 minutes.
Metered rates are set by law for taxis, meaning you cannot get ripped off if you take a registered cab. Fortunately, there is a mandatory flat rate of $21 to get to the port from the airport, so you don’t have to haggle.
Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas
If you have decided to rent a vehicle from one of the rental offices at the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port yourself, you can take the following directions:
Exit the airport and head east on John F. Kennedy Drive
Continue on John F. Kennedy Drive for 9.6 miles until you reach a roundabout, then take the second exit onto Tonique Williams-Darling Highway
At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto West Bay Street
Continue for 1.1 miles until you see signs for Nassau Cruise Port and park at Prince George Wharf
While the port has drop-off points and short-term parking, you will need to park just outside the port if you need overnight or long-term parking. The Bahamas Financial Centre on nearby Parliament Street is only 0.3 miles away from the port and they have overnight parking for a rate of $10 per day.
Other Airports
If you are not flying into Nassau and have decided to book a flight at one of the 20 other international airports scattered throughout the islands of the Bahamas, like Grand Bahama Freeport Airport or Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, you will most likely need to book a short flight from your arrival airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport. Luckily, these inter-island flights run throughout the day and tend to be very affordable.
How to Get to Nassau Cruise Port
One of the many reasons why Nassau is such a popular vacation destination is how easy it is to visit all the attractions the island has to offer. Here are the most popular ways to get around:
Nassau Cruise Port Upgrades
Taxis
As mentioned, the easiest way to get to the cruise port from the airport is to take a taxi. They are readily available at LPIA and the city of Nassau as a whole. Since taxi fares and flat rates are regulated, passengers can enjoy fair pricing and simplified transactions.
Keep in mind that taxis are allowed to charge additional surcharges for additional passengers and oversized luggage, but these fees are usually just an extra couple of dollars. The drivers also need to communicate this with you before you depart.
Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft do not yet operate in the Bahamas.
Private Shuttle Service
Numerous shuttle services operate throughout Nassau. From shuttle buses to private limo transfers, it is easy to pre-book transportation between the airport and cruise port, as well as other areas of the island.
Airport Transfer Bahamas offers a range of services and vehicles. From group-friendly van and mini-bus rides to more luxurious stretch limousines, you can prearrange travel to meet your needs and budget.
Busses at Nassau Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)
Simon’s Transports offers more budget-friendly shared airport shuttles if you have a large group and want to avoid waiting for a taxi.
You can also check with your cruise line ahead of time to see if they provide a complimentary shuttle service. Some larger ships will do so for itineraries that begin at the Nassau Cruise Port.
Public Transportation
The city’s public buses, known locally as “jitneys,” have routes throughout Nassau, including a stop a short distance outside of the cruise port.
One-way adult fares are $3, so they offer a budget-friendly mode of transportation between the port and various points throughout the city, but you should remember that they are far less convenient and reliable than taxis.
Walking
If you are staying in a nearby hotel or want to explore Nassau without paying for a taxi or shuttle, it’s easy to walk to downtown Nassau from the cruise port. Walking is obviously free and offers visitors a great way to explore the city and take in the atmosphere.
Is Nassau Safe to Visit?
While there are areas of the Bahamas that can be a little bit dangerous to outsiders, particularly Freeport on Grand Bahama, the island of New Providence, where Nassau is located, is considered relatively safe for visiting tourists.
With that said, both the US Department of State and the Government of Canada advise visitors to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting any region within the Bahamas. In fact, the entire country has a Level 2 Travel Advisory, according to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Local Looking Towards Nassau Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
While the main tourist areas of Nassau are generally safe for tourists, you should still practice precautions. The following are some tips recommended by the US Government, as well as several other governments, like those of Canada and the United Kingdom:
Be Vigilant About Spiked Drinks
You should not leave food or drinks unattended and be wary of accepting snacks, drinks, and even cigarettes from those you don’t know.
Be Cautious About Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud are sadly relatively common in Nassau. Avoid situations where others handle your credit card, only use ATMs in well-lit areas, and check your statements for unauthorized transactions. We recommend using cash with smaller vendors and restaurants.
If you are planning on enjoying an excursion experience, book through your cruise line rather than doing so in the city. This eliminates your chances of being scammed, and it is safer to go with an excursion provider that has been vetted by your cruise line.
Only Enter Registered Taxis
Avoid any unmarked taxis, and do not take taxis with strangers if they offer to split a fare.
Avoid Dangerous Neighborhoods
In Nassau, you should avoid the “Over the Hill” area of the city, south of Shirley Street. This dangerous area is where gang violence is common. You should always avoid traveling alone in any part of the city, especially at night. If you spend the night in the city, stick to the major hotels and resorts, as they have on-site security. Small, short-term rental properties are less safe, even if they are in seemingly nice neighborhoods.
Beaches Near Nassau Cruise Port
Like most of the islands that make up the Bahamas, Nassau is home to some truly stunning beaches. Many of these are easily accessible from the cruise port, including the following:
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is just 0.6 miles west of the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, so you can easily walk along the waterfront to get there. The fact it’s just over a 10-minute walk from the cruise port makes it one of the most popular options for visiting cruise passengers.
Junkanoo Beach (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Not only is it nearby, but the beach has a lively atmosphere, picturesque soft white sand, and turquoise waters that are so closely associated with the Bahamas.
If you grow tired of relaxing on the sand, the beach is just a few minutes walk to a wide range of beach bars, restaurants, local vendors, and even the famed Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas.
Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach is across the water on the north side of Paradise Island. It also happens to be one of the most famous beaches in the Bahamas. Although the beach is technically about 2 miles from the port, getting there is tricky. Most people take a taxi across the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, extending the journey to about 3 miles.
Cabbage Beach, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Gaston Piccinetti)
You can also opt for a water taxi or one of the ferries that operate out of Port Nassau, but this can make for a more complicated journey than just taking a cab.
Once you arrive, you’ll discover one of the most pristine stretches of beach anywhere in the Caribbean. There are also plenty of water activities to enjoy, like jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Saunders Beach
Saunders is another beach that usually requires a cab ride, but it is a nice alternative to the busier options if you want a more relaxed atmosphere.
Saunders Beach (Photo Credit: RaksyBH)
Located roughly 3.7 miles west of the cruise port, you’ll enjoy a relatively peaceful beach with a family-friendly playground and plenty of picnic areas.
Love Beach
If you have more time in Nassau, you can take a drive out to Love Beach, which is 11.8 miles west of the port along John F Kennedy Drive.
Known to be a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, it has a really tranquil environment that provides the perfect way to relax before boarding a crowded cruise ship. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot dolphins splashing in the waters or sea lions basking in the sun.
Dining Options Near Nassau Cruise Port
As the capital city of an island nation known for its delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that Nassau is home to a range of exciting dining options. Since the city also has a booming tourism industry, there are a variety of dining options near the cruise port that will appeal to all tastes and budgets.
Here are just a few of our top suggestions:
Visit Arawak Cay
Also known as the “Fish Fry,” this small island is just over a mile west of the port. It’s a huge favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find numerous seafood stalls and restaurants that specialize in serving freshly caught seafood fried and seasoned Bahamian-style. Try the conch salad, as most establishments have this fan favorite on their menus!
Twin Brothers is a good option if you’re looking for a more formal sit-down meal, while Sumptin’ Good 242 is great for cocktails and takeaway dishes.
Señor Frog’s
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without stopping in a Señor Frog’s. Luckily, there’s one within walking distance from the cruise port near Junkanoo Beach. This lively restaurant and bar has an iconic atmosphere, tropical cocktails, and Mexican dishes that you have to experience for yourself!
Shopping Near Nassau Cruise Port
With a mix of local markets, high-end designer boutiques, duty-free shops, and international chain stores, Nassau is a shopping enthusiast’s dream destination. If you want to do some shopping during your visit, check out the following:
Straw Market
Located less than a mile from the port, the Straw Market is a wonderful marketplace where you can find a range of handmade souvenirs, like jewelry, wood carvings, and hot sauces.
Straw Market in Nassau (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Make sure you bring cash, as most vendors won’t accept cards. With the Bahamian Dollar on par with the US Dollar, you can just bring US currency, preferably in small denominations.
Bay Street
For more upscale shopping, visit Bay Street, one of the main shopping areas in the city. Located less than a mile from the terminal, the street runs parallel with the waterfront.
Here, you’ll find duty-free shopping and high-end luxury shops. You’ll also find a few restaurants where you can sample some authentic local cuisine.
Festival Place
Right within the cruise port itself, Festival Place offers convenient shopping for those with limited time on the island. Shop everything from local souvenirs to bathing suits and last-minute gifts.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Nassau?
Although Nassau is a year-round destination, thanks to its tropical climate, most people prefer to visit between December and February. Temperatures hover around a pleasant 75°F, while rainfall is relatively limited.
Avoid going during the summer months if you want to avoid the rainy season, as well as the increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
You’ll also find that humidity is limited during the winter and early spring, which makes exploring the city and the island’s beaches far more pleasant than during the summer and fall.
Peak season runs from November to April. With many cruise lines shifting their itineraries from Europe to the Caribbean, Nassau has become a very popular destination.
There are also some fun annual festivals during these months, including the Junkanoo Festival, which is held on December 26th. The festival is marked by parades, live music, and costumes, providing visitors with a great opportunity to experience Bahamian culture first-hand.
As cruise lines look to the future, it’s not uncommon for things to change – especially for sailings that are scheduled years ahead. Sometimes cruise lines have to make small changes to balance routes or account for port demand as they learn more information closer to embarkation.
With this in mind, Carnival Cruise Line has been tweaking sailings scheduled for 2025 and 2026– and just announced some minor itinerary shifts for five more ships – this time for Carnival Celebration, Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Jubilee.
Impacted guests will not need to take any action, unless they have booked excursions from vendors outside of the cruise line. Tours booked directly through Carnival will be automatically adjusted.
The new itineraries will be reflected in booked passengers’ cruise accounts and on the Carnival website within 24 hours – likely before the end of the day on September 5, 2024.
Carnival Celebration Changes
This Excel-class cruise ship is getting three itinerary changes for 2025 and one for 2026 – with guests getting plenty of notice to plan accordingly.
The earliest change will affect the 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailings on January 5, 2025, which calls on Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Puerto Plata / Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Nassua, Bahamas.
While all the ports of call are still included on the itinerary, they will be visited in a different order than initially planned. This is also true of Carnival Celebration’s 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing embarking on June 29, 2025, from PortMiami in Florida– which offers an identical itinerary to the January cruise.
The next change impacts a 6-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that embarks from Miami on May 11, 2025. The 6,500-guest ship will call on Grand Turk, Puerto Plata / Amber Cove, and Nassau, Bahamas as planned – but will visit Grand Turk and Nassau on different dates.
Last but not least, Carnival has shifted the dates for calls on Cozumel, Mexico, and Mahogany Bay (Roatan), Honduras, for the 183,521-gross ton ship’s itinerary that will embark from Miami on March 15, 2026.
This week-long voyage will also call on Celebration Key, Bahamas, which is an upcoming private destination that will be exclusive to Carnival Cruise Line and its sister brands.
Carnival Elation Changes
This ship will see three changes to existing itineraries, specifically in regards to which private island destinations guests will get to visit – with two cruises in 2025 and one in 2026 impacted.
The Fantasy-Class ship, which is homeporting in Jacksonville, Florida, will be operating a 5-night Bahamas cruise embarking on February 8, 2025, and a 6-night Bahamas cruise embarking later in the year on November 24, 2025.
Both sailings currently call on Nassau, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s existing private island destination in the Bahamas. The longer of the two sailings also includes a stop at the soon-to-open Celebration Key.
However, both voyages will see the call on Half Moon Cay switched out with a visit to Princess Cays instead, which is the private island destination belonging to the Carnival-owned Princess Cruises.
Conversely, the planned visit to Princess Cays as part of Carnival Elation’s March 21, 2026, voyage, which is another 5-night Bahamas sailing out of Jacksonville, will be replaced with a call on Celebration Cay, and the time in port has been adjusted accordingly.
Carnival Conquest Changes
Over the next couple years, this Destiny-class ship will be offering some short and sweet Bahamas sailings – but with a few tweaks.
Three of Carnival Conquest’s four-night sailings, all of which are based out of Miami and call on Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas, are changing the date for when they will visit Nassau.
Carnival Conquest Docked in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
A slightly longer 5-night Western Caribbean sailing, which embarks on October 1, 2025, and will call on Celebration Key and George Town, Grand Cayman, will reverse the order in which the ports are visited.
Similar to the voyages on Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest will also swap out a visit to Half Moon Cay with a stop at Princess Cays on its 4-night Bahamas sailing embarking on January 5, 2026.
Carnival Glory Changes
Next on the list of changes is four changes to Carnival Glory’s future Bahamas voyages – all of which are scheduled for 2026.
The first tweak impacts a 4-night sailing out of Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, that embarks on January 12, 2026. The voyage will call on Celebration Key as planned, but will switch out the planned call on the Bimini Islands with a visit to Nassauand change the day of visit.
The same port swap will be made to subsequent sailings embarking from Port Canaveral on February 2, 2026, February 9, 2026, and April 27, 2026 – but for the later sailings only the port of call will change, not the date of visit.
All four sailings offered identical, 4-night itineraries.
Carnival Jubilee Changes
Carnival’s newest and largest ship, Carnival Jubilee, will only see one minor change to its 7-night Western Caribbean sailing embarking from Galveston, Texas, on February 14, 2026.
The Valentine’s Day voyage will call on Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Costa Maya Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico.
None of the ports of call have been removed from the itinerary, but the order in which they will be visited has been reversed and the port times for Cozumel and Mahogany Bay have been adjusted slightly to account for the new schedule.
Cruise itineraries can change for a variety of reasons, and especially when cruises are still several months or even more than a year away, cruise lines often continue to tweak and balance sailing routes for the best possible experiences.
Carnival Cruise Line has begun reaching out to travelers booked on nine total sailings across three ships in the fleet with notification of such tweaks. Carnival Magic, Carnival Pride, and Carnival Sunshine are all impacted.
Carnival Magic Change
The earliest impacted sailing is the February 16, 2025 departure for Carnival Magic, a 6-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.
On that cruise, the ship will still be visiting Grand Turk and Amber Cove, but in the reverse order of the original schedule and with slightly different port times. The ship will also be visiting Half Moon Cay rather than Princess Cays, also on a different day and time than initially planned.
Four additional sailings for Carnival Magic also have less extensive adjustments. For the ship’s December 27, 2025 as well as her January 24 and March 21, 2025 departures, she will be visiting Amber Cove rather than Half Moon Cay, and on different days and times than the original itinerary. These cruises are all 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruises.
The last impacted itinerary is the February 21, 2026 departure, which simply replaces Half Moon Cay with a visit to Princess Cays, but on the same day and time as the original schedule for the 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing.
For all five Carnival Magic cruises with adjustments, the ship is sailing roundtrip from Miami. Departure and return times to the homeport are not impacted for any itinerary for the 128,048-gross-ton, Dream-class ship.
Carnival Magic can welcome 3,690 guests per sailing at double occupancy, so more than 18,000 guests might be impacted by these five itinerary changes, though none of the sailings are likely fully booked at this time.
Carnival Pride Change
Three sailings of Carnival Pride also have small changes. For the January 4, 2026 sailing, the ship will visit Half Moon Cay instead of Princess Cays, while on the February 1, 2026 cruise, the reverse is true with a visit to Princess Cays instead of Half Moon Cay.
The February 8, 2026 departure of Carnival Pride will also now visit Half Moon Cay instead of Princess Cays, and has changed the day planned for visiting Nassau.
On all three Carnival Pride sailings, port times have been adjusted slightly. Each of the cruises is a 7-night Bahamas cruise from Baltimore for the 86,071-gross-ton, Spirit class vessel, but no other ports of call are impacted for the 2,124 guests who may be booked on each sailing.
Carnival Sunshine Change
Finally, Carnival Sunshine has just one impacted itinerary with a very slight change. On the ship’s March 21, 2026 cruise – an 8-night, Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Norfolk, Virginia – the vessel will be visiting Half Moon Cay instead of Princess Cays, with no other changes. The day of the visit and the time in port remain the same.
The 103,881-gross-ton Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny before her conversion in 2013) is the lead ship in the Sunshine class, and can welcome 3,002 passengers per sailing.
Why Such Tiny Changes?
To some travelers, these small changes may seem nit-picky, but Carnival Cruise Line is trying to ensure that everyone onboard has the best possible cruise vacation experience.
This may mean ensuring that ports of call are not overcrowded with too many vessels, or that guests can enjoy longer hours in port as different ships maneuver to and from the docks.
At times, port operations such as dock maintenance, construction, or harbor dredging could also influence these types of changes, though this is unlikely in this case as no ports are fully cancelled, just rearranged on various sailings.
Fortunately, because the earliest of these itinerary changes is more than five months away, booked guests do have time to reconsider tour options or adjust any private tours they may have booked if necessary.
Carnival Freedom’s upcoming sailing to the Bahamas, which embarks on September 5, 2024, will see a change of plans at its conclusion.
The 4-night sailing, which is a round-trip out of Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, will call on Nassau, Bahamas, and Princess Cays, the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, before returning to the Conquest-class vessel’s homeport.
This is where things will be a bit different from what guests may have been anticipating. Instead of disembarking from Terminal 6, which is where Carnival Freedom and Carnival Vista are based, disembarkation will conclude next door at Terminal 5.
While Port Canaveral is rather large with six cruise terminals shared across the mainstream cruise lines, the distance between Terminals 5 and 6 is short. At less than a half mile, it should only be a five to 10-minute walk for guests who need to move between the buildings.
“We will be docking at Terminal 6 for your embarkation, but upon your return, we will be docking at Terminal 5 for debarkation,”the cruise line wrote in a memo to impacted guests.
Indeed, there is no impact to embarkation on September 5, 2024, with passengers asked to arrive at Terminal 6 during their pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointments as planned.
As usual, guests who arrive too early may be asked to return at their assigned time – and all guests must be on board no later than an hour before departure, which is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST per cruise tracking data.
What Should Impacted Guests Do?
While the change is relatively minor considering the close proximity between Port Canaveral’s Terminal 5 and Terminal 6, guests disembarking on September 9 may need to make some tweaks to their travel plans for convenience.
“Although the two locations are within walking distance of each other, please make your travel arrangements for embarkation and debarkation with the terminal change in mind,”Carnival advised guests.
For example, guests who are being picked up by pre-scheduled private drivers or pre-scheduled hotel or airline shuttles will want to notify the appropriate vendors of their new location.
Carnival Freedom in Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Local guests who are commuting to the cruise terminal may also want to reconsider where they park – perhaps opting to leave their car closer to the disembarkation terminal so they don’t have to walk as far when they’re tired at the end of their vacation.
While Carnival did not specify the reason for the minor change, it could be for a plethora of reasons, ranging from maintenance or repair work being done on the dock to overlapping schedules with other ships coming and going on the same day.
In addition to the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, and Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas will also be in the port.
But on average, ten ships enter the port each day from major players in the cruise industry, so things can get quite busy and necessitate the occasional game of cruise ship Tetris to accommodate everyone.
Regardless of the reason, the shift to Terminal 5 seems to be a one-time necessity. Carnival Freedom is scheduled to homeport out of the Orlando-based port well into 2026 – with the official port schedule assigning the 110,000-gross ton ship to Terminal 6 on every visit through the end of the year.
Cruisers looking for a vacation from two popular drive-to ports in the Southern US can choose from an impressive mix of Carnival Cruise Line itineraries in 2026-27.
The sailings from Tampa, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, are open for sale with departures to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and the Panama Canal.
The 2,000-guest Carnival Paradise, a Fantasy-class ship that launched in 1998, already is deployed year-round at Tampa while Carnival Legend will offer a 2026-27 winter season series. The ship, a Spirit-class vessel that debuted in 2001, accommodates 2,124 guests.
The 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit, the first in the line’s Spirit class, is seasonally based in Mobile and will continue to lure area cruisers to the Gulf of Mexico departure port in winter 2026-27. The ship, which launched in 2000, is currently nearing the end of her summer Alaska series from Seattle.
All three ships will feature visits to Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination on Grand Bahama Island that is set to open in July 2025. They also will call at Half Moon Cay and/or Princess Cays, the private island experiences in the Bahamas owned by parent company Carnival Corporation.
“As America’s cruise line, we continue to sail from more U.S. homeports than any other line and our 2026/27 offerings from Tampa and Mobile are great examples of that commitment to provide our guests with the convenience of sailing from homeports that are a short drive away,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“With a variety of itineraries, many of which feature our own unique destinations Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay, our guests will have plenty of great vacation options, and our travel advisor partners will have some unique experiences to offer their clients,” added Duffy.
Carnival Spirit’s deployments in 2026-27 will mirror her current offerings, with Alaska sailings in summer 2026 followed by a repositioning to Mobile in the fall. Her winter series will kick off with an open-jaw cruise from Seattle to Mobile on October 8, 2026.
The Carnival Journeys voyage will call at ports in Mexico and Colombia before transiting the Panama Canal and sailing through the Caribbean to Mobile.
Carnival Spirit Docked in Mobile
Her winter series offers a choice of 6- to 8-day Bahamas sailings, with all cruises calling at Celebration Key. Six-day cruises call at either Nassau, Bimini or Princess Cays, depending on departure. The longer voyages will visit either Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, along with Key West and Nassau.
Carnival’s Wide Selection of Voyages From Tampa
Tampa has been a homeport for Carnival Cruise Line for 30 years, and its commitment to the port continues with the year-round operations of Carnival Paradise and the seasonal program of Carnival Legend in 2026-27.
Carnival Paradise will offer guests a choice of 4- to 6-day Western Caribbean itineraries that call at ports such as Cozumel, Mexico; Mahogany Bay, Belize; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Nassau, Bahamas, and the private destinations of Celebration Key, Princess Cays.
The ship will offer Bahamas voyages from Tampa, also from 4 to 6 days, as well.
Onboard Carnival Legend from November 2026 through March 2027, guests can enjoy a wider choice of itinerary lengths, from 6 to 13 days. The longest sailing, a 13-day Carnival Journeys cruise to Panama calls at Aruba; Curacao; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Colon, Panama.
Six- and 7-day options include Grand Cayman; Cozumel; Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize; Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau; Mahogany Bay; plus the private destinations of Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.
Tampa is a growing port and was in the news recently when upmarket line Oceania Cruises announced it would base its first ship at the port in February 2026. The 670-guest Insignia will offer 7- to 20-night voyages to the Caribbean and Panama Canal.
Fans of Disney Cruise Line, who want to be among the first to sail aboard the new Disney Destiny, may get the chance to snag their spot on one of her inaugural voyages as early as this week.
With a little more than a year before she officially enters service at the end of 2025, Disney is ready to open bookings for the third of the Wish-class vessels, which is currently under construction at Germany’s Meyer Werft Shipyard.
The first round of bookings will open on September 6, 2024, to the highest ranking members of Disney’s loyalty club, which are known as Castaway Cay members and are named after the cruise line’s first private island destination in the Bahamas.
Pearl members, who have taken 25 or more Disney sailings, will get first dibs. Platinum members (10+ sailings) will go next on September 9, followed by Gold members (5+ sailings) on September 10 and both Silver members (1+ sailing) and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members on September 11.
Castaway Club members are not limited to booking on their specific day, but rather this will be their first opportunity to book their first voyage on the 4,000-passenger ship.
Bookings will then open to the general public on September 12 at 8 a.m. EST, which includes all members of the Castaway Club, DVC members, and people who have never embarked on a Disney cruise before.
Because Disney anticipates a high call volume during these initial booking windows, prospective guests are encouraged to book online or consult with their personal travel agent.
Disney Destiny’s Inaugural itineraries
Although the first booking window is still a few days away, eagle-eyed DCL fans have noticed that the cruise line has already been populating its website with the “heroes and villains” themed ship’s first itineraries.
While the family-friendly cruise line had previously confirmed that the 144,000-gross ton vessel would be operating out of the “Finding Nemo” inspired cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, not much else was known about what the beginning of her career at sea would really look like until now.
Arguably the most important voyage for potential guests to get excited about is the historic maiden voyage, which will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale from November 20-24, 2025.
Disney Destiny Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Disney)
The 4-night sailing will call on both of Disney’s private island destinations in the Bahamas, including the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Pointthat just opened this summer and the long-time favorite, Castaway Cay.
Another sailing, which Disney Vacation Club Members will want to take note of, is a DVC exclusive voyage called the 2025 Member “First Wave” Sailing.
Like the maiden voyage, this slightly longer 5-night itinerary will call on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, and will embark from Fort Lauderdale on November 28, 2025.
But unlike the maiden voyage, this special sailing is limited to only Disney Vacation Club members – and will open for booking on October 23, 2024.
Otherwise, Disney’s new-build will begin her career by alternating between 4 and 5-night Bahamas cruises.
The shorter sailings will only call on Disney’s private island destinations, while the longer sailings switch out either Castaway Cay or Lookout Point for Cozumel, Mexico, or Nassau, Bahamas.
She will remain in the Bahamas at least through May of 2026, which is the furthest time period for which Disney has released itineraries as of the time of publication.
With the US presidential election just weeks away between two very polarizing candidates – former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris – the much-anticipated debate between the two on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 is of interest to many, including cruise travelers.
But what about passengers who will incidentally be on a cruise during the debate – televised from 9 p.m. Eastern Time and expected to last approximately 90 minutes – can they tune in?
An interested Carnival Cruise Line guest asked Brand Ambassador John Heald about whether or not the debate would be shown onboard the Carnival fleet, but did not receive the answer he may have hoped to get.
“I will be on the Breeze from Galveston on [9/9],”the guest explained.“John, please consider the wishes from many [on social media] for the 9/10 Presidential Debate to be shown on the jumbotron. If not in a bar or at the very least in the rooms.”
Heald, who normally steers clear of any politically-affiliated comments, did respond, and offered an opportunity for other guests to also weigh in on whether or not the debate should be shown onboard.
“Respectfully, we will not be showing it,”Heald said.“Regardless of political preference, is this not something you would want to spend your cruise time watching, or am I wrong?”
Most experienced cruise travelers know that cruise lines must have contracts with different networks and stations to air particular content, and it is not surprising that the debate would not be available due to exclusive broadcast arrangements.
Undoubtedly, however, most news stations around the world will have highlights, clips, and analyses available shortly after the debate ends and in the days that follow.
As the original guest who contacted Heald is sailing on Carnival Breeze for a 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary, they would be able to catch those highlights on new stations onboard or watch a recording of the debate when the ship returns to Galveston on Saturday, September 14.
Heald did post a poll to gauge whether or not the debate would interest most travelers. With more than 24,000 votes, the overwhelming majority of 78% chose the option “It is not something that I would need to see on my cruise” with respect to watching the debate.
A total of 21% of those who voted in the poll responded that “It should be shown, but only in the cabin because if I was on board, I would want to watch it.” Only 1% of respondents believed that such a political broadcast should be shown on the big screen onboard.
John Heald
A wide variety of cruise guests commented on Heald’s poll and the topic altogether. For some, being away from one of the most contentious elections in decades is preferred for vacation, while others would like to stay informed but want to avoid any potential unpleasantness when different travelers have different opinions and reactions.
“Showing on the big screen would be a huge mistake. People get very passionate and it could result in a very agitated if not violent situation.”
“I would appreciate the option of watching it in my cabin. I have no desire to debate with anyone about my views, but I would like an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to say prior to Election Day.”
“I am an avid follower of politics. Yet even with that, I am not going to take an hour out of my cruise to watch the debate, if it were available. I can catch up on all of that when I get home!”
Why Carnival Shouldn’t Show the Debate
It should be noted that while Carnival Cruise Line is “America’s Cruise Line” by their own admission, many guests sailing each week are not from the US and would not have nearly as much interest in the US presidential election or the debates that precede it.
To opt to showcase one country’s political process and not another’s could be contentious in itself, and leads to a very slippery slope of what is important and what is not for keeping cruisers informed and updated while they sail.
After politics, why not sporting events? Award shows? Celebrity events? Hotly anticipated show premiers or finales? There are many broadcast decisions that could easily be turned into their own debates of whether or not they should be aired onboard.
It should also be noted that any cruise guest on any Carnival ship has the option of purchasing Wi-Fi plans to help them stay updated through their preferred news source, either with a pre-cruise, full-length plan or a daily purchase rate.
Travel can be challenging for those who require the use of mobility devices, and P&O Cruises has recently updated its Mobility Scooter Policy in a way that could be even more challenging for booked guests or those planning an upcoming cruise.
While the new adjustment is made for safety concerns to ensure everyone can be helped in the event of an emergency, it could be seen as restrictive and limiting for those who use certain mobility devices.
All booked guests have received email or text notification of the changes to ensure everyone is aware of the new policy.
“Recently, we’ve updated our Mobility Scooter Policy to include all powered mobility devices,”the notification reads.“Our updated policy requires any guest who brings a powered mobility device on board to be booked into a fully accessible cabin or selected Suite or Mini-suite.”
This means that if passengers use a powered wheelchair, power scooter, or similar aid that has a detachable electric device, they must be booked in certain staterooms only. If they have booked standard cabins, they may be denied boarding or need to change their travel reservation to move to an acceptable stateroom.
“Fully accessible” cabins include a range of deluxe balcony, suite, balcony, sea view, outside, and other cabin types, depending on which ship guests are considering in the P&O Cruises fleet.
The reasoning behind this policy update is not meant to restrict guests or prevent them from sailing, but rather to ensure they can receive proper assistance if necessary.
“This is to be sure the powered mobility device can be stored in a place the crew can easily reach in the unlikely event of an emergency,”the notification explains.
It should be noted that the policy update only applies to powered devices. Manual wheelchairs – that are pushed or propelled by an individual with no electrical or battery assistance – are still accepted in all cabin types, provided they can fold into the proper size to fit safely and be sored out of the way.
Dimensions for manual wheelchairs must not be larger than 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) wide, 100 cm (39.3 inches) long, and 23 kilograms (50.7 pounds) in weight when folded.
For both manual wheelchairs and powered mobility wheelchairs or scooters, dimensions must not be longer than 120 cm (47.2 inches) or wider than 79 cm (31.1 inches) when open and ready for use.
Guests who use mobility devices need to complete an on-board questionnaire as soon as they make their booking with P&O Cruises or as soon as their need is known, perhaps with changing health concerns or mobility needs after booking.
The questionnaire must be filled out no later than 14 days before travel, and includes information for evacuation chair assistance in the event of an emergency. The policy also has extra cautionary warnings for travelers.
P&O Ventura Docked in Southampton (Photo Credit: Sail Away Media)
“If you don’t declare your mobility device in advance of your holiday, you won’t be able to take it on board. As there are no storage facilities available for denied devices, this would result in you being denied boarding.”
Such a denial unfortunately happened to a 69-year-old passenger who had failed to declare his electric wheelchair in May 2024. He was booked in an accessible stateroom, but had not notified the cruise line about his device.
As an extra note, wheelchairs are not available for rental onboard P&O Cruises ships. All guests should bring their own mobility aids as needed.
Can Crew Members Help?
Even the most streamlined, high-tech, customized mobility devices can be bulky and awkward. Travelers should note that crew members are not available to assist with maneuvering or storing a device, and guests should be able to handle such tasks themselves or with the assistance of their travel companions.
This is similar to policies across many different cruise lines.
In recent years, more and more cruise lines have updated their mobility device policies and restrictions in order to ensure clarity about what types of equipment can be accommodated onboard.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line has clarified scooter size policies and has been very forthright about the fact that larger scooters cannot be accommodated. Where to store devices, safe driving tips, and elevator use priorities have also been frequently discussed to ensure everyone is aware of current policies and possible restrictions.
