While Port Tampa Bay has reopened after successful inspections following Hurricane Debby’s passage, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise is slightly delayed from her expected arrival for debarkation and embarking the next, now-shortened sailing.
The cruise line alerted guests on Tuesday morning, August 6, that it would be necessary to shift their arrival times to the cruise port.
Now, guests have been advised of another brief delay. Text alerts and automated phone calls have been sent to all booked guests.
“For embarkation Tuesday, August 6, 2024, guests should arrive for check-in two hours later than their pre-selected terminal arrival appointments,”the notification read.“All guests must be on board by 4:00 PM for departure shortly thereafter.”
For example, if a guest had a chosen an 11-11:30 a.m. cruise terminal arrival time when they completed their check-in, their new arrival time would now be 1-1:30 p.m.
“Thank you everyone for please adhering to this request and that way we can get you on the ship ready for the brilliant crew to bring you the FUN you have been waiting for,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.
Satellite tracking data confirmed that Carnival Paradise was still approaching the cruise terminal at 9:30 a.m. Typically when cruise ships return to their homeport, they arrive alongside the dock at 5-6 a.m. for customs and immigration processing, with debarkation beginning within a couple of hours.
The nature of the further delay this morning has not been specified. It is possible that fog caused some navigational difficulties in Tampa Bay, which is common and can last for several hours.
It is also possible that the post-storm inspections took longer than initially expected, or that some minor repairs to port facilities were necessary before ships could be cleared to return.
Nevertheless, the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy class cruise ship is ready to welcome her next group of guests. While the cruise has been shortened and the itinerary adjusted – Mahogany Bay, Roatan is cancelled as a port of call – Carnival Paradise‘s 920 international crew members are ready to ensure everyone aboard has as much fun as possible.
Compensation Offered for Shortened Sailing
Because Carnival Paradise has been so dramatically impacted by Port Tampa Bay’s closure and the passing storm, guests are receiving significant compensation.
All travelers on what was to have been the August 5, 2024 departure (now August 6) are receiving a one-day, prorated refund of their cruise fare.
Similarly, a one-day refund of any pre-paid packages based on cruise length, including gratuities, the Cheers! or Bottomless Bubbles drink packages, and WiFi access is also being provided.
Carnival Cruise Line is also giving a $100 (USD) per stateroom onboard credit as a courtesy to all guests.
Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship
Any guests with airline change fees or non-refundable costs associated with the change in cruise departure can submit their original tickets and change fee receipts for reimbursement consideration.
Carnival Cruise Line will pay up to $200 per person for those expenses. Guests who booked airfare through the cruise line’s FLY2FUN program have had their flights changed automatically without additional charges.
Finally, if passengers are unable to sail on the now-shortened cruise, they will receive a 100% future cruise credit for the fare and a full refund of any pre-purchased items, subject to terms and conditions.
Carnival Paradise is homeported year-round from Tampa, Florida. She offers 4-, 5-, and 6-night Western Caribbean cruises, calling on Roatan, Cozumel, Belize, and Grand Cayman, depending on the cruise length and departure date.
The ship also offers occasional Bahamas itineraries, and will be one of the first ships to visit the new Celebration Key when it opens in August 2025.
Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas interrupted her current sailing, a 7-night Greek Isles cruise, to rescue 77 refugees in the Ionian Sea during the overnight hours from Monday, August 5 to Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
The rescue operation was carried out without hesitation at the request of Greek authorities when the overcrowded sailboat was spotted in distress.
According to ABC News, a cargo ship spotted the refugee craft approximately 129 miles southwest of Pylos early Tuesday morning. Odyssey of the Seas was contacted to assist, and immediately diverted to the south of her sailing route.
Upon arrival, the 167,704-gross-ton, Quantum-Ultra class cruise ship lowered a lifeboat as well as its pilot craft to make contact with the smaller vessel.
The sailboat was overloaded with migrants, but every individual was able to be brought safely onboard Odyssey of the Seas. No details about their nationalities or the reason for their distress were available.
Video of the rescue showed the overcrowded sailboat with its sail raised, but it was not making any headway and appeared to be stranded. Some reports mention a fire or even capsizing, but this has not been confirmed and is not evident from the video.
The rescue operation took several hours, and refugees were not permitted to bring many of their belongings aboard the cruise ship.
As is standard procedure with rescues, they would have been given food, water, and medical attention as needed, and kept under supervision in crew-only areas. Local authorities would also have been kept apprised of their condition and any unusual circumstances.
After all the refugees were aboard, the sailboat was left adrift, as is common with refugee craft. Odyssey of the Seas then proceeded to Kalamata to debark the unexpected passengers, where Greek authorities took care of their processing.
Because of the unexpected diversion, Odyssey of the Seas was unable to make her port visit to Santorini as planned on Tuesday, August 6. The ship’s itinerary will be adjusted to compensate for the rescue, with Santorini hoped to be rescheduled for later in the sailing.
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: MagioreStock)
The original itinerary included visits to Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos, and Naples, before the ship returns to her homeport of Civitavecchia (Rome). Odyssey of the Seas is remaining homeported in Italy through the end of October, offering a variety of Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries.
On November 3, 2024, the ship will embark a 14-night transatlantic crossing to Cape Liberty, where she will be homeported for the winter to offer Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. In late April 2025, Odyssey of the Seas will return to Civitavecchia for another Mediterranean season.
Migrant Rescues in the Mediterranean
Migration between the Middle East and Greece is common, with many refugees fleeing various conflicts in the hope of a better, safer life. Migrants may come from various Middle Eastern countries as well as Africa and Asia, attempting to enter the European Union.
According to FrontEx, the border guard for the European Union, there have been 25,000 illegal immigrant crossings in the eastern Mediterranean so far in 2024. The majority of the migrants originate from Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Turkey.
Celebrity Beyond Rescue (Footage Credit: Captain Kate McCue)
Cruise ships regularly respond to refugee rescues, as the safety of everyone at sea is always the highest priority for any vessel, regardless of the circumstances.
For example, in August 2023, Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class Celebrity Beyond assisted in a rescue of more than 200 migrants from a drifting vessel in roughly the same area as Odyssey of the Seas‘ rescue operation. At that time, Celebrity Beyond offered support to other craft performing the actual rescue, and no refugees were brought onboard the cruise ship.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) governs the safety of all maritime vessels and dictates how vessels must respond to emergency situations. All ships are required to respond to distress situations so long as they are able to do so without putting themselves in similar danger.
Kudos to the officers and crew of Odyssey of the Seas for committing to the rescue operation and safeguarding so many lives.
Carnival cruise gratuities may come as a surprise during your first sailing. They’re not included in your initial fare price and some cruisers can be very vocal about how much they dislike them, while others say they’re a necessary part of the cruising experience. Here’s what you need to know.
As of mid-2024, Carnival Cruise gratuities are $16 per person, per day, if you’re staying in a standard stateroom. If you’re staying in a suite, the gratuities are $18 per person, per day.
It’s worth noting that cruise gratuities can increase over time. Carnival upped its gratuities in April of 2023. Previously, Carnival gratuities were $14.50 per guest, per day, for guests in standard staterooms, and $16.50 per guest, per day, for guests in suites. Before the 2023 increase, the last increase occurred in 2022.
However, in a February 2 announcement, Carnival said it will increase gratuities once again starting from April 2, 2026. For regular staterooms, the new rate will be $17 per guest per day. For suites, the rate will be $19 per guest per day.
While these numbers can seem pretty affordable at first, do keep in mind that they really can add up and make your cruise cost more than you originally expected. You can calculate the cost and compare your gratuities by using our tool here.
How to Pay Carnival Cruise Gratuities
You can pay for your Carnival cruise gratuities in two ways. Many guests choose to prepay for their gratuities. You can pre-pay for your gratuities at the time of booking or at any time up until your sail date.
If you booked directly with Carnival, you can pre-pay online; if you booked with a travel agent, they can handle this prepayment for you. You’ll see pre-payments for gratuities filed under “Miscellaneous Charge” in your documentation.
Carnival Cruise Ships Docked in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
What is the benefit of pre-paying for your Carnival cruise gratuities?
If there is another increase in gratuity fees, between your pre-payment and the cruise embarking, you’ll only have to pay the fee that you’ve already paid. The new fee won’t apply to you.
So, in essence, pre-paid gratuities could possibly save you some cash. (And if you think it’s unlikely that the gratuity fees will go up again, consider that they did go up in both 2022 and 2023 — so it’s not the craziest idea that another increase is on the horizon.)
If, though, you do not pre-pay for your Carnival cruise gratuities, then the fees will be added to your Sail & Sign account on the second-to-last day of your cruise.
At that time, if you have any concerns or don’t wish to pay the full gratuity fee, you can take that issue up with Guest Services. After you disembark, the fee is considered final.
Do All Guests Have to Pay Gratuities on a Carnival Cruise?
Gratuities apply to all guests staying in a cabin or suite, except for children under the age of two. Additionally, you’ll still pay the same gratuities, regardless of where you ate or what you did during your cruise.
Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock
For example, if you think you can save on gratuities by eating in a casual dining restaurant or at the buffet every night, versus at a sit-down dinner in the main dining room, think again.
Likewise, if you ask for your room not to be cleaned for a certain number of days during your cruise, you won’t save money on tips for the cleaning staff.
Can Carnival Cruise Gratuities Be Removed?
Technically, yes, Carnival cruise gratuities can be removed from your bill. You just need to go to the guest services desk and ask for them to be removed.
You will be asked to provide a reason for this removal, and the customer service representative may tell you that this decision will negatively impact the crew members. However, other than possibly a little social awkwardness, it’s that easy.
Despite this ease, though, there are mixed feelings on opting out of Carnival cruise gratuities. It’s quite the controversial topic in the cruising world.
Should You Opt Out of Paying Carnival Cruise Gratuities?
Just because you can do something, that doesn’t always mean you should. So should you opt out of paying Carnival Cruise gratuities?
Some worry that 100% of the fee doesn’t truly go to the crew (like Carnival says it does). Accordingly, some opt to simply tip crew members directly, with cash, over the course of the cruise.
Meanwhile, others argue that staff actually prefer to get the gratuity money divided up via the gratuity fees, rather than relying on one-off cash tips, and that one-off tips never make it to the behind-the-scenes crew members, like dishwashers.
To get around these worries, some cruisers opt to both pay the Carnival cruise gratuity fee, but then also tip on top of that, individually giving out tips to acknowledge a job well done.
In another cruising Reddit thread, one cruiser posted that the gratuity fee doesn’t really add anything extra to crew members’ salaries. Instead, Carnival just puts the fee toward the money they’re contracted to pay the crew members, and then, if not enough people pay their gratuities during a cruise, Carnival pays for the difference.
Should You Worry About What Carnival Does With Your Gratuities?
In short, there’s a lot of speculation regarding what Carnival does or doesn’t do with their gratuity fees. There are a lot of questions regarding how much crew members get paid and how much of those payments are gratuities and how much are true salaries. In fact, there have been so many rumors floating around that, in 2023, Carnival had to address them.
In August 2023, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald addressed the aforementioned rumor that cruiser-paid gratuities are used to pay the bulk of crew members’ contracted wages, and then Carnival just makes up any difference, if there is any.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
He said, “Normally I would never comment on this, but let me say categorically that this is nonsense, totally 100% false and 100% inaccurate. We do not use the gratuities you so graciously give to ‘pay the crew.’ It is utter fabrication and untrue.”
With that rumor put to rest, it’s pretty safe to say that crew members have a salary and all gratuities are given to crew members on top of that salary, as a bonus.
Is There a Best Way to Tip on Carnival Cruises?
At the end of the day, the general consensus seems to be that the socially “right” thing to do is to pay the gratuities fee unless you experience truly very bad service. If that’s the case, talk to the customer services desk to see how you can lower that fee.
Otherwise, pay the fee, and then tip with cash, separately, to acknowledge specific crew members who go above and beyond with exceptional service to make your trip more enjoyable.
Can I Tip Crew Members More?
Yes, if you want to tip crew members more, above and beyond the flat-fee gratuity rate, you are more than welcome to do so! For example, you may want to give a tip to the room service staff, when they drop off your food, or you may want to leave a tip at a specialty restaurant.
If you do decide to tip extra, some cruisers recommend tipping your main dining room waiters and stateroom stewards or butlers on the first night of your cruise. This, they say, leads to better overall service throughout the cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line Crew (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
So how much should you expect to tip?
Frequent cruisers recommend tipping a few dollars to porters who help with your bags; a few dollars per day to your room steward, if they go above and beyond; under $50 to your main dining room wait staff, if they, again, went above and beyond; and a few dollars for room service, per each order.
That said, do be careful not to overtip! For example, when you get a receipt to sign at the bar, an 18% service fee will already be added to the receipt. This counts as your tip. If you want to add another tip on top of this fee, go ahead, but just recognize that a gratuity fee is already included.
Can I Use Carnival Onboard Credits for Gratuities?
Yes! If you have some onboard credits to use — like if your booking came with some or you took advantage of one of Carnival’s special offers — you can actually use those to pay for your gratuities.
Just refrain from pre-paying for your gratuities, ahead of your cruise, and then ask for that credit to be used toward your total costs at the end of your cruise, including gratuity fees.
Which Crew Members are Carnival Gratuities For?
The service and gratuity fee is intended to show appreciation to crew members throughout the ship. However, Carnival gratuities, while split 100% equally between these crew members, do not go to all crew members on a ship.
According to the cruise line, Carnival gratuities go to stateroom attendants, housekeeping staff, dining and culinary services team members, and behind-the-scenes team members.
Out of the per-day, per-person amount that you might pay in gratuity fees, the majority goes to the dining team, then the housekeeping team, and then a few dollars of that per person, per day goes to “alternative services.”
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Carnival gratuities do not go to bar staff, shopping staff, casino staff, spa staff or any department not directly operated by Carnival Cruise Line.
Bar staff gratuities are added on to your receipt for all beverage purchases, at a rate of 18% of your bill. An additional 18% service charge is also applied to your bills at Chef’s Table, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Bonsai Sushi, Emeril’s Bistro, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse, and Seafood Shack. An 18% service fee is also applied to any room service orders.
That said, if you want to prepay for your bar staff gratuities as well, you can do so by booking the Carnival Cheers package ahead of your cruise. This drink package gives you up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, during your cruise.
Then, the 18% service charge is added to your drink package purchase, rather than to each individual drink that you purchase during your trip.
Unlike the daily gratuity fees that apply to your cruise overall, these 18% service charges cannot be negotiated or removed, and are automatically added to your bill.
Final Thoughts
While tipping on a cruise can be a controversial topic — or, more accurately, having those gratuities automatically applied to your bill can be a controversial topic — tipping ensures that the cruising industry continues to provide you with the same great experiences and service you know and love.
Be sure that the shipboard staff on your favorite cruise ships can continue doing their jobs, by factoring in the cost of gratuities into your overall travel budget. It might be an annoyance to some, but it’s a necessity. Your generosity can help ensure the overall cruise experience remains enjoyable.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the August 5, 2024 departure of Carnival Paradise with updated plans for the now-shortened sailing.
The cruise ship is currently still outside Tampa Bay, as Port Tampa Bay remains closed at this time due to the influence of Tropical Storm Debby.
“The ship is now expected to return to port tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, 2024,”the latest update confirmed.
Earlier, it had been hoped the Carnival Paradise would be able to return in the afternoon of Monday, August 5, but the extensive tropical storm winds have made that impossible.
Furthermore, port officials must thoroughly inspect the channel, docks, cruise terminal, and other port facilities before the port will be reopened and ships will be cleared to resume normal operations.
Because Carnival Paradise will now depart on Tuesday, August 6, it will be a 5-night voyage instead of the originally planned 6-night itinerary. The call to Mahogany Bay, Roatan is cancelled, but the ship will still visit Belize and Cozumel.
Guests are being given compensation for the dramatic change, including a one-day, prorated refund of their cruise fare, gratuities, and any package purchases, such as the Cheers! or Bottomless Bubbles drink packages or WiFi access.
Furthermore, a $100 (USD) onboard credit is being provided to each stateroom. Carnival Cruise Line is also offering up to $200 per person to cover any non-refundable air travel change fees.
That reimbursement will be provided with appropriate receipts. If travelers are booked through Carnival’s FLY2FUN program, they will receive further communication with details of their updated travel plans.
Embarkation is planned on Tuesday at the already scheduled terminal arrival appointments. These are the times guests selected for their cruise terminal arrival when they completed check-in for their sailing.
Those times have not changed (only the date has changed), and all guests must arrive at the cruise terminal no later than 2:30 p.m. for an on-time departure.
Because of the dramatic nature of the changes, though they have been outside of Carnival Cruise Line’s control, guests may also contact the cruise line or their travel agent no later than 6 p.m. on Monday, August 5, if they are unable to sail.
If guests choose this option, they will be provided a 100% future cruise credit for the cruise fare, as well as a full refund of any pre-cruise purchases.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests via email, text, and social media to ensure that everyone has adequate time to make a decision about whether or not they choose to set sail on the altered sailing.
“This advisory requires your prompt review as we work to keep you informed about your cruise. As we communicated earlier, our plan is to operate your cruise as a 5-day voyage, departing tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, 2024,”the text said, urging guests to check their email for further details and how to take action.
The 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy class Carnival Paradise can welcome 2,124 passengers at double occupancy, or up to 2,697 travelers if fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is homeported from Tampa year-round, offering primarily 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean itineraries.
Tropical Storm Debby Update
By 2 p.m. on Monday, Tropical Storm Debby was located inland in northern Florida, but still with maximum sustained wind speeds of 65 miles per hour. The storm is moving north-northeast at just 7 miles per hour, with a great deal of rain and potential flash flooding in the region impacted by the storm.
At this time, the tropical storm warnings have been lifted for all of Tampa Bay, but it may be several hours before inspections can be completed and the port can safely reopen.
It takes cruise ships 2-3 hours to transit across Tampa Bay to reach the cruise terminal, which further complicates debarkation timing.
It is wise of the cruise line to plan for a full day’s delay for Carnival Paradise, which will ensure that all terminal staff can be in place for a smooth – if belated – departure and embarkation for the next sailing.
Two men who stole nearly $100,000 in Effy jewelry from a shop onboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa on March 31, 2023 have avoided jail time in their sentencing.
Though both men have been found guilty, the circumstances of the crime and their own past histories contributed to the type of sentence they have received.
The men – Gary Cooper, age 30 and Benjamin, Greenwood, Age 33 – boarded MSC Virtuosain Southampton, UK on March 31, 2023 for a 7-night Northern Europe sailing.
Promenade on MSC Virtuosa (Photo Credit: Sergey_Bogomyako)
Within hours, however, the two men had managed to overindulge in the all-included drinks and entered an unmanned Effy jewelry store, one of 11 retail stores onboard.
According to the Southern Daily Echo, Greenwood proceeded to stuff eight rings and two necklaces into his underwear – yes, you read that right – while Cooper kept a lookout.
At the time, other passengers were also passing by. In total, the value of the stolen jewelry was estimated at £76,000, or approximately $97,000 (USD).
Once the ship’s staffed discovered that several pieces were missing, security was alerted and camera footage reviewed, which clearly showed the two men committing the theft.
Cooper and Greenwood were located in different onboard bars by security officers. MSC Virtuosa has 21 different bars onboard, which the two men had clearly taken advantage of, as they were described as “extremely drunk.”
The investigation into the theft was quickly complicated because of the ship’s imminent departure. Cruise ships must keep very strict schedules, and local Southampton police were unable to interview witnesses or review all the available security footage at the time. Consequently, all the jewelry was not recovered even though the men were escorted off the ship.
During the short time they were on the ship, both men were apparently belligerent and abusive to security guards, including becoming physically aggressive.
It is unclear what happened to the men when the jewelry was not recovered, but it appears they were released on their own recognizance while the case was investigated. Later, Greenwood was arrested at an airport, while Cooper turned himself in to authorities.
Their attorneys’ arguments included acknowledgement that the men’s behavior was “foolish” and “stupid” and due to the influence of alcohol. Neither man had any previous convictions, but both accepted the consequences of their actions.
During sentencing, Judge Nicholas Edward Rowland of the Southampton Crown Court noted the men’s impulses were “out of character” and that they should learn from their mistakes.
“This was an impulsive theft in an unattended shop. You had only been on the ship for four hours,”Rowland said.
The men were sentenced to 15 months that was suspended, and ordered to serve 270 hours of community service.
Should Drink Packages Have More Limits?
With alcohol overconsumption appearing to play a strong role in this crime, and different poor behavior and altercations being reported on regularly on different cruise lines, are all-included beverages or generous beverage packages too troublesome for cruise lines?
While it’s unfortunate that these types of spectacular instances can make headlines, it should be noted that the vast majority of cruise travelers consume alcohol responsibly.
Furthermore, cruise ship bartenders always have the authority to cut off guests who can’t seem to handle more beverages, regardless of what drink package travelers may have purchased.
Carnival Cruise Line has extended the delay for Carnival Paradise due to the continued closure of Port Tampa Bay.
Strong winds are still recorded in the Tampa Bay area though the storm has moved further north and inland, and the ship will be unable to return to her homeport on Monday, August 5 as previously hoped.
Guests onboard Carnival Paradise as well as those booked for the ship’s next sailing were informed of the continued delay on Monday morning, once it became clear that the ship would not be able to return to Tampa quite yet.
“Strong winds continue to impact the Tampa Bay area and the ship is now expected to return to port tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, 2024,” the communication to guests onboard read.
Initially, it was hoped that Carnival Paradise might be able to return to Port Tampa Bay on Monday afternoon, but that is no longer possible.
The ship is currently positioned just outside the entrance to Tampa Bay, safely away from any difficult navigation. Margaritaville at Sea Islander is also nearby, as no ships can currently enter the bay.
“I know this will be disappointing, but understandable news for those waiting to get on the ship,”confirmed John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.
Carnival Paradise‘s current sailing was meant to have been a 4-night Western Caribbean itinerary. The ship departed Tampa on Thursday, August 1, and enjoyed a visit to Cozumel, Mexico, before heading back toward Florida.
When the decision was made that Carnival Paradise would be unable to return on Monday, winds across Tampa Bay were recorded from 22-32 miles per hour, with higher gusts possible. This can make navigation up the bay, particularly under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, very hazardous.
At this time, tropical storm warnings are still in effect for all of Tampa Bay and north along the Florida coast.
Carnival Cruise Line is still finalizing the details for when Carnival Paradise will return, and will share an additional update later on Monday afternoon to keep both passengers onboard as well as guests booked on the now-delayed next cruise informed.
The next sailing of the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy class ship was to have been a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary with calls to Roatan Island, Belize, and Cozumel. At this time, it is unknown what itinerary changes or port cancellations may be necessary with the shortened 5-night voyage.
Tropical Storm Debby Update
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, but has since been downgraded as her intensity has decreased over land.
At of 11 a.m., the storm still has maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour and is moving north-northeast at 8 miles per hour. Higher wind gusts are still being recorded.
Tropical Storm Debby Track (NOAA)
Because the tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center, Debby is having considerable impact across much of northern and central Florida, as well as southern Georgia and into South Carolina.
Strong storm surge and significant rain are part of the storm’s impact, which does put coastal areas – including cruise ports – at greater risk.
Any cruise travelers should stay in close communication with their cruise line when sailing during hurricane season, as these storms can have a dramatic impact on homeports, ports of call, and overall itineraries. Cruise lines always keep safety as their first priority and will make any changes necessary for safe sailing.
Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas is homeported from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, more than 900 miles from Tropical Storm Debby, but the ship is still having an itinerary change due to the storm.
Guests onboard have been notified that the ship could not call on Port Canaveral (Orlando) as planned, and instead would enjoy a sea day.
The notification was provided in guests’ staterooms on embarkation day, Friday, August 2, 2024. After leaving New Jersey, Symphony of the Seas was to have had just one day at sea before Port Canaveral as the first port of call on Sunday, August 4.
Due to the influence of the storm, however, severe weather across the Florida peninsula made it a wiser decision to skip that port visit.
“Due to expected adverse weather coming into Florida early next week, and after exploring all options, we will skip our visit to Orlando (Port Canaveral) on Day 3 and have a Sea Day instead,”the letter explained.“To help make up for this change, we’ve added some time to our visit in Nassau, Bahamas.”
The Oasis-classSymphony of the Seas was originally scheduled to visit Nassau from 12:30-8 p.m. on Monday, August 5. Now, the ship is arriving earlier to the capital of the Bahamas, with a scheduled time in port from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This will give guests even more time to enjoy that vibrant and welcoming destination.
Any shore tours booked through the cruise line for Port Canaveral will be automatically cancelled and refunded as onboard credit to guests’ account. If any of those funds are remaining at the end of the cruise, they will be reimbursed to guests’ credit cards on file.
An hour of free internet use was also provided to guests onboard in case they needed to alter any independent tour arrangements.
The next (and last) port of call is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International’s private destination in the Bahamas. That visit is unchanged from the original itinerary.
It should be noted that Symphony of the Seas will still visit Port Canaveral on Wednesday, August 7, but only for a 4-hour “technical stop” from 6-10 a.m.
This may be a refueling visit or a stop to bring on supplies, but guests will be unable to debark the ship and so the stop is not a port of call.
While the ship is at Port Canaveral the Casino Royale and the onboard retail shops must be closed due to local regulations. Those venues will reopen as soon as the ship enters international water after departure, however, which does not take long from the central Florida port.
“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority,”the letter stressed.“Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather.”
Tropical Storm Debby Update
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in Florida early Monday morning and is moving north-northeast across the state at 8 miles per hour.
Strong bands of drenching rain have swept across the entire Florida peninsula all weekend and is continuing in the northern and central parts of the state on Monday and likely into Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Debby Track (NOAA)
The storm is weakening over land – in fact, Debby has already been downgraded to a tropical storm, after briefly becoming a hurricane.
She is still expected to have a strong influence on the southeastern US, with extensive rain – as much as 20-30 inches in some areas – and potential flash flooding. Maximum sustained winds are still recorded at 70 miles per hour.
As the storm’s track has her moving up the southeastern US coast, it is possible that Charleston, Norfolk, and other ports may yet be impacted in the days to come.
Any travelers with itineraries in the storm region over the next week should stay in close contact with their cruise line for updates, itinerary changes, or delays as needed.
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.
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.
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 (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 (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.
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.
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 (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 (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 (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 (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 Lineoffers 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 (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.
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 (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 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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.
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
“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
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.
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.
