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Caribbean Cruises Impacted After Flight Cancellations Due to US Attack on Venezuela

Lissa Poirot
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Caribbean Cruises Impacted After Flight Cancellations Due to US Attack on Venezuela

Key Aspects:

  • The FAA temporarily restricted US flights, including Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean.
  • It’s due to the US military attack in Venezuela that took place on January 3.
  • Cruise passengers were unable to fly home, while others on suspended flights missed embarkation.

Cruise passengers traveling across the Caribbean woke up to widespread disruption on Jan. 3, 2026, after a US military attack in Venezuela led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict airspace over Puerto Rico, prompting widespread flight cancellations by US airlines.

Cruise passengers returning from Caribbean holiday cruises, expecting to disembark and return to the US, as well as others looking forward to arriving in the islands to embark on the first vacation of the new year, received flight cancellation notices.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, in particular, confirmed the disruption in an official announcement, citing a security order issued by the FAA, temporarily restricting airspace for 24 hours.

The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 1 a.m. on January 4, 2026.

Virgin Voyages Issues Advisory

Virgin Voyages issued an advisory to its guests disembarking in San Juan, confirming that US airline flights were impacted and outlining required procedures.

“Local port authorities have advised that the airspace over Puerto Rico is temporarily closed for all US airlines due to military activity in Venezuela,” the cruise line said in a statement. “This is impacting flights operated by US airlines flying into and out of San Juan.”

“US Customs and Border Protection requires the ship to be cleared. Disembarkation times remain unchanged. All Sailors must disembark by 10:30 a.m. as originally schedule,” the notice continued.

Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

Despite the flight disruptions, the cruise line said disembarkation procedures could not be delayed. However, the cruise line confirmed an itinerary change to avoid calls at Curaçao and Aruba on its January 3 cruise.

The notice to guests said:

“Due to the evolving situation in Venezuela, we have made some careful adjustments to our route in the best interest of our sailors and crew. Safety is always our top priority, and after close coordination with government officials, we are confident that this is the right decision to make your time at sea peaceful, safe and filled with amazing moments.“

Passengers were instructed to proceed to the airport as planned and to work directly with their airline for flight-specific updates, as airlines are responsible for accounting for all travelers and sharing rebooking options.

Other Caribbean Airports Impacted

Other airports across the Caribbean made similar announcements, including Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten (St. Martin).

“While airport operations continue, flight activity is currently impacted, and some flights may be delayed or cancelled, particularly those involving US-registered aircraft, due to an active NOTAM affecting Caribbean airspace,” the airport said in a statement.

Other airports affected include those in the US Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Lucia.

Cruise Passengers Left Scrambling

The disruption created challenges not only for passengers ending cruises in San Juan and beyond, but also for those scheduled to arrive for new sailings.

Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, carrying up to 2,191 passengers, and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, with up to 2,770 guests, both arrived in San Juan on January 3 to complete a voyage and relaunch on a subsequent cruise. 

Virgin Voyages acknowledged that some passengers would be unable to reach ships in time for the next embarkation due to cancelled or suspended flights. It said those not able to reach Valiant Lady before her 8 p.m. departure would receive compensation.

“Any Sailor unable to embark due to this situation will receive a full voyage credit to use on a future Virgin Voyages sailing,” the cruise line said.

San Juan Cruise Port
San Juan Cruise Port

Although San Juan’s airport is shut down until 1 a.m. on January 4, the reopening time is subject to further evaluation and could impact others attempting to arrive in Puerto Rico for January 4 departures.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, and Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas are each set to return to San Juan on January 4 with guests both eager to get home and to embark on the next voyage.

Grand Princess, which is also based out of San Juan, is, in fact, delaying its departure from the Caribbean port until Monday, January 6, at 6:00 PM, giving stranded passengers more time to get to the ship. However, that has resulted in an itinerary with the cancellation of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

“On our way to airport this morning in Indiana and flight was cancelled. Southwest Airlines is saying Puerto Rico is on lockdown. Can’t get a hold of Princess Cruises,” said one distraught passenger.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: hydebrink)

Guests sailing with Virgin Voyages also received notification of excursion cancellations in Aruba and Curaçao, which are located within 220 nautical miles from Venezuela’s border. The calls were scheduled for January 5 and 6, respectively, and the cruise line has not revealed if ships will be repositioned to new ports as an alternative.

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Brilliance of the Seas also has Aruba and Curaçao on its itinerary, with a January 8 and 9 arrivals, respectively.

Undoubtedly, cruise lines will be paying very close attention to further military action that may affect the safety of crew and passengers.

Cruise guests are advised to check directly with airlines and cruise lines, although cruise lines are reporting higher-than-normal call volumes and to remain patient during this disruption.

Cruisers Expected a New Hawaii Fee Until a Court Ruling Changed the Plan

Lissa Poirot
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Cruisers Expected a New Hawaii Fee Until a Court Ruling Changed the Plan

Key Aspects:

  • A federal appeals court blocked Hawaii from enforcing a new climate-related tax on cruise ship passengers.
  • The tax would have imposed an 11 percent levy on prorated cruise fares, with counties authorized to raise the total to 14 percent.
  • State officials say the pause is temporary, while Cruise Lines International Association will continue to challenge the tax.

Cruise passengers sailing to Hawaii won’t see a new climate-related tax on their fares, at least for now.

On New Year’s Eve, a two-judge panel from the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Hawaii from enforcing a new tax on cruise ship passengers that was scheduled to begin January 1, 2026.

The decision grants an injunction while the case works its way through the appeals process, temporarily stopping the state from collecting the tax from cruise lines and their guests.

“Accordingly, and until further notice, the Department of Taxation will refrain from enforcing Act 96 as it relates and applies to cruise ships,” said Gary S. Suganuma, director of taxation for the State of Hawaii. 

The challenge was brought by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which sued the state, arguing the new tax, Act 96, violates the US Constitution by effectively charging cruise ships for entering Hawaii ports. Cruise Lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, had already started informing booked guests of the new fee.

CLIA also argued that the “green fee” would raise cruise fares for passengers sailing to the islands.

Hawaii’s proposed tax is part of a broader law aimed at generating new revenue across the island state to address climate-related issues. While most of the law focuses on increasing taxes on hotel rooms and vacation rentals, it also introduced a new charge on cruise passengers.

Read Also: Honolulu Cruise Port – Piers, Amenities and Getting Around

The law would impose an 11 percent tax on gross fares paid by cruise ship passengers, prorated based on the number of days a vessel spends in Hawaiian ports.

It also allows counties in Hawaii to add an additional surcharge of up to 3 percent, potentially bringing the total tax to 14 percent of prorated cruise fares.

Cruise Port Area in Hawaii
Cruise Port Area in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Theodore Trimmer)

While the December 31, 2025, ruling pauses the enforcement of the cruise-related portion of the law, Hawaiian officials note the injunction is just temporary.

In a statement to local news outlets, Toni Schwartz, a spokesperson for the Hawaiian attorney general’s office, said, “We remain confident that Act 96 is lawful and will be vindicated when the appeal is heard on the merits.”

The Green Fee, Explained

Act 96 was first introduced and approved by Hawaii lawmakers in May 2025 as part of a broader plan to raise money for climate-related needs across the state.

Governor Josh Green signed the bill into law with the goal of making visitors help pay for environmental challenges, such as shoreline erosion, wildfire prevention, and damage linked to climate change.

Most of the law focuses on increasing taxes on hotel rooms and vacation rentals, but, for the first time, it also applied a tax to cruise ship passengers.

State officials estimate the law could raise close to $100 million a year once fully implemented.

However, the cruise industry strongly opposed the new tax, with CLIA filing a lawsuit arguing that Hawaii does not have the legal authority to tax cruise fares in this way.

CLIA has also pointed to the economic role cruise tourism plays in Hawaii, saying it brings nearly $1 billion to the state each year while supporting thousands of jobs tied to ports, transportation, tours, and local businesses.

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Cruise ships make hundreds of port calls annually across the islands, including stops in Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai.

The group says it will continue challenging the law in court while still working with Hawaii officials on tourism and sustainability issues.

Although a federal district judge initially upheld Act 96 on December 23, 2025, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals stepped in on December 31, blocking enforcement while the appeals process continues.

Virgin Voyages Suddenly Reroutes Valiant Lady After Venezuela Tensions Escalate

Lissa Poirot
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0
Virgin Voyages Suddenly Reroutes Valiant Lady After Venezuela Tensions Escalate

Key Aspects:

  • Virgin Voyages rerouted Valiant Lady’s 7-night Caribbean sailing, replacing planned stops in Aruba and Curaçao.
  • The January 3, 2026, voyage will now visit Barbados and St. Lucia instead.
  • The change comes amidst travel disruptions across the Caribbean following an attack on Venezuela by the US government.

After a surprise US military attack in Venezuela disrupted travel across parts of the Caribbean, Virgin Voyages has announced its Valiant Lady will be skipping scheduled visits to nearby Aruba and Curaçao.

The cruise line shared the update with guests on January 3, 2026, citing the evolving situation in the region and coordination with government officials as the reasons for the change.

The decision affects the 7-night sailing of the 2,770-guest Valiant Lady, which departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 8 p.m. local time on January 3.

Originally scheduled to make its first call in Oranjestad, Aruba, on January 5, followed by Willemstad, Curaçao, on January 6, the ship will now call on Bridgetown, Barbados, and Castries, St. Lucia, respectively.

“Due to the evolving situation in Venezuela, we have made some careful adjustments to our route in the best interest of our sailors and crew,” said Virgin Voyages in a statement.

“Safety is always our top priority, and after close coordination with government officials, we are confident that this is the right decision to make your time at sea peaceful, safe, and filled with amazing moments.”

Read Also: Who Owns Virgin Voyages and How It All Started?

Oranjestad lies about 220 nautical miles from Caracas, Venezuela, with Willemstad even closer at about 150 nautical miles, prompting the cruise line to reassess the calls.

The remaining ports on the itinerary will proceed as planned, with stops in St. John’s, Antigua, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, unchanged on January 8 and 9, respectively, before the voyage returns to San Juan on January 10.

Guests who had prebooked shore excursions in Aruba or Curaçao will not need to take any action as the cruise line is automatically cancelling and refunding those bookings to the original form of payment.

New shore excursions for Barbados and St. Lucia are expected to be added to the Virgin Voyages app, allowing guests to plan ahead once those options become available.

Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady in St. Lucia (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

Both island destinations are popular among cruisers for offering a mix of beaches, cultural sites, and outdoor activities.

Bridgetown, for example, is renowned for its historic waterfront and rum distilleries while St. Lucia is best known for its mountainous landscape, including the Pitons, along with waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanic hot springs.

Attack Ripples into Cruises

The rerouting comes amid broader travel disruptions following the US military attack, which prompted heightened security concerns across the Caribbean.

In the hours following the early-morning attack, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limited US airline operations in the region, leading to widespread flight cancellations, especially at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which has suspended flights until at least 1 a.m. on January 4, 2026.

The cancellations left some cruise passengers unable to arrive in San Juan ahead of Valiant Lady’s departure.

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Virgin Voyages acknowledged the disruption and said guests unable to embark because of the flight shutdowns will not be penalized. The cruise line is offering affected passengers a full voyage credit that can be used toward a future Virgin Voyages sailing.

Officials at Richard Branson’s adult-only cruise line are continuing to monitor the evolving situation and will be sharing any updates directly with guests if conditions change.

Princess Cruises Holds Departure as Airspace Closure Strands Passengers

Lissa Poirot
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Princess Cruises Holds Departure as Airspace Closure Strands Passengers

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises is delaying Grand Princess’ departure from San Juan to allow additional time for passengers affected by flight cancellations.
  • The delay has the ship spending the night in Puerto Rico, then proceeding directly to St. Kitts.
  • Affected guests will miss a call in St. Thomas and receive a prorated refund.

What was supposed to be a Sunday night departure from San Juan, Puerto Rico, has turned into an unexpected overnight stay, as Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess delays sailing amid regional flight cancellations.

Princess Cruises said the decision was made to allow additional time for passengers whose flights to Puerto Rico were cancelled on January 3, 2025, after the Federal Aviation Administration shut down US airline operations.

The disruptions took place across the Caribbean following US military attacks in Venezuela, leaving thousands of travelers unable to arrive or depart.

In a notice to guests, the cruise line said the 107,517-gross-ton ship would remain docked in San Juan, intentionally giving affected passengers a chance to reach the ship once flights resume.

“Due to airspace closures over Puerto Rico, Grand Princess will extend her departure from San Juan until Monday, January 5th, at 6 p.m.,” the cruise line said.

The 7-night Southern Caribbean sailing was originally scheduled to depart San Juan on the evening of January 4. Guests who are already in San Juan or who can arrive on January 4 are still welcome to embark as planned, with the ship remaining in port overnight.

Grand Princess Cruise Ship
Grand Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Brave Behind the Lenz)

The change will affect the ship’s itinerary, no longer calling on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on January 5. Instead, the vessel will proceed directly to Basseterre, St. Kitts, for its scheduled visit on January 6.

As compensation, Princess Cruises will provide up to 2,610 guests a prorated refund equivalent to one day of their cruise fare, including taxes, fees, and any Princess Plus or Premier packages purchased for that day.

Passengers still unable to reach San Juan in time to embark on January 5 because of travel delays are instructed to contact Princess Cruises’ En Route Assistance Team for further guidance.

Flight Shutdowns Force Adjustments

Port officials stress that cruise operations in San Juan are continuing, despite the aviation disruptions. San Juan Cruise Port said all cruises scheduled to call at its piers on January 3 and 4 are still operating as planned.

Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady returned from holiday cruises on January 3, 2026, but disembarking passengers were unable to catch flights home, while some arriving passengers were unable to make embarkation for subsequent cruises.

Both cruise lines proceeded with the subsequent voyages, as scheduled, with Valiant Lady altering its itinerary to skip calls in Aruba and Curaçao due to the close proximity to Venezuela’s coastline. Instead, the vessel will visit Barbados and St. Lucia.

More From Cruise Hive

San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport says the earliest reopening will take place at 1 a.m. on January 4, but could change as military operations continue.

Grand Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma were all scheduled to depart on January 4, with Princess Cruises postponing departure.

Norwegian Cruise Line Pushes Back Departure Due to Airspace Closure

Emrys Thakkar
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Norwegian Cruise Line Pushes Back Departure Due to Airspace Closure

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Epic pushes back its San Juan departure from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • It is due to a temporary airspace closure caused by tensions between the US and Venezuela.
  • The rest of Norwegian Epic’s itinerary remains unchanged.

It’s been a chaotic weekend of flight cancellations and delays for cruisers following the US attack on Venezuela, which resulted in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closing airspace in Puerto Rico and impacting travel across the Caribbean.

The 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, is among several cruise ships affected. The cruise line has informed booked guests that the vessel will not be departing as scheduled.

The ship’s January 4, 7-night Caribbean cruise from San Juan was originally scheduled to depart at approximately 7:30 PM, but has now been moved to 10:00 PM.

“In light of the recent airspace closure and reopening in Puerto Rico that may have impacted some travel plans, we’ve adjusted Norwegian Epic’s departure today, January 4, 2026, to 10:00 PM local time. Wishing you smooth travels and we look forward to welcoming you aboard very soon. Your Epic adventure awaits!” NCL said in a message to passengers.

At this time, the cruise line has not adjusted Norwegian Epic’s itinerary. The vessel is still scheduled to call at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands on January 5, St Johns in Antigua on January 6, Bridgetown in Barbados on January 7, St. Lucia on January 7, St. Maarten on January 8, and the final port of call at St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Polkovnykova Olena)

The 155,873 gross ton ship is still scheduled to return to San Juan as planned on January 11, 2026. Well before then, the flight situation should be back to normal with no further impact on cruises.

Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico has already issued an update with a news conference held on January 3. The airport plans to reopen at 1:00 AM on Sunday. However, the federal government could still extend the closure.

More Cruise Ships Impacted Out of San Juan

Norwegian Epic is not the only vessel affected by the airspace closure. Virgin Voyage’s Valiant Lady has been one of the most impacted ships, with the cruise line even deciding to replace two ports that are near Venezuela.

The cruise line had already issued a notice to guests on January 3 regarding the flight situation, stating that “All Sailors must disembark by 10:30 a.m. as originally scheduled.“

Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: Just dance)

In a follow-up, Virgin Voyages also decided to make an itinerary adjustment, replacing the call to Aruba on January 5 with a call to Bridgetown, Barbados. Also, replacing the call to Curacao with St. Lucia on January 6. The rest of the voyage is unchanged.

Grand Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, also experienced a departure delay and an itinerary change. The vessel is remaining in San Juan until Monday, January 5, 6:00 PM.

With the original departure being on January 4, it means the cruise is cut short and the cancellation of St. Thomas on January 5. However, the 2,610-passenger ship will add a call to St Kitts to make up for it on January 6.

More From Cruise Hive

There have also been impacts for Royal Caribbean passengers, with Jewel of the Seas delaying its January 3 departure from San Juan from the scheduled 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Cruise Hive will continue to keep cruisers informed on all the latest developments that are impacting cruises. You can also have your say over on the Cruise Hive Boards.

Quantum of the Seas Turns Back for Emergency, Next Sailing Delayed

Melissa Mayntz
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Quantum of the Seas Turns Back for Emergency, Next Sailing Delayed

Key Aspects:

  • Quantum of the Seas will be late returning to Los Angeles, and embarkation for the next cruise is delayed.
  • The 2-night sailing will still visit Ensenada and has even extended the port time as a bonus.
  • The delay is due to an emergency medical evacuation several hours after the ship departed Cabo San Lucas.

Guests boarding a rare 2-night sailing on Quantum of the Seas will be getting an even shorter cruise than anticipated due to a medical emergency that occurred near the end of the previous voyage.

Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests on the January 5, 2026 departure to alert them to the change in embarkation in Los Angeles as well as an adjustment to the planned port visit to Ensenada, Mexico.

“Due to a delay in our previous sailing, Quantum of the Seas will be arriving to the pier later than originally planned, and the terminal will be closed until 3:30 PM,” the email notification explained.

“Please note that the parking lot will be closed until 3:00 PM and incoming guests will not be able to park until our current guests have departed.”

Cruise terminal arrival appointments are now pushed back 4.5 hours. The earliest guests, those who chose the 11:00 a.m. arrival time, should now plan on arriving at the terminal at 3:30 p.m. The latest appointments, 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., should arrive at 6:30 p.m.

All guests must be checked in onboard the ship no later than 7 p.m.

The 2-night cruise is a rarity for Quantum of the Seas. These types of very short sailings are occasionally necessary as a ship shifts departure dates for a holiday period or when changing deployments.

The 168,700-gross-ton ship, lead vessel in the Quantum class, is homeported from Los Angeles through September 2026, offering Mexican Riviera sailings from 3-7 nights long to Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, and occasionally Catalina, depending on departure date and cruise length.

Quantum of the Seas will spend the Australian summer sailing from Brisbane before returning to the Northern Hemisphere for Summer 2027 sailing from Seattle for the Alaska season.

The ship can welcome 4,180 guests onboard at double occupancy, and is also home to roughly 1,500 international crew members.

Itinerary Adjustment for the Better

Following the delayed departure from Los Angeles, the itinerary has been adjusted with extra port time for guests to enjoy.

“While we’ll be departing from Los Angeles later than originally planned, this will not affect our arrival time in Ensenada,” Royal Caribbean confirmed. “As a bonus, our departure from Ensenada will now be 6:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM, giving you even more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer!”

Quantum of the Seas is scheduled to arrive in Ensenada at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, January 6.

Quantum of the Seas at Cabo San Lucas
Quantum of the Seas at Cabo San Lucas (Photo Credit: A. Viduetsky)

The ship is still able to keep that arrival time because Ensenada is only a short distance across the border into Mexico. Overall, the sailing distance from Los Angeles to Ensenada is just 170 miles.

This extra time will give guests the opportunity to enjoy an early dinner in Ensenada, a longer shopping trip, or even an extra shore excursion if they are so inclined.

Why the Delay?

While Royal Caribbean has not released information about why Quantum of the Seas has been delayed in returning to Los Angeles, guests onboard are aware of the change.

One guest explained the circumstances in a Facebook group dedicated to short sailing on Sunday, January 4, helping incoming guests understand the situation.

“Currently on [Quantum of the Seas] and wanted to give you a heads up as to why we so late. Yesterday after leaving Cabo, someone got critically ill,” the guest explained.

“We were 5 [hours] out and had to turn back. We got back to Cabo at 9:10 p.m. and off loaded the person. We were back sailing at 9:45 p.m.”

The current sailing that is returning to Los Angeles on Monday, January 5 is a 6-night New Year’s itinerary that had an extended visit in Cabo San Lucas from January 1-3. The ship originally departed Los Angeles on December 30.

“Captain is really trying hard to make up time. There just isn’t enough time to do it,” the guest said. “Captain told us today that we should expect to dock at noon to 12:30. 1st luggage will not be off ship until 1:30 at the earliest.”

More From Cruise Hive

Unlike how close Ensenada is to Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas is at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, nearly 1,000 miles from the southern California homeport.

No official details about the medical evacuation have been released, which helps protect the guest’s privacy at a very stressful and troubling time.

Cruise Hives wishes all the best to the ill guest and hopes everyone onboard Quantum of the Seas still has a remarkable, if abbreviated, cruise for the ship’s first sailing of 2026.

More Benefits Lost on Two Carnival Ships, No One Surprised Now

Melissa Mayntz
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More Benefits Lost on Two Carnival Ships, No One Surprised Now

Key Aspects:

  • Some VIFP benefits are removed for Carnival Radiance‘s January 10 sailing and Carnival Venezia‘s January 11 sailing.
  • Both impacted cruises are 14-night Carnival Journeys voyages, to Hawaii and the Panama Canal, respectively.
  • It is not unusual for Carnival Cruise Line to remove benefits from longer or more unique sailings.

Guests on two upcoming Carnival sailings have been notified that the most coveted Diamond and Platinum benefits will not be available. This has become typical of Carnival Cruise Line in the past few years and is a strong indication of why the loyalty program must change.

The two impacted sailings are:

  • Carnival Radiance – January 10, 2026 – 14-night Hawaii sailing from Long Beach
  • Carnival Venezia – January 11, 2026 – 14-night Panama Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral

Both of these 2-week itineraries are more immersive Carnival Journeys cruises. These sailings are very popular with experienced guests as they offer more unique ports of call that aren’t always available on more common itineraries.

Nevertheless, when there are hundreds of Diamond and Platinum cruisers on a voyage, it is impossible for Carnival Cruise Line to adequately offer certain loyalty benefits.

“Due to the high number of Diamond and Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide [some] benefits,” the notification email confirmed.

For both of these cruises, the following benefits are now cancelled:

  • Priority embarkation and debarkation, both at the homeport and all ports of call
  • Early stateroom access, including dropping off bags even if leaving the stateroom
  • Priority luggage delivery to staterooms on embarkation day
  • Guaranteed main dining room seating requests for Diamond guests

Furthermore, the priority line at the Guest Services desk, as well as priority Guest Services phone assistance, may also be unavailable on either ship during these cruises. That determination may fluctuate for busier times at the Guest Services desk throughout each sailing.

“These operational changes are consistent with other voyages where we have a very large number of Diamond and Platinum guests,” the email notification explained. “We apologize for any disappointment and thank you for your understanding.”

Read Also: Carnival Pushes Back Launch of New Loyalty Rewards Program

To be clear, there are no itinerary changes or other adjustments for either sailing.

Carnival Radiance is still planned to enjoy some Aloha State hospitality in Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, and Hilo (along with Ensenada), while Carnival Venezia will enjoy the modern wonder that is the Panama Canal, along with visits to Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman.

What Benefits Remain?

While the loss of these very popular benefits will be disappointing to some guests, there are still great perks that remain for both cruises, including:

  • Complimentary bottles of water
  • Collectible VIFP pins as well as program gifts
  • Complimentary wash-and-fold laundry (5 bags for Platinum, unlimited for Diamond)
  • VIFP parties during the cruise
Carnival Radiance Cruise Ship
Carnival Radiance Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: jejim)

Carnival has frequently cancelled high-level loyalty benefits on a variety of cruises, and not always the 10-night or longer Journeys voyages or more unusual itineraries.

Most recently, similar benefits were removed from an 8-night Carnival Spirit sailing from Mobile to the Bahamas, as well as a 7-night Carnival Miracle itinerary from Tampa, calling at Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Cozumel.

Benefits are also often removed from transatlantic cruises, repositioning voyages, and limited offer itineraries such as sailings to Greenland.

Changes Not Unexpected

Guests commenting on Reddit are not surprised by the change, but not necessarily pleased with it either.

“This is why they are changing the loyalty program. There are just too many of us. It sucks, but it makes sense. This seems to be the case on any cruise that is either longer than 7-8 days and/or some sort of specialty cruise,” one guest commented.

What is frustrating to some guests is that, in the past few months, since it was announced that guests with Diamond VIFP status would keep that loyalty level for life, Carnival continues to promote and encourage guests to reach a level the cruise line cannot adequately serve.

“Offer a service based on a rewards program that you must qualify for,” one guest noted. “Deny that service because too many of you qualified for it.”

Many previous Carnival guests have been receiving frequent offers for deeply discounted sailings that will count twice or even three times for loyalty points, helping them quickly “chase Diamond” before the VIFP program ends on August 31, 2026.

5,000 P&O Cruise Passengers Rerouted After Venezuela Tensions

Lissa Poirot
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0
5,000 P&O Cruise Passengers Rerouted After Venezuela Tensions

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises was forced to reorganize travel for 5,000 fly-cruise guests after airspace closures disrupted Caribbean flights.
  • Chartered flights from the UK were turned back mid-flight or cancelled.
  • Some cruise passengers remained onboard Arvia in Barbados an extra night, awaiting new flights.

Thousands of cruise passengers spent the first days of the New Year facing unexpected travel chaos after the US military attacked Venezuela in the wee hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, triggering an emergency airspace closure across parts of the Caribbean.

Among those affected were P&O Cruises fly-cruise guests traveling to and from Barbados from the United Kingdom.

The cruise line, which offers Caribbean fly-and-cruise holidays from Birmingham, Gatwick, and Manchester, England, was forced to reorganize travel plans after the airspace restrictions left 5,000 passengers stranded on both sides of the Atlantic.

Some guests were unable to depart the UK to begin their cruise, while others arriving at the end of a previous sailing were unable to fly home from Barbados.

P&O Cruises confirmed to Cruise Hive that three TUI Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliners chartered to transport passengers from the UK to Barbados for a 14-night voyage sailing aboard Arvia departing on January 3 were forced to turn back mid-Atlantic and return to the United Kingdom.

Additional charter flights scheduled to depart later the same day were cancelled before takeoff.

Read Also: Barbados Cruise Port – Getting Around, What’s Nearby and Guide

At the same time, passengers concluding Arvia’s prior Caribbean cruise were unable to disembark, as planned, in Bridgetown, Barbados, due to flight cancellations. Those guests remained onboard for an additional night while replacement flights were arranged, and the ship stayed in port longer than scheduled. 

P&O Cruises spent the weekend arranging new inbound and outbound flights for a total of 5,000 fly-cruise passengers, according to a cruise line spokesperson.

In a statement to Cruise Hive, the P&O Cruises spokesperson said, “Following the disruption and impact caused on Saturday by the international air restrictions, all P&O Cruises guests on Arvia Caribbean cruise holidays now have confirmed flight details to/from Barbados.”

“P&O Cruises has worked tirelessly over the weekend with our charter carriers to arrange new flights for a total of 5,000 inbound and outbound guests.”

P&O Arvia
P&O Arvia (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

The 1,800-passenger Arvia, which spent an unexpected additional night in Barbados, has since embarked on her Eastern Caribbean Islands cruise as of January 5, although P&O Cruises has not specified adjustments to the itinerary.

“The onward ports of call and itinerary are being prioritized and communicated to all guests on board so they can now continue with their planned holiday,” the spokesperson continued.

Originally, the vessel was scheduled to call in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on January 5, followed by visits to St. Kitts, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Lucia.

Shutdown Disruptions Across the Caribbean

The effects of the Venezuela attack unfolded rapidly over the weekend as emergency restrictions were implemented across parts of the Caribbean.

Airlines in the US, Canada, and Europe cancelled flights to and from several destinations, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Aruba, leaving cruise passengers stuck.

Passengers sailing with Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady found themselves in a similar bind in Puerto Rico on January 3, although the ship carried on with its disembarkation and embarkation, offering passengers who missed the sailing a credit for a future voyage.

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Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises both adjusted operations delaying Norwegian Epic’s and Grand Princess’ sailings, respectively, to allow additional time for affected guests to reach Puerto Rico before departure.

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted its restrictions at midnight on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with airlines, cruise ships, and passengers all scrambling to get back on schedule.

P&O Cruise Ship Diverts to Barbados After Major Technical Breakdown

Lissa Poirot
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P&O Cruise Ship Diverts to Barbados After Major Technical Breakdown

Key Aspects

  • P&O Cruises’ Britannia has cut short a 14-night sailing, returning to homeport early for emergency repairs.
  • Passenger reports indicate possible power and propulsion issues are to blame.
  • The ship is set to resume its original itinerary on January 6.

P&O Cruises is off to a difficult start in 2026. Just days after 5,000 passengers sailing with Arvia were stranded in the UK and the Caribbean following a temporary airspace shutdown, guests on Britannia are now dealing with a separate technical issue that has forced the ship to divert to Barbados for repairs.

Passenger reports suggest the trouble may be linked to the ship’s power and propulsion systems. Several guests noted a power outage while the ship was in Curaçao, when lights went out before backup systems restored electricity roughly 30 minutes later.

Other passengers said they were told the ship was operating with limited redundancy, including reports that only one generator was fully functional during part of the voyage.

The 143,000-gross-ton ship had departed from Bridgetown on December 26, 2025, for a 14-night New Year’s voyage, calling in St. George’s, Grenada, and Willemstad, Curaçao, before trouble ensued.

As the situation developed, itinerary changes followed. Britannia skipped its scheduled call in Aruba and, on January 3, passengers were informed the ship would bypass its visit to St. Lucia and sail directly to Barbados. The ship had originally been scheduled to spend two days in Castries.

Read Also: Barbados Cruise Port: Getting Around, What’s Nearby and Guide

While P&O Cruises has confirmed Britannia is in Barbados, it has not revealed what the “technical issue” is or outlined what will happen to its 3,647 passengers stuck onboard, some of whom report deteriorating onboard conditions.

“We are currently onboard Britannia docked in Barbados and have been informed that there is now a shortage of drinks due to ‘over consumption,’” shared one passenger. “Given the number of additional sea days on this cruise, it seems more likely this shortage is due to insufficient stock for the extended time at sea.”

Britannia in Barbados
Britannia in Barbados (Photo Credit: Roger Utting)

According to the guest, crew have said the ship will not be restocked until January 9, when the cruise is set to conclude. “This is quite concerning for passengers who have paid for drink packages and expected normal service throughout the cruise.”

The cruise line did release a statement to Cruise Hive saying repairs are nearing completion and sailing will resume in the evening of January 5.

“The ship is in Barbados and will leave this evening to arrive in Martinique tomorrow, followed by St. Maarten on Wednesday, as per the original itinerary,” said a P&O Cruises spokesperson. “The guests are being updated. We apologize to our guests for the alteration.”

Days of Headaches for P&O Cruises

The disruption aboard Britannia unfolded as P&O Cruises was simultaneously dealing with operational challenges for Arvia.

On January 3, 2026, Arvia remained docked in Bridgetown after a temporary airspace shutdown across parts of the Caribbean prevented its fly-cruise passengers from disembarking or embarking as scheduled.

Because Arvia occupied the primary cruise berth longer than planned, Britannia was unable to dock immediately upon arrival in Barbados.

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Passengers reported Britannia had to wait at a breakwater until Arvia departed late on January 4, 2026.

Ship-tracking data shows Arvia circling offshore near Barbados on January 5, suggesting the ship may have temporarily repositioned to make room for Britannia while cruise line teams work to adjust its itinerary following the unexpected extended port stay.

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