Key Aspects:
- Port Tampa Bay has reopened after being closed for hours due to heavy fog on Monday, November 24.
- Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander are both embarking later than planned but will set sail in the evening.
- There are no confirmed itinerary changes for either ship, but further adjustments may be necessary.
Following hours of delay for both ships, Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander are now on the move and heading up Tampa Bay toward their respective cruise terminals.
This comes after the port was closed for several hours on Monday, November 24, due to dense fog that reduced visibility and made navigation too hazardous for the cruise ships.
While transiting Tampa Bay takes 2.5-3 hours, that the ships have gotten underway is a great relief both to those onboard as well as incoming guests waiting to start their sailings.
Carnival Paradise is now finishing a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed Tampa on Thursday, November 20, while Margaritaville at Sea Islander is returning from a 6-night sailing that left on Tuesday, November 18.
Naturally, this significant delay has impacted not only debarkation, but also embarkation for the next sailings, and each cruise line has to take the steps they feel are best for the situation.
Carnival Paradise
The 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Paradise will begin her 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary late.
At 3 p.m. as Carnival Paradise was making her way toward the cruise terminal, Carnival Cruise Line provided a final update for embarking guests.
“We know you are eager to get on board for the start of your Thanksgiving cruise, and we truly appreciate the patience and understanding you are showing during this weather-related delay,” the email began.
Because of the late arrival, guests are being delayed roughly nine hours for their cruise terminal arrival appointments. Different times are being lumped together to facilitate a smoother, faster embarkation so the ship can get on her way.
Cruise terminal arrival appointments are now as follows:
- Originally 10-11 a.m., now 7-7:30 p.m.
- Originally 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., now 7:30-8 p.m.
- Originally 12-1 p.m., now 8-8:30 p.m.
- Originally 1-2 p.m., now 8:30-9 p.m.
Dinner will be open seating in the Main Dining Rooms as well as the Lido Marketplace buffet, with no reservation times this evening. Staterooms are also expected to be open when guests board.
At this time, it is still unclear whether or not the overall itinerary may be impacted.
“Since we are departing much later than we had planned, the itinerary may be affected,” the email explained. “An assessment will be made after departure and an update will be provided tomorrow, November 25.”
Read Also: What to Expect When You Go on a Carnival Cruise
Exactly when Carnival Paradise is able to depart and any difficulties she may have as she heads back out of Tampa Bay could necessitate itinerary adjustments, but guests will learn that information on Tuesday, already planned as a day at sea.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The 85,620-gross-ton, Spirit-class Margaritaville at Sea Islander, formerly Costa Atlantica, is due to begin a 4-night cruise that will only visit Cozumel. There is a day at sea both before and after the planned port visit, giving plenty of time for the ship to keep that itinerary.
With debarkation now beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m., embarkation for the next sailing will begin at roughly 6:30 p.m.
This is consistent with the announcement the cruise line published at 10 a.m., noting that a delay of six hours was expected. Guests were asked to delay their arrival to the cruise terminal accordingly.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust for weather-related conditions and prioritize the safety of all guests and crew,” the announcement noted.
With the fog now clear, there should be no further delays for either ship as they get their holiday sailings underway for eager guests.
