Key Aspects:
- Carnival Cruise Line has alerted guests for two more ships about the possible impact of the weekend’s winter storm.
- The ships now on alert are Carnival Jubilee from Galveston and Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk.
- There are not yet any changes to either ship, but delays or itinerary adjustments may still be necessary.
Following notification that Carnival Pride will be delayed returning to Baltimore until Monday, January 26, Carnival Cruise Line has now sent weather-related updates for two more homeports and two more ships: Carnival Jubilee from Galveston and Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk.
The notification to guests for Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine is in regards to Winter Storm Fern that is expected to strike across much of the central, midwestern, and eastern US through the weekend with heavy snow, ice, and bitterly cold conditions.
“We have also been keeping a close eye on weather reports regarding the winter storm that will be affecting several states across the country this weekend,” the email notification read.
“Your cruise is still set to depart as scheduled as the weather is not expected to impact its operation, but, since forecasts can vary, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if it becomes necessary to adjust our plans.”
Guests are urged to be safe when traveling to the cruise port, as well as to sign up for text alerts from the cruise line so they can receive any notifications as quickly as possible.
A key phrase to note is that both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine are “still set to depart as scheduled” which means there will be no adjustment to wait for guests who may be delayed by cancelled flights, icy roads, or other difficulties.
“As you make your way to the cruise port, we urge you to take all necessary safety precautions,” the email said.
No Itinerary Changes – Yet
At this time, there are no confirmed itinerary changes for either Carnival Jubilee or Carnival Sunshine and both ships are expected to enjoy their planned itineraries.
The Excel-class Carnival Jubilee is homeported from Galveston, Texas. Her Saturday, January 24 departure is for a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary planned to visit Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel before returning to the Lone Star State on Saturday, January 31.
Carnival Sunshine is homeported from Norfolk, Virginia and due to depart Saturday on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary to Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Grand Turk. She will return to Virginia on Sunday, February 1.
Impacts Still Possible
Depending on how the storm develops, the speed it travels, and any damage or power outages it may leave in its wake, additional updates are possible for both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine and either itinerary could be changed if needed.
The National Weather Service notes that the storm may produce heavy snow, sleet, hazardous driving conditions, power outages, “catastrophic ice accumulations” and “dangerously cold temperatures” into early next week.
Carnival Cruise Line will seek to keep guests updated through text alerts, emails, and social media posts from the line’s brand ambassador, John Heald. Guests should be sure their contact information is correct in order to receive any updates promptly.
Other cruise lines are already making what changes they feel are necessary to remain safe from the storm.
Royal Caribbean, for example, has sped up Harmony of the Seas to return to Galveston on Saturday, January 24 instead of the ship’s planned arrival on Sunday, January 25. Guests have the option to debark on Saturday but may also stay on the ship until their original debarkation if they prefer.
Guests booked on any sailing from any homeport in the path of this severe winter storm should stay in touch with their cruise line in case of itinerary updates, delays, or other adjustments to their sailing.
