Key Aspects:
- Carnival Sunshine will be delayed at least a full day in returning to Norfolk, Virginia, due to the nor’easter impacting the US East Coast.
- This will subsequently shorten the next cruise and guests are being advised to wait for further details to be provided on Sunday, October 12.
- The next sailing will now not be departing until at least October 13, depending on when the port is able to reopen and the ship can return.
Carnival Sunshine is not seeing a lot of sunshine as she sails back to Norfolk, Virginia, at the end of her 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that initially departed on Saturday, October 4.
Unfortunately, due to bad weather as she approaches her homeport, the ship is going to be delayed and the next voyage shortened accordingly.
“Carnival Sunshine is experiencing strong winds and high seas as it sails back to Norfolk. Further, weather forecasts indicate that unfavorable conditions will continue into the evening both at sea and over the Chesapeake Bay area – the waterway leading into the port,” the notice sent to embarking guests read.
The nor’easter brewing along the Atlantic seaboard has already impacted Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, which moved up her Sunday embarkation in New Jersey in the hopes of leaving ahead of the storm.
Norfolk, however, is 300 miles south-southeast of Cape Liberty, making that Virginia homeport much closer to the poor weather.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and working with our partners and local authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard. Given the current conditions, the channel into Norfolk is expected to be closed overnight,” the email continued.
“This, coupled with the unfavorable weather that is impacting the ship’s journey, makes it clear that the ship will not be able to dock until sometime Monday morning.”
Guests onboard Carnival Sunshine have been assured that all possible steps will be taken to keep them safe, as the ship is currently adjusting her heading to steer clear of the roughest weather. Outer decks have been closed as a precaution.
High winds and significant swells are to be expected, and guests onboard should be cautious when moving around the ship.
Once further details are confirmed, Carnival Cruise Line will assist guests with adjusting their post-cruise plans and making other necessary arrangements for their delayed arrival.
In the meantime, all onboard operations are proceeding as normal and there is no impact to the ship’s entertainment, dining, or other functions. Additional activities will certainly be added to the daily schedule so guests can continue to have fun during the unexpected extra day.
Next Cruise to Be Shortened
The exact time that Carnival Sunshine will be able to dock on Monday, October 13 is not yet confirmed. Scheduling will depend on when the rough weather passes sufficiently for the port to reopen, as well as any necessary safety inspections before port operations can resume.
Once cleared, the cruise ship will be able to proceed to the cruise terminal. There must still be sufficient time for customs and immigration clearance, however, as well as for previous guests to debark before incoming guests can board the ship.
Carnival Sunshine Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Daniel Wright98)
“Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you have received confirmation from us on when your cruise will operate,” Carnival is alerting guests.
Read Also: What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather
A further update on the revised cruise and embarkation plans will be provided by 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, just when embarkation was to have finished and Carnival Sunshine would set sail on her next voyage.
The ship’s October 12 (now October 13) departure is for a 6-night cruise to Bermuda. The sailing is actually Carnival Sunshine‘s last trip to Bermuda for 2025.
While the cruise line will take every possible step to preserve that visit, if Carnival Sunshine is delayed too drastically, it is possible she may be unable to head for Bermuda and an alternative itinerary may be arranged.
Further details are sure to be provided once the weather lightens and the ship’s docking plans are confirmed.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com
