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As Winter Storm Fern spreads across large parts of the U.S., Carnival Cruise Line is once again warning passengers to prepare for potential travel disruptions — this time affecting two additional ships and homeports.
While no sailings have been officially changed yet, Carnival has made it clear that weather conditions could still interfere with embarkation plans if the storm worsens.
Two More Carnival Ships Added to the Alert List
After earlier warnings tied to Baltimore departures, Carnival has now contacted guests booked on:
- Carnival Jubilee is sailing from Galveston, Texas.
- Carnival Sunshine is sailing from Norfolk, Virginia.
The alerts are related to Winter Storm Fern, which is forecast to bring snow, ice, power outages, and dangerous road conditions across central, midwestern, and eastern states through the weekend.
For now, Carnival says both cruises are still scheduled to depart normally.
What Carnival Told Guests (And What It Really Means)
In messages sent directly to passengers, Carnival emphasized that operations are currently unaffected — but conditions are being closely monitored.
In simple terms:
- Cruises are not delayed or canceled at this time.
- Guests should not expect ships to wait for late arrivals.
- Weather forecasts can change quickly, so updates may follow.
Travelers were strongly encouraged to:
- Allow extra time to reach the port.
- Use caution on icy roads.
- Enroll in Carnival’s text alert system for real-time updates.
Current Itineraries Remain Intact — For Now
At the moment, both ships are expected to operate their full planned routes.
Carnival Jubilee (Galveston)
- 7-night Western Caribbean sailing
- Stops include:
- Roatán
- Costa Maya
- Cozumel
- Scheduled return: January 31
Carnival Sunshine (Norfolk)
- 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary
- Ports include:
- Celebration Key
- Princess Cays
- Grand Turk
- Scheduled return: February 1
That said, Carnival has left the door open for changes if weather or infrastructure issues develop.
Why Travelers Should Stay Alert
According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Fern may still produce:
- Heavy snow and sleet
- Dangerous ice buildup
- Widespread power outages
- Extremely cold temperatures lingering into next week
Even if ships sail on time, getting to the port could be the biggest challenge — especially for guests flying or driving long distances.
Carnival has reminded travelers that:
- Guests are responsible for arriving on time
- Weather delays impacting personal travel do not guarantee compensation
Other Cruise Lines Are Already Adjusting Plans
Carnival isn’t the only cruise line responding to the storm.
Royal Caribbean, for example, has already:
- Adjusted arrival timing for Harmony of the Seas in Galveston
- Offered guests flexibility on when to debark
This suggests cruise lines are taking proactive steps — and Carnival could do the same if conditions worsen.
Final Takeaway for Cruisers This Weekend
If you’re sailing from a port anywhere near Winter Storm Fern’s path:
- Double-check your travel plans.
- Leave earlier than planned if possible.
- Watch your email, texts, and cruise line updates closely.
For now, Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Sunshine are still sailing as scheduled — but with winter weather involved, flexibility and preparation are key.
