Carnival Cruise Ship’s Itinerary Altered Due to Engine Problems

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Cruise guests boarding Carnival Vista for an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary learned as they embarked the ship on Saturday, August 10, 2024 that they will not, in fact, be visiting the planned ports of call.

Text messages were sent to guests in the early afternoon – even as some passengers were already onboard – about the change of plans.

Carnival Vista is due to depart from Port Canaveral on a Southern Caribbean cruise with visits scheduled for Aruba, Curacao, and Grand Turk. Due to mechanical problems, however, the planned itinerary is no longer possible.

“The ship is experiencing an issue that is affecting its maximum cruising speed. Our engineers are working on a repair plan,” the text notification read. “While we will be able to sail, it is necessary for us to revise our itinerary.”

Instead of heading to its originally planned Southern Caribbean destinations, the 133,596-gross-ton Carnival Vista will be rerouted to a Bahamas itinerary. This new route includes stops at Nassau, Princess Cays, Freeport, and Half Moon Cay, although the specific timings are yet to be finalized.

By altering its course to the Bahamas, the Carnival Vista is able to maintain a slower sailing speed. This adjustment is crucial as it allows the ship’s engineers to conduct necessary repairs on the propulsion system even while the ship is in motion. Each engine can be individually shut down for maintenance purposes without halting the voyage. Additionally, extended docking periods may offer more opportunities for thorough technical maintenance while at the ports.

Passengers affected by the change in itinerary are being offered compensation and alternative options. Those opting to stay on the Carnival Vista and experience the revised cruise plan will receive an onboard credit of $400 (USD) per stateroom.

Carnival Cruise Line announced to Cruise Hive: “Due to issues with the ship’s ability to maintain normal cruising speed, Carnival Vista is altering its eight-day Southern Caribbean cruise schedule departing this Saturday from Port Canaveral.”

“The altered route will include stops at Nassau, Princess Cays, Freeport, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. We have directly informed the onboard guests about their choices for this voyage. We value their patience and deeply regret any inconvenience caused by these changes,” stated Carnival.

Guests who decide to cancel their trip will be offered a 100% future cruise credit for their fare, in addition to a full refund for any pre-purchased services like prepaid gratuities, beverage packages, or internet plans.

In addition, Carnival Cruise Line will automatically process full refunds for any pre-paid shore excursions planned through the cruise line to the originally planned destinations of Aruba, Curacao, and Grand Turk that are now no longer part of the itinerary.

Guests embarking on the Bahamas cruise have the opportunity to schedule tours through the Carnival Hub app or directly at the Carnival Adventures desk located on Deck 3 in the Vista Lobby.

The specifics concerning the technical issue affecting the ship’s speed remain undisclosed, however, passengers from a past voyage reported on social media that the ship reached Port Canaveral later than scheduled.

The Carnival Vista was planned to leave Port Canaveral at 4 p.m. on Saturday for Aruba, but satellite tracking data indicates the ship was still at the dock over two hours past the intended departure time.

Additionally, the ship’s new itinerary now includes Nassau as its destination, with an expected arrival time of 10 a.m. on Monday, August 12, making for a full day at sea before reaching the Bahamian capital, which is just 310 miles away from Port Canaveral.

Read Also: What Is Wrong With Carnival’s Vista Class Ships?

At present, only the propulsion system of the ship is affected. However, all other onboard facilities are operational, including accommodations, dining, and entertainment venues, alongside all the ship’s amenities.

This isn’t the first incident of propulsion issues for the flagship of the Vista class. The vessel has encountered multiple engine problems in the past, notably in 2016, 2019, and 2022.

The passengers on Carnival Vista are understandably upset due to a significant change in their itinerary, particularly because Southern Caribbean routes are highly desirable and often considered dream vacations. Many of the passengers chose this cruise specifically to visit Aruba.

Moreover, cruises to the Southern Caribbean tend to be pricier than those to the Bahamas. The onboard credit offered doesn’t always offset the higher cost, which can be a particular burden for families.

Many passengers are frustrated with the timing of the notification. They believe Carnival Cruise Line should have alerted them sooner, rather than after they had already arrived at the departure port. It’s not clear when the issues with the propulsion system arose.

A common grievance among guests is the suspicion that Carnival was aware of the itinerary changes earlier but chose to delay the announcement until after the passengers were on board.

It seems more plausible, though, that the cruise line waited to announce the changes until they could confirm alternative port arrangements, aiming to provide travelers with comprehensive updates.

Not all reactions are negative, however. Some travelers note that there is no “bad” day on a cruise, and with at least some passengers debarking, the ship will be less crowded and will have shorter lines.

The opportunity to visit two private islands – Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays – is also exciting to some travelers, and certainly creates a unique cruise experience.

If you were onboard this sailing, would you happily set sail for the Bahamas or would you leave the ship? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

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