Passengers on a four-day sailing aboard Carnival Glory expected a short getaway from Port Canaveral, with at least two ports of call. The captain attempted to add a third stop in Freeport, but due to weather conditions, this also failed, leaving the voyage a cruise with zero destinations beyond the ship itself.
A “cruise to nowhere” used to be a popular short vacation option, especially for those wanting a taste of cruising without giving up an entire week. But changes in U.S. maritime law and stricter enforcement of crew visa regulations have made it nearly impossible for cruise ships to offer them from U.S. ports today.
Carnival Glory appears to be an exception, as this cruise to nowhere was due to weather conditions.
A user on Reddit wrote about the ordeal in a post with this message:
“I’m currently on a 4 day cruise on the Carnival Glory. We were supposed to stop in Nassau and Princess Cays, but both ports were cancelled due to rough seas. Today was supposed to be a sea day, but the captain has coordinated an attempted stop in Freeport. He did kind of hint at unfavorable sea conditions in his announcement yesterday, so I will be surprised if we actually stop in Freeport.”
Instead of being upset though, the poster said that most were still positive about the experience.
“Cruisers seem to be in good spirits, despite missing both ports, and though the length and itinerary would suggest it’s a “booze cruise”, everyone I’ve seen has been very well behaved,” the post read.
But not everyone seems to be thrilled with this “portless” cruise. Apparently, the guest services line has been getting longer and longer as some passengers are upset with the course of events.
Another comment came from a passenger on board the ship as well that stated:
“Currently on board with you. All three ports being canceled seems to have EVERYONE fuming on our side of the boat. Neighbors and people walking around me angry and heading to guest services to demand refunds. Pretty sure carnival doesn’t care, but personally I would appreciate a future cruise credit or something.”
There were only two ports of call on this itinerary, but the captain attempted to add a third stop in Freeport since the others had to be cancelled. But once again, weather conditions also made this port stop impossible.
“I don’t understand the unfavorable weather in Freeport. I’ve been there before – the port just allows you to walk off the ship. It is bright and sunny outside. My weather app shows no sign of rain or anything. I’m hearing this from others too”, the passenger stated.
Another user pointed out the importance of cruise travel insurance in these situations.
“If you have trip insurance check to see if you can get reimbursed for missed ports. All you need is evidence that it was missed by going to the Guest Service desk and ask them for it and then file a claim against your trip insurance,” the comment read.
The 2,980-passenger Carnival Glory is currently heading back to Port Canaveral where it is scheduled to arrive on March 7 for a 3-day sailing that has one stop in Nassau.
This news comes as another Carnival ship, Carnival Luminosa, is delayed in returning to the cruise port in Brisbane due to Cyclone Alfred.
While the captain of a cruise ship will do everything they can to ensure a smooth sailing that reaches each destination on time, some matters out of their control. But one benefit of a cruise is that a ship can avoid severe weather by going around it or waiting it out. In either case, travelers are encouraged to be flexible.
