Carnival Cruise Line has informed guests about a delay affecting the Carnival Sunshine cruise that was set to depart from Norfolk on Saturday. The cruise line shared the update after weather conditions in the area forced the Port of Norfolk to close, preventing the ship from returning as planned.
In a letter sent to guests on Friday, February 6, 2026, Carnival explained that the ship will arrive at its homeport one day later than expected. The advisory asked guests to pay close attention to further updates as the situation develops.
Bad Weather Forces One-Day Delay
According to Carnival Cruise Line, unfavorable weather is expected to impact the Norfolk area on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Due to these conditions, port authorities decided to close the Port of Norfolk for the day. As a result, the Carnival Sunshine will not be able to return on schedule from its current voyage.
Carnival stated that the ship is now expected to arrive sometime on Sunday, February 8. This delay directly affects the next sailing, which was originally planned as an eight-night round-trip cruise from Norfolk.
Upcoming Cruise Will Be Shortened
The delayed arrival means the upcoming Carnival Sunshine cruise will sail one day later than planned. Because of this change, the overall length of the cruise will be reduced. The ship was originally scheduled to offer an eight-night itinerary visiting popular destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
The planned ports of call included Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Carnival confirmed that changes to the itinerary are being reviewed, though specific details have not yet been shared. Guests will receive updated information once the cruise line finalizes the revised voyage plan.
Guests Asked to Wait for Final Instructions
Carnival Cruise Line advised guests not to travel to the cruise terminal until they receive a final operational update. The company stressed the need for passengers to monitor their emails closely for official communication.
To help guests stay informed, Carnival encouraged passengers to sign up for text alerts. Guests can receive updates by texting the code CCL5 to CRUISE (278473). The cruise line said it will continue to watch weather forecasts and provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Refunds Offered for Lost Cruise Day
Due to the shortened sailing, Carnival Cruise Line is offering compensation to affected guests. The company confirmed that a one-day, pro-rated refund will be issued for the cruise fare. This refund will be credited back to the original form of payment within three weeks.
In addition to the cruise fare refund, guests will also receive refunds for any pre-purchased onboard packages and pre-paid gratuities tied to the lost day. Carnival said these refunds will be processed automatically.
Carnival Thanks Guests for Patience
The Carnival Cruise Line expressed regret over the disruption caused by the weather-related delay. The company thanked guests for their patience and understanding, noting that safety remains the top concern.
As weather conditions can change, Carnival emphasized that it will continue monitoring the situation closely. More details about the revised itinerary and departure schedule are expected to be shared with guests soon.
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