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After several days marked by storm-related disruptions, port redirections, and a canceled cruise, passengers looking forward to boarding the Carnival Paradise can breathe easier as the ship’s scheduled departure on September 30, 2024, will proceed as intended.
Carnival Cruise Line has sent out a notification to guests scheduled for the Monday departure, affirming the embarkation plans and times.
“Your cruise embarkation will go ahead as planned,” the message stated. “Please arrive at the cruise terminal for check-in according to your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment. All guests must be on board by the final boarding time marked on their boarding pass.”
Guests choose their terminal arrival times during the online check-in process, which opens 14 days prior to sailing and closes at midnight the day before departure.
Those who have attained Platinum and Diamond status within the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program can check in 16 days before sailing, allowing them to choose more desirable terminal arrival slots.
In recent days, travelers preparing to board Carnival Paradise likely felt some concern as the ship returned after Port Tampa Bay reopened following Hurricane Helene.
The ship made its way to the cruise terminal for disembarking guests; however, it temporarily departed from the terminal without taking on new passengers, potentially raising questions about its readiness for the next group of travelers.
Current satellite tracking shows Carnival Paradise docked in a different section of Port Tampa Bay, generally used for cargo vessels.
This relocation likely serves to keep the Fantasy class ship clear of other cruise ships that needed terminal space to board and disembark passengers.
On Sunday, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas were all accommodating guests in Tampa.
Due to the recent sailing cancellation related to extensive port closures, it is understandable that the empty ship would be shifted to another area of the port to await the arrival of guests on Monday, September 30. This will not affect the ship’s ability to be resupplied, cleaned, and refueled before its next journey.
Read More: Tampa Cruise Port – Terminals, Transportation, What’s Nearby
The upcoming voyage is a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise, departing Monday with stops planned at Belize City (Wednesday), Roatan (Thursday), and Cozumel (Friday), pending favorable weather.
Currently, a low-pressure system is forming in the Western Caribbean and could head toward the Yucatan Peninsula in the next few days. While this may affect planned ports of call, it is too soon to ascertain any potential changes.
The Crazy Schedule of Carnival Paradise
The 71,925-gross-ton Carnival Paradise is based year-round at Port Tampa Bay, usually offering 4-, 5-, and 6-night sailings to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas, depending on the date.
However, Hurricane Helene significantly disrupted the ship’s schedule as the storm moved through the Western Caribbean and then northward through the Gulf of Mexico along Florida’s west coast.
This not only altered its itinerary but also led to the closure of its homeport, delaying its return and forcing the cancellation of its next sailing.
The initial disruptions occurred during the ship’s September 21 cruise, which was supposed to be a 5-night journey. Due to the conditions, the voyage was modified to avoid Cozumel and divert to Costa Maya instead.
Furthermore, Port Tampa Bay shut down on the evening of September 25, preventing Carnival Paradise from returning as scheduled on September 26. As a result, the ship remained at sea to avoid danger from the storm.
As the port remained closed due to flooding and essential inspections, the 5-night cruise extended to 6, then 7 days, finally approaching an 8-night stay. Port Tampa Bay reopened late Saturday afternoon, September 28, and Carnival Paradise was the first cruise ship to return.
Due to the prolonged delays, the September 26 cruise was canceled. However, the ship is expected to be fresh, clean, and ready to welcome up to 2,040 guests on Monday, September 30, as it sets sail once again.
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