Carnival Cancellation Update December 9, 2020:
Carnival Cruise Line just announced plans to send three ships into dry dock. The cruise line doesn’t mention any dates for when these ships will return to service.
Ships affected include Carnival Magic with cruises canceled through September 21, 2021, Carnival Paradise through May 31 and Carnival Valor canceled through Sept 11, 2021.
As you might expect, Carnival is offering those who rebook a 100 percent future cruise credit plus an onboard credit, or a full refund.
Update December 4, 2020:
Carnival Cruise Line once again reached out to guests and travel agents with another list of cruise cancellations. This time it included select itineraries for specific departures that extend further into 2021.
Carnival cancels more cruises for 2021
Among the canceled cruises are the hoped-for early departures from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston. Carnival has also changed the inaugural sailing of Mardi Gras.
Carnival Mardi Gras inaugural changed
With a new inaugural sail date of April 24, 2021, Mardi Gras will still cruise from Port Canaveral. The new ship will be the first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) in North America. Mardi Gras will also feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
Carnival expects to take delivery of the ship from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland later in December. The new ship will sail to the U.S. and meet the requirements of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
Carnival has also canceled the remaining Mardi Gras itineraries scheduled to operate from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston through Feb. 28.
“We apologize to our guests but we must continue to take a thoughtful, deliberate and measured approach as we map out our return to operations in 2021,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our commitment to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit is at the forefront of our decisions and operations.”
Latest list of canceled Carnival cruises
- Carnival Splendor sailings through and including March 2, 2021
- Carnival Breeze from Ft. Lauderdale sailings November 7, 2020 through and including March 7, 2021
- Carnival Sunrise
- Ft. Lauderdale, New York and Norfolk sailings through and including October 19, 2020
- Miami 7 and 8 day sailings from October 9, 2021 through and including April 30, 2022, excluding the March 5, 2022 sailing
- Miami 5 day sailing January 3, 2022
- Carnival Radiance
- Sailings through and including November 1, 2020
- 9, 12, and 14 day sailings from May 2, 2021 through and including April 29, 2022
- 5 day sailings December 23, 2021 and December 28, 2021
- Carnival Legend sailings through and including March 26, 2021
- Carnival Magic
- Ft. Lauderdale and Miami sailings through and including March 6, 2021
- Transatlantic & Barcelona sailings April 10, 2021 through and including May 3, 2021
- Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration sailings through and including April 19, 2021
- Carnival Valor sailings through and including April 24, 2021
- Carnival Spirit sailings through and including May 16, 2021
- Carnival Fascination sailings through and including January 9, 2022
- Carnival Sensation sailings through and including February 28, 2021, and March 3, 2022 and March 7, 2022
- Mardi Gras sailings through and including April 17, 2021
- All Other Ships sailings through and including February 28, 2021
If your cruise was canceled, here are your options:
Timeline of Carnival Cruise cancellations
November 3, 2020: Carnival Cruise Lines Further Extends Cancellations into 2021
In addition, departures from the ports of Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Mobile, New Orleans and San Diego are canceled through Feb. 28.
Cruises on Carnival Legend out of Tampa are canceled through March 26.
Carnival Horizon is due to arrive at PortMiami this week followed by Carnival Breeze.
When Carnival begins the phased-in approach to resume cruising as required by the CDC, the first cruises will embark at Port Canaveral and Port Miami followed by Galveston.
Following CDC protocols, Carnival Horizon is scheduled to arrive in Miami this week. Carnival Breeze will be the next ship to return to the U.S.
Carnival Ships scheduled to sail in 2021
Carnival has 16 ships that are currently following CDC guidelines for an eventual return to service in the U.S. sometime in 2021. This includes:
- Carnival Conquest
- Carnival Dream
- Carnival Ecstasy
- Carnival Elation
- Carnival Freedom
- Carnival Glory
- Carnival Liberty
- Carnival Miracle
- Carnival Panorama
- Carnival Pride
- Carnival Sensation
- Carnival Sunrise
- Carnival Sunshine
- Carnival Vista
Mardi Gras, still under construction in Finland, will enter service in 2021.
“We are committed to meeting the CDC requirements and keeping our guests and business partners informed of our progress,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The entire Carnival team appreciates the great support of our guests, travel advisors and business partners, and local officials in our homeports and destinations.”
In addition, Carnival had previously canceled departures on four ships, Carnival Magic, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Victory/Radiance. These ships are scheduled for scheduled dry docks in the first half of 2021. It’s planned for those ships to return to service once maintenance work and upgrades are completed.
Also on November 3, 2020, Carnival Cruise Line announced that their planned cruises for December from Port Canaveral and PortMiami are canceled. Carnival cruise cancellations follow the CDC’s announcement on October 30 of a “Framework for Conditional Sailing.”
Only a few months ago, when the Centers for Disease Control announced its extension of the No Sail Order through October 31, Carnival Cruise Line was hopeful. The cruise line planned to reopen two Florida ports Port Canaveral and Port Miami, with six ships sailing.
Carnival Cruise Line cancels all cruises for 2020
Carnival’s latest list of cruise cancellations includes departures from all U.S. homeports through December 2020. In addition to Carnival Cruise Line, the remaining brands in Carnival Corporation are also included in the cruise cancellations. These are Cunard North America, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.
“Our highest responsibility and top priorities are always compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in communities we touch, our crew and shoreside employees,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation.
Carnival will give you the same refund incentive that other guests received on canceled cruises. You have a choice for a combination of a future cruise credit and onboard credit or request a full refund.
Read more: Carnival Panorama adds hands-on cooking classes
Health and safety protocol implementation
Until the cruise lines can comply with the CDC’s “Framework for Conditional Sailing” the resumption of cruises is still in flux. Carnival (and all other cruise lines) must develop and present their plan that demonstrates how to safely resume cruising. All the major cruise lines have some sort of official collection of experts or panels. And they’re all trying to figure out how to get all sorts of health protocols in place.
From pre-boarding coronavirus testing to mandatory wearing masks indoors, enhanced on board medical facilities and so much more, Carnival has yet to formally announce any definitive plan to return to cruising.
How to cancel a future Carnival cruise
Anyone booked on a departure into 2021 can cancel their booking any time prior to departure. At least that is the latest word from Carnival. The form is available on Carnival’s website.
When cruising will resume is anyone’s guess. I’m betting on late spring or early summer.
Related articles:
- What the Cruise Lines Don’t Want Solo Cruisers to Know
- Holland America Eurodam Review on Alaska Cruise
- Driving Directions to Port Canaveral
I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler with way too much wanderlust. And a passion for finding local food and wine along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Byron,
At this moment in time, Carnival has not canceled your cruise. They’re playing their cards close to their chest, hoping the CDC changes the cruise re-start date from November 1 until hopefully, June. We should know something soon. Thank you for reading the article and sending your question.
Bryon Hendershott says
Hello,
My family and I are set to go out of Galveston on June 3rd
is this happening still as far as we know?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi James,
You’re probably not hearing much about the Port of Galveston because there’s nothing happening right now. Stay tuned…more information is bound to surface this year.
Sherry
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for reading my article. At the rate that things seem to be moving, I really don’t expect a return to “normal” cruising for another year. But who knows…if cruise lines require vaccinations in order to cruise, then maybe things will change more quickly than I anticipate. Stay tuned as more updates are posted.
Sherry
Shannon Mackey says
My cruise was cancelled 3 times in 2020 and once in 21 rescheduled for October 17-24 2021 are there likely to be cruising again
James A Mayton says
I hear very little about sailings out of Galveston….. Why is that?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Mel,
Thanks for your question. So far, Carnival still has Vista cruises for sale in July from Galveston. However, it is possible that the cruise line may cancel the departure. Your best bet is to continue to check with Carnival, either by phone or their website, as we get closer to the date. I will also update and post any new changes here. Good luck and thanks again for reading the article.
Sherry
mel says
Hello,
I am booked on the Vista for July 17, 2021. Will this cruise be cancelled?
Sherry Laskin says
Thank you for reading the Carnival update. I don’t know the answer to your question. You need to contact your travel agent or call Carnival to find out if it is canceled. You didn’t mention the departure date. Good luck!
Mayela Clayton says
I am book for carnival glory leaving Adam New Orleans is it cancel
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Olivia,
Thank you for your question. So far, the Horizon New Year’s Eve cruise for this year is still listed on their site. My best advice would be for you to periodically check their site to make sure it’s open for sale. Sometimes a cruise line will close the sailing before they announce the cancellation. Fingers crossed it isn’t canceled.
Sherry
Olivia Andrew says
Will carnival horizon sail in December for New Year’s Eve 2021?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for writing. That’s a lot speculation, for sure. So far, there’s no knowing when Canada plans to open its borders to its southern neighbor. It’s doubtful that the requirement for ships that depart from a US port stop at a foreign port before returning home. My guess is that I would not be surprised if your cruise is canceled. Plus, the CDC is in no hurry to let ships sail again and compliance with the new guidelines is complex. But then your cruise is still nearly six months out, so you never know!
Sherry
Robyn says
I am booked for an Alaskan Cruise out of Seattle on July 21. I know that is a long way out, but was wondering of the possibility of it being canceled?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Gail,
Thank you for your question. I think you need to call Carnival or your travel agent. Carnival has canceled all departures through April. You can also go to the Carnival website and type in your departure date/ship and you will see that it has been canceled. The site will also give you access to the cancellation preference form. Thanks again for reading and sending in your comment.
Sherry
Gail says
I am booked on the Carnival Glory out of New Orleans Mar 14-Mar 21. I keep looking for cancellations but it seems its still scheduled
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Jojo,
Thank you for your question. My honest opinion is…yes. I would not be surprised to hear very soon that Sunshine is canceled. The cruise lines need 60 days of trial runs before they can fulfill the CDC requirements. As we are almost into February and nothing seems to be changed, it would be a surprise if Carnival (or any cruise line for that matter) has any cruises in April or even May. Sorry to be negative but that’s how it seems to me. Thanks again for writing.
Sherry
JoJo says
Do you think Sunshine cruise going to be cancelled that’s scheduled for early Spring 2021
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for your question. My gut feeling is yes, it will be canceled. My brain is saying…maybe covid will be under enough control and cruise lines are able to implement all the CDC protocols including 60 days of trial cruises AND Canada permits ships to dock. And that last one is a big maybe. I’d give it a 50/50 chance. Sorry I can’t be more helpful or positive about when cruises to Alaska or any N. American departures will resume. I’ll keep posting as the news is available.
Thank you again.
Sherry
Brenda says
I have a group cruise that I booked for May 2021 on the Freedom to Alaska. IS it likely it may be canceled?
Thank you
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Terry,
I don’t know if it will be canceled but my best hunch would be if it isn’t canceled, it could be a shorter cruise. Still in wait-and-see mode. Thanks for asking.
Sherry
terry murphy says
Correction: my cruise is scheduled for May 2021. Horizon. Will it be canceled? Left earlier message, but had the incorrect year. Thanks.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your question. Your best bet would be for you or your travel agent to contact Carnival reservations. Since the CDC guidelines limit departures to 7 nights, it would seem to me that your March 27 8-night cruise won’t happen. And you’re right…it’s not offered on their website. I’d reach out to Carnival and find out what’s the latest update with your cruise…final payment would be coming up soon, too. With so much happening right now at the cruise lines, I wouldn’t wait for them to contact me first. Good luck and hopefully 8-night cruises will be back soon.
Sherry
Jim says
I am booked on the Carnival Breeze for an 8 day cruise to leave from Port Canaveral on March 27
th2021? Currently is shows 16 ships that carnival is working on to the CDC guidelines and the Breeze is not on that list but the cruise is not canceled yet, do you think it will sail? The cruise is not on the website to book anymore.
Jim
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Ron,
Thank you for your question. My best advice to you would be to call your travel agent or Carnival and speak with a representative for clarification. Be sure not to miss the final payment due date or the date that you can get your deposit fully refunded.
Someone directly from Carnival can answer your questions so there aren’t any problems.
Sherry
Ron Smith says
My scheduled cruise is a 10 day in August 2021. My cruise does not show on Carnival cruise line web site for schedule or booking at this time. No cancellation notice has been received except for the general notice from other sources saying no cruises longer than 7 days until Nov 1 . IF FULL PAYMENT IS DUE IN MARCH, AND CARNIVAL HAS NOT NOTIFIED YOU OF CANCELLATION IS FULL PAYMENT NEEDED. Is Carnival planning to collect more payment on cruises that may already be cancelled or are they going to freeze payments on cruises with currently unknown cruise status.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Becky,
Thank you for your question. At this time, your cruise aboard Panorama is still scheduled. Hopefully, it won’t be canceled from its departure from Long Beach. At this time, I’d take a wait and see stance. There’s a lot to get done for all those Carnival ships to be ready to sail by March. Just keep checking. Thank you again for reading the article.
Sherry
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Melanie,
Thank you for your question. So far, Carnival still plans on the Elation to sail from Port Canaveral in March. Keep an eye out for possible cancellations, however. Carnival has quite a bit of health and safety protocols to get in place before any ships can resume cruising. Fingers crossed that March is not canceled.
Sherry
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for your question. I don’t know who told you the cruise is still scheduled but Carnival has canceled all of their January departures from all US ports. I just double-checked on their website and there are no cruise departures in January 2021. Please contact Carnival or your travel agent to arrange either a future cruise credit or refund, depending on what is available to you.
Thank you again for taking the time to send a question.
Sherry
Stephanie Rubenstein says
We have a cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral on Jan.2.2021. They are saying the cruise is scheduled as planned. Do you know if this is factual? Being a senior with health issues this is a concern for me.
Melanie J Collins says
Is the Elation scheduled to sail in March from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas?
Becki N says
I have a cruise booked on the Panorama for March 6. Any chance that it will still take place?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your question. At this time, Carnival’s website still shows that the 8-night Horizon departure is scheduled. According to the CDC’s new Framework For Conditional Sailing Order, the 7-night maximum is in effect only through November 1, 2021. That is probably why your departure still appears on their site. If there is a change, Carnival says it will contact the passenger or the travel agent of the changes. I always think it’s a good idea to be pro-active and check Carnival’s website during 2021 to see if your sailing is still on schedule.
Thank you again for reading my article.
Sherry
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Jack,
Thank you for your question. As of today, 11/22/20, Carnival’s website still shows that Mardi Gras is sailing from Port Canaveral on February 13, 2021. However, do not be surprised if this cruise is canceled. Three other brands in the Carnival family have already canceled departures through March 2021. Just keeping checking with Carnival. Thank you for taking the time to write your comment.
Sherry
ROBERT WEISS says
I AM BOOKED ON THE HORIZON FOR AN EIGHT DAY CRUISE IN NOV 2021. I HEARD THAT NO CRUISES WILL GO BEYOND SEVEN DAYS. IS THAT TRUE AND IF SO WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED.
Jack J Breaux says
Can you tell me if my cruise set to sail out of Port Canaveral on Feb 13 is still on? And has it been changed to the Mardi gras. It showed on your web site my ship is know the Mardi gras.