Carnival Warns of Miami Embarkation Delays as Horizon Slows

Carnival Cruise Line has warned guests scheduled to board Carnival Horizon in Miami on Sunday, November 16, 2025, that embarkation could be affected after the ship developed a mechanical issue that is limiting its cruising speed.

Delayed return to Miami could compress same-day turnaround

Carnival Horizon, a Vista-class ship, is finishing an eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise and is expected to arrive back in Miami later than planned. In one guest communication, Carnival said the ship would normally return in the early-morning hours (around 5:00 to 6:00 a.m.), while another message indicated the vessel had been expected to arrive around 8:00 a.m. Sunday.

Carnival did not provide an official revised arrival time in its advisory to embarking guests. However, current projections shared with guests indicate the ship could arrive around 10:30 a.m., which could ripple into the terminal’s turnaround timeline for the ship’s next sailing.

When a ship returns late and departs again the same day, port operations can become compressed, including debarkation, customs and terminal processing, provisioning, and cleaning. Carnival has not yet detailed how embarkation windows will be adjusted for the November 16 departure, but said additional guidance would follow.

What Carnival told guests about the mechanical issue

In a letter to guests booked on the November 16 sailing, Colleen Olivero, Vice President of Guest Services Contact Centers for Carnival Cruise Line, wrote, “Carnival Horizon has developed a mechanical issue that is affecting the ship’s cruising speed.” Olivero added that the ship’s arrival back to Miami would be later than planned.

Carnival has not disclosed which system is affected or what repairs may be required. The company said shipboard and shoreside engineering teams are working on plans to address the problem, and that the issue has been identified.

Even with the slower transit, Carnival told guests that onboard operations have not been curtailed. Olivero said, “Although the ship is sailing a bit slower, all features and venues are fully operating.” Carnival also stated that onboard features, dining, entertainment, and safety systems remain fully operational.

Itineraries involved: current Southern Caribbean cruise and next Western Caribbean sailing

The ship’s current voyage is an eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise that departed Miami on November 8. The itinerary is described as an “ABC” sailing, with calls in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

The next cruise, scheduled to depart Miami on Sunday, November 16, is a six-night Western Caribbean itinerary with ports of call in Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman. Carnival has said the delayed return has the potential to affect the start of that voyage, depending on how terminal operations and boarding times are ultimately reset.

Text alerts and timing for the next update

Carnival is urging embarking guests not to head to the terminal without updated instructions. The cruise line is offering real-time updates by text message for passengers booked on the November 16 sailing. Guests can opt in by texting code CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).

In the same advisory, Olivero wrote that the notice “requires your immediate attention” and said Carnival would provide another update by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15. Guests were also told to expect additional information Saturday evening as planning for Miami’s debarkation and embarkation operations continues.

• Enroll in alerts: Text CCL1 to CRUISE (278473) to receive time-sensitive updates on arrival and embarkation as plans are finalized.
• Watch for scheduled guidance: Carnival told guests to expect another update by 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 15, with additional details possible Saturday evening.
• Expect adjusted windows: If the ship arrives later than planned, guests should be prepared for revised arrival, check-in, or boarding times once Carnival and the terminal confirm the operational plan.

Where the ship was tracked and how fast it has been sailing

As the ship headed back toward South Florida, satellite-based tracking data on Saturday showed Carnival Horizon sailing at approximately 16 knots. At the time, the vessel was traveling along the northern coast of Cuba, east-northeast of Antilla, while continuing its return leg to Miami.

Carnival’s communications to guests tied the reduced speed directly to the mechanical issue.

Past propulsion-related disruptions on Carnival Horizon and other Vista-class ships

This is not the first propulsion-related disruption for Carnival Horizon. In August 2018, shortly after the ship entered service, a similar issue contributed to itinerary changes, including a cancelled port call. In 2021, another propulsion difficulty resulted in the cancellation of two cruises.

Carnival Horizon is not the only Vista-class ship to have experienced similar incidents. Other ships in the class, including Carnival Vista and Carnival Panorama, have faced comparable issues in the past. Carnival has emphasized that operational safety remains its top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I sign up for Carnival Horizon embarkation updates?

Carnival is asking guests booked on the November 16 sailing to text CCL1 to CRUISE (278473) to receive text alerts about arrival and embarkation timing.

Which Carnival Horizon sailings are affected by the delayed return to Miami?

The mechanical issue is slowing Carnival Horizon as it completes its eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise (departed November 8, with stops in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and returns to Miami. The delayed arrival may also impact the next sailing from Miami on Sunday, November 16, a six-night Western Caribbean itinerary calling at Cozumel, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman.

Is Carnival Horizon still operating normally onboard while sailing slower?

Yes. Carnival told guests that onboard amenities and operations remain available, and Olivero wrote, “Although the ship is sailing a bit slower, all features and venues are fully operating.” Carnival also said onboard safety systems remain fully operational.

What caused the mechanical issue, and has Carnival shared repair details?

Carnival has not disclosed the specific system involved or what repairs may be required. The cruise line said shipboard and shoreside engineers are working on plans to address the issue, and that the problem has been identified.

When will Carnival provide the next official update?

In its advisory to embarking guests, Carnival said it would provide another update by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, with additional guidance expected as Miami debarkation and embarkation operations are confirmed.