Winter Storm Fern Delays Carnival Pride Return to Baltimore

Carnival Cruise Line delayed Carnival Pride’s return to the Port of Baltimore after a major snowstorm disrupted local port operations, pushing the ship’s arrival from Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, to about noon on Monday, Jan. 26.

The one-day shift extends the ship’s current cruise and compresses turnaround operations in Baltimore, prompting Carnival to shorten the next sailing by a day and remove one port call from the itinerary.

Snowstorm forces a one-day delay at the Port of Baltimore

Carnival Pride, a Spirit-class vessel that sails year-round from Baltimore, was unable to dock as planned as winter weather intensified across the U.S. East Coast. Carnival said Winter Storm Fern brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region, with snowfall totals in Baltimore reported in the range of roughly six to 10 inches depending on location.

In an initial notification to guests, Carnival said, “Heavy snow is expected in the region, and this could impact our operational plans for the day,” adding that it was monitoring forecasts with Carnival Pride’s Captain, Renato Bendinelli, and its Fleet Operations Center.

As conditions worsened, Carnival said guidance from port officials led to a revised plan. In an email to booked guests, the line said the port “advised that we should not expect to dock” on Sunday, Jan. 25, prompting plans to arrive about noon the following day.

Revised timing for arrival, debarkation, and embarkation

Carnival Pride is completing a 14-night Carnival Journeys cruise that sailed from Baltimore on Jan. 11, 2026, to the Southern Caribbean and Central America. With the ship now expected to dock at midday on Jan. 26, debarkation and embarkation are being handled on a compressed schedule.

Carnival told embarking guests that boarding is expected to begin later that afternoon, with terminal flow dependent on the safe debarkation of returning passengers and the condition of port facilities and access roads. The line also moved terminal appointment times back by four hours and instructed guests that all passengers must be checked in by 7 p.m. local time on Jan. 26.

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald also posted an update on social media that the ship was expected to dock at noon on Jan. 26. “I am so sorry for the change to your cruise,” Heald wrote, adding that the crew would work to deliver a strong experience despite the disruption.

Port operations and parking access affected by snow and ice

Carnival said storm conditions affected more than the ship’s arrival window, with port-side logistics also slowed by snow and ice. The cruise line told guests that port partners advised the parking facility and vehicles were covered by heavy snow, and that clearing the area would take time.

Current passengers disembarking from Carnival Pride also faced difficulties leaving the terminal due to snow-covered vehicles and icy conditions, Carnival said. The line emphasized that the delay and adjusted timing were driven by safety considerations for guests and crew.

Next sailing shortened, with Bimini removed from the itinerary

The delayed return changes the ship’s next cruise, originally sold as a seven-night Bahamas itinerary departing Jan. 25. Carnival said embarkation will now take place on Jan. 26 and the sailing will be reduced by one day.

As part of the update, Carnival removed the scheduled call to Bimini. The remaining stops are expected to proceed, including the ship’s planned visits to Princess Cays on Jan. 29 and Celebration Key in Grand Bahama on Jan. 30, Carnival said.

• Port canceled: Bimini (removed due to the shortened sailing)
• Ports still expected: Princess Cays and Celebration Key (Grand Bahama)

Carnival also told guests additional adjustments, including changes to port times, could still be possible depending on how quickly the ship can dock, complete debarkation, and begin embarkation on Jan. 26.

Refunds, onboard credits, and guest guidance

For guests booked on the shortened sailing, Carnival said it will provide a one-day, pro-rated refund of cruise fare back to the original form of payment, with processing expected within the next few weeks.

Carnival also said it will issue pro-rated refunds for eligible pre-purchased items as onboard credit, appearing in guests’ Sail & Sign accounts shortly after embarkation. Guests who prepaid for beverage packages, Wi-Fi, or gratuities were included in the pro-rated refunds, and Carnival advised in its communications that credits were expected to post by Jan. 27.

• Refund to original payment method: One-day, pro-rated cruise fare (processed in the following weeks)
• Onboard credit (pro-rated): Prepaid gratuities, beverage packages, and Wi-Fi packages

Carnival urged guests to enroll in text alerts and monitor official emails for real-time updates, and advised travelers to use extra caution on roads due to snow and ice. Carnival also clarified that it is not offering compensation for changes to guest travel plans or additional hotel stays tied to the weather disruption, and Heald has reiterated that passengers are responsible for arriving at the terminal on time under standard ticket terms.

Weather disruptions extend beyond Baltimore

Carnival Pride’s schedule change comes amid broader winter-weather impacts on cruise operations. Severe conditions also affected other sailings on the East Coast, and Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, departing from Galveston, Texas, shortened a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise to avoid the worst of the storm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was Carnival Pride delayed in returning to Baltimore?

Carnival said the ship was delayed due to severe winter weather affecting Baltimore and port operations. In guest communications, Carnival said the Port of Baltimore “advised that we should not expect to dock” on Jan. 25, leading to an adjusted arrival around noon on Jan. 26.

When will Carnival Pride arrive, and what are the updated check-in requirements?

Carnival said Carnival Pride is expected to dock around noon on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, with embarkation anticipated to begin later that afternoon. Terminal appointment times were moved back by four hours, and guests must complete check-in by 7 p.m. local time.

What itinerary change was made because the next cruise was shortened?

Carnival said the call to Bimini was removed from the itinerary. The line said the remaining stops at Princess Cays and Celebration Key (Grand Bahama) are expected to continue, though port times could change.

What compensation is Carnival offering for the lost day?

Carnival said guests will receive a one-day, pro-rated refund of their cruise fare back to the original form of payment, with processing expected within the next few weeks. The line also said pro-rated refunds for prepaid gratuities, beverage packages, and Wi-Fi will be issued as onboard credit in guests’ Sail & Sign accounts shortly after embarkation, with credits expected to post by Jan. 27.

Carnival said it will continue updating guests as the ship completes its return to Baltimore and the port works through storm-related conditions affecting terminal access and parking operations.