Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise is experiencing a delay in its return to Port Tampa Bay due to Tropical Storm Debby.
Initially set to dock early Monday morning, August 5, the ship’s arrival has been postponed as the port remains closed.
| In an update on Monday, Carnival informed passengers on the next cruise, “The Port of Tampa is still closed, and it is now clear we will not be able to operate your cruise today. Our plan is to depart tomorrow on a 5-day cruise. We will send you an update by 2:00 PM with new operational plans and your options. We sincerely apologize for the interruption to your vacation plans. Thanks for your patience and understanding.” |
With the port under Condition Zulu, no traffic is allowed until the storm passes and the port is deemed safe.
The Port of Tampa Bay issued a statement saying, “Once the USCG deems it safe, Port Tampa Bay will assist them in surveying the shipping channels to ensure they are clear of debris and safe for vessel traffic once again. Once the survey is complete, the U.S. Coast Guard will make the determination on when it is safe to reopen the port’s waterways.”
The impact of Tropical Storm Debby extends beyond the Carnival Paradise. Carnival Elation returned to Jacksonville, Florida, a day early, giving embarking passengers an extra day while cutting the current cruise short by one day to avoid the storm.
Additionally, Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander has also been affected by the port closure. The Islander, scheduled to return to Port Tampa Bay on Sunday, August 4, 2024, will now dock on Tuesday morning, turning the four-night cruise into a six-night sailing.
