Dense Fog Disrupts Cruise Travel at Port Tampa Bay
On 24th November 2025, dense fog led to the temporary closure of Port Tampa Bay. This unexpected weather event caused significant delays for cruise ships, affecting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers. Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander were the two vessels impacted, as they were unable to safely navigate the bay due to poor visibility.
Impact on Passengers
The port’s closure had a ripple effect on both disembarking and embarking guests. Carnival Paradise was returning from a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise, while Margaritaville at Sea Islander was concluding a 6-night journey. Both ships had to wait offshore until conditions improved, delaying their arrival at the terminals.
Carnival Paradise’s Delayed Departure
Carnival Paradise faced a significant delay for its next 5-night Western Caribbean cruise. Carnival Cruise Line informed passengers of revised terminal arrival times around 3 pm. Embarkation appointments were shifted by approximately nine hours to streamline the process. The new check-in times were as follows:
– Original 10–11am now 7–7.30pm
– Original 11am–12pm now 7.30–8pm
– Original 12–1pm now 8–8.30pm
– Original 1–2pm now 8.30–9pm
Carnival assured guests that main dining rooms would offer open seating, the Lido Marketplace buffet would be open, and staterooms would be available upon boarding. They also cautioned that the itinerary might be adjusted after departure.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander’s Schedule Changes
Margaritaville at Sea Islander also experienced disruptions. Debarkation was delayed until around 4.15 pm, with embarkation for the next 4-night Cozumel cruise starting at approximately 6.30 pm. Earlier, the cruise line had advised guests to postpone their arrival at the terminal due to a six-hour delay. The ship’s itinerary includes a port of call in Cozumel, with sea days before and after to accommodate any schedule changes.
Fog Lifts, Ships Resume Transit
By late afternoon, the fog cleared enough for both ships to proceed through Tampa Bay. This brought relief to passengers eager to disembark and those excited to start their cruises. Cruise lines expressed gratitude for guests’ patience, emphasising that safety was the top priority during the weather-related disruption.
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