Cruise Guest Furious After Bahamas Port Swap Without Explanation

Experienced cruisers know very well that port visits can be cancelled or switched for many reasons. Poor weather, berth availability, port staffing, mechanical problems, or even civil disturbances can all cause itinerary adjustments.

Sometimes cancellations might be made months in advance, such as Royal Caribbean extending the cancellation of Labadee visits at least through November. Other times, such as with Hurricane Erin, such changes could be last-minute decisions.

But how would you feel if the cruise line never explained why a port was switched? One Carnival guest is extremely upset at such a change, which they believe was made for less-than-scrupulous reasons.

The guest reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, with their expectations.

“Carnival has changed our cruise itinerary from Nassau to Celebration Key. They are giving NO EXPLANATION,” the guest claimed.

“We can only believe this is another money grab attempt on Carnival’s part in hopes we will spend money at Celebration Key.”

The guest does not identify which ship they were sailing on or when. Yes, Carnival does update itineraries and has moved a number of ships to visit their new private destination in the Bahamas, Celebration Key.

For reference, Nassau is on New Providence Island, while Celebration Key is on Grand Bahama. The two ports are roughly 125 miles apart.

“We pick cruises based on the ports. I should be given a full refund,” the guest continued. “Why has this not been answered, Heald, by you or by Carnival?”

Many cruisers can sympathize with the idea of picking sailings based on the ports of call. Just ask everyone who was looking forward to visiting Bermuda but Hurricane Erin intervened and they sailed to Canada or the Bahamas instead.

Granted, most cruisers wouldn’t be excited about sailing toward a major hurricane (I would, but I’m odd that way). Drastic port changes to avoid a hurricane are certainly necessary.

Heald rightly points out that this itinerary change is the cruise line’s prerogative and no explanation is necessary for any port change.

“I dislike using this answer but it is a fact that in the terms and conditions of the cruise contract it does say that we can change the itinerary at anytime without offering any compensation,” he noted.

“Secondly, we do not have to give a reason, we are not obligated to do so as in this case here.”

The clause in question is in the ticket contract, which all guests agree to when booking a Carnival cruise. Section 8(d) reads, in part:

“Carnival may change the duration and/or itinerary of the cruise at any time. … to omit or change any or all port calls … with or without notice, for any reason whatsoever.”

The contract goes on to note that no compensation is necessary for such changes.

“Carnival shall have no liability for any compensation or other damages in such circumstances for any change in itinerary [or] ports of call.”

The fact that this guest is demanding a full refund because their itinerary has been changed is ridiculous, though their frustration is certainly understandable.

What other guests do agree with is the idea that it would be better customer service for Carnival to at least offer even a slight explanation for the change.

“I do think that the cruise line should tell people the reason for the change. The contract says they don’t have to but it is not good for customer relations,” one guest noted.

“One of the biggest complaints passengers have, along with customers across ALL industries, is lack of information and transparency,” another guest commented. “Just because you’re not obligated to give an explanation doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.”

Is Celebration Key an Upgrade?

Heald goes on to note that he believes the guest will have a good time at Celebration Key and, therefore, shouldn’t be upset at the itinerary change.

“The guest will love Celebration Key,” he claimed. “She will not have to spend money at Celebration Key. There are hundreds of complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and a complimentary lunch. None of this is available in Nassau or indeed most ports.”

No one indeed has to spend anything extra when visiting Celebration Key. If, however, a guest wants to enjoy more than one food truck or restaurant during their visit, or if they want a refreshing soda or cocktail, they will have to pay for those amenities.

Guests also have to pay to access the adults-only space, Pearl Cove, or to enjoy the waterslides at Celebration Key.

Different cruisers have their own preferences for what type of travel experience they enjoy most. If the guest wants a beach day, time in a pool, and a more laid-back, exclusive experience, Celebration Key is indeed an upgrade.

If, however, the guest is more interested in seeing historic sites, enjoying diverse shopping, and exploring the culture of a destination, Nassau would certainly be the better choice.

Both ports offer great things for guests to enjoy. The best course of action is to take a deep breath and enjoy the cruise, no matter where it visits!

Melissa Mayntz

Melissa has been offering her expertise on cruises since 2017 and reporting on cruise news since 2021. her work has been featured in newspapers, blogs, and websites on a wide range of subjects, but cruises remain her favorite topic to cover. She has been on more than 40 voyages to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and more, and always has at least one more sailing booked on the horizon.