Carnival Delays Departures After Widespread IT Problems

Carnival Cruise Line vessels experienced delayed departures from their homeports on Sunday after an IT problem slowed both debarkation and embarkation operations.

In a statement posted on its website, the company said the issue also affected several other technology systems: “Carnival is experiencing some IT issues that occurred during planned maintenance, resulting in the delay of debarkation and embarkation of guests, as well as slowing down some other technology tools,” Carnival explained.

“Navigation and safety systems are working. We appreciate our guests’ patience and encourage embarking guests to watch their emails, text and phone call messages for updates,” the company added.

AIS tracking data showed that a number of ships were impacted, including Carnival Celebration, which did not depart PortMiami until after midnight. The 2022-built ship was originally set to sail at 3:30 PM but ultimately began its seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary shortly after 1:00 AM.

That cruise includes calls at Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and Nassau, along with a visit to the line’s private destination, Celebration Key. It remains unclear whether the late departure will result in any itinerary changes.

AIS data also indicated that other vessels, such as Carnival Venezia, CarnivalSpirit, and Carnival Pride, did not begin their voyages until after midnight.

Several guest reports suggested that onboard systems were also affected, including issues with Carnival’s HUB app.

Separately, Carnival Sunshine experienced a delayed return to its homeport of Norfolk due to unfavorable weather in the North Atlantic. The ship had originally been scheduled to arrive at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, but its arrival was pushed back to Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.