Carnival Cruise Ship Cancels Key Stop Amid Speed Troubles
Key Aspects:
Carnival Horizon continues to sail slowly and her visit to Grand Cayman has been cancelled to compensate.
Repairs are underway, but it is not possible to maintain the original itinerary for the 6-night cruise.
There is no confirmation about any additional sailings or if more adjustments may still be necessary.
After returning to PortMiami more than eight hours later than anticipated on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Carnival Horizon has set sail on her next sailing, but not without adjustments.
Following the evening embarkation and a very much altered and ad-libbed first day onboard, guests have now been informed that their 6-night Western Caribbean sailing will be skipping the scheduled call to Grand Cayman.
Carnival Horizon will still make it to Cozumel on Tuesday, November 18, but somewhat later than anticipated. At the moment, arrival is anticipated at about noon, rather than 8 a.m. as previously scheduled.
In the meantime, the visit to Grand Cayman originally planned for Wednesday, November 19 will be completely skipped.
Carnival Horizon‘s visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Thursday, November 20 is still on schedule, as is the ship’s return to Miami on Saturday, November 22.
Guests are understandably disappointed in the change. Many are outright angry at the choice of port adjustments, especially since options in Ocho Rios may still be limited less than a month after Hurricane Melissa.
Carnival Horizon was one of the first ships to deliver relief supplies to Ocho Rios and it is possible the ship is carrying additional aid for the island on this sailing.
Skipping that visit could remove critical supplies at a time of great need in devastated parts of the island, even though Ocho Rios is welcoming tourists again.
Some guests on social media are noting that despite the challenges, it is still a cruise and there is plenty to enjoy.
“It’s still vacation and still making memories with the families,” one guest noted.
“It’s an awesome cruise if you want to make it that way,” another traveler shared.
Carnival Cruise Line is providing $100 (USD) in onboard credit per stateroom as compensation for the significant changes to the ship’s itinerary.
Is Carnival Horizon Still Sailing Slowly?
With a day at sea between departure and arriving in Cozumel, now having a full day at sea between Cozumel and Ocho Rios, and a third full day at sea between Jamaica and Miami, the ship can follow her route at a slower speed.
Read Also: What Is Wrong With Carnival’s Vista-Class Ships?
Ever since departing the Sunshine State, Carnival Horizon has mainly stayed sailing between 16-17 knots (18-20 miles per hour). Her typical sailing speed would have been closer to 19-20 knots (22-23 mph).
It may not seem like a difference of just 2-3 miles per hour would be significant. Over the course of 30 hours en route to Mexico, however, that can be a difference of 60-90 miles that would take an additional 3-4 hours for the ship to travel.
Technicians boarded Carnival Horizon in Miami to assist the onboard engineering team with engine repairs.
It is possible, however, that special parts may be required to fully repair the ship or else certain parts of the work may only be able to be completed while the ship is docked and not underway.
Hopefully, the repairs will go smoothly, and Carnival Horizon will quickly be back up to speed and sailing smoothly.
Is the Next Cruise Impacted?
At this time, there is no confirmation about whether or not there will be any adjustment to the next sailing, leaving Miami on November 22.
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That 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary may be in danger, however, as the greater distance to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao would be much more challenging to maintain without being able to reach top cruising speeds.
Booked guests should stay in close communication with Carnival Cruise Line to be updated right away if there are any adjustments to upcoming Carnival Horizon voyages.