The Carnival Sunshine will return to its homeport in Norfolk earlier due to adverse weather conditions in North America.
According to a statement shared with guests onboard, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel will arrive back in Virginia one day ahead of its original schedule on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
“With support from our Fleet Operations Center, we have been actively monitoring weather forecasts as we look ahead to our return to Norfolk this weekend,” Sunshine’s Captain Leonardo Contarino said in a letter.
“A winter storm will be moving into the northeast, and in addition to that, unfavorable weather is set to impact the U.S. east coast,” he continued.
“Combined, these situations are forcing us to make modifications to the rest of our itinerary as we will need extra time to sail ahead of the storm to get back to Norfolk before it fully develops,” Contarino added.
After departing from Norfolk on January 24, 2026, the Carnival Sunshine is offering a cruise to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.
The eight-night itinerary originally featured visits to Celebration Key, Princess Cays and Grand Turk before returning to Virginia on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
In order to return to its homeport earlier, the ship will need to cancel its scheduled visit to Grand Turk, Contarino noted.
“Delivering a full itinerary is always our goal, and we are sorry that the weather is not cooperating,” he said.
Shore excursions purchased through Carnival for Grand Turk will be cancelled and refunded to the guests’ Sail & Sign accounts.
Contarino added that, while the ship is now set to arrive earlier, guests are welcome to spend the night onboard between Saturday and Sunday.
As required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), all guests must be processed when the ship arrives, Contarino explained.
“If you intend to remain onboard until Sunday, it will not be necessary to carry your luggage off the ship when you go ashore. You will, however, be required to remain in the cruise terminal until all guests have been cleared by CBP,” he added.
Carnival is also making internet connections available for all guests onboard so that, if necessary, they can adjust their travel plans to return home.
Contarino added that the company will issue a one-day, pro-rated refund of the fare paid for the cruise onboard the Sunshine.
The refund will be issued to guests’ original form of payment and will also include a one-day, pro-rated refund for any pre-purchased beverage and Wi-Fi package, as well as pre-paid gratuities.
“Once again, we are truly sorry that the weather is affecting our plans this week, and thank you for your patience and understanding,” Contarino said.
