Key Aspects:
- Carnival Sunshine is returning to Norfolk one day early to beat the next incoming winter storm.
- Guests will not be required to debark early, but can do so if they choose to head home right away.
- Embarkation for the next sailing on February 1 is not impacted, but further updates may be necessary.
With the next line of rough winter weather aiming for the east coast of the US this weekend, Carnival Cruise Line is opting to speed up Carnival Sunshine‘s return to Norfolk, Virginia to arrive ahead of any potential closures or difficulties.
To make an earlier arrival back to her homeport, the ship has skipped the planned visit to Grand Turk that was scheduled for Thursday, January 29 and is instead heading straight back to Virginia.
While guests will be disappointed at missing the port of call, the decision to reach Norfolk ahead of the storm will help travelers be able to head home more easily instead of being delayed to wait out the bad weather in Virginia or even remain at sea for an extra day, as Carnival Pride had to do last weekend.
Carnival Sunshine is currently on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that departed on Saturday, January 24, 2026. That departure was also at risk from winter weather, but ultimately was able to set sail as planned.
The ship has visited Celebration Key and Princess Cays, and satellite tracking confirms she is en route back to Virginia with an estimated arrival at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, well ahead of her original return at roughly 8 a.m. on Sunday.
Do Guests Have to Debark?
Though Carnival Sunshine will be home in Virginia a day early, guests onboard are not required to debark early if they prefer not to do so. They do have that option, however, if they want to get started heading back home before the storm.
“If people don’t want to go home on Sunday, they can stay onboard the ship on Saturday overnight and then, as planned, go home on Sunday,” John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador, confirmed. “We’re keeping the ship open with all the hotel facilities with the exception of the casino and the gift shops.”
Whenever a ship is docked, local regulations require that the onboard casino and retail operations be closed, so this is not surprising. Other onboard operations, including activities, dining, and entertainment, will be available as planned.
Heald also noted that the value Wi-Fi plan is being opened for all guests onboard so they can make travel changes or communicate with friends and family members as needed.
Once the ship is docked, US Customs and Border Protection does require that all passengers debark as per immigration and customs policies. After brief processing, guests remaining onboard until Sunday morning will return to the ship. Guests will receive further details of this process before the ship reaches Virginia.
Next Cruise Embarkation Not Yet Impacted
Carnival Cruise Line has also reached out to guests booked on the next sailing, set to depart on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to alert them to the adjustment and what it means for their embarkation plans.
“Although the ship will be returning early, your embarkation remains as scheduled for Sunday, February 1,” the email notification confirmed. “Currently, there are no operational modifications for embarkation, but we will continue to monitor the weather and keep you updated if it becomes necessary to adjust our plans.”
Guests are encouraged to sign up for text alerts to receive any updates as soon as changes are confirmed.
At this time, there are no changes for the 6-night Bahamas sailing, which is scheduled to visit Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini before returning to Norfolk on Saturday, February 7.
The cruise line does acknowledge that itinerary changes may be necessary depending on how the storm develops and if it impacts Carnival Sunshine‘s departure or sailing route. Those changes would be shared with guests onboard as soon as possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Norfolk from 1 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, through 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 1.
Heavy snow with total accumulations from 8-15 inches is possible, and wind gusts as high as 50-60 miles per hour may occur along the coast.
“Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” the advisory reads. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible.”
Cruise Hive hopes everyone currently aboard Carnival Sunshine as well as those guests setting sail this weekend has safe travels to and from the cruise port as well as a great escape from the cold to enjoy!
