Carnival Corporation is dealing with propulsion issues on two major ships across its fleet, with Carnival Horizon and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 both forced to adjust itineraries, delay operations and compensate guests after significant mechanical difficulties.
Carnival Horizon: Delays, Missed Flights and Ongoing Speed Restrictions
Carnival Horizon’s problems began during her 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing, which was due back into PortMiami on Sunday 16th November.
The Vista-class ship developed a propulsion fault late in the cruise, leaving her unable to reach normal operating speed.
The delay stretched past eight hours, wreaking havoc on guests’ post-cruise travel plans. Many missed flights and pre-booked transfers, and some were left scrambling for last-minute hotels or rebooking fees.
Two days later, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy issued a formal apology by email, acknowledging the disruption:
“On behalf of the entire Carnival team, I am extending sincere apologies for Carnival Horizon’s delayed return to Miami… Certainly, none of us expected your cruise to end later than scheduled.”
Carnival is now offering up to US$200 per person to cover independent, non-refundable air costs or change fees, with guests required to submit receipts.
The compensation offer arrived later than many expected, with some noting the delay added to frustration on disembarkation day.
Itinerary Changes Continue
Horizon sailed again that same evening but remains under speed restriction, resulting in further changes. The ship has already:
- Cancelled its scheduled visit to Grand Cayman
- Had a delayed arrival into Cozumel on 18th November
- Maintained its call to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on 20th November
Guests were informed of the adjustments shortly after boarding and are receiving US$100 per stateroom in onboard credit.
Tracking data shows the ship cruising at 16–17 knots, several knots below her normal speed.
Engineers and shoreside technicians boarded in Miami, but full repairs may require parts or work that can only be completed dockside.
There is currently no confirmation on whether the following 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing, due to depart on 22nd November, will also be affected. Given the long distances to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, further delays or itinerary changes remain possible.
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Queen Mary 2: Propulsion Pod Fault Forces Diversion and Cancellations
While Carnival Horizon grapples with reduced speed in the Caribbean, sister brand Cunard is dealing with its own propulsion setback in Europe.
During a Northern Lights cruise, Queen Mary 2 suffered a technical defect in a propulsion pod, prompting an unplanned diversion to Bremerhaven, Germany, rather than continuing to Hamburg as scheduled.
Hamburg Call Abandoned
Calling at Hamburg requires the ship to navigate 50 miles up the River Elbe, including narrow channels and tight turns. With reduced manoeuvrability, the liner instead docked at a container terminal in Bremerhaven, which lacks traditional passenger facilities.
Around 420 guests who were due to end their cruise in Hamburg were transferred by coach, a two-hour journey.
Short Cruise Cancelled
To facilitate repairs, Cunard cancelled QM2’s 2-night Hamburg–Southampton sailing, originally scheduled for 17th November.
The ship did make it to Southampton on 19th November ahead of her transatlantic sailing – but there is no word yet on if the itinerary will be impacted at all.
Recurring Propulsion Troubles Across the Group
Both ships fall under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, and both have experienced propulsion issues in the past.
Queen Mary 2’s Mermaid pod system has long been criticised for reliability problems; Cunard successfully sued the manufacturer in 2009. Carnival Horizon, meanwhile, is part of the Vista class, which has previously encountered azipod-related challenges.
Carnival Corporation has not indicated that the two current issues are related.
Carnival Horizon’s engineers are continuing attempts to restore full propulsion. With the lack of update from Cunard, it could be assumed that Queen Mary 2 has been repaired, although that could change.
Passengers booked on upcoming voyages for either vessel are advised to monitor email updates closely and maintain contact with their travel agents.
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