Carnival Legend accidents and incidents

31 March 2024Other Incidents

On March 31, 2024, Carnival Legend concluded its current cruise (7-day The Bahamas itinerary out of Baltimore/Mar 24-31) but returned to Norfolk VA instead of Baltimore MD.

The itinerary change followed the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge (across the Patapsco River) after a container ship struck one of the bridge's support pillars. The maritime accident essentially blocked Baltimore Harbor from shipping traffic.

To accommodate the passengers on the affected voyage, Carnival Cruise Lines provided complimentary bus transfers/free shuttles from Norfolk (debarkation port) back to Baltimore (embarkation port/homeport).

Furthermore, Carnival Legend's upcoming itinerary (departure March 31st) was rescheduled to start and end in Norfolk.

The other large liner based in Baltimore (Vision of the Seas) was also temporarily moved to Norfolk.

30 March 2024Coast Guard Medevacs

(CruiseMapper-emailed report from Charles Keys)

I just returned from the Legend this morning. We had a helicopter evacuation last night (3/30/24). The captain only said a passenger in need of immediate medical attention.

The medevac occurred while the ship was en route back to Norfolk, at the end of the 7-day "The Bahamas Cruise" (itinerary March 24-31, starting in Baltimore MD and later revised to end in Norfolk VA) that visited Resorts World Bimini (Mar 27), Nassau (Mar 28) and Freeport (Mar 29).

11 March 2024Propulsion / Power Loss

(CruiseMapper-emailed report from Paul Ferreira)

I was just on the March 10-17 cruise on the Carnival Legend sailing out of Baltimore.

We had a full power outage that lasted for maybe 45-60 minutes on the morning of Monday, March 11th, approximately 9-10 AM.

This seemed to affect all systems, including in-cabin water. Power was partially restored when we went to brunch at approx 10:30 AM with lights out in the Truffles Dining Room [deck 2 aft]. It was during brunch that power was fully restored and the dining room became illuminated.

I only mention this to you because I was curious about the ship’s history and saw that it had also experienced a power issue in February. Note that we were told the ship is scheduled to go into dry dock in late April in England.

Cheers, Paul from Toronto, Canada!

Note: The accident occurred during the 7-day "The Bahamas Cruise" (roundtrip from Baltimore, Maryland USA) with call ports Nassau (Mar 13), Princess Cays (Mar 14) and Freeport (Mar 15).

23 February 2024Propulsion / Power Loss

On the evening of February 23, 2024, while en route from The Bahamas back to the USA, the ship developed an engine issue that resulted in reduced max cruising speed. The passengers on the next voyage were notified by CCL that the February 25th departure from Baltimore would be delayed. CCL's email stated that the vessel was temporarily stopped to allow its engineers to make urgent repairs.

By Feb 24th's evening, Carnival Legend's AIS (automated information system) indicated its position off Florida's coast (West Palm Beach), with a northward trajectory at a speed of 4 knots (5 mph/8 kph).

Additionally, on the morning of February 25th, the ship made an unscheduled stop at Port Canaveral (port stay 10:35 am-12:12 noon/satellite AIS data) for a passenger medevac, which added more time to the already delayed return to Maryland, making it almost a full day. After leaving Port Canaveral, the ship resumed course towards Baltimore, maintaining a speed of 19 knots (22 mph/35 kph).

As Carnival Legend returned to homeport a day later than scheduled, the next itinerary was shortened (from a 7-day to a 6-day, leaving from Baltimore on Feb 26th) and revised (visiting the Bahamian destinations Nassau, Princess Cays, and Freeport with two full days at sea and debarkation in Baltimore on March 3rd). The stop at Nassau was also shortened - from 9 hours (8 am-5 pm) to 6 hours (2-9 pm). All pre-purchased Nassau shore excursions were adjusted to the revised in-port stay.

As compensation, passengers on the revised voyage received a one-day/pro-rated cruise fare refund, plus US$100 in OBC/onboard credit per stateroom. All pre-purchased CCL packages (Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities) were pro-rated with a one-day refund in OBC. Passengers with impacted flights were reimbursed with up to US$200 per person for non-refundable flight change fees.

The engine-related accident occurred at the end of the 7-day "The Bahamas Cruise" (itinerary Feb 18-25, roundtrip from Baltimore MD) visiting Nassau (Feb 21), Half Moon Cay (Feb 22) and Freeport (Feb 23).

19 December 2022Crew / Passenger Deaths

On the night on December 19, 2022, a male passenger was reported dead while the ship was en route from the USA (Maryland) to The Bahamas.

Carnival Legend was navigating in the Caribbean and in international waters when the man died. Despite that there was not a MOB accident, the ship issued a "man overboard" call. Neither the victim's identity nor the cause of death were revealed.

On December 21, the liner made a bunkering stop/for refueling in Freeport Bahamas (port stay 0:18 thru 4:54 UTC). Reportedly, the body was offloaded in Freeport, together with the man's girlfriend.

The incident occurred at the beginning of an 8-day "Eastern Caribbean Christmas Cruise" (itinerary Dec 18-26, roundtrip from Baltimore, Maryland) with call ports in The Bahamas (Nassau, and Princess Cays/Eleuthera) and the Turks and Caicos (Grand Turk Island's Cockburn Town).

20 December 2019Ship Collision / Allision

On December 20, 2019, at ~9 am, while maneuvering for docking in call port Cozumel (Mexico), Carnival Legend collided with the fleetmate Carnival Glory. The collision resulted in minor hull damages (Glory's stern and Legend's bow) above waterline. The Glory ship also navigated dangerously close to the already berthed Royal Caribbean liner Oasis of the Seas. Carnival commented that the company is assessing the damages and that the seaworthiness of both vessels was not impacted. Later was announced that the collision was caused by sudden wind gusts and strong water currents.

The accident occurred during the 7-day Western Caribbean cruise (itinerary December 15-22) roundtrip from homeport Tampa Florida to Grand Cayman Island (George Town), Honduras (Coxen Hole, Isla Roatan), Belize (Belize City) and Mexico (Cozumel port stay 8 am - 5 pm).

20 September 2019Fire Accident

On September 20, 2019, at ~7:15 am, while navigating Alaska's Glacier Bay NP, the vessel experienced a fire (in engine room 5). It was quickly extinguished (by ship's automatic fire suppression system) and no injuries were reported.

The accident occurred during the 9-day Glacier Bay cruise (itinerary Sept 17-26) roundtrip from homeport Vancouver (BC Canada) to Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

12 June 2019Coast Guard Medevacs

(CruiseMapper emailed incident report by Kyle Burge) On June 12, 2019 (late in the evening, between 9-10 PM) one day out to sea on the Alaskan cruise, an ill male passenger was medically evacuated by a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) helicopter. I don’t know what the emergency was, but it was bad enough that a helicopter had to respond.

The incident occurred at the beginning of 7-day Alaska cruise (itinerary June 11-18) roundtrip from homeport Seattle WA to Tracy Arm Fjord (June 13), Skagway (14), Juneau (15), Ketchikan (16) and Victoria (BC Canada, June 17).

16 February 2018Crew / Passenger Crimes

On February 16, 2018, a savage, alcohol-fulled brawl with fist fighting involved a total of 23 passengers (all family members). Reportedly, the fighting started at ~1 am, when a man stood on another man's thong.

The ship was approx 220 km / 135 ml off NSW's coast (Jervis Bay) en-route back to Melbourne. The incident occurred during 11-day Pacific Islands cruise (itinerary Feb 6-17) roundtrip from homeport Melbourne to New Caledonia (Isle of Pines, Lifou, Mare, Noumea).

29 August 2016Ship Listing

On August 29, 2016, while operating in Alaska and en-route from Ketchikan AK to Victoria BC (Canada), a mechanical failure caused the ship to turn sharply to starboard and started to list heavily to portside. The listing was estimated at around 30 degrees (10 degrees away from capsizing). It lasted for ~5 min, then the vessel was righted.

The incident occurred at ~ 6 pm and resulted in panicked passengers, shattered dishware, emptied swimming pools. Passengers additionally reported a “mechanical noise” followed by “violent vibrations” right before the sharp turn. Then the crew commanded all passengers to stand on the vessel’s left side (port side) to even out the starboard listing. No injuries were reported.

All pre-booked shore excursions in Victoria BC were canceled. The vessel was manually controlled towards Victoria and left the port ~2 hours behind schedule. As causes for the severe ship listing was first announced “azipod (propulsion system) failure”, then “engine failure” (turning valve failed in one of the vessels all 4 engines), then failed stabilizers” and also was mentioned “autopilot failure”.

The ship was on 7-day Alaskan cruise (itinerary Aug 23-30) roundtrip from homeport Seattle WA to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria BC (Canada).

13 March 2013Propulsion / Power Loss

On March 13, 2013, the ship got disabled in Costa Maya, Mexico. Propulsion problems with both Azipods (portside and starboard propulsion units) resulted in itinerary changes due to the reduced speed (14 knots / 16 mph / 26 kmh). Grand Cayman port was skipped, and the ship arrived late in homeport Tampa FL. The vessel’s safety systems and hotel services were reported normal.

As compensation, all passengers received US$100 in onboard credit, full refund on pre-purchased Grand Cayman excursions, plus 50% future Carnival cruise booking discount.

29 January 2012Propulsion / Power Loss

On January 29, 2012, starboard Azipod (propulsion system) problems resulted in reduced cruising speed and caused approx 4 hours late arrival and departure to/from homeport Tampa Florida. Passengers received US$15 in onboard credit as compensation to cover their lunch expenses.

26 October 2011Crew / Passenger Deaths

On October 26, 2011, during a 7-day Caribbean cruise (itinerary October 23-30), when a 48-year-old female passenger died in a scooter accident on Oct 26 in Cozumel Mexico. Another female passenger suffered a broken arm and a male passenger suffered a shoulder injury. Both were delivered to the ship by ambulance. Along with the 1 1/2 hours late departure from Cozumel, itinerary changes were made. Call ports Grand Cayman and Roatan were dropped and replaced by Progreso Mexico.

While the ship was in Progreso (Oct 27), a female passenger suffered injuries caused by an animal (monkey) while ashore. She was denied boarding due to risks of potential disease transmittance. On the same day, a male crew suffered injuries (bad burns) in a galley/kitchen incident on board.

17 July 2011Coast Guard Medevacs

On July 17, 2011, 3 hours after leaving homeport Tampa FL, the ship remained drifting to meet a USCG vessel approx 30 min later. The cause was a medical emergency (the male crew was injured and had to be medevaced).

11 July 2010Propulsion / Power Loss

On July 11, 2010, the ship lost propulsion (portside Azipod failed) while en-route to homeport Tampa. The engineering crew managed to replace the faulty circuit breaker.

21 April 2010Crew / Passenger Crimes

(overboard) On April 21, 2010, upon departure from Cozumel Mexico, a male passenger jumped overboard. The man was rescued and then arrested by the local police. He was traveling together with his new bride on a honeymoon cruise. The young woman was found in their cabin beaten and unconscious.

13 February 2010Propulsion / Power Loss

On February 13, 2010, a propulsion problem occurred with the portside Azipod. It was reported by guests as “grinding noises and vibrations”. The results were highly reduced cruising speed, 7 hours late Tampa arrival, late next-day departure, itinerary change (Grand Cayman port of call was replaced with Cozumel, Mexico).

07 February 2010Propulsion / Power Loss

While maneuvering for docking at Tampa FL, the ship experienced propulsion system malfunction. The portside Azipod required repairs.

30 September 2009Ship Collision / Allision

On September 30, 2009, while leaving its dock berth in Cozumel, Mexico, Carnival Legend crashed against the side of the docked Royal Caribbean ship Enchantment of the Seas. The incident was caused by a sudden and heavy gust of wind. The results were damaged open-deck areas, railings, lots of broken glass and dishes. Both ships were able to continue on their itineraries.

21 March 2009Structural and Technical Issues

On March 21, 2009, the ship was reported having mechanical issues with its fire detection system on lower decks (crew decks B, A and 1). The problem was fixed by replacing the Bridge Monitoring Panel.

17 December 2008Propulsion / Power Loss

On December 17, 2008, during the 8-day Western Caribbean cruise (itinerary Dec 15-23) the ship experienced mechanical issues resulting in reduced speed and itinerary changes. The scheduled Panama and Costa Rica ports were replaced with Mexico (Costa Maya and Cozumel) and Honduras (Isla Roatan). The problems were caused by Azipod bearings, which were replaced during the February drydock.

06 November 2008Crew / Passenger Injuries and Overboards

On November 6, 2008, 13 passengers suffered minor injuries on a sponsored by Carnival shore excursion in Belize. Their tour van collided with another vehicle (Isuzu trooper) at the northern highway. In the Isuzu car, 5 people sustained injuries, among them an infant in critical condition.

02 September 2007Propulsion / Power Loss

On September 2, 2007, during the vessel’s first day at sea, it lost power for about 1 hour, resulting in a late port of call arrival the next day.

01 January 2007Coast Guard Medevacs

On January 1, 2007, during 8-day itinerary from homeport Fort Lauderdale FL, a medical emergency (needed USCG medevac) forced the ship to significantly change its course while en-route from Martinique to Ft Lauderdale. As result, Belize City port of call was dropped. As compensation, all passengers received a 15% refund, plus 20% future Carnival cruise booking discount on 3 to 8-day itineraries prior Dec 15, 2008.

27 May 2006Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On May 27, 2006, a 35-year-old male passenger jumped overboard. He was traveling with his family (all from Plumstead, Pennsylvania USA) and jumped off their cabin’s balcony right in front of them. The incident happened at ~1 am, after the man had a serious quarrel with his wife, and right in front of their kids. The ship remained in the area for ~12 hours.

The extensive USCG search and rescue operation was unsuccessful in finding the body, and he was presumed dead. As result, the ship arrived late in NYC port. All embarking passengers were compensated for the late departure with US$50 in onboard credit.

10 January 2006Crew / Passenger Deaths

On January 10, 2006, a 65-year-old male passenger died in a snorkeling shore excursion accident in Belize (Shark Bay Alley). The man experienced difficulties and was transported to Caye Caulker Village Clinic where he died from a heart attack.

03 August 2005Fire Accident

On August 3, 2005, at ~10  pm, an engine room fire broke out, resulting in heavy smoke from the ship’s lower decks forward. An announcement was made via the PA system all passengers to proceed to upper open decks. The theater’s late show production was canceled. Some cruise cabins and hallways were also filled with smoke. The incident lasted for ~1 hour.

13 July 2005Ship Listing

On July 13, 2005, at ~5 pm, after leaving the BVI’s Tortola island and en-route to homeport NYC New York, the ship started 14-degree listing portside, with a hard starboard turn. The shipowner Carnival Cruise Lines explained the incident as a computer glitch problem coinciding with a strong wind from starboard. The Captain had to manually navigate the vessel in order to prevent a real capsizing. The unfortunate results were lots of broken glass, emptied pools, spilled drinks. No compensation was offered to passengers.

August 2004Propulsion / Power Loss

The 8-day Caribbean cruise itinerary from NYC was changed to Bermuda after the ship experienced a propulsion issue. Passengers spent 3 days in King’s Wharf Bermuda, while the crew was fixing the problem.

November 2003Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

November 2003, CDC reported on voyage Nov 13 to 21, a Norovirus outbreak (gastrointestinal illness) infected 52 passengers (out of 2160, or 2,4%) and 41 crew (out of 900, or 4,6%). All sick suffered from Norovirus symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) and were quarantined to their cabins. The ship operated on an 8-days Southern Caribbean itinerary round-trip from homeport Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) Florida. On the next voyage (Nov 21 to 29), another Norovirus outbreak affected 73 passengers (out of 2378, or 3,1%) and 4 crew (out of 913, or 0,4%).

07 February 2003Crew / Passenger Crimes

(sexual) On February 7, 2003, a 28-year-old female passenger reported being sexually assaulted in her cabin. The later identified by the woman 24-year-old male crew (of Indonesian origin) had entered the cabin (at ~5 am while she was sleeping) and raped her. The man used a master key to enter the stateroom.

21 August 2002Other Incidents

(Christening incident) Failures during ship christening ceremonies are considered very ominous. On August 21, 2002, during the vessel’s naming ceremony, the godmother Judi Dench failed its “bottle smashing” duty 2 times. She took 3 attempts to smash the champagne bottle against the ship’s hull. Many superstitious Carnival fans blame this unfortunate event (the “bottle smashing fiasco”) for the ship’s numerous accidents and incidents at sea.