CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of several voyages aboard the Carnival Conquest scheduled for January 2026. The disruption affects itineraries departing from PortMiami between January 5 and January 26, and is the result of an unexpected adjustment to the vessel’s drydock maintenance schedule.
The affected cruises include a series of short-duration voyages to the Bahamas, ranging from 3 to 4 nights. These itineraries, part of the vessel’s routine operations, have been withdrawn from service due to the revised drydock timeline. The change prevents the ship from fulfilling its commitments during the specified period.
Drydocking is a standard operational requirement within the cruise industry, involving the removal of a vessel from water for scheduled maintenance, inspections, and upgrades. Although such maintenance is typically arranged years in advance, alterations to shipyard availability or scheduling conflicts can occasionally necessitate rescheduling. In this instance, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the Conquest’s drydock had been unavoidably moved, creating a conflict with the vessel’s previously published itineraries.
Following the rescheduling, Carnival Cruise Line began notifying passengers with confirmed bookings on the affected sailings. The company has outlined available options for guests, including the opportunity to transfer reservations to comparable cruises within the fleet. For those who opt to rebook, the line is offering compensation in the form of onboard credit. Alternatively, guests may elect to receive a full refund.
Carnival Cruise Line has assured affected passengers that all changes are being handled with priority to minimize inconvenience. Communications have been issued directly to impacted guests, and the company is facilitating booking adjustments and refund processing.
The cancellations pertain specifically to voyages that were to operate between January 5 and January 26, 2026, all of which featured stops in the Bahamas. These itineraries were part of the Carnival Conquest’s standard short-cruise offerings from PortMiami and were designed to provide access to warm-weather destinations and the ship’s regular slate of onboard amenities.
Although the cancellations have altered plans for many travellers, Carnival has reiterated its commitment to maintaining both operational integrity and guest satisfaction. The cruise line emphasized the necessity of maintaining its vessels through routine drydocks, noting that such actions are critical to ensuring long-term safety and performance.
Carnival continues to operate a wide-ranging fleet with extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Passengers affected by the Conquest's temporary withdrawal will have the opportunity to select alternative voyages within the fleet, many of which offer similar amenities and destinations.
Despite this temporary adjustment, Carnival Cruise Line remains focused on delivering reliable and safe cruise experiences. The company maintains that the proactive management of ship maintenance schedules, along with transparent communication to guests, is essential to upholding the standards expected in the modern cruise industry.