Carnival Liberty Sailing Cancelled Just Two Weeks Before Departure

If you were getting ready to set sail on Carnival Liberty from New Orleans this July, you might want to check your inbox. Carnival has just cancelled the ship’s 7-night Bahamas cruise departing 7th July and passengers are only finding out now.

What Happened and Why

The issue began in Cádiz, Spain, where Carnival Liberty was undergoing scheduled dry dock work. Just days ago, a labour strike hit the shipyard, halting progress entirely. With the schedule thrown into disarray, Carnival had to relocate the ship to another yard in Marseille, France, to complete the refurbishments.

Unfortunately, the change of facilities means the ship won’t be ready in time for its next sailing. In an email sent to booked guests on 23rd June, Carnival confirmed the delay and announced the cancellation.

The affected cruise was a 7-night roundtrip sailing from New Orleans, originally scheduled to depart on 7th July 2025. The itinerary included stops in Key West, Freeport, and Nassau — a classic summer escape to the Bahamas.

For many guests, this was the centrepiece of their summer plans. With only days to go, they now face the stress of finding alternatives or postponing their holiday entirely.

What Guests Will Get

Carnival isn’t just cancelling and leaving passengers in the lurch. All affected guests will receive a full refund, covering the cruise fare, port fees, taxes, and any pre-paid packages such as gratuities, internet, drinks, and excursions. Best of all, it’s automatic – no forms, no phone queues.

The refund will be returned to the original form of payment, offering at least a small consolation for those caught off guard.

Carnival’s Compensation Offer

To make up for the disruption, Carnival is also issuing a 100% future cruise credit (FCC), equal to the value of the cruise fare. This is in addition to the refund, effectively giving guests a free cruise to use at a later date.

The FCC can be redeemed on any ship, itinerary, or sailing date, not just on Liberty. Guests have until 30th June 2026 to use it, providing ample flexibility to rebook a future trip.

What’s Going On With the Ship

Carnival Liberty, a 110,000-gross-ton Conquest-class ship, last went into dry dock in October 2021 for a routine update that included Carnival’s red, white, and blue hull livery. This latest refurbishment is more extensive, though specific upgrades haven’t been disclosed.

Typically, dry docks of this nature include technical improvements, updated cabin furnishings, refreshed public areas, and enhanced dining or entertainment venues. The ship is now expected to return to service on 14th July 2025 for a Western Caribbean cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

The Bigger Picture

There’s never a good time for a cruise cancellation, but two weeks before departure, right in the middle of summer? That stings. Many guests will have already paid for flights, booked hotels, or taken time off work.

It’s also an awkward moment for Carnival, which is already dealing with pushback over recent changes to its loyalty programme. Still, the company’s offer of a full refund plus a flexible FCC shows a commitment to doing right by their guests.

What to Do Next

If you were booked on the cancelled cruise, you don’t need to lift a finger. Refunds are being processed automatically, and the FCC will appear in your account. If you have questions or need help with rebooking, Carnival suggests contacting them directly or speaking to your travel advisor.

While it’s undeniably frustrating, at least this cancellation comes with a silver lining — a chance to rebook on your terms, with a future cruise credit in hand.

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