Carnival Pride accidents and incidents

18 July 2023Propulsion / Power Loss

On the evening of July 18, 2023, soon after leaving Port Kiel (Germany) en route to Sweden (Goteborg), the ship suffered a propulsion issue impacting the max speed. The problems resulted in loud noises and reduced speed.

As result, the current itinerary was changed (the last call port - Goteborg - was canceled) and the ship returned back to Kiel where docked in Ostuferhafen for emergency repairs. Arrangements were made all passengers to return home from Germany.

All pre-purchased through CCL shore excursions for Goteborg, as well as all pre-paid taxes and port fees were fully refunded. As compensation, all passengers received a 1-day prorated refund of the cruise fare, a 25% in FCC/future cruise credit plus US$100 in OBC/onboard credit per stateroom.

The accident occurred during the 12-day "Europe Cruise" (itinerary July 9-21, roundtrip from Dover, England UK) with call ports in Denmark (Copenhagen/Jul 11), Germany (Warnemunde-Rostock/Jul 12), Estonia (Tallinn/Jul 14), Finland (Helsinki/Jul 15), Sweden (Nynashamn/Jul 16), Germany (Kiel/Jul 18, port stay 7 am - 4 pm) and Sweden (Goteborg/Jul 19, canceled).

The next scheduled voyage (9-night "Europe Cruise" (itinerary July 21-30, Dover roundtrip) was first canceled but soon modified to a shorter itinerary. The modified itinerary (6-day Dover roundtrip, July 24-30) had two canceled ports in Scotland (Leith-Edinburgh/Jul 23, and Kirkwall/Jul 24) while the other remained as scheduled - Stornoway (Scotland/Jul 25), Belfast (Northern Ireland/Jul 26), Holyhead (Wales/Jul 27) and Cobh-Cork (Ireland/Jul 28).

On July 19th, when the cancelation was made, CCL announced that all impacted tourists who were not in Europe at the time will be automatically refunded (100% of their fare, taxes, port fees, pre-paid shipboard amenities), and additionally to receive a 100% FCC/future cruise credit. All/if any airline cancellation fees will be reimbursed by CCL. Passengers who were already in Europe will be fully refunded, reimbursed for a 2-night hotel stay (up to US$300 per night) and also will receive US100 per person per day for food expenses.

On July 21st, when the itinerary change was announced, CCL said that passengers choosing to take the adjusted cruise will receive a 3-day pro-rated refund, including compensation for prepurchased items (like beverages and Wi-Fi packages) plus US$500 per person in OBC. For passengers already in Europe, CCL reimbursed hotel stays until Jul 23rd (up to US$300 per night) and provided US$100 per day for food expenses. For passengers who have not yet traveled to Europe, CCL covered any airline change fees required for their new travel plans. Passengers who opted not to sail on the modified voyage received a full (100%) refund of their payment plus a 100% FCC.

According to CruiseMapper's satellite AIS data/tracker, the vessel remained in Port Kiel on July 18th between 03:45 and 14:32 UTC and returned back for repairs on July 19th at 16:18 UTC. The ship left Kiel on July 22nd (at 11:59 UTC) and arrived in Dover on July 24th (at 03:56 UTC).

Carnival Pride was mastered by Captain Renato Bendinelli.

Note: Carnival Pride was drydocked for a month in 2023 (April 28 - May 27, at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz Spain) for an extensive refit and refurbishment.

16 January 2020Coast Guard Medevacs

On January 16, 2020, a 34-year-old male passenger was medevaced from the ship navigating approx 370 km (230 mi) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The man was airlifted by a USCG helicopter crew and flown to San Juan's Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital.

The incident occurred towards the end of 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise (itinerary Jan 5-19) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore Maryland and visiting Cockburn Town (Grand Turk Island), Oranjestad (Aruba Island), Willemstad (Curacao Island), Fort-de-France (Martinique), Basseterre (St Kitts Island) and Road Town (Tortola Island BVI).

15 December 2019Crew / Passenger Deaths

(CruiseMapper emailed report by Robin Shultz-Jones) I was on the Carnival Pride Dec 15-23 2019. There was a death of a woman from New Jersey in the VIP Players Club Group. Although I keep looking, I haven't been able to find any information on it. I was very sick upon returning home for several weeks with the same COVID symptoms she displayed before being found dead in her cabin. I believe it was COVID-19.

09 June 2019Other Incidents

On June 9, 2019, Port Baltimore and Carnival celebrated on Carnival Pride the "Decade of Fun" - cruise company's 10-year anniversary of homeporting operations from Baltimore MD. The festivities were attended by Christine Duffy (Carnival Cruise Line's President) and Cynthia Burman (Maryland Port Administration Baltimore's General Manager).

Carnival's first year-round homeporting program from Baltimore was launched in 2009, and by 2019 were carried 1+ million passengers.

21 January 2019Coast Guard Medevacs

On January 21, 2019, a 40-year-old female passenger (suffering from abdominal pains) was medevaced from the liner, approx 80 km (50 mi) southeast of North Carolina's coast (Cape Hatteras). The woman, her spouse and a crew nurse were hoisted by a USCG helicopter crew (dispatched from Elizabeth City NC) and flown to Morehead City NC, where were transported by an ambulance to Carteret Health Care.

The incident occurred at the beginning of 7-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary Jan 20-27) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD to Princess Cays, Nassau, and Freeport.

24 November 2018Other Incidents

On November 24, 2018, adverse weather conditions in the Atlantic forced the liner to reduce its max cruising speed. The result was delayed arrival (Nov 25) in homeport Baltimore MA - in the afternoon, instead of the scheduled 10 am. The next planned voyage was not affected.

The incident occurred at the end of 7-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary Nov 18-25) roundtrip from Baltimore to Princess Cays. Nassau and Freeport.

30 April 2018Coast Guard Medevacs

On April 30, 2018, two passengers (male and female) were medevaced from the ship off Virginia Beach VA. The 69-year-old woman suffered a heart attack, while the 56-year-old man suffered a seizure. USCG Sector Hampton Roads was contacted by the Captain at 2:30 am. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter team was dispatched from Air Station Elizabeth City and met the liner approx 9 ml (15 km) off Virginia Beach coast. Both passengers together with a crew nurse were hoisted and flown to SNGH (Sentara Norfolk General Hospital) in Norfolk VA.

The incident occurred during 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise (itinerary April 29 - May 6) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD to Grand Turk and Bahamas (Half Moon Cay, Freeport).

11 February 2018Coast Guard Medevacs

On February 11, 2018, a 71-year-old female passenger (suffering possible cardiac arrest) was medevaced from the ship approx 8 ml / 13 km off Point Lookout MD. The elderly woman was evacuated by a USCG 45-ft response boat crew (dispatched from Coast Guard Station St Inigoes (Maryland) and transported to MedStar St Mary's Hospital (Leonardtown MD).

The ship was on 7-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary Feb 11-18) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD.

30 January 2018Coast Guard Medevacs

On January 29, 2018, a 46-year-old female passenger (suffering a stroke) had to be medevaced by a USCG helicopter team dispatched from Air Station Savannah.. However, heavy fog and low visibility prevented the operation and her evacuation was done at ~7 am on January 30. The woman was transported to Roper St Francis Healthcare (Charleston SC). The ship was approx 15 ml / 25 km east of Charleston SC.

At ~11:30 am (January 30), the USCG received a second call by the cruise liner for a medevac of a 64-year-old female passenger suffering from severe stomach pains. She was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center (Savannah GA). The ship was approx 35 ml / 55 km east of Savannah.

Each of the women was hoisted (together with a crew nurse) and in stable condition transported to a hospital. The ship was en-route to Princess Cays (Bahamas) on 7-day Florida Bahamas cruise (itinerary Jan 28 - Feb 4) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD, also visiting Nassau and Freeport.

25 September 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On September 25, 2017, a 71-year-old male passenger suffering a heart attack was medevaced by a USCG helicopter team while the ship was approx 65 km / 40 mi east of Morehead City NC. The MH-80 helicopter was dispatched from Elizabeth City NC. The elderly man and a crew nurse were hoisted and transported to Vidant Medical Center (Greenville NC).

23 June 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On June 23, 2017, a 52-year-old male passenger with shock symptoms was medevaced by USCG MH-60 helicopter while the ship was approx 50 ml (80 km) east of St Augustine Florida. The man was flown to Jacksonville FL, then transported by an ambulance to UF Health Jacksonville.

22 April 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On April 22, 2017, a 58-year-old male passenger suffering heart attack was medevaced by USCG team (MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter) dispatched from Elizabeth City North Carolina. During the incident, the ship was east of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The man and a crew nurse were transported to Norfolk International Airport, then transported by an ambulance to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

24 December 2016Coast Guard Medevacs

On December 24, 2016, a 72-year-old female passenger was medevaced by USCG (Air Station Savannah helicopter crew) while the ship was approx 80 km (50 mi) east of Savannah (Georgia, USA). The elderly woman was suffering from acute pneumonia and reacting to the medical treatment at the ship’s infirmary. She was airlifted and transported via MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to Savannah's Memorial Hospital.

08 May 2016Ship Collision / Allision

(pier collision) On May 8, 2016, while docking in homeport Baltimore MD, the vessel crashed with the pier. It contacted a pier gangway (passenger boarding bridge) causing it to collapse (over 3 parked cars). Also, a mooring platform was damaged.

No injuries were reported. At the time of the incident, the gangway was not in use. The 3 affected vehicles belonged to port employees and were empty. The ship sustained minor hull damage and continued the current itinerary (7-day Bahamas) as scheduled.

The investigation report revealed that the ship approached the pier at a too-steep angle and also too fast. The price of damages caused was estimated at around USD 2,1 million. The incident report was released in March 2017 by the federal safety agency. It found the ship’s staff captain (2nd in command) erred while navigating the vessel. He recognized the problem, but his attempt to assume manual control failed. Prior to docking, the vessel was assisted by a harbor pilot (aboard) guiding it up the Chesapeake Bay and into Port Baltimore.

In the cruise company’s statement, the cause of the accident was “possible human error”. The ship’s Captain was faulted for “insufficient oversight during the maneuver”.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

27 March 2016Propulsion / Power Loss

On March 27, 2016, propulsion issues (unspecified) resulted in reduced cruising speed and several hours late arrival back to homeport Baltimore (on April 3). The accident occurred on a 7-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary March 27 – April 3) roundtrip from Baltimore MD.

The propulsion problem also caused a major itinerary change for the next scheduled 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise (itinerary April 3-10) from Baltimore. Two of the call ports (Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay) were canceled. The affected itinerary remained with two call ports in Bahamas – Nassau (April 6) and Freeport (April 7), with 2 additional sea days.

As compensation, passengers received a 50% refund, 50% future Carnival cruise booking discount, plus USD 25 in onboard credit. All booked passengers were given the option to cancel with full refund. The option also included nonrefundable airfare.

28 October 2015Ship Grounding

On October 28, 2015, while maneuvering for docking in call port King’s Wharf (Bermuda), the ship ran aground on a sandbar. The vessel was assisted by two tugboats. The incident occurred on day 3 of a 5-day roundtrip Bermuda cruise out of Baltimore MD (itinerary Oct 26-31).

On the following 8-day Baltimore to Bahamas cruise (itinerary Oct 31 – Nov 8), there were some problems with the ship’s water supply system. Incidents with the water running brown in cabins were reported, as well as bad vibrations and lower speeds.

26 September 2015Coast Guard Medevacs

On September 26, 2015, an 80-year-old female passenger was medevaced via a USCG helicopter. The woman was transported to Morehead City’s Carteret General Urgent Care. The incident occurred at ~3:15 pm, while the ship was on a 7-day Florida-Bahamas cruise (itinerary Sept 20-27) from homeport Baltimore MD with call ports Port Canaveral, Nassau, Freeport.

17 September 2015Fire Accident

On September 17, 2015, the vessel experienced an engine room fire, affecting one of its main marine diesel engines (number 1). Unofficially, a crew described the incident as “explosion” of the engine. According to the shipowner’s official statement, the accident was caused by a “mechanical failure” of a diesel generator, and the smoke activated the fire suppression system.

The CCTV camera footage showed there was only smoke in the engine room (not an actual fire). No injuries were reported. The ship didn’t lose power, and its propulsion was not affected. All passenger services and all systems remained operational and fully functional.

The accident occurred at ~1:15 am (Sept 17), while the ship was en route from Grand Turk to the Bahamas on a 7-day Caribbean cruise (itinerary Sept 13-20) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD with call ports Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay (Bahamas private island, Sept 17) and Freeport Bahamas. The itinerary remained as scheduled.

06 July 2015Coast Guard Medevacs

On July 6, 2015, while the ship was approx 200 ml (320 km) east of Wilmington NC, a 77-year-old female passenger suffered a stroke and had to be medevaced. A USCG helicopter (MH-60) arrived on the ship and hoisted her, along with a family member and a crew nurse. The woman was transported to Vidant Medical Center (Greenville NC).

09 May 2015Coast Guard Medevacs

On May 9, 2015, a 47-year-old male passenger was medevaced (airlifted) via USCG MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter dispatched from Elizabeth City NC. The man was flown to Carteret General Hospital (Morehead City NC).

30 March 2014Structural and Technical Issues

On March 30, 2014, while on a 7-day Bahamas cruise from Baltimore, the ship experienced an electrical transformer malfunction. This mechanical issue resulted in reduced cruising speed and Itinerary changes. The next 3 scheduled itineraries (departures March 30, April 6 and 13) were also changes. Call port Freeport Bahamas was skipped as all repairs took place on the ship during those voyages.

As compensation, all March 30 passengers were given US$50 in onboard credit plus 25% future Carnival cruise booking discount. Passengers on the next two voyages were compensated with 25% future Carnival cruise discount. A full refund was offered for those willing to cancel their bookings.

19 April 2012Crew / Passenger Deaths

On April 19, 2012, a female passenger died onboard while the ship was docked in Half Moon Cay (Bahamas private island). The woman just returned from a Carnival-sponsored shore excursion (Snorkeling Tour) when suddenly collapsed suffering heart attack. The ship’s lifeguards performed CPR and carried her to the onboard hospital via stretcher.

04 April 2012Crew / Passenger Deaths

On April 4, 2012, a 17-year-old male passenger died after participating in a Carnival-sponsored shore excursion in Grand Turk. Departure was delayed by ~1 hour as the ship’s medical staff was ashore. The boy was traveling together with his family. He was diving with a group of 16 other cruise passengers and 2 dive instructors. The boy was first treated at a local hospital, then flown to a US hospital where he died.

26 March 2012Crew / Passenger Deaths

On March 26, 2012, a male passenger died onboard from a cardiac arrest (heart attack). The man was medevaced by USCG assets to a land hospital, where was declared deceased. Documentation showed a preexisting heart condition.

05 November 2011Fire Accident

On November 5, 2011, a small fire broke out in the “Circle C” lounge (kids play area on Main Deck 4). The fire was caused by a short circuit in one of the TVs in the room. Two of the crew quickly put the fire out using fire extinguishers. The incident occurred just a few minutes after the kids' lounge was flooded with seawater. High waves crashed over the ship’s bow, breaking one of the windows in the room. All the TVs and other electrical equipment were doused.

30 March 2011Structural and Technical Issues

On March 30, 2011, at ~5:45 pm, while docked in Port Canaveral Florida for a day-long call port stay, 8 of the ship's the mooring lines (4 fore and 4 aft) parted due to heavy winds exceeding 80 mph / 130 kph. This put all the strain on the remaining mooring lines attached to capstans. Overwhelmed, capstan brakes failed on most ropes causing the vessel to drift off the pier. The officer in charge utilized all propulsion units (2 bow thrusters, 2 Azipods), plus the starboard anchor in order to control the ship.

Three tugboats were also assisting until the heavy wind subsided. The passenger gangway (telescopic bridge) was damaged. No injuries or pollution were reported. The incident occurred on a 7-day Florida Bahamas cruise from Baltimore MD.

27 January 2011Coast Guard Medevacs

On January 27, 2011, a male passenger with cardiac arrest was medevaced via USCG assets. The man (of Canadian origin) was transferred to Palm Beach Gardens Hospital for open-heart surgery.

01 May 2010Crew / Passenger Deaths

On May 1, 2010, a 71-year-old female passenger drowned during a sponsored by Carnival shore excursion in Freeport (Grand Bahama). The accident occurred at Deadman’s Reef (Paradise Cove). The woman (Carol Olson, from Baltimore MD) was participating in a 2,5-hour snorkeling excursion together with her husband and other (~70) tourists.

Investigation showed the excursion was pretty overcrowded, also including tourists from another excursion (previously canceled due to weather conditions). A strong current and rough sea were also reported, causing injuries to some of the participants (cuts and bleeding). The woman's body was noticed by another passenger to be floating in the water. Tour boat’s crew pulled her out not breathing and unconscious. Boat’s crew was not CPR-trained, so other passengers tried to revive her.

The boat had no working radio or any other communication equipment. After ~1 hour, a passenger got cellphone reception and called the cruise ship. The CPR was done ~1,5 hours later. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where was pronounced dead.

16 May 2009Fire Accident

On May 16, 2009, a company’s internal report mentioned a fire accident in the battery room. The fire was quickly extinguished by the crew, using a total of 35 dry extinguishers. The incident occurred while the vessel was en-route from Bahamas (Freeport) returning to homeport Baltimore MD.

04 July 2007Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On July 4, 2007, a 56-year-old male passenger was reported missing and presumed fell overboard. The ship was on a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise (itinerary (July 1-8) from homeport Long Beach CA, with call ports Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo. The man (of US origin) was last seen at ~1 am. The conducted search and rescue found the body on July 10, off of Puerto Vallarta coast.

09 June 2007Propulsion / Power Loss

On June 9, 2007, the ship experienced propulsion system issue (starboard Azipod failure) as the pod motor’s control board malfunctioned. The problem was solved underway, not affecting the cruising speed (and the itinerary).

04 February 2007Propulsion / Power Loss

On February 4, 2007, the ship experienced propulsion system (portside Azipod unit) and steering system issues (hydraulic oil leakage in the gear room due to a broken pipe). The incident resulted in highly reduced speed - 12 mph (19 kph) instead of 23 mph (37 kph), as well as a nearly 24-hour late arrival in homeport Long Beach CA.

The next scheduled itinerary was changed from 7-days to 6-days, dropping call port Puerto Vallarta Mexico and leaving from San Pedro CA instead of Los Angeles (Long Beach). As to compensations, all passengers received a 15% refund plus US$50 per person in onboard credit.

05 December 2004Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On December 5, 2004, a 37-year-old female passenger was reported missing while the ship was approx 30 ml / 50 km off the Mexican coast. She was presumed fell overboard. The search operation was unsuccessful in finding the body.