Passengers booked on Carnival Paradise's November 9 sailing from Tampa will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay instead of Princess Cays. The cruise line notified affected guests of the port substitution, which takes effect on the ship's Thursday, November 12 stop. All other aspects of the 6-night itinerary remain unchanged, including the arrival and departure time at the private destination (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
The two islands sit only 15 miles apart in the Bahamas, so no adjustments to the overall cruise schedule were necessary. Carnival Paradise will now join two sister ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Elation, at RelaxAway on that date. Carnival Cruise Line provided no explanation for the change and has ruled out mechanical issues with the ship.
Guests who prepaid for shore excursions at Princess Cays will receive automatic refunds to their original payment method. Those planning activities at RelaxAway can browse tour options through Carnival's website before departure or book onboard at the Carnival Adventures desk on Deck 7. The company operates both private destinations as part of Carnival Corporation's portfolio of cruise brands, which streamlines logistics for such adjustments.
Minor itinerary tweaks like this are routine in the cruise industry. Sailing routes are planned more than a year ahead, leaving room for port maintenance, dock repairs, and scheduling refinements. For Carnival Paradise passengers, the swap represents a minor inconvenience but not a loss. Both destinations offer the same beach and resort amenities that define private island stops across the Caribbean fleet.
Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (August 25, 2026).
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