October 30, 2026 — Carnival Cruise Line has warned Galveston guests about road construction near its terminal, started marking the keycards of guests who prepay gratuities, and opened bookings for a two-ship Baltimore program in 2028–29.
Galveston construction advisory
In an October 27 advisory, Carnival warned of lane closures on Harborside Drive because of road work, which can slow traffic to Cruise Terminal 25. Sailings are not changing. The Texas Department of Transportation now expects the work to finish in early November.
| Ship | Departs | Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Breeze | Oct. 29, 2026 | 4 nights, Cozumel |
| Carnival Jubilee | Oct. 31, 2026 | 8 nights, Nassau, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key |
| Carnival Breeze | Nov. 2, 2026 | 5 nights, Cozumel and Progreso |
Parking Lots A and B have a free shuttle to the terminal; the Express Lot and SMP Garage do not. Guests must still keep their arrival appointment and board by the final boarding time. Carnival does not refund guests who arrive too late.
Gratuity stickers on Sail & Sign cards
Carnival has started putting a “Crew love” sticker on the Sail & Sign cards of guests who prepaid gratuities, and leaving a thank-you card in their stateroom. Brand ambassador John Heald confirmed the change by email, saying “we have only just started this.” The redesigned card arrived with the Carnival Rewards program on September 1, 2026.
Cruise Hive also reported that Carnival’s gratuity FAQ no longer includes a line, present in an August 26, 2026 archived copy, saying guests can adjust gratuities onboard. Current rates are $17 per person per day for standard staterooms and $19 for suites. Some guests have objected to the stickers, saying they single out those who did not prepay.
Luminosa joins Miracle in Baltimore for 2028–29
- Carnival Luminosa leaves Australia in March 2028, goes into dry dock and debuts from Baltimore in November 2028, sailing there through April 2029. Cruises run 7 to 14 days to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda, including 12- to 14-day Carnival Journeys to the Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Maarten).
- Carnival Miracle, which moves to Baltimore in November 2027, sails from there September 2028 to April 2029, with Bahamas and Bermuda trips and two Canada and New England cruises departing September 9 and September 23, 2028.
- Carnival Pride, half of the 2027–28 Baltimore pairing, is not on the 2028–29 schedule. No new home for it has been announced (TBA).
- Bookings are open now.
What it means for airline travelers
- Galveston: The port is served by Houston Hobby (HOU) and Bush Intercontinental (IAH), both a long drive from the terminal. With lane closures near the port, fly in the day before, especially if you are on standby.
- Gratuities: Budget $17 per person per day ($19 in suites). With the FAQ no longer mentioning onboard adjustments, ask Carnival how changes are handled before you sail.
- Baltimore: BWI Marshall is the main airport for the Baltimore terminal. For the 12- to 14-day Carnival Journeys, line up enough time off before booking.
Sources
- Cruise Hive — Carnival Breeze and Jubilee Guests Warned of Galveston Construction Delays
- Cruise Hive — Carnival Now Marks Sail & Sign Cards of Guests Who Prepay Gratuities
- Cruise Industry News — Luminosa Joining Miracle in Carnival’s 2028–29 Baltimore Program
- Cruise Hive — Carnival Luminosa Will Homeport in Baltimore After Australia Exit
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