Thousands of Carnival passengers were stranded overnight in the Port of Long Beach as the ship’s crew worked to resolve ongoing “connectivity issues” that prevented the vessel from departing as scheduled.
The 6-night cruise was originally set to sail on December 15, with planned stops in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. However, the extended delay forced Carnival to remove Ensenada from the itinerary at the last minute.
The technical issues disrupted several onboard systems, including the internet, HUB mobile app, power outlets, digital screens, stateroom phones, and televisions. Additionally, because Carnival Firenze remained docked in California overnight, the ship’s casino was closed.
Read more: Carnival ship is stuck in port while it solves "connectivity issues"
Frustrated guests took to social media with complaints. Not only was the ship's atmosphere not as lively as Carnival typically promises, but many were upset with the cruise line's compensation offer.
According to a TikTok posted by Sharvon, guests were only offered $100 in onboard credit per stateroom (not per person) for the inconvenience.
"Our team is prepared to make sure that you have a terrific time," said a crew member during a public announcement on Dec. 16.
"[W]e know that you were incredibly looking forward to this holiday season cruise... [and we] will be providing a $100 per stateroom onboard credit since we will be missing Ensenada," they continued.
The post quickly flooded with comments mocking the pathetic offer.
"$100 per stateroom is weak," wrote Big_Dawg.
Ginger_Snaps agreed, adding, "Each [stateroom] can have 2-4 people, $100 per room is crazy. Ain’t enough to buy 4 souvenir cups in the gift shop."
"They should refund what you paid for that day because technically you were not cruising that day so if it was a five day cruise, you’re only getting a four day cruise so I’d wanna be compensated for that day that we didn’t get to cruise," said sanch03.
Others defended the cruise line, saying that they were not required to give any compensation to the impacted guests.
"They’re not obligated to give compensation. Issues happen and technical difficulties arise. They can’t sail if their communications are down, it’s literally so unsafe. The fact that they have anything is nice," explained Taylor Villalobos.
Macsid commented, "They owe them nothing. Read the contract! They do everything to keep them safe. Be appreciative of that!"
Carnival Firenze finally set sail on Dec. 16 around 1:00 p.m. PST, nearly 24 hours after the original departure time.
Carnival Firenze joined Carnival's fleet in 2024
The ship started her career in 2020 as Costa Firenze for the Italian cruise line Costa Cruises. However, in June 2022, Carnival Corporation announced that Costa Firenze, along with Costa Venezia, would be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Firenze officially joined Carnival's fleet in May 2024 after a 42-day refit to bring iconic Carnival features aboard the ship.
Both operate as "Costa by Carnival" ships for the North American brand, which blends Carnival's signature "FUN" ship atmosphere with an Italian flair and is marketed as "Carnival Fun Italian Style."
Read more: I paid $846 for a cabin with 2 beds and no window on Carnival Firenze
Carnival Firenze measures 135,156 gross registered tons (GRT) and is 1,061 feet in length. The ship can accommodate up to 4,126 guests and is operated by 1,425 crew members.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
