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Introduction
Carnival Legend, concluding its 7-day Bahamas cruise on March 31, 2024, had to divert its return to Norfolk, Virginia, instead of its scheduled Baltimore, Maryland, due to an unexpected bridge collapse at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which impeded access to Baltimore Harbor.
Details of the Incident
The alteration in the disembarkation point was necessitated by a maritime accident where a container ship collided with a support pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and obstructing the entry to Baltimore Harbor. In response, Carnival Cruise Lines arranged complimentary shuttle services to transport passengers from Norfolk to Baltimore, ensuring their convenience amid the unforeseen change.
Operational Context
This incident had immediate repercussions on the cruise line’s operations, prompting the rescheduling of Carnival Legend’s subsequent voyage to originate and conclude in Norfolk instead of Baltimore. Carnival’s proactive measures aimed to minimize disruption for passengers and maintain the continuity of its cruising schedule despite the logistical challenges posed by the bridge collapse.