Published on
December 17, 2025
Carnival Firenze’s departure from Long Beach, California, on the six-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera is currently postponed due to issues with the ship’s IT systems, which are beyond the company’s control. The ship, which was supposed to leave on December 15, 2025, is still at the Long Beach dock, as there have been no changes to the schedule.
An itinerary change for stops like Cabo San Lucas for overnight stays is now in effect due to the changes. Because of the time limit on the schedule, it is assumed that San Marcos will be skipped per the latest updates. The ship’s crew is continuing to work on the technical issues so that all services will remain active, and activities will be onboard for all guests to have a good time.
IT Problems Stop Departure
IT problems have been preventing the Carnival Firenze from sailing as it lacks certain IT connectivity. Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald announced on social media that the team is working on the resolution. He assured the public that guests on the ship are having a good time. Although the crew is working on keeping services onboard steady as other staff are working on the resolution, indeed, many guests are not enjoying a cruise holiday as planned.
Effect on itinerary
Because of IT problems, the Carnival Firenze cruise departed late. As a result, the ship was told to remain docked in Long Beach for another night. Therefore, the cruise’s itinerary is modified. For the guests onboard, the cruise was supposed to sail to Ensenada, Mexico, as well as an overnight stop in Cabo San Lucas. Especially because of the delayed departure, the guests on board have no Ensenada to look forward to, and have been vocal about their dissatisfaction. To our guests onboard, the ship has no detailed navigation as to when more navigation info will arrive.
The Story of Carnival Firenze
The Carnival Firenze first joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2024. Before that, she was with Costa Cruises whom she sailed for three years. Firenze was initially built by Fin-Cantiere for Costa and came into service in 2021. This floatel was built to be part of Carnival’s Fun Italian Style fleet and is one of the first Italian-themed vessels to be part of Carnival Cruise Line.
The Firenze has a carrying capacity of 4.232 and is full of amenities and activities to serve the demands of a full and busy charter. She first sailed off the Western United States, hosting cruises to and from Long Beach, and began repositioning in South America in January 2027. This ship will serve the Caribbean from Miami for the 2027 spring season.
Guest Experience Amid the Delay
Even with all the technical difficulties, guests on board the Carnival Firenze still report having a great time. Crew members continue to serve guests, and the atmosphere is still positive. Passengers have said the delays have not ruined their overall enjoyment of the cruise to this point.
Carnival Firenze’s Future Itinerary Plans
Certainly, some disruption has happened because of the delays, but assuming the IT issues have been resolved, Carnival Firenze should return to its normal scheduled activities. Beginning early 2027, the ship will have new itineraries that include repositioning voyages to South America and then a Spring season in the Caribbean. This repositioning will be an opportunity for Carnival to expand Firenze’s offerings, providing guests with even more exciting future cruise possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Carnival Firenze’s unscheduled departure delay from Long Beach is unfortunate due to the impact on the ship’s ports of call and guests’ vacations. Nevertheless, the line is actively confronting the IT issues while officers and crew are doing their utmost to ensure the guests on board have the best possible vacation. The Firenze will continue to make valuable additions to the line’s cruises to South America and the Caribbean with the promising potential to offer guests even more happiness at sea, sailing new itineraries.