The explanation for the fire is being investigated.
TAMPA, Fla. — Two upcoming cruises Carnival freedom were canceled after a part of the ship caught fire on Saturday.
Flames were reported within the ship’s exhaust stack at around 3:15 p.m. resulting from severe weather near the Bahamas. The cruise line says it’s investigating multiple eyewitness accounts of the lightning strike, however the explanation for the fire has not yet been confirmed.
It was originally thought that the fire wouldn’t affect the planned trip on March 25 Port Canaveralbut Carnival has since announced that each the cruise and the cruise scheduled for March 29 have been canceled.
“Unfortunately, the damage is greater than we initially thought and will require immediate repairs to stabilize the chimney,” the carrier said in an announcement. “The ship has been stabilized in time for the ship’s overnight return to Port Canaveral to disembark guests, and will then proceed to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin required repairs.”
All guests will receive a full refund and a “100% Future Cruise Credit” – a voucher that could be used towards future cruise purchases.
On Saturday, the ship’s salvage team worked to douse the flames while the ship’s captain steered the vessel into heavy rain to assist.
Part of the funnel fell onto one among the decks, but fortunately not one of the guests were injured. Two firefighters were treated for minor smoke inhalation.
The fire was extinguished at 5:20 p.m. and passengers were asked to steer clear of balconies and decks.
This is the second time the fire has impacted Carnival Freedom. The ship’s funnel caught fire in May 2022 while moored in Grand Turk.