Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Ship Briefly Lists on Mississippi River, Giving Guests a Scare

Image: Carnival Valor (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Image: Carnival Valor (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Wed August 19, 2026

Guests aboard a Carnival Cruise Line vessel recently experienced a scary moment.

Water spilled out of Carnival Valor’s pool and onto the deck while the 2,980-guest vessel was transiting the Mississippi River on its way back to New Orleans. The incident took place in the early morning hours of August 17.

One passenger caught the moment on video, writing in the caption that the ship’s captain “had to make a hard right turn because a cargo ship lost power and it was sitting there in the dark. He saw it at the last second.”

The passenger added: “It felt like the ship was gonna tip over.” 

The cruise line confirmed the incident in a statement, writing that the vessel “experienced a brief listing” but sailed on as planned afterward.

“Vessel movements of this nature can occur during normal navigation, and the circumstances are being reviewed,” according to the statement. “Our crew responded immediately, and medical assistance was offered and provided to a few guests who requested it. The ship continued operating normally, and the safety and well-being of our guests remains our highest priority.”


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