sailboat cruise stuart fl

• 772-779-CRUZ
• [email protected]

Offering our guests unique moments through the Catamaran experience

Are you looking for relaxing and comfortable catamaran tours in Florida? With Sea Blue Catamaran, you can enjoy the beauty and majesty of the Atlantic coast. Come and experience a sunset cruise based out of Stuart, Florida. Get in touch with us to visit tropical destinations at competitive prices. Our excursions will leave you wanting more of the relaxing and memorable experiences we offer. Our Yacht Charters in Stuart to the Florida Keys and Bahamas will help you make precious memories.  You won’t find a more enchanting or comfortable catamaran tour on the coast of Florida. Our catamaran cruises are packed with everything you need to enjoy the ocean vistas and have a great time. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, go fishing, have dinner, or visit any destination on the Florida coast, we’re here for you. 

Blue Sea Catamaran

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• 772-779-2789

Treasure Coast River Cruises

Boat cruises in stuart, florida, private & public pontoon boat sightseeing cruises.

Welcome to Treasure Coast River Cruises!   We offer both private and public boat cruises of the inland waterways near scenic Stuart, Florida.  We have 4 different private cruises - Stuart Sandbar, St. Lucie River, Sunset and Custom Charter Cruises, as well as weekly Stuart Public River Cruises!

Why Choose Treasure Coast River Cruises?

• Your cruise is our most important cruise!
• We're happy to accommodate special requests like an extended duration, a different route, pick up at your dock and more!
• Choose your cruise : Sunset , St. Lucie River , Sandbar , Custom Charter and our new Stuart Public River Cruises , so you can relax and see all of Stuart.
• We have two super clean, seriously comfy pontoon boats!   Our brand-new USCG inspected vessel, "Sweet Caroline" can hold private cruises of up to 12, and our smaller pontoon is great for private cruises of 2-6 passengers!
• All of our captains are experienced, knowledgeable US Coast Guard Master's certified captains and guides, so you can sit back and relax because your safety is our #1 priority!
• We've been awarded Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice Award every year since 2021, and we're a Better Business Bureau A+ rated business .

Our Cruises and Fares

All cruise fares are based on 2 hour trips.  Fares are: 2-6 passengers (private) - $270 flat fare; 7-12 passengers (private) or Stuart Public River Cruise - $45 per person.

Bring along any food or drinks that you’d like – we have water and ice on board – then sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery! You never know what you’ll see!

• Private cruises of 6 or less passengers and public cruises can be booked by clicking the Book Now button, or by calling 772-361-2968
• Private cruises of 7 or more , please call 772-361-2968 to book

Stuart Sandbar Cruise

Our most popular route for out of town visitors!  The Treasure Coast River Cruises Sandbar Cruise is a 2-hour adventure taking you to explore the sandbar island and sightsee along the Intracoastal Waterway near Stuart, Florida. This is an especially good cruise for kids because they can get their feet wet!

Departs Sandsprit Park in south Stuart

St. Lucie River Cruise

Take a trip back in time to Old Florida! Cruise the calm waters of the St. Lucie River, a lesser-explored section of the river, for a relaxing escape!  Wind your way through mangrove islands and keep a lookout for river wildlife on this surprisingly tranquil part if the river.

Departs Shepard Park in Stuart, just south of the Roosevelt Bridge

Stuart Public River Cruises are offered weekly; private St. Lucie River Cruise charters can be booked daily

Sunset Cruise

Relax and enjoy the day's end with family and  friends by cruising the waters, then watching a Stuart sunset from the boat.  You'll love how calm the river is at sunset. Key West's got nothin' on us!

Custom Charters

Need something special?  How about a half-day charter for a trip down the Intracoastal to Jupiter and back?

A three or four hour Sandbar Cruise ?  A surprise birthday celebration?  An engagement party? Pickup at your dock?  A small office gathering?  A family trip?  We have two boats and can accommodate up to 18 passengers between them!  Call us at 772-361-2968 to learn what we can do to make your occasion extra special!

" Sweet Caroline " is our newest addition; she was put into service in September, 2023.  She's 28' long and 11' wide with perimeter seating and a restroom onboard.

We affectionately call our original vessel " Benny" (short for Bennington).  Benny was the boat that we started with back in 2020.  Benny 21' feet long and the perfect size for groups of 6 or less!

Call Today! 561-801-0080

Sunsets / Dinner Cruises

The beauty of sun down, sunset sail, the treasure coast is known for its breathtaking sunsets., the sky lights up hues of blues, pinks purples and golden as the sun sets into the horizon. relax up on the bow of the sailfish as she sails you into a new day. .

There is no greater way to wind down your day than with a sunset sail on the Treasure Coast.

From the boat you get a different view of the beauty around. No 2 sunsets are the same!

The vibrant display of colors is captivating. The wind in our sails will take you away on this relaxing cruise. Have a snack and a sip as you let us sail around the gentle nature of the St Lucie waterways.

Full moons are one of the most sought after excursions!

Book a Sailboat Charter

Mini Cruise (2 hrs)

Half Day (3.5 - 4 hrs)

Full Day (7 - 7.5 hrs)

Clients say.

Ah-maz-ing, we had the best week! We had no idea how beyond perfect it would all be! The crew made it beyond our imagination!

The beauty of this company is its customization, this is not a cookie cutter experience.

Savitri Hook

Truly a life changing trip! I went on a Keys spearfish charter on the Sailboat. Erinn and Captain Matty made it the trip of a lifetime! Amazing food and well organized vessel! youtube.com/c/CaptainJackSpearo

Captain Jack Spearo

I must say we enjoyed my daughters 17th birthday with 2 of the most respectable people. Captain Mattey and Skipper Erinn showed us mad love, I highly recommend them!

Stacey Stallworth

Skipper Erinn Hennessy

Captain Mattie Duff

Captain Paul “Popeye” Jones

Paul has been sailing since 1979.  He owned a series of larger sailboats in the states and then owned a Moorings/Beneteau 432 charter boat based in Tortola British Virgin Islands for 8 years in the 1990’s. He traded time on it…

Captain Dave Bender

Rob Higgins

Welcome to Coastal Breeze River Cruises

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Coastal Breeze River Cruises Private River Tours on our Luxury Pontoon Boat

Coastal Breeze River Cruises offers a variety of different types of scenic river cruises along the Treasure Coast of Florida. From sunset cruises, Stuart Sandbar trips, sunrise cruises, date night cruising to local restaurants, and even a moonlight cruise. We have a river cruise on the Indian River Lagoon for everyone.

• Stunning River Cruise Views
• Premium Pontoon Boats
• Wildlife Viewing Excursions
• Quality Service Guaranteed

Priceless Experience

Cruise in Our Luxury Pontoon Boat Feel The Gentle Water Below As You Roll Along The Stuart Waterways.

Custom Packages

Journey With Us On The Jensen Beach Waterways Truly Experience All The Treasure Coast Has To Offer

Private Tours

Enjoy the beauty of Stuart and Jensen while we meander our way down local river filled with wildlife

Discover River Cruising

Our luxury pontoon boat.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. Visit the sandbar for an afternoon or take your date/partner on a romantic cruise before stopping for dinner any where in Stuart, Port Salerno, and Jensen Beach that has waterfront docking. We will come to you and pick you up where ever you would like us to meet you. Bring your own wine, beer, or alcohol to enjoy a nice relaxing river cruise along the waterways of the Treasure Coast. Pickup is at Sandsprit Park in Stuart unless otherwise arranged.

Sunrise Cruise

Enjoy Coffee and muffins while watching the sun rise on the intercoastal. This is our most peaceful, enjoyable cruise of all. Start your day enjoying the beauty that surrounds us. This is nature at it’s finest. The cruise is 1.5 hours.

Times vary so please call our office to book this cruise.

Cost: $175.00 per cruise 6 passenger limit

2 Hour Sandbar Cruises

Pick from one of our two hour cruises and enjoy Florida wild life. The shore birds which include Blue Herons, Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, and Cormorants are amazing. It is not unusual to see manatees, Dolphins, Otters and many other native animals. Our cruises include the North Fork, South Fork and Intercoastal. You do not have to pick which one at the time of reservation. Our Captain will tell you about each of the cruises.Times: 9:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00.

Cost: $250.00 per cruise 6 passenger limit

Custom Cruises

Call Coastal Breeze for a unique cruise and unforgettable memory. Whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or any other get together. Let us customize the cruise and make it special! See Manatees, Dolphins, Otters and many beautiful birds including Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, and Cormorants. Our cruises include the North Fork, South Fork and Intercoastal. You let us know the time. The cost will be determined at the time of booking.

Cost: To be determined at the time of booking

Sunset Cruise

Sunset Cruises are the perfect journey to celebrate your day by watching the sunset on the intercoastal. Watch daylight settle into night and see the shoreline sparkle with lights from every direction reflecting with the colorful Florida sunsets. It is truly magical! This cruise is one and a half hours long. Watch the wildlife come to life on the sunset Coastal Breeze River Cruise. Times vary so please call our office to book this cruise. The sunset cruise is 1.5 hours.

It’s a Date

Having dinner at a waterfront restaurant? After dinner grab your drinks and take a one hour cruise. Our Captain will pick you up at the restaurant where you can enjoy your drinks while watching the day coming to an end. What a relaxing ending to a wonderful evening! Romance on the water and night light sparkling brings you back to simpler times in our beautiful South Florida. Times can vary so let us know when you book the cruise. The total “It’s A date” cruise time is 1 hour.

Cost: $125.00 per cruise 6 passenger limit

Private River Tours

Coastal Breeze River Cruises offers Private River Tours for up to six people on our single Engine Luxury Pontoon Boat. We will meander our way down the St. Lucie River seeing all the wildlife that call this area home. There are thousands of species to discover! Coastal Breeze River Cruises is the perfect way to see our amazing waterways, rivers and inlets. Count how many unique species you see and you will be surprised!

Call Us Directly To Book at 772-259-0449

Questions About Our River Cruises?

Feel Free To Call 772-259-0449

Indian river lagoon cruises.

We offer private river tours for up to 6 people on a pontoon boat.  Enjoy the beauty of Stuart and Jensen Beach while we meander our way down the local Saint Lucie river and Indian River Lagoon seeing all the wildlife that calls this area home.

Stuart River Cruises | Jensen Beach Party Boat Day Cruise | River Boat Cruises Stuart | Stuart Party Boat Cruise | Stuart Fishing Party Boat

Coastal Breeze River Cruises

1820 NE Jensen Beach Blvd Suite 589, Jensen Beach, FL 34957

[email protected]

Copyright Coastal Breeze River Cruises © 2022. All Rights Reserved.

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Island Princess Cruises

Dear Patrons

We are now under new ownership and renovating the ship! We will be updating all of the cruising packages soon! While also monitoring all past and future emails and responding quickly! Thank you for your patronage and we hope to see you on a cruise soon!

Sail La Vie

Manatee, Dolphin, Wildlife and Sandbar Cruise,

Stuart and Fort Pierce, Florida

The ONLY Private Tiki Boat Around. Looking for Some FUN?  We can Help .  

Stuart / Port Salerno/ Fort Pierce

[email protected]

Thank you for taking the time to look at our site. My name is Captain Joe and Sail La Vie started in January of 2018. I am what is known as a Florida Cracker which means I was born and raised in Florida. In 1968 my mother and father moved to Boca Raton. Back then Boca Raton was much different than it is today. I grew up on the El Rio canal, a canal that separates Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach. My earliest childhood memories are that of walking up and down that canal for days on end turning over every pebble looking for creatures. Once I got a little older and could venture out a little more, I started riding my bicycle to the Boca Inlet. The inlet was pristine back then, no sea walls just a gentle slope to the shoreline. I would spend countless hours snorkeling and collecting fish for my aquarium. On the incoming tide you could stand on the shoreline and see right down to the center floor of the inlet. It was an absolutely perfect place to spend summers, we were blessed and I couldn't think of a better place to grow up. As I grew older Boca seemed to change so I decided to move north to find the old  Florida charm I was used to. Eventually that led me to Palm City.  Known as the Treasure Coast, this area is full of magnificent waterways and it has been my pleasure showing people around and sharing this little slice of heaven.   Come by and see our tiki boats or, If you get a minute come say hi. If I am at the dock the cooler is open and the beers are on me.

I look forward to meeting you. 

Captain Joe

“All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea—whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came.” – John F. Kennedy

www.gosaillavie.com

 Captain Joe

561 628 6080 

Party Boat Cruises in Stuart, Florida

Pontiki stuart.

Come join us at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina!

Shaka - Private Charter

• Duration: Shaka is rented hourly all cruises begin with a 2-hour minimum.
• $40.00 per person, per hour. 7 person minimum weekdays 10 person minimum on weekends
• Additional passengers over 7  incur additional costs.
• Weekend cruises must book a 3 hour minimum to go to the sandbar.
• Automatic 20% gratuity added for charters over 3 hours and for groups of 20 or more. 
• Beverages included with the price of every ticket.
• If a charter is booked online the day before a charter runs please call the office to confirm your reservation.

Create the perfect day with a private charter aboard Shaka in Stuart Florida. This floating venue has all of the PonTiki amenities, including a bathroom, fantastic stereo, comfortable couches, and we can accommodate up to 41 guests. Book your charter today and plan the ideal beach party.

All private charters include a Captain and Mate.

PonTiki Cruises Stuart, FL

Why: because life is too short not to pontiki.

Evening Inlet Cruise

Family + Friends Cruise

Plan your next boat party.

Our PonTiki boats can provide the perfect venue for your special occasion.

Cruise in Paradise Rain or Shine PonTiki cruises up along the Jupiter Inlet, famous for its beautiful blue water & beautiful weather. If we happen to encounter a passing shower we have you covered. Our boats are equipped with state of the art eisenglass enclosures to keep passengers dry.

Weekly Public Cruises Bring your friends aboard one of PonTiki’s weekly public cruises. Remember, beer, wine, hard seltzers, along with breathtaking views of the Jupiter Inlet, are all included with your ticket!

Party in Style Company parties, team-building events, and client entertainment are better when you are on board PonTiki!

Birthdays on the Water Floating lily pads, tropical water, and sun. Loads of fun for kids! refreshments, music, and shade for the parents. That, folks, is what we call a win/win situation.

M A K E  Y O U R 

M  e  m  o  r  a  b  l  e, book a private cruise.

• Starting at $40.00 per person, per hour. 

5 Star Ratings On TripAdvisor!

“Amazing Afternoon”

The family had a great time on the PonTiki. The boat is new, roomy, and has a bathroom for the kids. Great way to enjoy Jupiter’s sun and water. Highly recommend and a must do for both locals and tourists!

“Fabulous time with Captain Chip”

We had a great time cruising at sunset with Capt Chip and celebrating a birthday. The staff was super friendly. Great music and fun time. He took great pics of us too, which was very appreciated. I would definitely do this again.

“Had a great time”

We went for a two hour sunset cruise with Capt Chip and had a great time. Chip was friendly, interesting, and made sure everyone had a great time. Beer and were readily available. We look forward to returning again!! Highly recommend.

"Captain Kirk and Greg!"

We had such a blast on PonTiki!! Captain Kirk and Greg were our crew. Greg was an awesome bartender and kept the drinks flowing! The area was gorgeous, and we stopped and at a couple of beautiful sandbars. It was a great value for what we paid that we even extended another hour! I would highly recommend it!

Find us at Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort

   in Stuart every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pontiki Stuart, FL

833-766-8454

[email protected]

555 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

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Treasure Coast River Cruises

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Treasure Coast River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was non-refundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multi-million-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European river boats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Ricks on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our pre-paid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no sea sick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the pre-boarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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Fire extinguished on Carnival Freedom cruise ship after witnesses reported possible lightning strike

Heath Barnes opened his book on the upper decks of the Bahamas-bound Carnival Freedom cruise ship in between bouts of rain.

But his relaxation Saturday afternoon was suddenly stolen with “the loudest thunder and lightning I have ever heard,” he told CNN.

Barnes, of Woodsboro, Maryland, went back inside and minutes later learned from his nephew and his nephew’s two friends, all 16, the ship was on fire.

“I thought they were giving me a hard time, but I got up and went out on the balcony and sure enough, the flames and smoke was pouring out of the tail,” said Barnes, who shared footage of the incident with CNN.

Cruise ship officials reported the fire broke out on the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. local time, according to a news release from Carnival Cruise Line.

Witnesses reported the ship may have been struck by lightning, but that has not been confirmed and the cause is still being investigated, according to the cruise line.

As the ship’s fire response team worked to extinguish the blaze, the cruise’s captain turned the ship toward an area of heavy rain to help put out the flames, the release states.

The fire appeared to be extinguished about two hours after it ignited. There were no reported injuries to guests, but two firefighting crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation, according to the cruise line.

The port side portion of the exhaust funnel fell onto deck 10 of the ship as a result of the fire, according to Carnival.

The ship was about 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, when the fire broke out. The blaze started as the ship headed to Freeport, the release said.

The cruise line said passengers were able to attend dinner as planned Saturday night.

The US Coast Guard has been notified about the incident.

Barnes said after the fire broke out, passengers were told to remain in their cabins until about 5:40 p.m.

This was his 18th Carnival Cruise trip.

“This was the most interesting one,” he said. “It’s not their fault, it’s Mother Nature.”

Carnival said later on Sunday it had completed a thorough assessment during the ship’s visit to Freeport and discovered the damage was worse than the cruise line initially reported.

The Carnival Freedom cruise trips originally scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, on March 25 and March 29 have been canceled to allow “immediate repair to stabilize the funnel,” the cruise line said in a news release.

“The funnel has been stabilized for the ship’s return to Port Canaveral overnight to disembark guests, and then it will go to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin the required repairs,” according to the updated release.

Carnival announced full refunds and future cruise credits for passengers scheduled to depart on the canceled cruises.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Carnival Cruise ship catches fire after possible lightning strike

The cruise line said damage to the ship is "more than we first thought" and will require immediate repair to stabilize the funnel. cruises scheduled to depart from port canaveral on march 25th and march 29th have been canceled..

Heath Barnes was a passenger on the Carnival Freedom ship when the boat's exhaust funnel caught fire during a thunderstorm. The ship is back at Port Canaveral for repairs. 

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Carnival Freedom ship caught fire Saturday near the Bahamas after passengers reported a lightning strike on the boat during a thunderstorm .

Carnival Cruise Line said the crew reported a fire on the port side of the ship's exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, sailing to Freeport after being unable to dock at Princess Cay due to weather conditions. 

"Our onboard team acted quickly to contain and put out the fire," Carnival Cruise Line said. "While we continue to investigate multiple eyewitness reports of a lightning strike, our technical team completed a thorough assessment during the ship’s visit to Freeport on Sunday."

LIGHTNING FATALITIES WERE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD IN 2023, SAFETY COUNCIL SAYS

Around the time of the fire, radar showed a storm cell over the area and a lot of lightning activity.

Radar at 3:15 p.m. on March 23 when a Carnival Cruise ship was possibly hit by lightning. 

(FOX Weather)

Multiple passenger videos show flames and dark smoke billowing from the exhaust funnel as rain continues to pour onto the deck.

Passenger Heath Barnes said the ship was supposed to dock at Princess Cay on Saturday about 9 a.m., but passengers were told that the boat would continue to Freeport due to strong winds . 

During the afternoon, the rain returned, and passengers reported hearing loud thunder and then seeing the smoke. Soon after, guests were told to remain in their cabins.

Smoke and flames coming from the exhaust funnel of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship on Saturday, March 23, 2024. 

(@breezebreeze_ via Storyful)

"Why is our tail on fire?" someone can be heard saying in the video recorded by Barnes. "That's not good, y'all."

On Monday, Carnival Freedom returned to Port Canaveral , where guests disembarked.

The cruise line said damage to the ship is "more than we first thought" and will require immediate repair to stabilize the funnel. Cruises scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on March 25th and March 29th have been canceled. All guests on the canceled trips will receive a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

FOX Business reported that the same cruise ship caught on fire in 2022 after being struck by lightning. 

Carnival Freedom cruise ship on fire

Video shows smoke and flames coming from the Carnival Freedom exhaust funnel on Saturday after a possible lightning strike. (video credit: Credit: @breezebreeze_ via Storyful)

Another video recorded on Saturday by X user @breezebreeze showed the fire on the ship.

"Carnival Freedom on fire AGAIN!!" they wrote on X.

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Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

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“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Travel | Carnival Freedom cruise ship suffers another…

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Travel | disney, florida settle lawsuits over tourism district, things to do, subscriber only, travel | carnival freedom cruise ship suffers another funnel fire.

The Port Canaveral-based Carnival Freedom just received its new funnel less than six months ago, but it has suffered more damage because of another fire on board this past weekend as it was sailing in the Bahamas.

Carnival reported the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel was damaged in a fire at 3:15 p.m. Saturday as it was about 20 miles off the coast of Eleuthera Island, Bahamas as it was heading to Freeport. The ship had skipped over a port of call at Princess Cay because of bad weather.

Carnival Freedom cruise ship having some minor issues pic.twitter.com/PDdZ89K6KE — Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) March 25, 2024

“The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames,” according to an update on X by the cruise line. “Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike and that is being investigated.”

This is the same ship that had its funnel burn away in 2022 to the point the ship had to sail without the iconic “whale tail” shape until it went in for a replacement last October during a dry dock in Spain.

Carnival Freedom Returns to Port Canaveral Following a stack fire March 23rd pic.twitter.com/ecVVjvvoHx — Jerry Pike (@JerryPikePhoto) March 25, 2024

“The captain has made multiple announcements to guests and crew and advised all but essential safety personnel to stay away from all open decks. There are no injuries. The port side portion of the funnel has fallen onto Deck 10 and the fire response is putting out the flames,” the line said Saturday.

At the time, the line also stated its sailings from Port Canaveral this week would not be affected, but both a Monday and Friday sailing have been canceled. Its next departure is not slated until at least April 4.

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