Hurricane Helene is gaining strength, prompting the US Coast Guard to shut down Port Tampa and the Port of Jacksonville in Florida. As a result, some Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise itineraries are being disrupted and changed at the last minute, and sailings are also getting delayed.
Cruise Lines Impacted by Florida Port Closures
The closure of the Tampa and Jacksonville cruise ports due to Hurricane Helene is affecting two major cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Not all, but some Carnival cruise ships and Royal Caribbean cruise ships are being delayed due to the port closures.
Port Tampa Closure
Hurricane Helene is quickly intensifying and is forecasted to become one of the strongest storms of the season. Port Tampa has been shut down by the US Coast Guard since Wednesday night (evening of September 25).
Jacksonville Port Closure
The Port of Jacksonville is also being impacted by Hurricane Helene. On Wednesday night (September 25), the U.S. Coast Guard put the Port of Jacksonville on hurricane watch and closed it.
Hurricane Helene Intensifies
Hurricane Helene is quickly getting stronger and is forecasted to make landfall in Florida, Georgia, and possibly as far north as the Carolinas. Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for residents of Florida’s Big Bend Coast and the West Coast of the Florida Peninsula, advising them to be cautious of potentially life-threatening storm surges reaching heights of up to 20 feet. There is also a significant risk of extremely powerful hurricane-force winds impacting the Florida Big Bend region, northern Florida, and South Georgia. Flash floods and urban flooding are also a major concern.
Western Caribbean and Mexico Affected
Hurricane Helene is impacting islands in the western Caribbean. Severe storm conditions and heavy rain are expected in the western Caribbean, while significant flooding is forecasted in western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Check out Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know
Carnival Paradise
Hurricane Helene has caused Carnival Paradise to change its scheduled stop from Cozumel, Mexico to Costa Maya. The ship left Tampa on Saturday. Due to the closure of the port in Tampa, its return will be delayed, and it is expected to arrive on September 27 or later. As a result, the next sailing of Carnival Paradise will also be delayed, and passengers should expect to receive text alerts. To receive Carnival Cruise text alerts, send a text with CCL2 or CRUISE to 278473. Check out 11 Mistakes People Make When Cruising During Hurricane Season
Carnival Elation
The current sailings of Carnival Elation are being affected by Hurricane Helene. It will be delayed in returning to Jacksonville due to the port closure. It is expected that Carnival Elation will return on September 27 or later. As a result, the upcoming sailing of Carnival Elation will be delayed and will not depart as originally scheduled. Passengers on the cruise are advised to watch for text alerts from Carnival Cruise. If you wish to receive Carnival Cruise text alerts, you can sign up by texting CCL1 or CRUISE to 278473. Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise
Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas
The closing of Port Tampa due to Hurricane Helene has affected Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. After leaving Tampa on Sunday, the Serenade of the Seas changed its route to the Eastern Caribbean, swapping Cozumel and Costa Maya for stops at Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas.
Plus, the ship’s return to Tampa will be delayed due to the hurricane and the closure of Port Tampa. This means that the upcoming September 27 Serenade of the Seas sailing from Tampa will be impacted. Instead of departing on September 27, it will now depart on September 29 and will have a shorter sailing. Check out 36 Essential Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise During Hurricane Season