As Hurricane Helene grows stronger, it’s causing significant disruptions in the cruise industry. This has led to last-minute changes in itineraries, port closures, and numerous cancellations. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, MSC Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line are all being impacted.
Hurricane Helene Intensifies
Hurricane Helene is rapidly gaining strength and is expected to become one of the season’s most powerful storms. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for residents of Florida’s Big Bend Coast and the West Coast of the Florida Peninsula, cautioning about potentially deadly storm surges reaching heights of up to 20 feet.
Additionally, there is a significant threat of catastrophic hurricane-force winds affecting the Florida Big Bend region, northern Florida, and South Georgia. Flash floods and urban flooding are also major concerns.
The western Caribbean will experience severe storm conditions with heavy rain, while Western Cuba and the Northeastern Yucatan Peninsula may face significant flooding.
Tampa and Jacksonville Port Closures
Two ports in Florida have closed due to Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Coast Guard placed the Port of Jacksonville on hurricane watch and closed it on Wednesday night (September 25). Port Tampa has also been closed since September 25.
The U.S. Coast Guard implemented Port Condition “ZULU” to signify the closure due to the anticipation of sustained gale-force winds within the next 12 hours. All incoming and outgoing vessels are canceled, and port operations are halted until further notice.
Port Canaveral Port Closure
Port Canaveral has followed and closed since Thursday (September 26th).
Royal Caribbean Itinerary Changes
Due to Hurricane Helene, Royal Caribbean’s cruise itineraries have been adjusted. The Grandeur of the Seas, which set sail from Tampa on Monday, will now head to the Eastern Caribbean, making stops at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas instead of Costa Maya and Cozumel.
The Mariner of the Seas, which departed from Galveston, Texas, on Saturday, will no longer visit Cozumel and will spend an extra day at sea.
The Independence of the Seas, which left Miami on Saturday, has changed its route to the Eastern Caribbean, replacing Cozumel with Nassau, Bahamas.
The Wonder of the Seas, originating from Port Canaveral on Sunday, will no longer visit Roatan, Costa Maya, and Honduras but will stop in St. Maarten and St. Thomas instead.
The Serenade of the Seas, which departed from Tampa on Sunday, has also altered its itinerary to the Eastern Caribbean, replacing Cozumel and Costa Maya with stops at Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas. Additionally, its return to Tampa will be delayed due to the hurricane and the planned closure of Port Tampa. As a result, the upcoming September 27 Serenade of the Seas sailing from Tampa is affected. Instead of departing on September 27, it will now depart on September 29 and will have a shorter sailing.
MSC Cruise Itinerary Changes
MSC Cruise has announced changes to two of its cruise ships. The MSC Seashore, which set sail from Port Canaveral on Sunday, will return a day earlier than planned, and the next departure will be delayed by one day.
Meanwhile, the MSC Seascape, which departed from Miami on Saturday, will no longer stop at Falmouth, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. Instead, it will include visits to Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Additionally, a visit to Nassau will be added, and there will be one less day at sea.
Carnival Cruise Line Itinerary Changes
Five Carnival Cruise ships have been affected. Carnival Horizon, which set sail from Miami on Sunday, will no longer make stops at Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Instead, it will visit Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
Carnival Paradise will skip its scheduled visit to Cozumel, Mexico, and will instead stop at Costa Maya. The ship departed from Tampa on Saturday. Due to the port closure in Tampa, its return will be delayed, and it is expected to arrive on September 27 or later. Consequently, the next sailing of Carnival Paradise will also be delayed, and passengers are advised to be on the lookout for text alerts. To receive Carnival Cruise text alerts, text CCL2 or CRUISE (278473).
Carnival Elation will also experience a delayed return to Jacksonville due to the port closure there. The ship is anticipated to return on September 27 or later. As a result, the next sailing of Carnival Elation will be postponed and will not depart as initially planned. Cruise passengers are asked to keep an eye out for text alerts from Carnival Cruise. To sign up for Carnival Cruise text alerts, text CCL1 or CRUISE (278473).
The Carnival Glory is currently sailing at a safe distance from the storm and is awaiting the reopening of Port Canaveral. Carnival hopes for a return on the afternoon of September 27. As a result, the upcoming sailing of Carnival Glory 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 CCL3 or CRUISE to 278473.
Meanwhile, Carnival Valor, which departed from New Orleans on Saturday, will skip its Cozumel stop. The ship is currently sailing at a safe distance from the storm and is expected to return to New Orleans as scheduled.
Carnival Breeze, which departed from Galveston, skipped Cozumel and is hoping to visit Progreso.
Disney Cruise Line Itinerary Changes
Disney Cruise Line has two affected ships. Disney Fantasy, which departed from Port Canaveral on Saturday, will skip its stop at George Town and have an extra sea day instead. Disney Wish is awaiting for Port Canaveral to reopen. As a result, it will delay the departure of the next Disney Wish sailing.
Tips for Sailing During Hurricane Season
If you have a cruise booked during hurricane season, here are some tips. Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Don’t book Non-Refundable Shore Excursions
You never know if your cruise will skip ports. It’s safest to book shore excursion directly from the cruise so you can get a full refund if cruise ports are canceled.
Buy Travel Insurance
It’s worth it to buy travel insurance if you are cruising during hurricane season. You just don’t know what will happen and you want to make sure you get reimbursed for travel delays and cancellations.
Opt-In to the Cruise Line’s Text Messages
It’s smart to sign up and opt-in to the cruise line’s email and text notifications. You want to make sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding your cruise.
Bring Anti-Seasick Medicine
Even though the captain will sail at a distance from the storm, you may still experience the impact of stormy weather and rough seas. Bring non-drowsy anti-seasickness medication (don’t forget chewables for kids). For a natural alternative, wear anti-seasickness wristbands to combat seasickness!
Bring Extra Prescription Medicine
You never know if your cruise will be delayed due to a hurricane, potentially leaving you stranded on the cruise. Make sure you bring extra prescription medication for a few days to a week, just in case. Check out 36 Essential Things to Pack When Going on a Cruise During Hurricane Season
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