Hurricane Helene has made landfall in Florida as a category 4 hurricane, bringing deadly storm surges, flooding, and 140 mph winds. It is causing major havoc on cruises. Due to numerous port closures in Florida, multiple cruise ships are left stranded at sea because they have nowhere to dock. They are sailing aimlessly, waiting for cruise ports to open.
Which Cruise Ports Are Closed?
Hurricane Helene has closed three major cruise ports in Florida: Jacksonville, Tampa, and Port Canaveral. Both Tampa and Jacksonville ports have been closed since Wednesday night (September 25th), and Port Canaveral has been closed since Thursday (September 26th).
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.
Carnival Cruise Ships Stranded
Multiple carnival cruise ships have been left stranded at sea. They are sailing safely from the storm and awaiting clearance to return to their homeport.
Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation is currently stranded at sea, waiting for the reopening of Jacksonville Port. It is sailing near Jacksonville, at a safe distance from the storm. Carnival is aiming for a return on September 27, but it may be pushed to September 28. As a result, the upcoming sailing of Carnival Elation will be postponed and will not depart as planned. Passengers on the cruise are encouraged to keep an eye out for text alerts from Carnival Cruise. If you want to receive Carnival Cruise text alerts, you can sign up by texting CCL1 or CRUISE to 278473.
Carnival Paradise
Carnival Paradise is stranded at sea and waiting to sail back to Port Tampa. It is sailing at a safe distance away from the storm but in position to sail back. Carnival expects the return to be on September 28. Aside from a delay, Hurricane Helene has caused Carnival Paradise to change its scheduled stop from Cozumel, Mexico, to Costa Maya.
Due to the Tampa port closure, the next sailing of Carnival Paradise will also be delayed. Passengers should anticipate receiving text alerts regarding the delay. To receive Carnival Cruise text alerts, simply send a text with CCL2 or CRUISE to 278473.
Carnival Glory
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.
Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas has been stranded at sea, waiting for Port Tampa to reopen. In addition to the delay, the ship altered its course to the Eastern Caribbean, replacing Cozumel and Costa Maya with stops at Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas.
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.
Disney Wish
Disney Wish is also awaiting for Port Canaveral to reopen. As a result, it will delay the departure of the next Disney Wish sailing.
What Happens When Cruise Ships are Left Stranded at Sea?
Safety is a priority. When a hurricane is forces port closure, the captain will reroute and sail to calmer waters, positioning it to easily return to the port once it reopens.
The cruise line will do everything possible to make it comfortable for you while you are left stranded on the ship. The cruise director will organize a variety of onboard activities to keep you entertained. Additionally, some cruise ships may offer complimentary WiFi to all passengers, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family. In some cases, beverage packages may also be extended at no extra charge.
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 excursions 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 navigate at a distance from the storm, you may still experience the impact of stormy weather and rough seas. Bring anti-seasickness medication and wear anti-seasickness wristbands to combat seasickness! If you are going on a cruise with kids, make sure you bring chewable meds.
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
Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know
12 Things to Bring from Home to Save Money on Your Cruise
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