Cruise lines are modifying their itineraries in response to the projected path of Hurricane Helene, which is currently affecting the Gulf of Mexico. The Weather Channel predicts Helene will strengthen to a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida late Thursday.
Carnival Cruise Line has already altered the schedules of five ships, including the Carnival Paradise and Carnival Valor, both of which canceled stops in Cozumel on Tuesday. Additionally, the Carnival Breeze has canceled its Wednesday visit to Cozumel, as well as its planned stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
As Helene’s landfall is expected to impact Jacksonville and Tampa, future cruises on the Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise may also be subject to itinerary changes.
Royal Caribbean International is also adjusting routes for at least five of its ships, including the Wonder of the Seas. Originally scheduled for the Western Caribbean, this ship is now offering an alternate voyage to the Eastern Caribbean. The Serenade of the Seas, which departs from Tampa, is now rerouted to the Bahamas instead of the Western Caribbean.
Other Royal Caribbean ships, such as the Mariner of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas, have also had to cancel their planned ports of call in the Western Caribbean.
Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander canceled its stop in Key West on Wednesday and may also see its return to Tampa, initially set for September 29, delayed due to the storm.
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore, sailing from Port Canaveral, is expected to return to its homeport a day later than planned, now scheduled for September 27, because of Helene’s disruption.
Similarly, Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy, on a seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral, canceled its visit to Grand Cayman on Tuesday.
