Unfortunately, it is the peak of hurricane season and cruises are being impacted.
Just last week Hurricane Hilary forced changes to cruise itineraries in the Pacific and now Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia are looking to do the same in the Atlantic.
As of this morning, Monday, August 28, 2023, Hurricane Franklin was about 395 miles north of Grand Turk Island and 505 miles southwest of Bermuda and is predicted to strengthen to a category 4 hurricane. Tropical Storm Idalia is also strengthening. She is currently sitting in one of the warmest, deepest areas of the Caribbean that is known as a spot for strengthening storms. She is expected to make landfall Wednesday morning as at least a category 3 hurricane along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
In an effort to keep guests and crew safe, Carnival Cruise Line made some changes in itineraries that included Bermuda. Instead of visiting Bermuda, Carnival Magic will visit Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport in The Bahamas. Similarly, Carnival Legend will also now visit Nassau and Freeport in The Bahamas instead of sailing to Bermuda.
Disney guests aboard Disney Fantasy were told upon embarkation at Port Canaveral that due to Tropical Storm Idalia their Western Caribbean cruise had been changed to an Eastern Caribbean cruise. The guests were expecting to visit Mexico, Grand Cayman and Jamaica, but will now head east to visit Tortola and St. Thomas instead. Guests will still be able to enjoy Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas, as was originally planned.
While cruise lines never like to make these types of changes to their planned itineraries, they will always do what is necessary to keep the crew and passengers out of harm’s way. There are other cruise itineraries that could be impacted by the current weather conditions so be sure to stay in contact with your cruise line for possible changes or cancellations.