Weather can be incredibly unpredictable and the Caribbean, having a tropical climate does suffer regularly from tropical storms & hurricaines. The latest one is Hurricaine Matthew currently whipping up a storm. Having suffered the tail end of Hurricaine Wilma myself a few years ago I know it can be quite a scary thing enduring extreme weather. That was on land in Cuba, so it would be even worse if you were at sea.
So far, four different cruise lines have had to make changes to itineraries. The changes are as follows:
Carnival Cruise Line has made changes to itineraries for several of their ships. Carnival Sunshine’s calls in Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk have been cancelled and replaced with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The cruise ship is scheduled to leave Miami, Florida on Saturday for a five night cruise.Carnival Splendor will sail a reverse itinerary and will now stop in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and then Cozumel. This six night cruise leaves from Miami, Florida on Sunday. Carnival Elation can cancelled port calls in Half Moon Cay and Nassau and will replace them with stops in Key West, and Freeport.In addition, Carnival Pride, Carnival Victory, and Carnival Ecstasy will all be swapping port stops away from the Bahamas. The biggest change is Carnival Pride which will now call in to New York City and Saint John, New Brunswick.
Disney Cruise Line has made one change to the itinerary for Disney Dream. The four night cruise will now stop in Cozumel, Mexico.
Norwegian Cruise Line has made one change so far due to Hurricane Matthew. Norwegian Sky will skip the Bahamas and will now stop in Key West and Cozumel.
Royal Caribbean made a few changes to itineraries. Enchantment of the Seas will now stop in Key West, bypassing stops in the Bahamas. Freedom of the Seas will now stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bypassing a stop at the cruise line’s private island CocoCay. Allure of the Seas will be sailing a reversed itinerary and will now stop in Cozumel first, and then Falmouth and Labadee.
Fingers crossed the itinerary changes will ensure everyone stays safe and hopefully the captains try & stay on the best course for people to make the most of their hard-earned holiday.