Nor’easter Strands Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship at New Jersey Port

A nor’easter has left the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, stranded at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. A state of emergency was declared late Saturday, and closures of beaches and ports remain in effect. Initially, the cruise ship was supposed to embark for the Bahamas over the weekend, but worsening weather conditions made it impossible.

Elaine McElroy from Easton, who was on board, mentioned that while the weather was pleasant during the cruise, they were alerted to the impending storm on their way back. What initially raised her concerns were hurricanes forming in the Caribbean, not the nor’easter that actually materialized.

As winds and dark clouds approached, safety measures were enacted, including closing pools and walkways. McElroy recalled turbulent conditions with waves reaching heights of 15 feet, noting that the ship was intended to dock at 7:00 a.m. Sunday, but early efforts were made to get passengers back by midnight to avoid the storm’s impact.

Her cruise concluded without incidents, but McElroy expressed sympathy for passengers on the scheduled trip after hers, which had to be postponed to Tuesday due to the storm. "It was in the 80s down in the Bahamas, now it’s cold here, so I really feel bad for them," she said, adding that some passengers had even ventured off the ship to purchase warmer clothing from nearby Costco.

Despite the difficulties encountered on this trip, McElroy compared it to a previous cruise experience during Hurricane Igor in 2010, indicating that this journey was still manageable by comparison.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.