Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Alter Itineraries in Response to Approaching Storms

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Here we go again! As the end of a challenging hurricane season approaches, three potential storms are developing in the Caribbean Sea, already affecting cruise itineraries.

In response to this situation, Royal Caribbean is taking precautionary measures by re-routing its ships that are departing on voyages in the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. This involves the vessels Radiance of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas – with safety as a top priority.

The three cruises affected by the weather changes will modify their upcoming sailings, which are set to embark today and tomorrow (November 2-3, 2024). Additionally, there is another ship already well into its journey.

This evening, on November 2, Radiance of the Seas will embark on a week-long cruise to the Bahamas departing from Tampa, Florida.

The initial plan included stops at Bimini Islands, Bahamas; Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s exclusive island retreat in the Bahamas.

Nevertheless, the schedule has been completely revised to circumvent adverse weather conditions, with new destinations such as Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

“Together with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the severe weather along our planned route due to a developing storm system expected to bring stronger winds to the region, affecting our chosen ports and possibly making them hazardous to visit,” Royal Caribbean communicated to affected passengers.

Guests setting sail on Freedom of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida tomorrow, November 3, have likewise received notice via email.

Rather than completely overhauling the itinerary for the 6-night Western Caribbean voyage, adjustments are being made to the sequence of port visits. The Freedom-class cruise ship will now change the days it visits Labadee, Haiti, and George Town, Grand Cayman, while the last port of call, Falmouth, Jamaica, will remain the same.

As we enter November, the hurricane season is still ongoing. Global weather models are starting to align regarding the complex development of two weather systems in and around the Caribbean in the coming week. A current non-tropical disturbance is contributing to the adverse conditions.

In addition, travelers have noted changes to the itinerary for Vision of the Seas’ sailing that departed Baltimore on October 31. The ship is now set to include Port Canaveral while omitting stops in Nassau and CocoCay.

Brilliance of the Seas, currently on a 7-night western Caribbean cruise out of New Orleans starting November 2, is facing challenges due to a developing storm in the Southwestern Caribbean. As a result, the ship will skip its visit to Grand Cayman and instead make a stop in Belize.

Guests aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas are also experiencing turbulent weather during its 3-night cruise from Port Canaveral. However, as of now, there have been no confirmed changes to the itinerary. Recently, the large Oasis-class ship had adjustments made to its schedule, as reported by Cruise Hive.

Although three storms are currently forming in the Caribbean, they are not projected to be as severe as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which caused significant damage in Florida, cruise lines often prefer to avoid any unfavorable weather to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers.

Cruise ships are engineered to navigate through rough seas, equipped with stabilizing systems. Nonetheless, choppy waters can still lead to an uncomfortable experience, particularly for individuals susceptible to motion sickness.

Moreover, storm systems often exhibit unpredictability and can rapidly intensify – thus, it is wiser to remain in areas where the skies are clear and the waters are tranquil, prioritizing safety.

“While there is still uncertainty surrounding specific details (such as strength and exact location), the combination of weather systems over the next few days will affect Florida, The Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands with notably windy and stormy conditions this week,” Craig Setzer, Chief Meteorologist at Royal Caribbean, shared on X during the morning of Saturday, November 2.

As noted by the National Hurricane Center (NOAA), Subtropical Storm Patty is advancing across the northeastern Atlantic Ocean towards the Azores, bringing rainfall to Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba in the coming days.

Simultaneously, NOAA is keeping an eye on a developing storm situated just north of Puerto Rico in the Southwestern Caribbean Sea, which has an 80% likelihood of evolving into a complete cyclone within the next week.

There is a third disturbance forming near the Greater Antilles, but the existing trough of low pressure only has about a 10% chance of evolving into a cyclone. It is anticipated to either dissipate or be absorbed by another pressure system.

Nonetheless, any potential storms are unlikely to pose a significant threat – as the cooling water temperatures are hindering the development of dangerous hurricanes.

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30, suggesting that the most critical period is likely behind us.

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