Hurricane Helene Disrupts Cruise Itineraries

Hurricane Helene is disrupting cruise schedules across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, affecting five major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Disney, Carnival, and Virgin Voyages. With winds expected to reach 115 mph, several ships have altered their itineraries to avoid the storm, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. Stay safe!

Helene is currently causing disruptions to cruise schedules. She is moving through the eastern Gulf of Mexico. She is heading toward Florida’s panhandle. Five major cruise lines have already modified their itineraries. These are Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages. The National Hurricane Center is predicting winds reaching up to 115 mph (Category 3). More adjustments are expected.

Royal Caribbean International has been hit hardest, with five ships changing course. Serenade of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas have rerouted from Mexico to the Bahamas. Mariner of the Seas skipped Cozumel and enjoyed a day at sea. Wonder of the Seas shifted to an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. It bypassed the scheduled Western Caribbean route.

MSC Cruises also made significant changes. MSC Seascape, departing from PortMiami, headed east instead of the planned Western Caribbean route. MSC Seashore extended her sailing by an extra day after leaving from Port Canaveral.

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy skipped Grand Cayman to avoid the storm, offering passengers an additional sea day for safety.

Carnival Cruise Line has altered itineraries for four ships: Carnival Valor, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Breeze. These ships will no longer call at Cozumel, with Carnival Horizon also skipping Grand Cayman in favor of Amber Cove. Carnival Paradise replaced Cozumel with Costa Maya, while Carnival Valor spent a sea day.

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady bypassed Cozumel and will now stop in Puerto Plata.

Helene is projected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast late Thursday. It is potentially becoming the strongest storm to hit the U.S. in over a year. If it reaches hurricane status, it will be the fourth to do so in the U.S. this year.

While itinerary changes are inconvenient, we applaud all cruise lines for prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. To those in Helene’s path, stay informed and take necessary precautions!