Cruise Impacts from Franklin and Idalia

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Hurricane Franklin

Updated August 28, 2023

Hurricane Franklin, which was a Category 2 hurricane when we first published this article is now the first major storm of the 2023 Hurricane season.

 

Swells generated by Franklin are expected to begin affecting Bermuda by tonight. These swells are also likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions through the beginning of this week along portions of the east coast of the United States. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Hurricane Franklin	1100 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 ...FRANKLIN RAPIDLY INTENSIFIES INTO A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE... ...TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR BERMUDA... Additional strengthening is possible today, but gradual weakening is expected to begin later Tuesday.
WIND:	MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...145 MPH...230 KM/H
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... * Bermuda

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Tropical Storm Idalia

Tropical Storm Idalia is centered 70 nm ESE of Cozumel Mexico, moving E at 2 kt. Estimated minimum central pressure is 996 mb. Maximum sustained wind speed is 35 kt with gusts to 45 kt. Peak seas are around 10 ft. Idalia is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday. Heavy rainfall from Idalia is expected across the eastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. The heavy rainfall may produce areas of flash and urban flooding, as well as landslides, across western Cuba. Heavy rainfall is also likely to spread into portions of the Southeast U.S. by mid to late week. Minor coastal flooding is expected within the Tropical Storm Warning area over the Yucatan Peninsula in areas of onshore winds.

Tropical Storm Idalia	400 PM CDT Sun Aug 27 2023 ...STORM SURGE AND HURRICANE WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA GULF COAST...
WIND:	MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, including Cozumel * Pinar del Rio Cuba A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for... * Chokoloskee to Indian Pass Florida, including Tampa Bay A Hurricane Watch is in effect for... * Englewood to Indian Pass Florida, including Tampa Bay A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... * Isle of Youth Cuba * South of Englewood to Chokoloskee Florida * Dry Tortugas Florida.

Please read the latest HIGH SEAS FORECAST issued by the National Hurricane Center at website - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIAHSFAT2.shtml and the latest NHC Forecast/Advisory and Public

Advisory at www.hurricanes.gov for more details on Franklin and Idalia.

Several Cruise Lines have already made changes to their itineraries in anticipation of the approaching storms.  Cruise lines will take every precaution to protect passengers, crew, and ships from weather conditions.  When traveling during hurricane season, it is common to have modified itineraries.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

• NHC issuing advisories for the Atlantic on Hurricane Franklin and TS Idalia
• NHC issuing advisories for the Eastern Pacific on TS Irwin
• Marine warnings are in effect for the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean/SW Atlantic and Eastern Pacific

Click Here to Learn More

Royal Caribbean Itinerary Updates 
(click for latest)   


Royal Caribbean has multiple ships sailing toward the area of Tropical Storm Idalia, including Voyager of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas. As of now, however, there are no updates to the schedule announced by the cruise line.

Follow @JamesVanFleet or visit the Royal Caribbean Facebook page for frequent updates.

Disney Cruise Line Weather Alert (click for latest)
Disney Fantasy is scheduled to visit Cozumel tomorrow morning.
MSC Cruises

No announced schedule changes for MSC at this time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Weather Alert (click for latest)

Norwegian Pearl's itinerary calls for a stop in Bermuda, which will likely feel the effects of Hurricane Franklin.

Carnival Cruise Line Travel Alerts (click for latest)

Carnival Magic: Originally set to sail from Norfolk, VA to Bermuda on a six-day cruise, Carnival Magic will now instead sail to Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport to steer clear of Hurricane Franklin.

Carnival Legend: Similar to Carnival Magic, Legend was slated to sail from Baltimore on a six-day cruise to Bermuda. Instead, it will now visit Nassau and Freeport.

Virgin Voyages

Scarlet Lady is scheduled to sail from Miami to Costa Maya, which would put in in the path of Idalia.

If you are sailing this week or next, please consult with your travel agent or the cruise line's website for up to the minute information.  The information below was accurate at the time of publication.

Hurricane Season Dates 

Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th and also ends November 30th.
Make a Plan (FEMA) 

Read entire series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


If you live in, or plan to vacation in, an area where hurricanes are prevalent, please prepare in advance by reading our series.

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Preparing for Hurricane Ian

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Hurricane Ian

Updated 9/28/22

Hurricane IAN is predicted to become a major hurricane.   The second of 2022's Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed and is expected to strengthen. Hurricane Ian is projected to bring a perilous storm surge and winds as strong as 140 mph when it nears Florida's Gulf Coast in the middle of this week, the National Hurricane Center said on Monday. Ian is expected to remain at or near major hurricane strength as it passes near the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday and Thursday. 

State of Emergency Declarations

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all of Florida on Saturday in preparation for Ian’s arrival this week, encouraging all residents to make preparations ahead of its arrival. 

President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Florida on Saturday as Tropical Storm Ian gained strength and barreled toward the Sunshine State. The declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance. 

Airline Waivers

Due to Ian’s expected arrival, several airlines have proactively issued travel waivers for those that could be impacted for both Florida and other Caribbean airports. If you are traveling to the region this week, check with your airline for latest cancellations or flight changes. 

In addition to possible delays to ship departures, cruisers scheduled to sail out of the central Florida ports of Port Canaveral and Tampa this week could face flight cancellations and delays.

Cruise Line Changes

Cruise lines headquarters are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian and staying in contact with their ships and the National Hurricane Center to keep crew, passengers, and ships out of harms way. During hurricane season, it is common to see itinerary changes which can include shortening or lengthening of cruises, rearranging of ports, changing complete itineraries (eg. from Western to Eastern Caribbean), or any other minor modification necessary to maintain safety. In addition, they are providing the National Hurricane Center with data to help determine conditions in the region. As changes are announced, we will update this page.  

(see below for latest updates)

 

Port Conditions (explanations)

• Port Canaveral  (click for updates)

CONDITION "WHISKEY" - The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set hurricane condition "WHISKEY" for Port Canaveral: Sustained gale force winds are predicted within 72 hours. Port Canaveral is currently fully open and conducting normal Port operations. Please ensure your businesses and homes are clear of any debris that may become projectiles in the wind. Please monitor Port Canaveral and https://twitter.com/BrevardEOC and the Port Status Hotline at 321-394-3411 for updates.

• PortMiami (click for updates)

PortMiami is now in X-Ray condition due to Hurricane Ian. Read the bulletin.

• Port Tampa Bay (click for updates)

PORT CONDITION YANKEE: Port Tampa Bay is monitoring Hurricane Ian

• Port Everglades (click for updates)

Port Everglades is currently under Port Condition X-RAY. Click the link below for more information. Read More

If you are sailing this week or next, please consult with your travel agent or the cruise line's website for up to the minute information.  The information below was accurate at the time of publication.
 

Hurricane IAN	800 AM EDT Wed Sep 28 2022 ...IAN EXPECTED TO CAUSE CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE, WINDS, AND FLOODING IN THE FLORIDA PENINSULA STARTING LATER TODAY...
WIND:	MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Hurricane Warning is in effect for... * Chokoloskee to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay * Dry Tortugas A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for... * Suwannee River southward to Flamingo * Tampa Bay * Lower Florida Keys from Big Pine Key westward to Key West * Dry Tortugas * Flagler/Volusia Line to the mouth of the St. Mary's River * St. Johns River A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque, and Matanzas * Indian Pass to the Anclote River * All of the Florida Keys * Flamingo to South Santee River * Flamingo to Chokoloskee * Lake Okeechobee * Florida Bay * Bimini and Grand Bahama Islands A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for... * Florida Keys from the Card Sound Bridge westward to east of Big Pine Key * Florida Bay * Mouth of St. Mary's River to South Santee River

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

• NHC issuing advisories for the Atlantic on Hurricane Ian
• Marine warnings are in effect for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean/SW Atlantic
• Key Messages regarding Hurricane Ian (en Español: Mensajes Claves)
• Local info on Ian: Key West, Miami, Tampa Bay, Melbourne

Click Here to Learn More

Royal Caribbean Itinerary Updates 
(click for latest)   

• Mariner of the Seas. The 3,344-passenger Royal Caribbean ship has skipped a call scheduled for Labadee, Haiti, on Monday and instead is at sea. The Port Canaveral, Florida-based ship is on a five-night voyage that began on Saturday. 
• Liberty of the Seas. The 3,798-passenger Royal Caribbean ship will skip a call at Cozumel on Tuesday as it heads far more easterly than normal to avoid the storm. The ship is on a seven-night cruise out of Galveston, Texas. 
• Allure of the Seas. The 5,484-passenger Royal Caribbean ship will skip a call at Roatan, Honduras, scheduled for Tuesday as it also stays to the east to avoid the storm. The ship is on a six-night voyage from Fort Lauderdale.

Monday Tropical Update on Hurricane Ian for @RoyalCaribbean Guests / Crew (video 1 of 2): No surprises on Ian for me and I am closely watching a cold front that will “decide” where any Northeasterly “wobbles” may occur Wednesday/Thursday. pic.twitter.com/KwR3Mt3Etc

— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) September 26, 2022

Follow @JamesVanFleet or visit the Royal Caribbean Facebook page for frequent updates.

Celebrity Cruises(WEATHER UPDATE See latest advisories)

• Celebrity Infinity. The 2,170-passenger Celebrity Cruises vessel pulled into Nassau in the Bahamas on Monday instead of being at sea as scheduled. It will skip a call in Belize on Tuesday and replace a call in Cozumel, Mexico, scheduled for Wednesday with a stop in Labadee, Haiti. The Fort Lauderdale-based vessel is on a seven-night voyage that began Saturday.

Disney Cruise Line Weather Alert (click for latest)
As of September 26, at 9:00 PM We are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian. Based on the current projected forecast, we anticipate that the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will sail as scheduled. However, there is a possibility that the Disney Wish will return to Port Canaveral on Friday, September 30, later than originally scheduled. We will notify Guests should it be necessary to delay embarkation for the September 30 Disney Wish sailing.

MSC Cruises

• MSC Seashore. 4,540-passenger MSC Seashore is also heading to the Eastern Caribbean instead of the Western Caribbean. The Miami-based vessel, which departed the city on Saturday, will visit the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic over the next few days instead of Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico.

Norwegian Cruise Line Weather Alert (click for latest)

• Norwegian Sky. 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sky was sent to the Eastern Caribbean for the week instead of the Western Caribbean to avoid the storm.

Carnival Cruise Line Travel Alerts (click for latest)

Among other vessels that could face disruptions are Carnival Cruise Line ships based in the Gulf of Mexico ports of Galveston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Tampa, including Carnival Dream, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Glory and Carnival Paradise. The Port Canaveral-based Carnival Liberty also could be affected if Ian tracks eastward across Florida.

"Our fleet operations center in Miami is continuing to monitor Hurricane Ian and its potential impact on the itineraries for the following ships: Carnival Dream, Ecstasy, Glory, Liberty, Paradise and Sunrise," Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in a statement. 

Of particular concern is Carnival Paradise, the only cruise vessel currently based in Tampa. It's due back in Tampa early Thursday from a five-night cruise to the Western Caribbean and scheduled to depart the city later that day on a new voyage. The current projections for Hurricane Ian's track put it close to Tampa by Thursday.

Virgin Voyages

Scarlet Lady. The 2,770-passenger Virgin Voyages vessel will skip a call at Costa Maya, Mexico, scheduled for Tuesday and visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic instead. The ship is on a five-night voyage out of Miami that began Saturday. 

Hurricane Season Dates 

Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th and also ends November 30th.
Make a Plan (FEMA) 

Read entire series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


If you live in, or plan to vacation in, an area where hurricanes are prevalent, please prepare in advance by reading our series.

 

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

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Disney Joins Cruise Lines Adjusting Protocols

Disney Cruise Line

Updated September 27, 2022

Disney Cruise Line has updated its health & safety requirements.

 Statement

Beginning Oct. 14, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings and Nov. 7, 2022 for Disney Magic sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended. All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing.

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Today, August 15, Disney Cruise Line announced an update to our Health and Safety Protocols regarding vaccination requirements.

What You Need To Know

• Beginning September 2, 2022, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC. (previously 5 and older)
• Testing Requirements – Fully Vaccinated Guests
  • Departing US and Canadian ports:
    • Must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken one to 2 days before setting sail to be exempt from embarkation testing at the terminal.
    • A NAAT, PCR, and Antigen tests accepted.
      • Antigen tests must be completed using a proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with digital results that can be uploaded to the Safe Passage website. 
    • Proof of Vaccination and pre-trip test results must be uploaded into the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day.
      • Fully vaccinated Guests who upload their pre-trip test results to the Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day will be exempt from embarkation testing.
      • Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload test results by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal on embarkation day before boarding the ship and will be charged for the cost of the test.
      • A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors.
    • Guests with positive COVID-19 test results are required to complete a second confirmatory test.
      • Guests with confirmed positive test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and other close contacts—will be denied boarding.
• Testing Requirements – Not Fully Vaccinated Guests
  • Must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one to 3 days before the sail date.
    • The test should be a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), a rapid PCR test or a lab-based PCR test. 
    • Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. 
    • Two tests will be required for Guests not fully vaccinated. The second test will be conducted at the terminal on embarkation day (paid for by Disney Cruise Line).
      • Guests with positive COVID-19 test results are required to undergo a second confirmatory test.
      • Guests with confirmed positive test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and other close contacts—will be denied boarding.
    • Must upload their negative COVID-19 test results on the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. 
      • A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors.
• Testing Costs
  • The cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be $74.00 (USD) plus tax for the initial antigen test,
    • If a confirmatory PCR test is needed the cost will be $125.00 (USD) plus tax.
  • For Canada sailings, the cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be $95.00 (CAD) plus GST for the initial antigen test
    • If a confirmatory PCR test is needed the cost will be$160.00 (CAD) plus GST.
• Back-to-Back Sailings: All Guests on consecutive, back-to-back sailings, regardless of age and vaccination status, will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, paid for by Disney Cruise Line.
• Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19: In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  • If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.”
  • With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Debarkation phases of their voyage.

Resource

• Know Before You Sail
• Learn more about sailings arriving to and departing from Europe.
• Learn more about sailings arriving to and departing from Canada.

 

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Norwegian Cruise Line Protocol Updates

Norwegian Cruise Line Updates

Updated October 3, 2022

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will eliminate COVID-19 requirements …

What You Need To Know

• Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 requirements effective October 4, 2022 including:
• Testing
• Masking  
• Vaccination
• With the easing of the Cruise Line’s health and safety protocols, NCL will continue to follow the travel guidelines as required by the destinations it visits.
• Please see the resources below for more detailed information about the country requirements.

Resources

• Cruise Travel Requirements by Country
• For more information about the required travel documentation they will need for their NCL voyage – www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/cruise-travel-documents 
• Sail Safe
• Cruise Line Vaccine & Testing Requirements

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(Last Update: September 28, 2022)

 Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its health & safety requirements.

Statement

Effective for sailings beginning September 30, 2022, all COVID-19 travel requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation protocols will no longer be required for travelers entering Canada by land, air or sea. Although Canada has lifted its COVID-19 travel requirements, including those specific to cruise passengers, all guests must still meet the following NCL embarkation requirements to board their upcoming cruise.

 

What You Need to Know

 

Embarkation Requirements:

• All guests ages 12 years and older, must provide proof of ONE of the following:
• Proof of completed series of one-dose or two-dose vaccination regimen.
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test (i.e., PCR) taken within three days of the embarkation date.
• Guests 6 months to 11 years are welcome aboard with no restrictions.

Important Note: While Norwegian welcomes unvaccinated guests, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing.