cruise ship in hurricane 2019

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Cruise Ships, Long Contentious in Bahamas, Offer Lifeline After Dorian

After the Category 5 hurricane, companies that often have a difficult relationship with the Bahamas have stepped in to help with relief. But is it enough to repair their image?

By Frances Robles

At 76, disabled, with half the roof of her Grand Bahama home blown off and facing the prospect of months without electricity, Myrtle Cartwright decided she had to leave.

Ms. Cartwright escaped in luxury: On Friday, she boarded Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration with about 1,200 other Hurricane Dorian survivors and headed for Palm Beach, Fla. She had her own handicap-accessible cabin.

“They even had a medical attendant come and see if I was O.K., because I have hypertension,” Ms. Cartwright said. “Someone had a heart attack on the ship and a helicopter took them off the ship at 12 o’clock at night to the hospital. If they were at Freeport, they would not have made it.”

The Grand Celebration was the first to dock at the Grand Bahama port last week, and the ship arrived packed with doctors and nurses. Bahamas Paradise only sails to the Bahamas, and so company officials decided that instead of sidelining its ships and waiting for better times, it would launch a humanitarian mission to help the thousands of people forced from their homes who lacked food and running water.

Bahamas Paradise joined Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian and Carnival and other cruise companies in providing among the most robust corporate responses to Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm and has so far killed at least 50 people and wrecked thousands of homes on Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands.

The efforts are notable because the cruise companies have long had a contentious relationship with the Bahamas, replete with protests over their impact on the islands from activist groups — and in some cases, checkered environmental legacies. Now, Royal Caribbean is serving 20,000 meals a day and helping shuttle people off Grand Bahama to Nassau, and Carnival is spending $1 million on medical supplies. But some industry critics argue that they should do even more to help a country that brings them billions of dollars a year.

Nearly five million cruise ship passengers visited the Bahamas last year, each spending about $90 while on land.

So far, only Bahamas Paradise and Royal Caribbean have been using their boats to ferry passengers to safer locations. Baleària, a Spanish ferry company that operates out of Bimini and Grand Bahama, was the object of widespread social media scorn because it was charging passengers a fare to get off storm-battered Grand Bahama and kicked off 119 passengers, when American immigration officials said they needed travel visas to get into the United States .

“The cruise lines are all taking advantage of the good publicity to portray themselves as caring, charitable organizations, but they are offering only a pittance in relief aid to the Bahamas given their enormous revenues,” said James M. Walker, a maritime lawyer in Miami who represents plaintiffs in civil lawsuits against cruise ships companies.

He particularly singled out Carnival Cruise lines, which is under court-ordered supervision by the Department of Justice for illegal dumping at sea.

In April 2017, Princess, one of its companies, pleaded guilty to felony charges for deliberately dumping oil-contaminated waste from one of its vessels and trying to cover it up. The company paid a $40 million fine. Carnival paid another $20 million fine this summer for violating its probation by doing things like dumping plastics near the Bahamas and trying to cheat on the court-ordered inspections.

“A donation now of around $1 million to $2 million to the Bahamas in hurricane relief aid will not make much of a difference, although it makes for good press given Carnival’s track record,” Mr. Walker said.

Carnival’s foundation donated $1 million to Direct Relief , an aid organization, to provide medical supplies to the Bahamas and the company’s chairman, Micky Arison, donated another $1 million to the relief effort.

Terry Thornton, senior vice president of nautical and port operations for Carnival, said the company’s donations and the environmental penalties were separate. The most important thing the companies can do is bring their business back to the islands, he said. Carnival is running its scheduled cruises to Freeport, and dropping off supplies for the storm-damaged area, but its passengers are not disembarking as they usually would.

Mr. Thornton defended the company’s record of helping out destinations hit hard by storms, including 2017’s Hurricane Irma. “Our track record with what we have done is pretty consistent,” he said. “I’ve worked for Carnival for 33 years; we have done this before.”

He noted that Carnival sent a ship to St. Croix to house relief workers after Irma. (The company was reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the use of the ship.)

Disney, which has been widely criticized by environmentalists for a proposed project to develop a sliver of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas as a cruise point, also donated $1 million to the storm efforts.

Sam Duncombe, executive director of the local environmental watchdog organization reEarth , one of the groups trying to stop the Disney development, said that while contributions from cruise companies are welcome, the response has been uneven.

“I have to thank Royal Caribbean, because they are actually evacuating people and bringing supplies,” she said. “Companies make billions of dollars off of us.”

Ms. Duncombe said that the priority should be evacuating people.

“People are desperate to get off of those islands, and these cruise ships have the capacity to move thousands of people at one time,” she said. “That could have been five or six trips for these boats, if they all came together and helped us all out.”

Royal Caribbean has transported 810 people and donated almost 150,000 bottles of water as of Tuesday the company said.

Ken Dames, 54, a building superintendent in Baker’s Bay on Great Guyana Cay, one of the Abacos, said in an interview in Marsh Harbour, the biggest town on Great Abaco, that he thought the cruise lines should help “as a good will gesture,” especially considering that they benefit from their relationship with the Bahamas.

“The Bahamas depends on them,” Mr. Dames said, “and they depend on the Bahamas.”

But he pointed out that Marsh Harbour, the hardest hit settlement on the Abacos, is not equipped to receive large vessels, so ferrying evacuees to the ships from the city’s port would be logistically complicated and expensive.

Tracy Quan, Royal Caribbean’s associate vice president of corporate communications, said she believes Royal Caribbean has a moral obligation to the countries its ships frequent.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism and Aviation for the Bahamas, acknowledged that the government’s relationship with the cruise companies has at times been “rocky,” but he said the companies are doing better, namely by designing projects closer to town centers that better integrate into the local economies. The companies are criticized for operating on private islands in the Bahamas, which do little to boost local economies.

For Hurricane Dorian, he said, they have “risen to the occasion.”

Oneil Khosa, the chief executive of Bahamas Paradise, said he is still evaluating how to continue helping the Bahamas: Should he offer cruises to passengers designed for humanitarian aid? Evacuations, he said, felt like “the right thing to do.”

“We were there, we had room,” he said, explaining the company’s reaction. “If you are thirsty today, it doesn’t help you if I bring you water in 10 days. We are close, we can do it, we know the waters, let’s go.”

Rachel Knowles contributed reporting from Grand Bahama. Kirk Semple contributed reporting from Marsh Harbour.

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world , and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter : Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

  More about Frances Robles

Latest Hurricane Itinerary Changes from Major Cruise Lines

• September 2, 2019

Hurricane Dorian continued moving through the Bahamas and toward Florida late Sunday and into Monday, forcing more itinerary changes and modifications from cruise operators. 

Carnival has modified more Caribbean itineraries due to the hurricane. The Pride left Baltimore on Sept. 1 sailing a modified itinerary to Grand Turk and Amber Cove as calls to Half Moon Cay and Freeport were canceled.

The Liberty’s Sept. 2 departure from Port Canaveral was cancelled while the Elation will sail a two-day cruise leaving Sept. 5 and returning Sept.7.

The Horizon will return to Miami on Sept. 4, conditions permitting, and will then sail a three-day cruise, calling on Nassau.

The Victory will sail a two day cruise from Miami leaving on Sept. 4, and calling in Key West before returning on Sept. 6.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has been busy modifying numerous itineraries. A full list is available here.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Breakaway’s scheduled return to Miami on September 1 was cancelled.  Due to the uncertainty of when the port will reopen, the cruise will conclude in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 3.

The company also announced that the Sept. 1 sailing aboard the ship, scheduled to leave from Miami, has been cancelled. All guests will receive a full refund.

The Norwegian Sun will also see its current cruise conclude in New Orleans on Sept. 3 as opposed to Port Canaveral. The vessel’s scheduled Sept. 2 sailing has also been cancelled.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Dream’s current sailing was scheduled to return to Port Canaveral on Wednesday, September 4. However, after careful review of the currently forecasted path, and conversations with port officials in Florida, it does not seem likely that Port Canaveral will be available for the return on Wednesday, Disney announced.

“Because of this, we will need to further extend this sailing and now expect Disney Dream to return to Port Canaveral one day later, on Thursday, September 5. Since Disney Dream will now have additional time at sea, we have arranged a port call for Monday, September 2, in Grand Cayman,” the company said.

The ship’s Sept. 2 sailing was first postponed to Sept. 4 and has now been cancelled.

As for the line’s Castaway Cay island in the Bahamas: “Some of our Crew remained on the island and their care and safety is our highest priority. We are in regular contact with island leadership, who is making sure our Crew is well taken care of in our storm shelter, which is designed for these types of situations and has restrooms, power and is well stocked with food and water. Castaway Cay remains south of the more significant weather and is currently experiencing tropical storm force winds, which based on the current forecast, are expected for the next several hours before gradually diminishing.”

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A METEOROLOGIST SHARES

Why cruising is safe during hurricane season, james van fleet, the first chief meteorologist in the cruise industry, gives us five reasons why it's still a good time to cruise during hurricane season..

Wave Season is the time to plan an escape to warmer weather or anywhere with Royal Caribbean—and for a great deal.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Great vacations are made up of adventures, memorable moments and ideal weather. However, we all know the weather can be unpredictable. What if we told you there’s a vacation you could take and have zero worries about the forecast literally raining on your parade? That vacation is a cruise —yes, really.

No matter the weather that’s brewing, you can count on catching perfect waves on the FlowRider surf simulator and braving the tallest slide at sea when you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Cruise ships easily travel from one place to the next, meaning they can conveniently ditch bad weather at a moment’s notice. Take it from James Van Fleet, Royal Caribbean’s chief meteorologist and the first in the cruise industry . He keeps an eye on our 25-plus ships and two private destinations around the clock, so that you can keep the good times rolling.

Read on for five reasons why it’s safe to cruise during hurricane season, according to Chief Meteorologist Van Fleet:

Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist Van Fleet records frequent weather updates during hurricane season.

1.  Cruise Ships Are a Safe Place to Be

One of the best parts about taking a cruise vacation is that you can easily head to better weather—think sun, sand and a cocktail in hand. And as you’re headed toward clearer skies, there are plenty of ways you and the whole family can enjoy yourselves—like watching jaw-dropping shows across air, water, ice and stage to roller skating, laser tag and bumper cars.

Van Fleet: A common misconception is that the open water is the most dangerous place to be in inclement weather. It’s actually the total opposite: If a storm is coming your way on land, you have fewer options. Your home is a potential target that can’t be moved. On a cruise ship, captains can sail out of the way—and quickly. Having a dedicated meteorologist working with the teams on board to look at weather patterns and make real-time decisions makes all the difference, too, because we’re able to get in front of what’s developing and immediately communicate that to our crew and guests.

2.  The Ocean Is Actually Calmer During Hurricane Season

When asked if the seas are rougher during  hurricane season , Van Fleet said there’s no need to worry.

Van Fleet: That’s actually a myth. In fact, the high-pressure and humid temperatures associated with hurricane season settle the seas. The Atlantic Ocean, the  Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico are all much calmer in the summer than they are in the winter. So, it’s actually still a good time to take a cruise.

3.  Ships Have Stabilizers For Smooth Sailing

Even if the conditions do happen to get choppy, every Royal Caribbean ship has features and capabilities to help things go as smoothly as possible so that you’ll hardly notice .

Van Fleet: For example, all Royal Caribbean cruise ships have stabilizers that act like airplane wings. When you think about it, air is water vapor, so these stabilizers essentially lift the ship over waves the same way a wing lifts a plane over rough air. This keeps the “rise and fall” from being too noticeable.

Van Fleet normally monitors the weather from Royal Caribbean’s Miami headquarters.

Credit: Royal Caribbean Press Center

4.  There’s ‘Round the Clock Weather Tracking

Royal Caribbean uses sophisticated technology , from computers and satellites to radars and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), to track and monitor weather around the world. Van Fleet even keeps portable tracking devices with him at all times.

Van Fleet: What’s more, there are  officers on board always monitoring information provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They’re stationed throughout the ship to make sure everyone is safe should inclement weather arise.

5.  You’ll Get Frequent Updates

Van Fleet and the crew make it a point to keep everyone in the loop as much as possible so that guests know what to expect when it comes to updates and possible rerouting.

Van Fleet: The captain will make weather announcements, and I record forecast videos that play in every stateroom. I also rely on social media to give updates—it’s one of the fastest ways to connect with everyone. If you follow me on Twitter , you’ll get the latest and greatest directly from me, too.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the forecast is always smooth sailing. Whether you’re looking to kick back by the pool with a cocktail and live music, take on thrills like the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator or get a taste of the world of flavors on board, the weather will be an afterthought.

Ready to experience all the adventure, entertainment, dining, nightlife and more on your next vacation (rain or shine)? Head here to find your cruise.

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World weatherwatch: Venice supercell storm endangers cruise ship

Severe thunderstorms also broke out in Greece and Hurricane Barry made landfall in Louisiana

A n extremely intense outbreak of thunderstorms battered Italy last week. It began in the north of the country before gradually spreading southwards, especially affecting the eastern side of the peninsula.

Venice was the first major city to be hit by a severe supercell on 8 July, with heavy rainfall and strong winds creating perilous conditions for a cruise ship exiting the port not far from San Marco Square. The thunderstorms moved southwards along the Adriatic coast, producing floods and fierce 90mph gusts of wind near Ancona on 9 July. Many properties were damaged along the coasts. On 10 July giant hailstones fell in Pescara, some of which were 15cm (6in) in diameter.

As the same cold front that affected Italy continued south-eastwards, several thunderstorms broke out in Greece , particularly in northern regions. Strong gusts, flash floods and large hailstones caused seven deaths, many injuries and damage to property.

Across the Atlantic, Hurricane Barry brought widespread flooding after the storm made landfall in Louisiana last weekend and tracked northwards very close to the Mississippi. Coastal areas experienced a storm surge of more than two metres and 300mm to 600mm of rain fell inland.

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Cruise ship stranded in 2019 could have been "one of the worst disasters at sea," officials say

By Kerry Breen

March 20, 2024 / 9:30 AM EDT / CBS News

A cruise ship that lost power during a storm off the coast of Norway and nearly ran aground in 2019 avoided becoming "one of the worst disasters at sea in modern times," according to a new report looking into the blackout . 

The Viking Sky was carrying 1,374 passengers when it lost power and became stranded in a notoriously rough stretch of water in the Norwegian Sea. The ship came close to crashing into Norway's rocky coast, and hundreds of people were evacuated over the course of several hours. 

The blackout meant the ship could not move forward or be steered, according to the report from the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority. The accident was caused by insufficient lubricating oil in all of the operating diesel generators' lubricating oil sump tanks, the agency said, which combined with rough waters meant the ship could not operate. 

The investigation found that one of the vessel's four diesel generators was "unavailable" when it left port, the agency said, meaning that the cruise ship was not in compliance with safety standards and should have never sailed. The design of the sump tank on the working generators was also "non-compliant with applicable regulations," the investigation found. 

The agency's investigation "identified operational, technical, and organisational safety issues that in different ways contributed to the blackout" and called for more than a dozen safety recommendations. 

Once at sea, the agency said one of the biggest problems was that the ship's crew had never practiced the protocol for how to recover from a full blackout without a standby generator. This meant that engineers "were not practised in managing" the situation.

"The situation was stressful, the control system was complex, and a specific sequence of actions was needed. Insufficient training likely contributed to why the blackout recovery was time consuming," the agency said. 

Several of the safety recommendations focused on ensuring that various shipyards, ship managers and other organizations that oversaw the Viking Sky review and strengthen processes to ensure that materials are compliant with safety regulations, and to ensure that no other vessels are sailing with faulty machinery. Other safety recommendations suggested that new technology be developed to better measure lubricating oil "to ensure safe operation" of large vessels, and that the ship management company and cruise line operator review their engine room alarm system to identify and implement potential improvements. 

• Cruise Ship

Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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Hurricane Dorian travel guide: What to know if you're flying or cruising Labor Day weekend

Hurricane Dorian, classified as a Category 4 storm on Saturday, is expected to be near or over the northwestern Bahamas on Sunday and near the Florida east coast late Monday. 

The storm, which has winds of up to 150 mph , has prompted multiple airlines to waive change fees for passengers who need to make alterations to their travel plans for Florida and the Caribbean.

Check the list below to see each airline's policy, as well as announcements from cruise lines about itinerary changes for ships in the area.

Hurricane Dorian airline waivers

Several airlines, which had already waived change fees for Caribbean flights, have now added multiple Florida airports to their Hurricane Dorian alerts. Passengers should monitor airline websites for changes, but here athe U.S. airlines offering travel waivers: 

American:  Passengers who booked reservations by Aug. 29 and are scheduled to travel to, through or from the following Florida cities through Wednesday without changing their origin or destination city or cabin as long as they travel by Sept. 11: Daytona Beach (DAB), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Gainesville (GNV), Jacksonville (JAX), Key West (EYW), Melbourne (MLB), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Sarasota/Bradenton, Tallahassee (SRQ), Tampa (TPA) and West Palm Beach (PBI).

American is also waiving the change fee for flights scheduled through Aug. 31 for multiple areas in the Bahamas and Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos islands. Travel must be completed by Sept. 7.

Delta : Passengers traveling through the following cities in Florida and Georgia through Wednesday can rebook their flights by Sept. 10 without paying a change fee: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key West, Melbourne, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach. Georgia: Brunswick (BQK), Valdosta (VLD). 

Southwest : Travelers flying to, from or through the following Florida cities through Thursday can rebook in their original class of service or travel standby within 14 days of the original departure date without incurring fees: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando and West Palm Beach.

Southwest's fee-waiver policy also applies to passengers who were scheduled to fly to, from or through Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) through Thursday and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) through Friday.

When will Hurricane Dorian hit Florida?  What we know about the dangerous storm

Watch out:   5 things that make Dorian a dangerous hurricane

Spirit : The carrier is waiving change fees for flights scheduled through Tuesday to, from or through the following Florida cities: Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa as long as the change is made by Sept. 18.

Spirit passengers who were scheduled to fly to, through or from the following Carribean locations through Friday can make changes without incurring a fee if they rebook by Thursday: Aguadilla (BQN) and San Juan, Puerto Rico; Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP); Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI).

Frontier : Customers who made reservations by Aug. 28 to travel to, from or through the following Florida cities by Wednesday can make one itinerary change without incurring a change fee: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Travel must be completed by Sept. 27. Customers whose flights were canceled can request a refund .

United :  Passengers who were supposed to travel to, from or through the following Florida cities through Friday can rebook without incurring a change fee as long as the flight is rescheduled by Sept. 13: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa and West Palm Beach. The policy also applies to Nassau, Bahamas.

JetBlue : Customers who purchased tickets by Aug. 29 to travel to or from the following Florida cities by Tuesday will not incur a change fee for rebooking by Sept. 10: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa. You must make the changes in the Manage Flights section of JetBlue.com or call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) prior to the departure of the original flight.

JetBlue is also waiving change/cancellation fees and fare differences for customers flying through Sept. 2 to, from or through Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). Flights must be rebooked by Sept. 7.

Cruise ship itinerary changes

Earlier this week, Disney Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean  began altering the routes of Port Canaveral, Florida-based ships to move them out of Dorian's path.

Royal Caribbean :  The cruise line has moved three ships – Allure, Harmony and Symphony – from eastern to western Caribbean routes. Multiple changes were also made to the itineraries for Navigator and Mariner.

Royal Caribbean has also closed its private Island, CocoCay, with plans to reopen on Wednesday.  Ships scheduled to visit CocoCay before then will instead visit Nassau.

Disney Cruise Line :  Disney had already changed Fantasy to a western route. Another ship, Dream, departed as scheduled on Friday; however, it will now be a five-night sailing with visits to Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney's private Island, Castaway Cay. 

Carnival :  As of Saturday, the cruise line said it was "actively monitoring" the storm's potential impact on departures. Though most plans have not changed for cruises scheduled to begin this weekend or early next week, Monday's Carnival Liberty was canceled. Monday's Carnival Elation will now operate as a two-day sailing, departing Sept. 5 and returning Sept. 7 with a visit to Nassau, according to their website.

Monday's Carnival Victory cruise will now operate as a two-day cruise, departing Wednesday, and Sunday's Horizon will be docking Saturday evening for guests to disembark.

Carnival is encouraging customers booked on cruises scheduled for early September to sign up for text alerts by texting CCL8 to CRUISE (278473).

Is it worth the risk to cruise during hurricane season?    Yes, but preparation is key

Disney World

In a statement to USA TODAY, Walt Disney World Resort said it was still operating under normal conditions  but said it was "closely monitoring" the path of the storm. 

Disney World also noted that Blizzard Beach Water Park would be closed on Sunday.

The resort said it plans to contact guests who have current or upcoming reservations at the following properties: Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

5 Things to Know about Cruising During Hurricane Season

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What you need to know if you’re doing a hurricane season cruise

Have you booked or are you considering doing a cruise during hurricane season?

In this article, we go through 5 things that are important to know if you are planning a cruise during hurricane season, so you can be prepared and know what to expect.

When is Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is actually from June through November, although typically we see more hurricane and tropical storm activity from mid-late August, and throughout September and October.

Is it safe to cruise during hurricane season?

The most common and understandable concern many cruise passengers have is, how safe is it to cruise during hurricane season?

We actually booked and took our very first cruise during hurricane season, so I’ve dealt with this first hand and totally get the worries! (September 2004 – If you google it, it was the “year of the hurricanes”!!)

Firstly, yes it’s safe to cruise during this time. The reality is that cruise lines will not bring their passengers, their crew and even their ships into harm’s way.

Cruise lines work with meteorologists and have technology to predict storm locations and they do their best to avoid being in a hurricane’s path.

Something to keep in mind is that due to the fact that this is a cruise ship, it can move around. Contrary to an island, where if a hurricane is coming, you can’t move off that island. You’re a little bit stuck.

Cruise lines can do things do keep away from the storms and hurricanes, such as change itineraries or even shorten, lengthen or even cancel a cruise altogether (which rarely happens).

What itineraries can be affected?

Itineraries most affected by hurricanes are Caribbean itineraries, Bahamas and Bermuda cruises. Obviously if you are cruising to Alaska, the Mediterranean or somewhere else, this will not be an issue for you.

What can happen if a hurricane occurs during your cruise?

If a hurricane or even a severe tropical storm looks like it will affect any of your cruise ports, the most likely thing to happen is that the cruise line will make a decision to change the itinerary.

Itinerary changes – cruise ports

When a hurricane is expected to affect an island, or even the nautical route at sea, cruise ships often change up the itinerary.

As an example, if your cruise was going to the Western Caribbean with ports of call in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Falmouth planned, the itinerary may be switched for an Eastern Caribbean route and head to St. Thomas, St. Marteen and Nassau.

Cruise ships may also simply replace one cruise port stop, or they may even switch up the order of the cruise port days. They may skip a port and have an extra sea day .

Cruise ships will not be knowingly taken into the path of a hurricane and cruise lines monitor closely to make changes ahead of time, as much as possible.

Itinerary changes – length of cruise

Sometimes the cruise will be shortened or lengthened to avoid a hurricane.

When might this happen?

As an example, if a cruise is leaving out of Florida and a hurricane is forecast, your scheduled embarkation day can be affected. Of course, things like this can happen when leaving from other ports as well.

Cruise lines will sometimes make a decision to make a cruise shorter, or even longer by adding days, to avoid bringing a cruise ship into a storm. A ship can even stay out at sea for extra days.

Our first cruise was actually affected by a hurricane, and this is what happened to us. Our 7 day Caribbean cruise became a 5 day cruise!!!

We were nervous wrecks in the days leading up to the cruise, but we honestly had a great time (and have done more than 20 cruises since lol).

If you’d like to hear our story and have even more information, including how the cruise line dealt with compensation, you can watch this video below.

*If you liked this video and found it helpful, please consider sharing it on Facebook with others that might be cruising.

How to prepare if you’re cruising during hurricane season

There are definitely things you can and in preparation (just in case), if you’re cruising during hurricane season.

1. Be Flexible

The reality is that a cruise itinerary can change at any time of the year, that’s actually in the fine print when you book a cruise. However, when booking a cruise during hurricane season, it’s especially important to be flexible.

When researching ports and even booking excursions, just remember that it may change up. If booking with the cruise line, they’ll refund any charges for excursions you don’t take if you don’t make it to that port. However, if booking private excursions, do make sure that they have that in their policy as well.

It’s important to remember, that no matter where you go on your cruise, you’ll have fun and there will be great things to see and experience.

2. Purchase cruise travel insurance

At any time of year, cruise travel insurance is important. The fact is, unpredictable things can happen.

However, check your policy to make sure that you’re covered if you can’t get to your cruise due to a hurricane. That happens sometimes if a hurricane actually affects your flights. Make sure you’re covered so you don’t have to worry!

3. Keep an eye and ear on upcoming weather forecasts

This goes without saying, but keep informed so that you know if an itinerary change is likely. Be prepared with any changes of clothing needed.

In the recent past, we’ve seen cruises that were supposed to be going to Bermuda, have a itinerary change to avoid a storm. Those cruises went to Canada and New England.

Now those are amazing places, and people book Canada/New England cruises all the time, but, if you were planning on Bermuda beaches, and end up at Peggy’s Cove…. well, let’s just say you definitely would need warmer clothes.

This isn’t typical, and rarely happens, but is an example of just keeping an eye on things so that you can be prepared.

Is it cheaper to cruise during hurricane season?

You may have noticed, that cruises are generally much cheaper during hurricane season. Typically, Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda cruises will be less expensive from September-November.

There are advantages:

It’s a great opportunity to try out a new and amazing ship for much less that you’d pay during January or February. You can pick up some incredible cruise deals!

It’s also quieter. Kids are in mostly back at school, so it’s so much less busy than during the summer.

If you want to cruise without many kids on board, or even if you have kids but have flexibility in vacation time, and prefer to avoid crowds, this can be ideal. It’s a great time to take advantage of lower pricing and Kids Sail Free deals which are a huge money saver for families .

Finally, the weather can be beautiful. Although a cruise can be affected by a hurricane and need to make changes, the weather outside of those storms is often nice, hot and sunny.

Recap: 5 Things to Know about Cruising During Hurricane Season

Cruising during hurricane season is something thousands of cruisers do every year, and enjoy it! It’s important to remember that if there is an itinerary change, the cruise lines are doing this to keep everyone safe.

Having a good attitude and trying to be flexible if there is a change, will help you to have the the very best cruise. Plus, you’ll have a fun cruise story to tell ;-).

Have you cruised during Hurricane season? Do you have a cruise coming up that will sail during hurricane season? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!!

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I had a cruise in September that was to go to CoZumel We ended up staying in the Gulf. Ok, but near as much fun.

Oh, you were affected – that’s too bad. Certainly not as fun if you don’t get to a port.

Thanks for taking time to share your experience!

Me and my wife are going this September and hoping that we have no hurricane shows up

Hi Micheal,

Hopefully there won’t be any hurricanes. Just be prepared to enjoy your cruise and be flexible if an island is affected, that you will likely sail somewhere else.

Wishing you a great cruise!

We have our first cruise coming up early next week. We are headed to Cozumel and Progresso.. I’m a bit nervous since I’m hearing in the news that a tropical depression is developing and might hit the Gulf late next week, which we will still be there. I even asked our congregation to keep us on their prayers.

I hope all is going well on your cruise!

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The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Category Archives: Hurricane Season 2019

Disney Magic’s 2019 Westbound Transatlantic Cruise Altered to Avoid Hurricane Humberto

The Disney Magic is currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 10-night Westbound Transatlantic cruise which left Dover on September 15th. Earlier today, passengers received an itinerary update from Commodore Continue Reading →

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Disney Fantasy September 21, 2019 Sailing Switched to a Western Due to Tropical Storm Jerry

Disney Cruise Line has been monitoring Tropical Storm Jerry which is currently moving towards the Eastern Caribbean, and is currently forecast to intensity into a hurricane later today. Due to Continue Reading →

Contingency Plan in Place for Disney Fantasy’s September 14, 2019 Sailing Due to Tropical Depression 9

Disney Cruise Line is emailing guests booked on tomorrow’s Disney Fantasy sailing informing them of the contingency plan that is place due to a tropical system that is brewing in Continue Reading →

Castaway Cay Expected Re-Open to Guests This Week and a Selfless Deed is Rewarded by Walt Disney World

On Sunday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center published the final Hurricane Dorian advisory officially closing the chapter on the devastating storm system that moved from the Eastern Caribbean, to The Continue Reading →

Dream & Fantasy Expected to Sail from Port Canaveral as Scheduled as Hurricane Dorian Moves Away from the Space Coast

Disney Cruise Line issued a new advisory as to alert passengers they they do not anticipate any impacts to the Disney Dream’s 3-night Bahamian Cruise on Friday, September 6th, or Continue Reading →

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

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What Happens To Cruise Ships During Hurricanes

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Tatiania Quintero

Introduction

Cruise vacations are designed to whisk travelers away to stunning destinations where they can relax and indulge in luxury. However, one factor that can disrupt the serenity of a cruise is the occurrence of hurricanes. These powerful and unpredictable storms have the potential to impact cruise ships and their itineraries, causing inconvenience and potential safety concerns for both passengers and crew.

Understanding how cruise ships navigate through hurricanes and the measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board is crucial. In this article, we will explore what happens to cruise ships during hurricanes and how the industry prepares for these natural disasters.

First, let’s take a brief look at what hurricanes are and how they form. Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are massive rotating storms that develop over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges, posing significant risks to coastal areas and maritime activities.

When a hurricane threatens an area where cruise ships operate, cruise lines must take swift action to mitigate any potential dangers. This often involves closely monitoring the storm’s progress and making timely decisions regarding itinerary changes, delaying departures, or even canceling trips altogether.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, making it vital for cruise lines to stay in constant communication with meteorological agencies and utilize advanced weather forecasting technology. These tools help in predicting the path and intensity of hurricanes, providing valuable data that allows cruise lines to make informed decisions for the safety of their passengers and crew.

Understanding Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds rotating in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere, and heavy rainfall. These dangerous storms can cause widespread destruction and have a significant impact on maritime activities, including cruises.

Several factors contribute to the formation and intensification of hurricanes. Warm ocean waters provide the energy needed for a hurricane to develop and strengthen. Typically, the sea surface temperature needs to be around 80°F (27°C) or higher to fuel the storm. As warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, it creates an area of low pressure. As more warm air is drawn into this low-pressure area, it begins to rotate due to the Coriolis effect, a result of the Earth’s rotation.

The rotation of the storm causes wind speeds to increase, creating a distinct eye in the center of the hurricane. The eye is a calm region with clear skies, surrounded by the eyewall, which is the most intense part of the storm. The eyewall contains the hurricane’s strongest winds and heaviest rainfall, which can cause devastating damage to coastal areas and structures.

The intensity of a hurricane is measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds between 74 and 95 mph (119-153 km/h), while Category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds exceeding 156 mph (251 km/h).

Hurricanes are typically tracked using sophisticated technology, including satellites, weather buoys, and radar systems. Meteorological agencies closely monitor these storms and provide regular updates on their position, intensity, and predicted paths.

It’s important to note that hurricanes can be highly unpredictable. Even with advanced forecasting techniques, their precise path and strength can vary. This uncertainty presents a challenge for cruise operators, who must make decisions based on the best available information to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers and crew.

Preparation Measures for Cruise Ships

When a hurricane is approaching, cruise lines take several precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of their ships, passengers, and crew. These preparations begin well in advance to minimize the potential impact of the storm.

One crucial step is to stay informed about the latest weather updates and forecasted path of the hurricane. Cruise lines maintain close communication with meteorological agencies and utilize advanced weather tracking systems to monitor the storm’s progress. This allows them to make informed decisions and take necessary actions in a timely manner.

One of the first steps taken by cruise lines is to modify the ship’s itinerary. This may involve altering the route to avoid the hurricane-affected areas or changing the scheduled port calls. Cruise lines prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew, and it’s not uncommon for destinations to be replaced with alternative ports that are considered safer during the storm.

In addition to itinerary changes, cruise ships are designed to withstand rough weather conditions, including hurricanes. These floating resorts are equipped with state-of-the-art stabilization systems that help minimize the impact of rough seas and high winds. Stabilizers are retractable fins located beneath the waterline, which help counteract the ship’s movement and reduce the rolling and pitching motion.

Cruise lines also conduct thorough inspections of the ship’s equipment to ensure it is in optimal working condition. This includes checking the integrity of the hull, navigation systems, and emergency equipment, such as lifeboats and life rafts. Any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks are carried out to ensure the ship is seaworthy and ready to handle any potential challenges.

Another crucial aspect of hurricane preparedness is stocking up on essential supplies. Cruise ships have a vast inventory of food, water, and medical provisions to sustain passengers and crew for an extended period if needed. This ensures that everyone on board has access to necessary resources, even in the event of prolonged disruption caused by the hurricane.

Furthermore, cruise lines have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to handle various scenarios that may arise during a hurricane. These plans include protocols for communication, passenger and crew safety, evacuation procedures, and coordination with local authorities and emergency services.

Overall, cruise ship operators place a high priority on the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew during hurricanes. Through meticulous planning, advanced technology, and proactive measures, they strive to minimize the impact of these powerful storms and provide a secure environment for everyone on board.

Ship Evacuation Plans

While cruise lines take extensive precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew during hurricanes, there may be rare situations where evacuation becomes necessary. Ship evacuation plans are carefully crafted to handle such scenarios, ensuring a swift and organized process to get everyone to safety.

Ship captains and crew receive specialized training to effectively manage emergency situations and facilitate evacuation if required. These plans include clear protocols and procedures that outline evacuation routes, assembly areas, and the allocation of life-saving equipment.

Evacuation plans prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. Crew members are assigned specific roles and responsibilities to assist passengers during the evacuation process, aiding those who may require additional support or assistance.

Lifeboats and life rafts, which are regularly inspected and maintained, play a key role in the evacuation process. These vessels are designed to provide a safe means of transport for passengers and crew if they need to abandon the ship. They are equipped with essential supplies, such as water, food, and emergency equipment, to sustain those on board until rescue operations can be conducted.

In the event of an evacuation, passengers and crew are typically instructed to gather at designated assembly areas or embarkation stations. From there, they are directed to the assigned lifeboats or life rafts in an organized and orderly manner. Crew members provide guidance and assistance, ensuring that everyone understands the evacuation procedures and remains calm throughout the process.

Communication is a vital aspect of ship evacuation plans. Public address systems, onboard emergency alerts, and crew announcements are used to inform passengers about the situation and provide clear instructions. It’s important for passengers to listen to these instructions carefully and comply with crew members’ directions to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation.

It’s worth noting that ship evacuations are rare events and are typically reserved for extreme circumstances where remaining on board becomes unsafe. Cruise lines prioritize keeping passengers and crew on the ship whenever possible, as it is the safest place during a hurricane due to the ship’s size, stability, and resources.

Ship evacuation plans are comprehensive and designed to handle a range of potential scenarios. By implementing thorough training, clear protocols, and effective communication, cruise lines strive to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone on board, even in the most challenging situations.

Sheltering in Port

During hurricanes, when it may not be safe to sail or continue with the original itinerary, cruise ships often seek refuge in nearby ports. This is known as “sheltering in port” and is done to protect passengers, crew, and the vessel itself from the dangerous conditions associated with the storm.

Before deciding to shelter in port, cruise lines closely monitor the storm’s progress and work closely with port authorities to assess the safety of the chosen port. Ports that have adequate facilities, such as deep-water berths and proper infrastructure, are preferred for sheltering. These ports should be located at a safe distance from the hurricane’s projected path to minimize the risk of heavy winds, storm surges, and other potential dangers.

While in port, cruise ships utilize various measures to secure the vessel and protect it from the effects of the storm. This includes dropping anchor and utilizing tug boats to provide additional stability and prevent any drifting or movement of the ship due to strong winds and currents.

Furthermore, cruise lines take steps to ensure the comfort and well-being of passengers and crew during the sheltering period. Facilities and amenities on board remain operational, including food service, entertainment, and access to medical facilities. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and provides essential services to those on board.

Passengers may be allowed to disembark in the port for a period of time, depending on the circumstances and local regulations. However, this is at the discretion of the cruise line and port authorities, as ensuring the safety of individuals remains a top priority. When passengers are permitted to disembark, they may have the option to explore the port or participate in organized activities ashore until it is safe to resume sailing.

Sheltering in port allows cruise ships to wait out the storm in a secure location, keeping everyone on board away from the potentially hazardous conditions at sea. Once the storm passes and it is deemed safe, the cruise line will reassess the situation and make decisions regarding the continuation of the voyage, potential itinerary changes, or a delayed departure.

It is worth noting that while sheltering in port provides a safer alternative to sailing through a hurricane, conditions within the port may still be affected by the storm. Passengers should follow the instructions of the cruise line and local authorities, remaining in designated safe areas until the all-clear is given.

Overall, sheltering in port allows cruise ships to protect passengers, crew, and the vessel itself from the dangers of hurricanes. By carefully selecting ports and implementing safety measures, cruise lines prioritize the well-being of everyone on board, ensuring their safety during these turbulent weather events.

Changing Itineraries

When faced with the threat of a hurricane, one of the most common measures taken by cruise lines is to change the ship’s itinerary. This decision is made to avoid the storm’s path and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew.

Cruise lines closely monitor the storm’s progress and work in coordination with meteorological agencies to assess its projected path and intensity. Based on this information, they make informed decisions regarding itinerary changes, seeking alternative routes that steer clear of the hurricane-affected areas.

Changing itineraries allows cruise lines to provide passengers with a safe and enjoyable experience, even in the face of adverse weather conditions. Instead of visiting the original ports of call, the ship may divert to alternate destinations that are outside the storm’s path or offer a safer environment.

While itinerary changes can be disappointing for passengers who were looking forward to specific destinations, cruise lines strive to provide alternative options that are equally appealing. This may involve visiting nearby ports, extending stays in other ports, or exploring new and exciting destinations that were not part of the original itinerary.

Communication is key during these situations, and cruise lines make efforts to keep passengers informed about the changes and the reasons behind them. Timely announcements, updates via shipboard communication systems, and informational sessions with the ship’s staff help keep passengers aware of any modifications to their planned schedule.

It’s important to remember that itinerary changes are made with the safety and well-being of passengers at the forefront. While adjusting plans can be inconvenient, it is necessary to avoid potential risks associated with hurricanes, such as rough seas, high winds, and unsafe port conditions. By altering itineraries, cruise lines aim to minimize disruptions and maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all on board.

In some cases, itinerary changes may result in missed ports or a shortened duration in certain destinations. In such instances, cruise lines often provide compensation or alternative arrangements to ensure passenger satisfaction. This may include refunds, onboard credits, future cruise discounts, or additional onboard activities and entertainment options to enhance the guest experience during the modified voyage.

It is important for passengers to approach itinerary changes with flexibility and understanding. While the situation may not be ideal, the priority is always to prioritize safety and provide the best possible experience given the circumstances. By adapting to the changes and maintaining a positive outlook, passengers can still create cherished memories and enjoy their cruise vacation, even with a modified itinerary.

Communication with Passengers

Effective communication with passengers during hurricanes is paramount for cruise lines. Clear and timely information helps to keep passengers informed, alleviate concerns, and ensure their safety and well-being. Cruise lines employ various channels to communicate with passengers and provide updates regarding the status of the storm and any necessary changes to the itinerary.

One of the primary means of communication is through onboard announcements. Cruise lines use the ship’s public address system to relay important information to passengers. These announcements may occur at scheduled times, such as during mealtimes or before daily activities, to ensure maximum visibility among guests. Crew members also provide verbal updates and instructions during muster drills, ensuring that passengers are aware of emergency procedures in the event of a hurricane.

In addition to verbal updates, cruise lines leverage technology to keep passengers informed. Ships are equipped with various communication systems, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) channels and in-room televisions, where important messages and advisories can be broadcasted. Some cruise lines also offer mobile apps or online portals that provide real-time updates, itinerary changes, and emergency contact information.

Passenger communication also extends to written sources, such as daily newsletters or bulletins. These publications are distributed to each cabin and provide passengers with important announcements, activities, and updates on the ship’s operations, including any relevant information regarding the hurricane or changes to the itinerary.

Cruise lines recognize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with passengers and encourage them to ask questions or seek clarification from crew members at any time. The ship’s staff, including guest services personnel, are trained to address passenger concerns and provide assistance, ensuring that passengers feel supported and informed throughout the journey.

During a hurricane, the cruise line’s shore-side team also plays a crucial role in communication. The team monitors the storm’s progress and works closely with the ship’s captain and crew to make decisions regarding itinerary changes or other necessary measures. As the situation evolves, updates are relayed to the ship for dissemination to passengers, ensuring that they receive the most up-to-date information.

Furthermore, cruise lines often provide access to external communication channels, including internet services and satellite phones. This allows passengers to stay in touch with family and friends ashore and receive updates from their loved ones, providing an additional layer of reassurance during uncertain times.

Overall, effective communication with passengers is paramount during hurricanes. Cruise lines employ various channels, such as onboard announcements, technology-enabled platforms, written publications, and supportive crew members, to keep passengers informed, address concerns, and maintain a sense of trust and safety throughout the journey.

Impact on the Cruise Industry

Hurricanes can have a significant impact on the cruise industry, affecting both individual cruise lines and the industry as a whole. The effects can be seen in various aspects, ranging from financial impacts to operational adjustments.

From a financial perspective, hurricanes can result in substantial losses for cruise lines. Itineraries may need to be altered or canceled, leading to potential revenue loss from missed port fees, excursion bookings, and onboard spending. Moreover, emergency measures, such as evacuations or sheltering in port, can incur additional costs for cruise lines, including expenses for fuel, provisions, and logistical arrangements.

Customer behavior is another area impacted by hurricanes. Some passengers may choose to cancel or delay their trips due to safety concerns or unpredictable weather conditions. This can lead to lower occupancy rates and potentially result in decreased revenues for cruise lines. Additionally, negative media coverage surrounding hurricanes can influence public perception and deter potential travelers from booking cruises, causing a more long-term impact on the industry.

Operational adjustments are necessary during and after a hurricane. Cruise lines may need to rearrange crew schedules, reposition ships, and reallocate resources to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. These adjustments often require additional planning, coordination, and resources, which can impact the overall operational efficiency of the cruise line.

Furthermore, the reputation of a cruise line can be affected by how it handles and communicates during a hurricane. Strong and transparent communication with passengers is crucial to maintain trust and ensure customer satisfaction. Cruise lines that effectively manage the situation and prioritize passenger safety are more likely to maintain a positive reputation even amidst the challenges posed by hurricanes.

Government regulations and authorities also play a role in the impact of hurricanes on the cruise industry. Ports of call may close or limit operations during a storm, affecting port revenues and restricting cruise itineraries. Government agencies may impose restrictions or issue travel advisories, impacting the planning and logistics of cruise lines. Navigating through these regulations and restrictions is a necessary consideration for cruise lines during hurricane events.

However, it’s important to note that the cruise industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in dealing with the impact of hurricanes. Cruise lines have robust contingency plans and emergency protocols in place to navigate these challenges. They work closely with local authorities, meteorological agencies, and industry associations to monitor the situation and make informed decisions. Cruise lines have also invested in advanced technology and weather forecasting systems to enhance preparedness and safety measures.

The cruise industry recognizes the importance of passenger safety and satisfaction, and continues to improve upon its response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. By assessing and addressing the impact of hurricanes, cruise lines strive to minimize disruption, enhance guest experiences, and maintain the industry’s overall stability and resilience.

Hurricanes can pose significant challenges for the cruise industry, but cruise lines are well-prepared to navigate through these powerful storms. With a focus on safety, communication, and adaptability, cruise lines take proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.

From closely monitoring weather updates to modifying itineraries and implementing ship evacuation plans when necessary, cruise lines prioritize the safety of everyone on board. They invest in advanced technology and weather forecasting systems to make informed decisions and keep passengers informed about any changes or disruptions caused by hurricanes.

Sheltering in port and changing itineraries are common strategies employed by cruise lines to avoid the path of the storm and provide passengers with a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, effective communication plays a vital role in keeping passengers informed and addressing their concerns, while contingency plans and emergency protocols are in place to ensure a swift response to hurricanes.

While hurricanes can have financial implications and impact customer behavior, the cruise industry remains resilient. Cruise lines adapt to operational adjustments, maintain positive reputations through transparent communication, and work in collaboration with government authorities to navigate any restrictions or regulations.

It is essential to recognize that the cruise industry demonstrates a commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction, constantly improving its preparedness and response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. With ongoing advancements in technology and a focus on guest experiences, the industry aims to minimize disruptions and provide memorable vacations even in the face of challenging weather events.

In conclusion, hurricanes are a formidable force of nature, but cruise lines are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and procedures to navigate through these storms. Through their dedication to passenger safety, effective communication, and operational adaptability, cruise lines continue to provide travelers with unforgettable vacation experiences while ensuring their well-being in the face of hurricanes and other challenges.

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After Hurricane Dorian, Celebrity cruise ship in Bahamas reroutes to deliver food, aid

FREEPORT, Bahamas — Hurricane Dorian 's wrath along the Bahamas was too gut-wrenching to ignore for workers and guests on the cruise ship the Celebrity Equinox. Instead of continuing on their regularly scheduled itinerary for a seven-day Caribbean cruise, the massive vessel set sail on a new mission: helping survivors of the storm.

On Friday, the ship's kitchen staff prepared some 10,000 meals, while guests volunteered to plate and pack them. The ship was a hive of activity as the crew pulled double-duty. Even children — tasked with writing personalized cards to cheer up the victims — pitched in.

The Celebrity Equinox, which left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday morning to crisscross the Caribbean, was supposed to dock at the Bahamas' capital of Nassau for the tail end of its excursion. But the ship was diverted Friday to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, which was partially destroyed by the storm .

"We have a little army of cooks making food and a little navy of life boats and tug boats bringing it ashore," said Rob Zeiger, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.

Zeiger said the ship has about 3,000 guests — and more than enough food to help whip up thousands of extra meals.

In a letter to guests, the cruise line explained that it would compensate them for missing the intended port with an onboard credit. The decision to extend aid, they added, was rooted in a deeper purpose.

"The Bahamas hold a special place in our hearts as a treasured place for our guests, and home to more than 500 of our colleagues," the letter said. "Now, in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, we are rolling up our sleeves to help our friends."

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of Hurricane Dorian

Guests who spoke with NBC News said they understood the decision to reroute and wished they could do more.

"If we can go and give meals, that's the least that we can do," said Jessica Russell, of Fort Worth, Texas.

"Surely it's great to be in the Bahamas, but what we're doing for these people — their whole lives, everything they've ever had is gone," she added.

Dorian was a Category 5 hurricane with 185 mph winds — one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded — when it made landfall Sunday in the northern Bahamas. The death toll has grown to at least 30 people with thousands listed as missing , and officials from the archipelago, normally a magnet for tourists, have asked for humanitarian relief for their hardest-hit islands.

Other cruise operators, including The Walt Disney Co. and Carnival Corp., said they will donate money or supplies as part of the relief and recovery efforts.

Celebrity Cruises has been operating in the Caribbean for almost 30 years and Royal Caribbean for about 50 years, Zeiger said, and some of their employees have been personally affected.

A rotation of the company's cruise ships will be passing through Freeport to help provide meals and other items, including lawn chairs for sleeping, pillows, bedding, towels and medical supplies. Guests and crews also donated at least 10 boxes of clothing that will be distributed with the help of charities already on the ground.

For food, the Celebrity Equinox acquired more resources during a previous port stop, and was stocked with enough for eight to 10 days, said Alexander Capello, an executive chef.

The ship was carrying more than 5,400 pounds of food — to make everything from cold cut sandwiches to hot dishes, such as chicken, rice and beans. In addition, more than 300,000 bottles of water were being handed out by the cruise operator's ships. In the coming days, the company is looking to establish a field kitchen on land to continue providing meals.

This isn't the first time Celebrity Cruises has diverted course for a humanitarian cause: In 2010, when airspace was closed because of the eruption of an Icelandic volcano, one of its ships helped to ferry 2,000 British tourists stranded in Spain.

Following Hurricane Dorian, Zeiger said, the cruise line is working with the Bahamian government to identify evacuees who want to go from Freeport to Nassau.

"In a disaster, you stitch together a response system," he added. "And the response all around has been amazing."

Mariana Henninger reported from Freeport, and Erik Ortiz from New York.

Mariana Henninger is a senior producer for NBC News Digital Original Video.

Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.

Home » Cruise Tips » Guides » Survival Guide: Cruising During Hurricane Season in 2019

Survival Guide: Cruising During Hurricane Season in 2019

If you are planning a trip during hurricane season, our survival guide shares 9 essential tips you need to know about cruising during this stormy time of year!

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For the most part, the Princess and I choose to cruise during the winter. Living in the Northeastern United States, there is nothing better than trading the cold and snow for the sunny Caribbean. Although, as we have begun to travel more often, we have undoubtedly begun cruising during hurricane season as well.

Our first attempt at sailing this time of year was a family vacation on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas in 2015. There had been relatively few storms up to our late August departure. So, we were not too concerned until a week prior to our cruise, when a storm was threatening to strike right where the cruise was headed.

Survival Guide: Cruising During Hurricane Season

When is hurricane season.

For the Atlantic and the Caribbean, hurricane season runs from Mid June through Mid November. Lately, early hurricanes have been rare, with the Eastern Caribbean being more prone to be hit by hurricanes August and early September. In contrast, the Western Caribbean is more likely to experience hurricanes later in the season, September through the end of October.

Hurricanes are also possible in the Pacific Ocean. These storms can affect both Mexican Riviera cruises and Hawaiian cruises during the same time periods. We understand if your vacation schedule, or kid’s summer break, is the only time you can escape on a cruise. So, knowing that you could encounter some rough weather if traveling to these regions is the first step to surviving a cruise during hurricane season .

Getting a Good Deal During Hurricane Season

One benefit of cruising during hurricane season is the potential to take advantage of some discounted pricing and special  promotions. Cruise companies know that travelers are a bit apprehensive about sailing around this time of year. Cruise fares are sometimes lowered or cruise promotions, including “kids sail free”, tend to be more plentiful for cruises occurring in potential hurricane zones.

Many travel agents also run specials or other perks to get travelers to book a trip during some of these months. Such specials are often run during “peak” hurricane times. You can usually take advantage of these lower prices even when booking well in advance, allowing families time to plan for their vacation.

The Ship Will Most Likely Sail

While hurricane prediction is not an exact science, modern technology provides the weather service and cruise lines plenty of advanced warning about potential storms and the expected areas of impact. It is rare that a cruise during hurricane season is canceled completely, but not impossible. Rather, cruise ships will usually sail around storms. Still, it is advised to buy travel insurance for other potential travel delays. For instance, situations in which your hometown is impacted by a storm but not the cruise ports themselves. Cruise ships may also be delayed arriving into port, which might make your trip a bit shortened or lengthened. If your cruise is shortened or significantly altered, the cruise line will most likely provide some form of compensation.

Planning Your Transportation to the Ship

The cruise lines will do everything within their power to ensure vessels cruising during hurricane season depart. Still, there are no guarantees about your travel to and from the cruise port being affected by bad weather. If you are driving to port, staying up to date on any weather both pre-cruise and post cruise is essential. When it comes to your flights, you will be on your own if the storm leads to flight delays or cancellations. Again, this is why we recommend travel insurance. A good travel insurance will help defray the costs that you could incur if a hurricane impacts your travel plans to and/or from the cruise terminal.

Additionally, we always recommend traveling a day ahead of time and spending a pre-cruise day in the departure port. This extra day allows more buffer time just in case there are any travel issues. Many travelers plan a post cruise stay too, just in case there are any issues returning to port. Having extra wiggle room on both sides of your trip might be wise when cruising during hurricane season. 

Your Cruise Ship May Change Course

If there is the potential for impact of a hurricane within the region you are sailing, you cruise ship may alter the route or change up the itinerary. For our cruise, the path of Hurricane Danny was heading straight for the Leeward Islands. We were informed the day before our cruise of an itinerary change. Our new itinerary had us stopping at St. Maarten and then sailing out of this region, away from the storm’s path.

So, our original itinerary of St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados was first changed to St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, and St. Thomas. Call it bad luck, but Tropical Storm Erika changed that itinerary once more to St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao to ensure we stayed south long enough for the second storm to pass. During these weather patterns, many other Eastern Caribbean itineraries were switched to Western Caribbean itineraries.

These changes are not uncommon, so the crew and staff are normally prepared. If you want to avoid most potential hurricanes, you should consider cruises that sail to the Southern Caribbean. These “ABC islands” of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are south of the hurricane belt and therefore are least likely to be affected by these storms.

Be Flexible for Itinerary Changes

Cruisers need to have an open mind and be willing to roll with whatever Mother Nature, and the cruise lines, throw their way when cruising during hurricane season. The best made plans can very easily come undone. For our Adventure of the Seas cruise, we spent months planning and picking the perfect shore excursions for each island. All that planning was essentially thrown-out the window. Once onboard, we waited in line at the shore excursions desk with every other passenger. Knowing this ahead of time, you can be prepared and still enjoy your cruise. After all, you are STILL on vacation!

Private Shore Excursion Guidelines

When booking a tour with the cruise company, you are ensured that any canceled tours will be refunded. In our case, we had originally booked only one shore excursion with the cruise company. Another tour was booked directly with a local tour operator. Finally, two others were reserved through a third party shore excursion company. After our first change of plans, we re-booked all excursions with the cruise company, as we did not have the time to search for other options.

If you book tours privately, be sure to check the tour company’s policies. We recommend only purchasing tours from companies that offer refunds if your ship misses the port. Our third party vendor required that we call to request a refund. I followed their directions and placed a call when we returned home to request a refund.  We received our refund check in the mail within two weeks without issue.

Weather Might Still Be an Issue

While ships can elude the worst of a storm, your cruise ship might not be able to totally avoid the weather pattern. With an unprecedented two storms in one week, we were able to stay clear of the storms for the majority of our cruise. Still, the ship could not completely evade the second storm on our return trip to Puerto Rico. This meant that the 6 beautiful days of sun and 90 degree weather ended on the last sea day with heavy rains, wind, and some rather crowded indoor venues.

Royal Caribbean was quick to respond to the situation by offering extra activities and shows. The cruise line also changed the location of some events to accommodate the larger crowds. If the rain, wind, and rocky seas are not completely avoidable when you cruise during hurricane season, don’t worry as there will still be plenty of things to do. 

Pack for the Unexpected

The Princess is known to be a bit of an over-packer, and unfortunately, some of her traits have worn off on me! Although, when you cruise during hurricane season, it is not a bad idea to pack a few additional items in case of unforeseen changes. Luckily, we were prepared for the swaps in our shore excursions with the necessary outfits. However, sometimes Bermuda cruises can swap itineraries for Canada/New England, so it always helps to be prepared.

Additional things you should pack for any cruise, but even more importantly during hurricane season, are a lightweight rain coat and extra layers. You never know when they will come in handy.

Have you cruised during hurricane season? How have you handled bad weather or itinerary changes on your previous vacations? Drop us an anchor below to share your stories about those cruises that did not go exactly as planned because of Mother Nature.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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LIVE Hurricane Dorian Cruise Updates (Royal, NCL, Celebrity, MSC)

LIVE UPDATE 10 PM EST 30th August 2019

Live information about all the Cruise Lines currently with ships in the vicinity of Hurricane Dorian.

Norwegian Cruise Line ( Scheduling Updates )

The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Due to Hurricane Dorian in the Caribbean, we have modified the following itineraries for Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun. 

Norwegian Breakaway – August 25, 2019 Sailing As scheduled, Norwegian Breakaway arrived to Cozumel, Mexico on Friday, August 30, 2019.  On August 31 at 4 a.m. the ship will depart Cozumel for Miami, Florida.  At this time, we are waiting for the United States Coast Guard to confirm that we will be able to dock in Miami on Sunday, September 1.

We will provide an update on the anticipated return date to Miami by 3 p.m. or sooner on Saturday, August 31.

Norwegian Breakaway – September 1, 2019 Sailing We are in communication with the United States Coast Guard to confirm if Norwegian Breakaway will be able to return to Miami, Florida on September 1, 2019.  We will provide an update by 3 p.m. or sooner on Saturday, August 31. 

Norwegian Sky – August 26, 2019 Sailing Norwegian Sky returned to Miami, Florida a day early on Friday, August 30, 2019. Guests had the option to disembark early or remain on board until 7 a.m. on August 31.  Due to the shortened cruise, all guests will receive a 20% refund from the original cruise fare paid.  

Norwegian Sky – August 31, 2019 Sailing Norwegian Sky will depart Miami, Florida on August 31, 2019, as planned.  She will sail a modified and adjusted itinerary to accommodate an earlier check-in and departure from Miami. Check-in will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a scheduled sail away at 3:30 p.m.  Her calls to Key West, Florida; Freeport, Nassau, and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas have been canceled.  Instead, she will spend a day at sea on September 1; overnight in Cozumel, Mexico from September 2 to 3; and remain at sea on September 4, before returning to Miami on September 5, as scheduled.  

Norwegian Sun – August 29, 2019 Sailing Norwegian Sun departed from Port Canaveral, Florida on Thursday, August 29, 2019, as scheduled.  Her calls to Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and Freeport, Bahamas have been canceled.  The ship will spend a day at sea on Friday, August 30, and will now overnight in Cozumel, Mexico on August 31, departing September 1 at 6 p.m. 

At this time, we are uncertain if the ship will be able to return to Port Canaveral on Monday, September 2.  We are in communication with the United States Coast Guard, as to the availability of Norwegian Sun to return to Port Canaveral on September 2. We will provide an update by 3 p.m. or sooner on Sunday, September 1. 

Celebrity Cruise ( Scheduling Updates )

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for your 7-Night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing this weekend from, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Before you depart, we have some important information to share.

Celebrity Equinox – August 31, 2019 As you may be aware, Hurricane Dorian is forecast to affect South Florida this weekend.  In order to depart Fort Lauderdale ahead of any adverse weather, we will be departing one hour earlier at 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 31st. We will begin boarding at 10:30 AM, so please plan on arriving at the pier early to help expedite our check-in process.

CRUISE PACKING IDEAS:  25 Cruise Tips to use on your next Carnival Cruise Travel Adapters for Cruises: A Must-Have for Cabin Comfort

Royal Caribbean ( Scheduling Updates )

We’ve been closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian and multiple of our itineraries will be impacted. Please know, our guests and crew safety is our top priority and being onboard a ship is one of the safest places to be during a storm. We can sail out to sea and navigate around inclement weather.

• Currently, we don’t anticipate changes to any of our itineraries that depart on or after September 6th, 2019. Should anything change, we will contact impacted guests and Travel Partners directly.

Allure of the Seas 8/25/19 Sailing We’re now extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We’ve added a visit Roatan on 8/31/19 and Costa Maya on 9/01/19. We will then have two sea days before we return to Fort Lauderdale on 09/04/19.

Allure of the Seas 9/01/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19. The itinerary will remain the same for the days left of the voyage.

Empress 8/24/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We have added a visit to Roatan on 8/31/19. We’ll then have two sea days and visit Nassau on 9/03/19, before returning to Miami on 09/04/19.

Empress 9/01/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19.  We will now cruise to Nassau and arrive there on 9/06/19.  Our return will be as scheduled.

Harmony 8/25/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We’ve added an additional visit to Cozumel on 8/31/19 and will stay there until 9/01/19. We will then have two sea days before we return to Port Canaveral on 09/04/19.

Harmony 9/01/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19.  We will now cruise to Labadee and arrive there on 9/06/19.  Our return will be as scheduled.

Majesty 8/28/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We will have a sea day on 9/02/19 and added a visit to Nassau on 9/03/19.

Majesty 9/02/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19. The itinerary will remain the same for the days left of the voyage.

Mariner 8/26/19 Sailing We’ve replaced our visit to CocoCay with Nassau, Bahamas.

Mariner 8/30/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We sail to Cozumel on 9/01/19 and Costa Maya on 9/02/19. We’ll then have one more sea day on 9/03/19, before returning to Port Canaveral.

Mariner 9/02/19 Sailing Sailing will depart 9/04/19, instead of 9/02/19

Navigator 8/26/19 Sailing We’ve replaced our visit to CocoCay with Nassau, Bahamas.

Navigator 8/30/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We sail to Costa Maya on 9/01/19 and Cozumel on 9/02/19. We’ll then have one more sea day on 9/03/19, before returning to Miami.

Navigator 9/02/19 Sailing Sailing will depart on 9/04/19, instead of 9/02/19

Symphony 8/24/19 Sailing We will be returning to Miami on 8/31, as planned.

Symphony 8/31/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We will no longer sail to Nassau. We will now have a sea day on 9/01/19, then visit to Costa Maya on 9/02/19. We’ll then have one more sea day on 9/03/19, before returning to Miami.

Symphony 9/03/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We will be removing our sea day and will still be visiting the same ports.

MSC Cruises ( Scheduling Updates )

As the safety and security of our guests and crew is MSC Cruises’ top priority, we are closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian. For cruise itinerary information on MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia.

MSC Seaside – cruise departing August 31 MSC Cruises is pleased to confirm that MSC Seaside’s scheduled departure from Miami tomorrow (Saturday, August 31) will go ahead as planned, following the latest information received from the relevant authorities about Hurricane Dorian. Embarking guests are asked to arrive for check-in between 9 AM and 1 PM  (EST). This will allow us to start a smooth embarkation as promptly as possible. 

MSC Armonia – cruise departing September 2 We are working closely with the US Coast Guard and all other relevant entities to monitor the developing nature of the storm and how it might affect the ship’s departure. As of now, MSC Armonia remains scheduled to depart Miami on Monday, September 2. A decision about MSC Armonia’s cruise itinerary will be made tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, August 31, and will be communicated promptly.

FULL HURRICANE DORIAN COVERAGE: Carnival Cruise Line Itinerary Changes Ahead of Hurricane Dorian Hurricane Dorian Begins to Impact Cruise Scheduling Hurricane Dorian begins to Intensify as it passes by St Thomas Tropical Storm Dorian Claims it’s first Carnival Ship

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Carnival Gives Behind The Scenes Look At Hurricane Operations

Doug Parker

• July 12, 2019

Carnival Cruise Line is showing guests exactly what goes on behind the scenes both shoreside and on the ship when a hurricane is expected to have an impact on a port of call.

In 2018, Carnival debuted their multimillion-dollar Fleet Operations Center at their Doral, Florida headquarters. Along with an internal staff of maritime experts, they also take advice from government agencies such as the National Hurricane Center and the United States Coast Guard.

After everyone has presented the projections, impacts, and alternate port solutions, shoreside make decisions in conjunction with the ship’s captain. The two teams are in constant communication and working in tandem to ensure guest safety.

READ MORE: Carnival Cruise Ship Impacted By Gulf Storm

Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald detailed the steps taken both shoreside and onboard during a hurricane. Via his Facebook page, Heald explained, “Although itinerary modifications happen from time to time, any decision to change an itinerary is always done with the interest of guest and crew safety. Hurricanes are as reliable as a blind yak and can suddenly change their tracks and so we wait, gather advice and see what we need to do, often within a day or so notice.”

Inside Carnival’s Fleet Operations

So what happens once the new plan of action has been put into place? Heald outlined the process as follows:

• The shore excursions team has to call the tour operators in the new ports of call to book as many spaces on the excursions as possible.

• Crew members who may have been joining the ship in the original port of call have to be advised and rescheduled if necessary.

• Ticketing for flights of joining crew and entertainers need to be changed.

• And, finally, a letter has to be prepared for guests to let them know what is going to happen and why.

“We also email or text guests and travel agents and post the new itinerary on our social media channels,” his post continued. “And when that new itinerary is given to guests, 99 percent will accept the decision — they may be disappointed but they understand.”

What Happens On The Impacted Cruise Ships

Obviously, people who find themselves on a ship impacted by a weather-related itinerary change are at least slightly inconvenienced. But what they might not stop to think about is everything that is going on behind the scenes to accommodate the change.

For example, the Fun Times that had already been planned has to be completely revised by the entertainment director so as to accurately reflect what will be happening around the ship. And on a larger scale, the various managers around the vessel have to rejigger schedules and make new plans for all of the departments impacted.

“Above all,” said Heald, “we want to deliver the itinerary the guest booked which is why we want to wait and see what happens with the storm before officially announcing any changes.”

Once it’s been decided that the ship can’t proceed on its regularly scheduled path, the Carnival team must figure out a new itinerary. And while it might seem like a simple matter of pointing the ship in a different direction, there’s much more involved. Ships can’t simply show up at a port on a whim, arrangements must be made.

READ MORE: Carnival Reveals ‘New Command’ Center

“Let’s say that Hurricane Henry is heading through the eastern Caribbean and the scheduled calls are in St. Thomas, San Juan and St. Maarten,” explained Heald. “So we look to the western Caribbean for an alternative itinerary. That is when the beards call the port authorities in Cozumel, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and other ports to ask for a berth on a specific day.”

Safety Is Carnival’s No. 1 Priority

Most cruisers — especially those with a little experience under their belts — take these unexpected by necessary itinerary changes in stride. “But,” adds Heald “I also have to say that, on every ship that is affected by Mother Nature, there are people who do not and will not understand that the cruise lines make these changes for their own safety.

To the few who are angry and not understanding, I ask that you please don’t take your frustration out on a 20-year-old guest services associate, an entertainment staff member or anyone in a uniform as they have absolutely nothing to do with this decision.”

READ MORE: Carnival Releases Hurricane Safety Video

In closing, he asked that this hurricane season, everyone keep the following two things in mind: “From the Fleet Operations Center to the Captain, we will always, always keep you safe. [And] even when there are changes to cruise itineraries, the crew will always, always provide you with brilliant service and a massive dollop of Carnival style fun.”

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Travel | Cruise demand leaves pandemic in rearview with…

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Subscriber only, travel | cruise demand leaves pandemic in rearview with record passengers, more construction on tap.

MIAMI BEACH — The COVID pandemic drove the cruise industry to a standstill, but numbers released Tuesday signal the years of comeback are officially over with more expansion on tap.

More than 31.7 million passengers took cruises worldwide in 2023, said Kelly Craighead, Cruise Line International Association president and CEO, speaking at the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference at Miami Beach Convention Center.

CLIA is the lobbying group for member cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC and most other major brands.

The pandemic shut down sailing from March 2020 with only a small number of ships coming back online 18 months later in summer 2021. Cruise lines didn’t return to full strength until partially through 2022, so it wasn’t until a full year of sailing in 2023 that the industry could get a real handle on just what the demand had grown to as people returned to vacation travel.

“We are an industry that’s resilient and thriving all around the world, breaking records in ways we might never have imagined,” she said.

The 2023 total is 2 million more than the industry had in 2019. CLIA projects 34.1 million in 2024 growing to 34.6 million in 2025. It’s still a miniscule chunk of the overall travel pie of more than 1.3 billion, but cruise’s share is growing.

She noted that surveys of travelers who would consider a cruise for a vacation are at an all-time high, noting that 82% who had previously cruised said they would cruise again, but more importantly, among those who had never sailed, 71% would consider it.

The youngest generations — Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z — are the biggest drivers.

The fleet for the growing demand continues as well, including the introduction this year of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

She said CLIA member lines had more than 300 ships sailing globally for the first time in 2023, with 14 new ships that began sailing in 2023 and another eight expected before the end of the year. They have 88 new ships on order through 2028.

Already this year, both Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp. announced major new ship construction deals, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings added to that this week with its order of eight more vessels across its three brands.

The heads of those groups were on stage to discuss where the industry is headed and enjoy their recent success.

Carnival Corp.’s president and CEO Josh Weinstein put it in a way that gained plaudits from fellow panelists and others at the conference.

“The concept of pent-up demand for cruising is gone,” he said. “We have been cruising for three years, right? It’s over. This is natural demand because we all provide amazing experiences. We delivered happiness to literally 31 million guests last year. And people see it, they feel it.”

A big part of what cruising missed during the pandemic he said was that word-of-mouth promotion that is needed to convince people to try their product.

“We now have 31 million people getting off our ships and going home and telling their friends and family who have never cruised before, ‘You don’t know what you’re missing.’ ‘This is amazing.'”

All of the leaders echoed the industry line that they offer a much better value than land-based vacations, but that the experience gap between the two has now shifted in their favor coming out of the pandemic.

“The appreciation for building memories with your friends and family coming out of COVID is at extraordinarily high levels,” said Jason Liberty, president & CEO at Royal Caribbean Group. “Also wealth transfer, right? Grandparents wanting to see that wealth transfer live, watching their kids and their grandkids experience that is also at an all-time high. … We have the secular trends of people buying less stuff, they want experiences. We’re in the experience business.”

Another bright aspect to the industry has been the spillover effect of all of the new ships since the pandemic, said Harry Sommer, president & CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Their new products are so extraordinary, and so much better than what was delivered back in ’15, ’16 and ’17, that it’s driving additional excitement for the entire industry,” Somer said. “When any new ship is delivered, no matter whether it’s part of our portfolio or the other portfolios, demand improves for all of us because it adds excitement to the industry.”

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Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have changed routes for their cruise ships to avoid Hurricane Dorian

Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line have changed the itineraries of some cruises to avoid Hurricane Dorian .

• Royal Caribbean has closed its Perfect Day at CocoCay island, which is located in the Bahamas, from August 28 until September 4, the cruise line said on its website .
• Disney Cruise Line is rerouting its Disney Fantasy ship from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Caribbean, according to Disney Cruise Line Blog , which posted a photo of a letter describing the revised itinerary to the ship's passengers.
• The National Hurricane Center projects that Hurricane Dorian will move through the Caribbean from Thursday through Sunday before landing near Florida on Monday.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Royal Caribbean has closed its Perfect Day at CocoCay island, which is located in the Bahamas, from August 28 until September 4, the cruise line said on its website . Affected ships include the Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, and the Symphony of the Seas. Some stops at CocoCay have been replaced with stops in Nassau, Bahamas.

Passengers who bought shore excursions for Perfect Day at CocoCay will receive a refund, Royal Caribbean said.

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"Royal Caribbean is closely monitoring the progression of Hurricane Dorian, and we are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean routes to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests and crew," a Royal Caribbean representative said.

Read more: Cruise ship workers reveal what it's really like to live at sea

Disney Cruise Line is rerouting its Disney Fantasy ship from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Caribbean, according to Disney Cruise Line Blog , which posted a photo of a letter describing the revised itinerary to the ship's passengers. (A Disney Cruise Line representative confirmed the photo's authenticity.) Stops in Tortola and St. Thomas have been replaced with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel, according to the letter.

The Disney Cruise Line representative said the company may have to modify the itinerary for its Disney Dream cruise that sets sail on Friday, but does not expect to change the itinerary for its Disney Fantasy cruise that begins on Saturday.

The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Dorian will move through the Caribbean from Thursday through Sunday before landing near Florida on Monday. Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen from a Category 1 storm to a Category 3  storm in the coming days.

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at  [email protected] .

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World Central Kitchen, led by a humanitarian chef, has fed crisis zones for years

Rachel Treisman

José Andrés unloads food packages delivered by World Central Kitchen in Kherson, Ukraine in November 2022. Efrem Lukatsky/AP hide caption

José Andrés unloads food packages delivered by World Central Kitchen in Kherson, Ukraine in November 2022.

The aid group World Central Kitchen said Tuesday that it is pausing its efforts to feed Palestinians in Gaza after seven of its workers were killed by an Israeli strike.

The nonprofit said in a statement that the team was hit while leaving a warehouse where they had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea, a route that World Central Kitchen helped establish just last month.

The organization said the convoy had been traveling in a deconflicted zone, in armored cars branded with their logo and after coordinating movements with Israel's military, which now says it will conduct an investigation of the incident "at the highest levels." Erin Gore, the CEO of World Central Kitchen, called it a "targeted attack."

"This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war," she said.

The U.S.-based organization, which was founded by celebrity chef José Andrés and his wife Patricia in 2010, delivers food to people on the front lines of natural and humanitarian disasters around the world.

Middle East crisis — explained

World central kitchen pauses gaza aid, as netanyahu acknowledges an 'unintended hit'.

It has been working on the ground in the region since Hamas - led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,200 people, according to the Israeli government. Israeli's military response in Gaza has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, displaced an estimated 1.7 million and left the territory on the brink of famine .

WCK said last week that it had provided some 42 million meals to people in Gaza over 175 days, calling the situation there "the most dire we've ever seen or experienced in our 15 year history."

"More and more people, particularly children, are dying of starvation," Gore and Andrés said in a joint statement. "We've known for months that famine is imminent and the situation is getting worse."

With food scarce and malnutrition rising , international experts have warned that some 30% of Gaza's population is already facing " catastrophic" levels of hunger and that northern Gaza could officially see famine anytime between now and May.

World Central Kitchen isn't the only organization working to get food into Gaza, where aid deliveries are severely limited by Israeli border restrictions, logistical challenges and ongoing fighting. But it has played a major role in the humanitarian response, including sending two shipments of hundreds of tons of food to Gaza by sea.

The second such shipment — stocked with shelf-stable items like rice, canned vegetables and proteins, as well as dates in honor of Ramadan — left Cyprus on Saturday . The Cypriot foreign ministry said Tuesday that some 100 tons of aid had been unloaded in Gaza before WCK announced it was pausing its operations in the enclave, and the remaining 240 tons would be returned to Cyprus, according to the Associated Press .

Just days ago, WCK vowed it would keep pushing to get food into Gaza "until there is substantial aid getting in via land." Now those plans are up in the air — it says it will be "making decisions about the future of our work soon."

In the meantime, here's what else to know about the organization:

WCK brings food to the front lines of disasters

People line up for food prepared by a World Central Kitchen worker in Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine in December 2022. Evgeniy Maloletka/AP hide caption

People line up for food prepared by a World Central Kitchen worker in Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine in December 2022.

Andrés is a Spanish-American chef known for his numerous U.S. restaurants, PBS travel series and humanitarian work of over a decade.

He traveled to Haiti after it was struck by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in 2010, cooking for displaced people in camps — an ad hoc relief mission that helped set World Central Kitchen in motion.

WCK has responded to a long list of natural and man-made disasters ever since, working with local partners on the ground.

It served more than 20,000 meals in the Houston area after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and another 3.7 million across Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria , for which Andrés was named the James Beard humanitarian of the year in 2018 (seven years after winning its "outstanding chef" award).

He told NPR that same year that he expected to see more chefs getting involved in disaster response, since "restaurant people" are particularly well suited to managing chaos.

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In 'the world central kitchen cookbook,' josé andrés collects recipes with impact.

"What we are very good at is understanding the problem and adapting," he said. "And so a problem becomes an opportunity ... We're practical. We're efficient. And we can do it quicker, faster and better than anybody."

The organization has grown substantially over the years and expanded its efforts to focus not only on disaster response but resilience training and longer-term community needs, including opening a culinary school in Port-au-Prince several years after the earthquake that started it.

It has fed survivors of major wildfires in California and Hawaii , federal workers in D.C. during the 2019 government shutdown and stranded cruise ship passengers during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic , throughout which it provided food for front line workers and other vulnerable groups in the U.S. as well as Spain, Indonesia and the Dominican Republic.

It delivered hot meals and fresh produce to a Buffalo, N.Y., neighborhood after 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at a supermarket , and distributed food after the Uvalde school shooting in Texas.

More recently, WCK provided more than 20 million meals to people impacted by the dual earthquakes in Turkey and Syria last April. And it has responded to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine by providing millions of meals to people there , first in hard-hit population centers and neighboring countries, and increasingly in more remote and vulnerable areas.

This is not the first time WCK has lost workers in a conflict zone

Workers hug on Tuesday after recovering the bodies of World Central Kitchen staff who were killed by Israeli air strikes in Rafah, Gaza. Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images hide caption

Workers hug on Tuesday after recovering the bodies of World Central Kitchen staff who were killed by Israeli air strikes in Rafah, Gaza.

World Central Kitchen has lost workers before.

Several team members have been killed in Ukraine in recent years, according to the organization.

It said in June that a 60-year-old volunteer named Igor was killed when Russian shelling hit his apartment building in Kharkiv, and that two other volunteers, Sardor and Viktoria, had been killed in a strike in Chuhuiv the previous July. (The group only identified them by their first names.)

Andrés told NPR's Morning Edition in December that WCK had lost a total of six people in Ukraine.

"As a cook, as a chef, when I founded this organization, I never expected that this will happen," he said. "And I almost wanted to pull World Central Kitchen immediately out of Ukraine. But the locals told me: 'José, You cannot leave. We need you. We need your organization.'"

Middle East

Gaza food crisis is nothing like anything chef josé andrés had seen before.

While conflict zones are inherently dangerous, the organization has also faced criticism over its safety record in the past.

In December, Bloomberg published a story alleging — among other accusations — that Andrés looked the other way on matters of staff safety, including demanding that staff send a food truck into parts of Turkey that local officials had declared "no-gos" due to landslides.

Andrés told NPR that disaster and war zones come with risks, and the organization doesn't "push anybody to go."

"Obviously, it's people that maybe they don't feel safe doing this job, but then they shouldn't be in these kind of humanitarian situations," he added. "But from there to say that José Andrés puts people in danger — I'd never be able to tell anybody to do what I'm not willing to do on my own."

The organization has won awards and faced upheaval

World Central Kitchen brought food to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, one of many natural disasters to which it's responded. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

World Central Kitchen brought food to the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, one of many natural disasters to which it's responded.

WCK has earned plenty of accolades for its work over the years, but has also recently weathered a string of scandals.

Andrés was awarded the 2015 National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama and has twice been named one of TIME's most influential people, among them. A handful of Democratic lawmakers nominated WCK and Andrés himself for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year.

The nonprofit — which operates on non-governmental contributions — has grown exponentially since its founding. It brought in more than $500 million in contributions and grants in 2022, which the New York Times reports was a fourfold increase from the year before.

While WCK gets perfect scores on watchdog sites like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch, there have been some concerns and criticisms raised recently about where exactly that money is going — including from within the organization itself.

A charity kitchen in Ukraine linked to chef José Andrés was destroyed by a missile

WCK announced last June that as it was spending some $2 million a day in Ukraine, it "learned of suspected instances of fraud" and commissioned a law firm to investigate. It ultimately confirmed instances of fraud that amounted to several million dollars, which the organization called "unacceptable, but still represents a tiny percentage of the $432 million we spent feeding people impacted by war."

It acknowledged it could have invested more in its internal operations to discover "bad actors," and said it was making changes among personnel and partners in both Ukraine and Turkey as a result — as well as implementing additional safeguards to combat fraud, like an anonymous tip line.

The organization has also grown in size, now counting thousands of volunteers and 94 employees, according to 2022 filings .

Humanitarian leaders are condemning the strike

United Nations staff members gather Tuesday around a World Central Kitchen car that was hit by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah in Gaza. AFP via Getty Images hide caption

United Nations staff members gather Tuesday around a World Central Kitchen car that was hit by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah in Gaza.

WCK said the seven workers killed in the Israeli strike included a Palestinian and citizens of Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom and Canada — with one a dual citizen of the U.S.

U.S. and foreign leaders as well as international organizations are offering their condolences and condemnations, and calling for an independent investigation into the Israeli military strike.

Philippe Lazzarini , the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) — which has lost at least 176 employees in Gaza — said the organization provides "much needed food assistance to a starving population."

Boiling weeds, eating animal feed: People in Gaza stave off hunger any way they can

He said humanitarian workers are #NotATarget, a hashtag that other human rights groups and public officials are using in their posts about the attack.

Andrés wrote on X that he is heartbroken and grieving for the loved ones of those killed, whom he described as "people ... angels."

"The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing," he said. "It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon. No more innocent lives lost. Peace starts with our shared humanity. It needs to start now."

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Juneau  | Local Government  | Tourism

Cruise line officials object to Juneau’s plan for marine passenger fees

April 8, 2024 by Clarise Larson, KTOO

Each year, the city collects a fee from each cruise ship passenger that comes to town. Those fees — expected to add up to more than $20 million this year — fund projects that serve visitors and ease the impacts of tourism. 

But this year, some of those projects could be in jeopardy. Last week, cruise line officials sent a letter to the city saying that nine of its proposed projects — including public Wi-Fi downtown and increased bus service to the Mendenhall Valley — don’t meet the terms of a 2019 settlement agreement that determines what the fees can pay for. 

The letter from Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, known as CLIA Alaska, said those projects “do not meet the necessary criteria set forth by either the law or the Settlement Agreement.”

But, at an Assembly finance meeting this weekend, Juneau Tourism Manager Alix Pierce said she recommends the Assembly move forward with funding the projects despite the objections.

“We talk a lot about collaboration with CLIA, and sometimes you need to have hard discussions. This is one of them,” she said. “But this feedback came late. It came outside of the established process, and I would recommend that the Assembly just move forward with its budget cycle.”

In 2019, Juneau and CLIA Alaska came to a settlement agreement after a three-year legal fight over marine passenger fees and how Juneau spends the money it collects from cruise ship passengers.

From that settlement, CLIA Alaska agreed to not to object to how the city spends the fee going forward, but both parties would meet annually to discuss those plans. And both parties also agreed to continue working together and to settle future disagreements outside of court.

Pierce said CLIA Alaska’s recent letter was sent far too late in the process outlined in the settlement agreement. She said the objections did not come up during the city’s annual meeting with the group earlier this year — and that the city had already built its proposed budget assuming that these projects could be funded.

“CLIA’s aware of that timeline,” Pierce said. “And we had a meeting where we discussed the budget. And then, very late in the process, they came forward with this letter that does not follow the timeline of our process.”

The Assembly will have the final say about whether the projects will be put into its budget for next year. They could consider the objections made by CLIA Alaska and take the projects out if they want to.

City Manager Katie Koester said it’s possible that the group could pursue another lawsuit if the Assembly does go through with funding the projects. But she said she’s not concerned with that possibility yet. 

CLIA Aalaska did not answer specific questions about their objections. But in an emailed response, spokesperson Renee Reeve says she’s confident the organization and the city will come to a resolution.

Pierce said she hopes to establish a better process with CLIA Alaska for next year. The Assembly will finalize its budget in the coming months.

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