Cruise lines are revising their itineraries and port schedules to navigate around Tropical Storm Ernesto, which is currently impacting the northern Caribbean with heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas as it approaches Puerto Rico. This storm has led several cruise operators to adjust their plans to ensure passenger safety and avoid adverse weather conditions.
Carnival Pride Schedule Changes
Carnival Cruise Line has announced significant changes to its itineraries to steer clear of the storm. The Carnival Pride, currently traveling from Baltimore to Bermuda, will alter its schedule by shortening its stay in Bermuda. The ship’s two-day visit, originally scheduled to conclude on Friday, will now end a day earlier, with arrival on Tuesday and departure on Thursday.
Carnival Magic Itinerary Update
The Carnival Magic will skip its planned stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday. Instead, the ship will visit Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday. Additionally, Carnival has indicated that the itineraries for the Carnival Freedom and Mardi Gras are under close monitoring for potential adjustments, though no specific changes have been confirmed at this time.
Icon of the Seas Route Change
Celebrity Cruises has also revised its itineraries in response to the storm. The Icon of the Seas will now operate a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary instead of its scheduled Eastern Caribbean route. The revised ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Rhapsody of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas Adjustments
The Rhapsody of the Seas will alter the order of its remaining port visits. The new sequence includes Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s, Antigua; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Additionally, the Symphony of the Seas will replace its visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, with a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.
Holland America and Princess Cruises Status
Holland America and Princess Cruises have reported that they do not have any ships currently operating in the Caribbean, thus their itineraries remain unaffected by the storm.
Virgin Voyages Itinerary Confirmation
Virgin Voyages has confirmed that its ship, Valiant Lady, which is currently operating in the Caribbean, will not be impacted by the storm and will continue its scheduled itinerary without changes.
Conclusion
As Tropical Storm Ernesto progresses, cruise lines are making necessary adjustments to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the latest itinerary changes from their cruise operators and monitor weather conditions at their destinations. With storm preparations underway in affected areas, including Bermuda, travelers should remain vigilant and flexible with their travel plans.