Hurricane Matthew is wreaking havoc with cruises as several Florida cruise ports have been temporarily closed as the storm moves closer to the Sunshine State. Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line all have ships that are staying at sea at least one extra day due to Hurricane Matthew.
Hurricane Matthew currently has maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and the current projected track takes the storm up the coast of Florida over the next two days. Since PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and JAXPORT are currently closed, cruise ships are unable to return as they were scheduled.
Carnival Victory returned to Port Canaveral a day early to beat the storm. Passengers disembarked and the ship sailed back out to sea (with just the crew) to ride out the storm. Two other Carnival ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Sensation, will remain at sea until the ports reopen.
Royal Caribbean also has two cruise ships that are staying at sea for the time being. Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas have been delayed from returning to port. Empress of the Seas was scheduled to arrive back in Miami on Thursday and Majesty of the Seas to Port Canaveral on Friday.
The October 3 sailing on Disney Dream is being extended by an extra day. The ship will now arrive in Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 8 instead of Friday.
Cruise Fever will continue to monitor the cruise delays/changes due to Hurricane Matthew and will have all updates as they are announced. For the latest on Hurricane Matthew, visit the National Hurricane Center.
For those who have cruises booked in the next week and are worried about cruise changes, contact your cruise line as they will have the latest information available.
