Update (10/8/24 @ 1:30 Central): Hurricane Milton continues its track toward Florida. Current windspeeds are 155 mph, down from 180 mph. At this point, the forecast continues to show a landfall near Tampa Bay, passing over Orlando and through Port Canaveral.
Several ports including Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, JAXPORT (Jacksonville), and PortMiami are either closed or will close soon.
The current track suggest a re-opening of ports on Friday at the earliest, however, your cruise line will have the most up-to-date information regarding specific cruises.
Original Article:
A major hurricane has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, with likely widespread impacts from the Yucatan Peninsula to the entire width of Florida.
Just a few days ago, what’s now Hurricane Milton was nothing more than a cluster of thunderstorms. It has rapidly intensified and as of the latest update, Milton had sustained winds of 155 miles per hour. That makes it a major Category 4 hurricane (157+ mph is the mark for Category 5) with the potential for massive property damage and life-threatening conditions for those in its path.
The current track has the storm moving east to brush the Yucatan Peninsula before turning northeast and heading to Florida. It’s projected landfall is centered on the Tampa area, but potentially stretches from Cedar Key to Fort Myers. Then the track shows the storm barreling across Florida through the Orlando area before racing off toward Bermuda.
There’s no doubt that Florida will be heavily impacted by Hurricane Milton, which in turn will have an impact on travel, including cruises. For instance, Tampa International Airport is already suspending operations starting Tuesday morning.
Depending on the storm’s track, it’s possible for any major cruise port in the state, from Jacksonville to Tampa to Port Canaveral to Port Everglades to feel the effects.
If there is any good news, the storm’s track brings it through Florida during Wednesday and Thursday. In the middle of the week there are fewer cruises scheduled to be in ports compared to the weekend.
Still, cruises are going to be impacted by Milton and in some cases already are. Here’s what to know…
The Cruises Most Likely Impacted By Hurricane Milton
Already we are seeing some adjustments to scheduled ports of call due to Milton.
For instance, Carnival has confirmed that Carnival Dream will depart a call on Key West “a bit earlier than planned” in order to stay clear of the storm. Carnival Pride has moved up a call on Bermuda in order to depart before the storm potentially arrives later this week.
However, given the storm’s distance from Florida at the moment it’s likely that more potential changes will be announced later in the week. Based on the current schedule and path, it’s possible the following trips could be impacted.
Port of Tampa Bay
The Port of Tampa Bay has confirmed that its cruise schedule will be impacted by Helene. It posted the following statement on its website:
“The storm will impact our cruise schedule for Port Tampa Bay. If you have any questions about a specific sailing, we recommend you contact your cruise line directly as all changes to itineraries will be communicated by your cruise line.”
Below is the current schedule with any notes where applicable.
Tuesday, October 8
Margaritaville at Sea Islander: The departure date has moved to October 7 and the original Key West/Cozumel itinerary will be adjusted.
Thursday, October 10
Carnival Paradise: Carnival says passengers should not proceed to the cruise terminal until “you have received confirmation from us on operational plans for your cruise.” Passengers can sign up for text alerts by texting “CCL2” to “CRUISE” (278473).
Friday, October 11
Serenade of the Seas: Royal Caribbean’s Travel Updates webpage lists no changes as of now.
JAXPORT (Jacksonville)
JAXPORT says that it is currently operational but that it is at condition X-RAY, meaning gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.
Thursday, October 10
Carnival Elation: Carnival says passengers should not proceed to the cruise terminal until “you have received confirmation from us on operational plans for your cruise.” Passengers can sign up for text alerts by texting “CCL1” to “CRUISE” (278473).
Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is under port condition X-RAY. According to its website, the port “remains open and conducting normal Port operations but anticipates limited waterside and vessel shoreside Port operations will follow as conditions change.”
At this time, we’ve heard of no changes to schedules, but the following departures are slated and could be impacted.
Thursday, October 10
MSC Seashore
Friday, October 11
Adventure of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
Disney Wish
Carnival Glory
Port Everglades
Port Everglades is near the southern edge of the anticipated storm track, but is also in port condition X-RAY. At this time, we’ve heard of no changes to schedules, but the following departures are slated and could be impacted.
Wednesday, October 9
Sun Princess
Thursday, October 10
Viking Neptune
Friday, October 11
Celebrity Reflection
Cruise Lines Will Alert Passengers of Latest Updates
Hurricane Milton will no doubt have a major impact on Mexico and Florida given its size and strength.
If your cruise is impacted, then the cruise line will be in touch with the latest updates regarding any potential changes to the schedule. If flying into the port, be sure to factor in potential delays or cancellations of flights when trying to reach the area.
