Map showing a hurricane in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, highlighting affected areas.

Cruise Ship Itineraries Affected by Hurricane Helene

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall today. Tropical storm-force winds are projected to stretch across six states, including: Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Helene could bring a “life-threatening” storm surge of 15 to 20 feet in parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

One of the most popular cruise sailing regions in the world, the Western Caribbean, will be heavily impacted. Itinerary changes and port cancellations have been announced for multiple cruise lines.

At present time, five of the major cruise lines, with 13 different ships, are making changes to their itineraries.
hurricane helene text on hurricane warning signs illustration

Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is the cruise line most impacted by Hurricane Helene, with five ships already sailing on altered itineraries: Mariner of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas.

The Serenade of the Seas and the Grandeur of the Seas have re-routed their itineraries from the Western Caribbean (Cozumel and Costa Maya) to Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas.

Independence of the Seas, which set sail on Saturday, September 21 from Miami, was supposed to go to Cozumel but instead headed for Nassau.

Mariner of the Seas, sailing from Galveston, will skip its scheduled port visit to Cozumel and stay another day at sea.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has four ships already experiencing storm-related changes.

Carnival Valor and Carnival Paradise both skipped planned Tuesday calls to Cozumel. Carnival Valor had departed Port of New Orleans on Saturday, September 21 and instead spent the day at sea. Carnival Paradise, which departed Port Tampa Bay on Saturday, was able to reroute to Costa Maya.

Carnival Horizon will head to Amber Cove, instead of its scheduled visits to Grand Cayman or Cozumel during the ship’s 6-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Carnival Breeze, sailing a 5-night itinerary from Galveston will skip visiting Cozumel as planned.

MSC Cruises

Two ships from MSC Cruises are also sailing altered itineraries due to Tropical Storm Helene. The MSC Seascape is changing its Western Caribbean itinerary for more easterly ports of call.

The MSC Seashore departed Port Canaveral on Sunday for a 4-night itinerary but will extend that voyage an extra day to ensure the storm’s impact has safely passed the central Florida homeport before returning.

The next MSC Seashore 3-night cruise will be shortened by one day. Guests should stay in close contact with the cruise line for additional details.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Fantasy departed Port Canaveral on Saturday for a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage. While the ship visited Cozumel on Monday, it skipped Grand Cayman on Tuesday to move further away from the storm.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady skipped a Tuesday visit to Cozumel on her 5-night Riviera Maya sailing that departed Miami on Sunday. As an alternative, the ship remained at sea and is substituting a visit to Puerto Plata.

Protecting Your Rights If You Are Injured on Your Cruise

As a cruise ship passenger, it is essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Familiarize yourself with the cruise line’s passenger contract and any limitations on liability or periods for filing claims. Keep detailed records of any expenses incurred due to the accident, including medical bills, travel costs, and lost wages.

Seeking the guidance of a knowledgeable maritime law attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure that your rights are protected. They can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with the cruise line, and pursuing fair compensation for your losses.

Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault, or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement, and pain and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll-free at 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.

SOURCE: Which Cruise Ships Are Affected by Hurricane Helene? (cruisehive.com)