Days after Hurricane Helene closed cruise ports and disrupted itineraries throughout Florida, Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the western Gulf of Mexico, threatening to cause further cancellations, closures, and changes.
Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, is actively tracking the storm’s progression and its potential impact on the cruise fleet. Currently, no changes have been officially confirmed; any adjustments will be determined by the captains of individual ships.
“I have spent nearly the entire day collaborating with captains and teams to discuss safely modifying itineraries to avoid hazardous weather,” Setzer remarked on Saturday, October 5, 2024. “The captain has the final word, and until a decision is made, I cannot provide definitive information.”
The storm’s projected path indicates it will move across the entire Florida peninsula, leading to significant effects for ships departing from Port Tampa Bay and Port Canaveral.
From Port Tampa Bay, the Grandeur of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas may face itinerary changes in the upcoming days. Likewise, the Symphony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas could also see adjustments from Port Canaveral.
Port Tampa Bay has already initiated storm operations, and the U.S. Coast Guard declared Port Condition Whiskey at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 1. This indicates the possibility of gale-force winds (39-46 miles per hour) within 72 hours, although the port remains fully operational at this time.
“Port Tampa Bay is taking every measure to prepare for Tropical Storm Milton, ensuring the safety of lives, protecting the environment, and maintaining maritime commerce,” the port’s official statement declared.
Although Milton currently has a limited wind field, if the winds and rains expand or if the storm’s path shifts further south, ships from Port Everglades or PortMiami could also be affected.
This may impact the Freedom of the Seas from Port Everglades, as well as three ships from PortMiami: Allure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.
In addition, ships sailing from Galveston, Mobile, or New Orleans might experience itinerary changes, even if those homeports are not directly affected.
While travelers may feel anxious and eager for updates regarding their upcoming cruises, it remains too early to confirm any specific changes. There is significant uncertainty regarding the storm’s exact path, strength, and area of impact.
Cruisers scheduled to depart in the coming week should maintain close communication with Royal Caribbean to receive timely emails, text alerts, and updates regarding any potential changes.
“Royal Caribbean is proactive in communicating with their guests, and as soon as a plan is finalized, the information is shared immediately,” Setzer emphasized.
Tropical Storm Milton
As reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Milton is currently situated approximately 385 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and about 450 miles south of Galveston, Texas. The storm is moving north-northeast at 3 miles per hour (mph).
With maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and higher gusts, Milton qualifies as a tropical storm, although it falls short of hurricane status, which requires winds of at least 74 mph. However, this could change rapidly.
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“Milton is forecasted to rapidly intensify as it moves east-northeast across the Gulf of Mexico and will likely reach major hurricane strength by midweek when it approaches the west coast of Florida,” Forecaster Brown stated during the 5 p.m. storm update.
Milton is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday night, October 6, and may reach Category 3 intensity before making landfall on the western Florida coast in the middle of the week. The anticipated landfall location could range from the Big Bend area to the Florida Keys.
Cruise passengers scheduled to depart from Florida homeports in the upcoming week should stay in touch with their cruise line for the latest news and updates.
