MIAMI – A number of cruise lines have changed itineraries to avoid Hurricane Beryl.
After striking the small island of Carriacou at the entrance of the eastern Caribbean as a 150 mph Category 4 hurricane on Monday, Beryl continued to intensify through the overnight hours, becoming a 165 mph Category 5 hurricane by early Tuesday, according to Local 10 Hurricane Specialist and Storm Surge Expert Michael Lowry.
Multiple cruise companies announced Tuesday that they are making significant adjustments to their Caribbean sailings as Hurricane Beryl approaches, prioritizing the safety of guests and crew.
Royal Caribbean said its Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas ships have all changed itineraries due to the hurricane, according to their website. Read the full list of changes by clicking here.
A spokesperson for the cruise line released a statement to Local 10 News Tuesday, which you can read here:
“The safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. Along with our Chief Meteorologist, we are closely monitoring the progression of Hurricane Beryl, and are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean sailings for the comfort and safety of our guests and crew. Guests and travel advisors will be notified directly of any necessary changes.”
Norwegian Cruise Line also reported amendments to the routes for its Jade and Takeaway ships due to the hurricane.
The cruise line has significantly altered the itinerary for its week-long Norwegian Breakaway voyage that departed from Miami on Sunday.
According to a letter sent to guests, the cruise will no longer stop in Honduras, Harvest Caye in Belize, Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico. Instead, the ship will visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Norwegian released the following statement which was obtained by Local 10 News on Tuesday.
“The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is always a top priority. We are monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Beryl and have amended the itineraries for Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Breakaway’s current voyages. Please see the letters attached, which were provided to all guests on board, for full details,” a Norwegian spokesperson stated.
The Carnival Horizon has canceled its scheduled stop in the Cayman Islands, while the Carnival Liberty will visit Cozumel on Tuesday instead of on July 5.
Additionally, “Disney Fantasy, which is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, will no longer call on Falmouth, Jamaica on Wednesday. The ship will instead spend the day at sea,” according to a Disney spokesperson.
These changes come as part of the cruise lines’ efforts to navigate safely through the impending storm.
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Local 10 viewers can find the itinerary changes for Norwegian’s Jade and Breakaway cruise ships in the documents provided below.