Cruise Traces are scrambling to search out appropriate substitute ports as Tropical Storm Fiona appears set to develop right into a full-blown hurricane as she passes over the Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
On account of the arrival of Tropical Storm Fiona, Royal Caribbean has introduced a number of adjustments to the Concord of the Seas itinerary for the crusing departing tomorrow, September 18. Whereas the decision to Excellent Day at Cococay will go forward, the remainder of the unique itinerary has been modified totally.
Fiona Forces Adjustments to Concord of the Seas Itinerary
With security on the forefront of any determination that cruise corporations make, Royal Caribbean has determined to make a number of adjustments to the itinerary for Concord of the Seas crusing tomorrow, September 18.
Initially scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral to the Japanese Caribbean, Concord of the Seas can be switching to the Western Caribbean as a substitute. The selection was made because of the imminent method of Tropical Storm Fiona within the Japanese Caribbean, the place Concord of the Seas was scheduled to be working within the coming days.
Visitors can be dissatisfied that their cruise won’t sail to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. However, the ship will sail towards Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, two ports which have at all times confirmed widespread.
The itinerary adjustments are usually not stunning, as Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist, James Van Fleet, issued an announcement that itinerary modifications needs to be anticipated with the arrival of Fiona.
Royal Caribbean issued an announcement to company booked on September 18 that clarifies the necessity to change the itinerary for Concord of the Seas:
“Together with our Chief Meteorologist, James Van Fleet, we’ve been monitoring antagonistic climate alongside our deliberate route as a consequence of Tropical Storm Fiona. Because of this, we’ve changed our visits to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.”
“As an alternative, we’ll go to two lovely Mexican ports, Costa Maya and Cozumel. We’re sorry for the climate’s impression on our itinerary. Whereas not the ports initially deliberate, we all know you’ll have a beautiful time. And know, being onboard a ship is likely one of the most secure locations as a result of we’re sooner and might transfer out of the best way of any inclement climate.”
Concord of the Seas itinerary has CocoCay within the Bahamas on September 19, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands on September 21 has been changed by a day at sea. The next day, September 22, would have been a name to St. Maarten, however this has been changed by Costa Maya.
As an alternative of a day at sea, The 226,963 gross tons Oasis-class Concord of the Seas can be in Cozumel on September 23, adopted by a day at seas and returning to Port Canaveral, Florida, on September 25.
Visitors who’ve shore excursions pre-booked for St. Thomas and St. Maarten can be routinely refunded.
Fiona Anticipated to Change into Hurricane Energy However Misses Florida
At the moment monitoring over the Japanese outer Leeward islands of St. Maarten, Barbuda, Antigua, and Guadeloupe, Fiona will strengthen because it strikes close to the US and UK Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic later this weekend. The storm will doubtless develop right into a Class 1 hurricane because it approaches.
“Fiona could possibly be close to hurricane power when it strikes close to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic this weekend, and it may attain hurricane standing itself earlier than reaching the Dominican Republic early Monday,” the Nationwide Hurricane Heart (NOAA) mentioned.
Though the storm will develop right into a hurricane, its path has additionally modified in comparison with expectations yesterday, September 16. Forecasts now state that the storm will observe over Puerto Rico, the japanese facet of Hispaniola, and Turks and Caicos however is anticipated to go again to the Atlantic Ocean later subsequent week.
If this does occur, it will spell excellent news for the cruise ships crusing from and to Florida and the Bahamas, as the consequences will doubtless be comparatively minor in comparison with what the folks within the Japanese Caribbean are presently experiencing. As at all times, Cruise Hive will carefully monitor the scenario, whereas it’s also possible to assist these affected.
