Cruise Ships Are Swapping Ports to Dodge a Run of Atlantic Storms

A run of weather systems along the US East Coast and into the Bahamas has pushed cruise lines to rewrite itineraries. Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which left Port Canaveral on October 24, swapped its port order so Nassau fell on Sunday, a sea day followed on Monday, and Perfect Day at CocoCay moved to Tuesday. Its October 29 return was unchanged.

The bigger change hit Independence of the Seas, which left Cape Liberty on October 24 for Bermuda. Citing Subtropical Storm Josephine and rough water, Royal Caribbean replaced Bermuda with an overnight in Saint John, New Brunswick. Guests received refundable onboard credit of $150 for inside cabins up to $500 for suites, and prepaid Bermuda excursions were refunded as credit.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise lost its Freeport call on October 26 to high winds and swells. The ship added Nassau and returned to Palm Beach a day late, on October 28, and the following three-night sailing was shortened. Affected guests got pro-rated credits and a $50 future cruise credit.

The pattern is a reminder that Atlantic itineraries are flexible by contract. Cruisers with storm-season sailings should watch the cruise line’s app and email, and check how excursion refunds and onboard credit are handled.

Sources: Yahoo Travel, Cruise Hive