Cruise Lines Reroute Ships Amid Hurricane Erin

Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, forced numerous cruise lines to adjust itineraries, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. The storm rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane, reaching sustained winds of 160 mph before being downgraded. Cruise lines have worked actively with meteorologists and port authorities to reroute ships to avoid hazardous conditions caused by Erin's expansive wind field and unpredictable path.

Carnival Sunshine’s Route Change to the Bahamas

Carnival Sunshine has rerouted its current six‐night cruise, departing from Norfolk, Virginia, on August 17, to steer clear of Hurricane Erin. Originally scheduled to make an overnight stop at Kings Wharf in Bermuda on August 20–21, the ship will now visit Celebration Key in Grand Bahama on August 19 and Nassau on August 20. Carnival confirmed the ship will return to Norfolk on August 23 as planned.

The cruise line has refunded passengers for pre‐purchased Bermuda shore excursions and credited $100 onboard per stateroom as compensation. Carnival emphasized safety as its top priority, with its Fleet Operations Center actively tracking the storm. Carnival’s new private destination, Celebration Key, which opened in July 2025, has become a highlight of the revised itinerary, offering customized tours and beach activities.

Royal Caribbean’s Adjustments Across Ships

Royal Caribbean International was among the first to modify its sailings due to Hurricane Erin. Vision of the Seas, which departed from Baltimore on August 14, canceled its Bermuda visit planned for August 17 and has been rerouted to Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops at Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Liberty of the Seas, which originally included Bermuda in its itinerary, has substituted an overnight stay in Halifax, Canada, on August 18–19. Onboard credits ranging from $150 to $400, depending on stateroom type, were offered to passengers as compensation.

Royal Caribbean emphasized passenger and crew safety in all decisions during this tumultuous hurricane season. “While we will miss our stop in Bermuda, our ultimate priority is safety,” the cruise line confirmed in statements to guests.

Disney Treasure Reroutes to Western Caribbean

Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, Disney Treasure, was originally scheduled to visit Tortola and St. Thomas in the Eastern Caribbean. To avoid the storm, the planned stops in Tortola and St. Thomas have been replaced with a revised itinerary that now includes Cozumel, Mexico; George Town in the Cayman Islands; and Falmouth, Jamaica, while retaining its scheduled stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Pre-booked shore excursions for the canceled ports have been refunded to passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line Heads North

Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Jewel made significant changes to their Bermuda itineraries. Norwegian Aqua, originally scheduled to sail from New York City to Bermuda, opted for Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada. However, the ship’s ability to remain docked at Saint John will depend on local weather conditions upon arrival. Passengers received a $100 onboard credit per stateroom along with a 20% future cruise voucher.

Norwegian Jewel shortened its overnight call in Bermuda to depart a full day earlier, avoiding the worst of Hurricane Erin’s rough seas. Meanwhile, Norwegian Escape delayed its departure from Manhattan Cruise Terminal by three days, ultimately altering its itinerary to include stops at Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, and Kings Wharf.

Broader Industry Adjustments

Other changes include MSC World America shifting from its Eastern Caribbean itinerary to Western Caribbean ports such as Costa Maya and Cozumel, while maintaining its scheduled stop at Ocean Cay, MSC’s Marine Reserve. Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess rerouted to Martinique and St. Kitts instead of Dominica and St. Maarten. Additionally, Carnival Vista opted for Freeport instead of Half Moon Cay, and Carnival Venezia replaced planned calls to St. Thomas and San Juan with visits to Grand Turk and Celebration Key.

Storm Status and Future Impacts

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Erin’s wind field spans over 230 miles, disrupting marine operations far beyond the eye of the storm. The hurricane forced ships to pivot from Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to safer destinations such as Halifax, Port Canaveral, and the Bahamas.

While hurricanes often disrupt the peak cruise season in the Atlantic, the industry remains adaptable. Cruise lines maintain close communication with port authorities and meteorologists to adjust itineraries promptly and ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are cruise ships adjusting routes due to Hurricane Erin?

Hurricane Erin’s extensive wind field and rough seas have made navigation and docking unsafe in certain regions, including Bermuda and parts of the Caribbean.

What compensation is being offered for itinerary changes?

Compensation varies by cruise line. Carnival offers $100 onboard credits per stateroom, Royal Caribbean provides onboard credits between $150 and $400, and Norwegian Cruise Line grants a $100 credit and 20% future cruise vouchers.

Which ships have altered itineraries due to Hurricane Erin?

Affected ships include Carnival Sunshine, Vision of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Disney Treasure, Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Jewel, MSC World America, and Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess, among others.

Are future cruises likely to be impacted by Hurricane Erin?

Changes to itineraries may continue as Erin moves north-northwest. Passengers are encouraged to monitor updates from their cruise lines and opt into text alerts during check-in for real-time notifications.

What safety protocols are in place during hurricane season?

Cruise lines collaborate with meteorologists and port authorities to monitor conditions and adjust routes as necessary. Ships are equipped to avoid dangerous weather and ensure passenger safety during emergencies.