Hurricane Erin Forces Cruise Routes Revision
As Hurricane Erin disrupts cruise schedules throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean, operators are coordinating closely with ports to ensure safety and minimize impacts on travel and tourism.
Hurricane Erin is causing significant disruptions across the cruise industry as operators adjust itineraries for safety. While some earlier reports noted a milder intensity, the most recent updates describe Erin as a powerful Category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 160 mph. Forecasts still warn of heavy rainfall, dangerous surf, and strong winds across the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Disney Cruise Line Adjustments
Two Disney Cruise Line ships have seen itinerary changes due to Hurricane Erin.
Disney Treasure, originally scheduled for a seven‐night Eastern Caribbean sailing departing Port Canaveral on August 16, 2025, has been rerouted to a Western Caribbean course. The ship’s stops have shifted from planned calls at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to visits in Cozumel (Mexico), George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth (Jamaica). The scheduled stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, remains on track for August 22. Passengers with pre‐booked excursions for the canceled ports are being issued automatic refunds, with alternative tour options available via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and onboard.
Disney Fantasy, which was set to embark on a four‐night journey from Southampton, UK, originally planned a visit to Bilbao in Spain. To avoid the dangerous conditions in the Bay of Biscay caused by Erin’s expansive wind field, the ship will now call in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Guests are receiving refunds for canceled excursions in Bilbao and can choose new tour options for Zeebrugge.
Royal Caribbean Adjustments
Royal Caribbean has proactively adjusted itineraries for multiple ships. For instance, Vision of the Seas, previously scheduled for an overnight stay in Bermuda, has rerouted to include stops at Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. This vessel has also extended its time in Nassau and will return to its homeport in Baltimore as planned.
Freedom of the Seas has shortened its voyage by returning to Miami 12 hours early, skipping its scheduled visit to Nassau. Meanwhile, Liberty of the Seas has replaced a planned stop at Kings Wharf in Bermuda with an overnight call in Halifax, Canada.
Carnival Cruise Line Modifications
Carnival Cruise Line announced changes for Carnival Sunshine, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, as Hurricane Erin’s projected path necessitated the cancellation of its Bermuda port calls originally scheduled for August 20 and 21. Instead, the itinerary now includes stops at Celebration Key and Nassau before the ship returns to Norfolk on schedule. Automatic refunds are being issued for pre‐booked Bermuda excursions, with alternative tour options available via the Carnival Adventures Desk and Carnival Hub app.
Changes Across Other Cruise Lines
Other major operators have also adjusted their routes in response to the storm:
- MSC Cruises: MSC World America has shifted from an Eastern Caribbean itinerary to a Western Caribbean route, with new stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel while maintaining its scheduled call at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Aqua has abandoned its planned Bermuda itinerary in favor of a northern route that includes a visit to Saint John and other Canadian destinations.
- Princess Cruises: Enchanted Princess has swapped stops in Dominica and St. Maarten for alternative calls at Martinique and St. Kitts.
- Holland America Line: Zuiderdam has rerouted from a scheduled call in St. John’s to an overnight stay in Halifax due to potential storm impacts.
Broader Maritime and Tourism Impacts
Port authorities in Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are collaborating with cruise operators to manage the disruptions caused by Hurricane Erin. The U.S. National Hurricane Center continues to issue warnings about dangerous surf, rip currents, and ongoing disruptions to maritime and tourism activities, even in areas far from the storm’s center.
As hurricane season runs from June to November, cruise lines remain accustomed to adjusting itineraries during such disruptions. Guests are advised to monitor communications from their cruise operators, stay updated with weather forecasts, and consider travel insurance to mitigate any financial loss from unexpected changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ports were canceled due to Hurricane Erin, and what are the replacement stops?
Several ships have canceled certain stops due to safety concerns. For example, Carnival Sunshine canceled Bermuda calls, replacing them with visits to Celebration Key and Nassau. Similarly, Disney Treasure has rerouted from Tortola and St. Thomas to Cozumel, George Town, and Falmouth. Affected passengers are receiving automatic refunds for pre‐booked excursions, and new tour options are being provided either onboard or via the respective cruise line’s mobile app.
Does Hurricane Erin pose risks to all ships in the Atlantic?
Not all ships have altered their itineraries. Operators are carefully monitoring the storm’s progress in the northern Atlantic, and while some vessels, such as Norwegian Escape, are continuing on their planned routes, others are adjusting their schedules as a precaution.
How are cruise lines compensating passengers for canceled stops?
Passengers will receive automatic refunds for canceled shore excursions. Additionally, cruise lines are providing alternative tour options that can be booked via dedicated apps or onboard services, with notifications sent via email or text regarding any itinerary updates.
Should passengers prioritize travel insurance during hurricane season?
Yes. Travel insurance is highly recommended during hurricane season, as it offers financial protection against cancellations, missed ports, or other unforeseen itinerary changes due to severe weather conditions.
What guidance is available to guests on impacted cruises?
Cruise operators, including Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean, advise guests to monitor updates through apps, emails, and text alerts. Passengers should be prepared for potential itinerary changes, verify travel documents for alternate ports, and stay informed as forecasts evolve.
