Liberty of the Seas Trades Bermuda for Saint John Amid Tropical Storm Jerry
Liberty of the Seas’ itinerary shift underscores the cruise industry’s growing need for contingency planning as Atlantic storms increasingly disrupt routes and port calls across the region.
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas has announced a significant itinerary change for its upcoming October 11, 2025, sailing due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Jerry. Originally slated to visit Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard for an overnight stay during a five-night voyage out of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, the ship will now head north to Saint John, New Brunswick, citing passenger safety as the primary concern. This decision follows close monitoring of the storm’s trajectory and adverse weather conditions in the Atlantic.
Itinerary Shift from Bermuda to Saint John
The Freedom-class vessel, which accommodates 3,634 guests, was initially scheduled to visit Bermuda, offering passengers warm October temperatures and the island’s iconic pink sand beaches. However, Tropical Storm Jerry’s forecasted path, coupled with a developing coastal low-pressure system, presented unsafe sailing conditions. Royal Caribbean notified passengers of the change through emails and app updates, emphasizing, “Your safety is our top priority.”
Instead, guests onboard will explore Saint John in Canada’s Bay of Fundy region, known for its dramatic tidal shifts and historic architecture. The cruise line stated, "These storms’ forecast tracks make it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey toward Bermuda. After exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to enjoy an overnight in Saint John in New Brunswick."
Weather Challenges and Operational Impacts
Tropical Storm Jerry, currently producing heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 50 mph over the Lesser Antilles, is set to move north, brushing past Bermuda around the original voyage dates. Concurrently, a nor’easter is expected to impact New England waters, creating a combination of rough seas and challenging weather conditions. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ocean states along the U.S. East Coast and parts of the Atlantic will be turbulent during this period.
Adjustments to itineraries, while vital for ensuring passenger safety, present logistical challenges and economic implications for cruise lines and impacted destinations. The change from Bermuda to Saint John significantly alters the onboard experience for guests, as well as potential local tourism revenue for Bermuda businesses dependent on cruise visitors. These shifts further highlight the cruise industry’s increasing reliance on contingency planning amid climate-related disruptions to itineraries.
A New Experience in Saint John
Passengers heading to Saint John will encounter a destination known for its cooler autumn weather, ranging between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, starkly contrasting Bermuda’s tropical warmth. The cruise line has advised guests to pack appropriate clothing, such as warm layers and waterproof outerwear, to fully enjoy this alternative port of call.
Saint John offers a variety of attractions, including the famous Reversing Falls on the Bay of Fundy. This natural phenomenon allows visitors to witness tidal shifts powerful enough to reverse the rapids of the Saint John River. Historic streetscapes, cultural landmarks, and local markets also promise to provide travelers with enriching experiences.
Broader Weather-Related Adjustments
The itinerary change for Liberty of the Seas is just one example of how adverse weather conditions are impacting cruise operations in the Atlantic. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, also modified its Eastern Caribbean itinerary for its October 5, 2025 departure from Port Canaveral. Originally set to visit St. Maarten, the ship rerouted to Puerto Rico to avoid Tropical Storm Jerry’s impact on the Leeward Islands.
Similarly, the Symphony of the Seas, which is scheduled to begin a seven-night voyage out of Cape Liberty on October 12, 2025, has expedited its embarkation times by two hours. This adjustment aims to help the ship avoid high winds and rough seas along the New Jersey coastline. “Guests are being asked to arrive at Cape Liberty two hours earlier than their original check-in slots,” noted Royal Caribbean.
Guest and Operational Considerations
While passengers transitioning from Bermuda to Saint John will miss the chance to explore the tropical allure of Bermuda, Royal Caribbean ensures that the change does not compromise safety. The cruise line acknowledged, “We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by weather; your safety is our top priority.”
Bermuda shore excursions pre-booked by guests will be canceled and refunded, per the company’s established procedures, while new excursion options for Saint John will be made available. Guests are encouraged to monitor the Royal Caribbean app and their email for updates on shore excursions and programming adjustments as weather forecasts continue to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What caused Liberty of the Seas to skip Bermuda?
Royal Caribbean cited Tropical Storm Jerry and an accompanying low-pressure coastal storm. Combined, these weather systems would have created unsafe and uncomfortable sailing conditions, prompting the reroute to Saint John, New Brunswick.
What can guests expect in Saint John, New Brunswick?
Saint John is situated on the Bay of Fundy, known for its dramatic tidal phenomena like the Reversing Falls. Other attractions include historic architecture, vibrant uptown districts, and local markets. Average temperatures in October range from 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so guests should pack warm and weather-appropriate clothing.
Will guests receive compensation for the itinerary change?
No compensation has been announced for the revised itinerary. Weather-related adjustments for safety are standard practice in cruise contracts and typically do not include compensation.
Are additional itinerary changes possible?
While no further changes have been announced, guests are advised to monitor communications from Royal Caribbean, as weather and marine conditions may evolve. The cruise line will directly update passengers as required.
What precautions are other ships taking due to Tropical Storm Jerry?
Star of the Seas diverted from St. Maarten to Puerto Rico to avoid the storm, while Symphony of the Seas expedited its departure from Cape Liberty to circumvent adverse weather conditions along the U.S. East Coast.
