Storm Floris Forces Cruise Itinerary Changes
Storm Floris brought hurricane-force winds and massive waves to the UK and Norway, prompting swift itinerary changes by cruise lines and highlighting industry readiness for severe weather.
On August 4, 2025, Storm Floris, a powerful weather system with winds reaching up to 124 miles per hour, heavy rains, and waves as high as 40 feet, caused significant disruptions across the United Kingdom and parts of Norway. The storm forced cruise lines to make last-minute route adjustments, prioritizing passenger safety while navigating the region's hazardous weather conditions. Among the most affected vessels were Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience, both of which modified their itineraries to avoid the worst of the storm.
Regal Princess: Itinerary Adjustments and Passenger Experience
Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, a vessel accommodating up to 4,250 guests, departed Southampton on August 1 for a 12‐night British Isles voyage. As Storm Floris approached, the ship was forced to cancel stops in Invergordon (planned for August 4) and Stornoway (August 5). Instead, the vessel remained at sea on August 4, bypassed the storm’s most severe bands, and docked at an unscheduled port, Greenock (near Glasgow), on August 5. To make up for the canceled Scottish calls, an additional stop in Liverpool was added.
The revised itinerary allowed the ship to continue its planned visits to Belfast, Cobh (Cork), Portland, and Le Havre before returning to Southampton on August 13. Passengers who had booked shore excursions in the canceled ports were issued automatic refunds, with Princess Cruises reassuring guests that these changes were made to ensure safety and comfort during the storm.
The ship’s encounter with turbulent seas and winds reaching 90 miles per hour resulted in notable challenges. Passengers reported a 5-to-7-degree list during the storm, with videos shared online showing overturned furniture and minor damage to the outer decks. Despite the conditions, no injuries or significant structural damage were reported. Comedian Jay McGee, performing onboard, posted a video of scattered deck furniture and torn canvas, noting that the crew’s efforts kept passengers safe. “The captain kept us safe, but the outside decks took a bit of a battering yesterday,” he wrote on social media.
Ambience: Adapting in the Norwegian Fjords
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience, a 70,285-gross-ton vessel, was also forced to alter its itinerary due to Storm Floris. The ship departed Tilbury on August 3 for a 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise. Initially charted to visit Sandnes on August 5, the ship instead diverted to Bergen that day to avoid the storm’s strongest impacts. Furthermore, while the original plan included a stop in Sandnes, the revised itinerary added a call at Geiranger on August 6 and extended the port stay in Alesund on August 7. Visits to Stavanger and Haugesund were canceled because of unavailable berths and adverse weather, and the ship returned directly to Tilbury on August 10.
In a statement, Ambassador Cruise Line emphasized that these adjustments prioritized the safety of passengers amid the powerful winds and rough seas generated by Storm Floris. Guests were promptly informed of the itinerary changes and appreciated the proactive measures taken by the cruise line.
Weather Warnings and Widespread Disruptions
Storm Floris prompted the UK Met Office to issue widespread wind warnings, with gusts of 50–70 miles per hour recorded across much of the UK and some coastal areas exceeding 80 miles per hour. Northern Scotland experienced the harshest conditions, with winds hitting 124 miles per hour, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. The storm knocked down trees, disrupted power for tens of thousands of households, and caused localized infrastructure damage.
As the storm moved eastward toward Norway on August 5, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute issued yellow and orange wind warnings. Bergen, where Ambience diverted, faced moderate wind conditions with gusts of 67–78 miles per hour, while Stavanger and Sandnes contended with more severe advisories. The strategic rerouting of ships to less exposed areas proved essential in maintaining operational continuity while ensuring passenger safety.
Cruise Industry’s Response
The cruise industry’s response to Storm Floris highlighted its preparedness in the face of adverse weather events. Modern ships like Regal Princess and Ambience are equipped with advanced meteorological tools, enabling real-time monitoring of developing storms. Collaborations with local authorities and port operators allowed for swift itinerary adjustments, preserving the safety of passengers and crew.
Passengers commended the professional handling of disruptions, with many expressing gratitude for the transparency and communication from cruise staff. Both Princess Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line reassured guests that their decisions were aligned with the highest safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ports were canceled or added for Regal Princess?
Regal Princess canceled its stops in Invergordon (August 4) and Stornoway (August 5), instead adding an unscheduled docking in Greenock (near Glasgow) on August 5 and a subsequent visit to Liverpool.
How did Ambience adjust its Norwegian itinerary?
Ambience replaced a planned visit to Sandnes with Bergen on August 5, added a new stop at Geiranger on August 6, extended its time in Alesund on August 7, and canceled visits to Stavanger and Haugesund. The ship then returned directly to Tilbury on August 10.
Were there any injuries or damage to the affected cruise ships?
No injuries were reported aboard Regal Princess or Ambience. While Regal Princess experienced minor damage to its outer decks, such as overturned furniture and scattered debris, both ships navigated the storm safely.
What weather conditions did Storm Floris bring?
Storm Floris brought wind gusts of up to 124 miles per hour in northern Scotland, 67–78 miles per hour in coastal areas of Norway, and waves as high as 40 feet, accompanied by heavy rain. These hazardous conditions affected both sea and land operations.
How are cruise lines prepared for storms like Floris?
Cruise lines monitor weather updates closely using advanced meteorological systems and collaborate with local authorities to reroute ships to safer regions. These proactive measures help ensure the safety of both passengers and crew during severe weather events.
