Hurricane Erin Triggers Significant Alterations in Major Cruise Itineraries
Hurricane Erin has wreaked havoc on the cruise industry, compelling 21 ships from nine leading cruise lines to revise their itineraries. The Category 4 storm’s path through the Atlantic has led to widespread changes, impacting popular destinations like Bermuda, the Bahamas, and various Caribbean ports. Major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian, have been forced to implement emergency route modifications.
Carnival Sunshine has cancelled its scheduled visits to Bermuda, opting for Celebration Key and Nassau in the Bahamas instead. Disney Treasure has shifted from an Eastern Caribbean itinerary to Western Caribbean ports, including Cozumel and George Town. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas have both cancelled their Bermuda stops, with Liberty of the Seas rerouting north to Halifax, Canada.
Although Hurricane Erin has not made a direct landfall, it has caused dangerous surf conditions and 15-foot waves along the U.S. East Coast, from North Carolina to Virginia. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for life-threatening rip currents along the Eastern Seaboard. Airlines have been less affected, with United Airlines issuing travel waivers for Bermuda flights, permitting passengers to modify itineraries without incurring fees through August 29.
Source: Cruise Hive