Four Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Impacted by Coming Storm

Photo byNOAA / Cruise Fever

As Tropical Storm Milton strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico, Royal Caribbean has had to juggle a few itineraries for four of its ships.

According to news reports, the impacted ships include Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. All four vessels have had their itineraries modified to steer clear of the storm's projected path, which is currently targeting Florida.

Symphony of the Seas will now skip a planned call in Port Canaveral, Florida, on October 8. Instead, the ship will remain at sea. Additionally, the vessel has adjusted its schedule to bypass planned visits to the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean's private Bahamian destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau.

Harmony of the Seas will also miss a call in Roatán, Honduras, to avoid the storm. The ship's departure from Galveston, Texas, has been delayed by two full sea days.

Wonder of the Seas will continue to Perfect Day at CocoCay as planned but will instead visit Falmouth, Jamaica, to avoid the storm. The ship has also canceled its calls in Roatán and Costa Maya.

Utopia of the Seas has made smaller adjustments by swapping the days it will visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean has apologized for the changes but emphasized the priority of passenger safety.

"Being onboard is one of the safest places because our ships can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather," the cruise line stated.

Guests have been assured that any pre-paid shore excursions impacted by these changes will be automatically rescheduled or refunded.

Tropical Storm Milton

Tropical Storm Milton, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, October 5, 2024, is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves through the warm waters toward the western coast of Florida.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm has the potential to cause life-threatening impacts, including heavy rain, storm surges, and damaging winds.

As of the morning of October 6, Milton was located approximately 345 miles west-northwest of Progresso, Mexico, and about 860 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour.

The storm is predicted to intensify rapidly, with winds of 120 miles per hour by the time it nears Florida. Forecasters warn that parts of Florida's west coast, already recovering from Hurricane Helene, could experience significant flooding and damage from Milton.