Cruise ports along Florida’s coast are once again preparing for disruption as a powerful storm threatens to alter cruise schedules.
*Update: A U.S. Coast Guard alert has been issued for Port Tampa Bay, effective at 8 PM on Tuesday. Warnings have also been triggered for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and the Port of Palm Beach at midnight, along with the Port of Jacksonville at 8 AM on Tuesday.
As Hurricane Milton intensifies into a Category 5 storm, it is projected to make landfall on Florida’s western coast on Wednesday.
Port Canaveral is anticipated to shut down this week as the hurricane draws near, halting all cruise movements in and out of the port.
At present, the port is under “Condition X-Ray,” as designated by the U.S. Coast Guard, indicating that gale-force winds are likely within the next 48 hours.
This status requires commercial vessels over 500 gross tons to prepare for departure from the port.
Although Port Canaveral remains open for now, officials are expecting limited operational capacity and are advising operators to “take necessary precautions to protect vessels, crews, and/or facilities.”
As one of the busiest cruise ports globally, Port Canaveral had five cruise ships in the harbor this morning: Utopia of the Seas, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Disney Wish, and Mein Schiff.
Tomorrow, two cruise ships are scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral. While MSC Meraviglia is expected as planned, Symphony of the Seas has already adjusted its itinerary, opting to skip the port for a day at sea instead.
Once the hurricane has passed, the U.S. Coast Guard and port officials will need to conduct inspections to assess any damage. Ships will only be allowed to navigate in and out of the port once it is deemed safe and all debris has been cleared.
Port Canaveral experienced its busiest year in 2023, welcoming 6.8 million passengers.
Cruise passengers affected by Hurricane Milton are encouraged to stay in contact with their respective cruise lines. Cruise Fever will provide continuous updates as the storm approaches.
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