Port Closings - T.S. Maria



Tropical Storm Maria

   With Tropical Storm Maria approaching, ports in the northeastern Caribbean are closed or will be closed to incoming vessels.

The Port of San Juan went to condition Yankee last night, which closes the port to incoming traffic.  It is likely that they will move into condition Zulu in the coming hours, and order all ships over a certain gross tonnage out to sea.

Currently due in to the Port of San Juan on Sunday are Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, and the Carnival Victory.   At this time, Tropical Storm Maria is forecast to be passing to the north of San Juan on Sunday.  

As you can see from the attached satellite image, Maria covers a whole lot of  real estate .  Tropical storm force winds extend out some 200 miles from the center.  However, the NHC tells us that the northeast side of the storm is the worst.  While Puerto Rico may get some awfully bad weather, looks like it could have been worse.  Maria could have taken a more southerly route.

Niether RCCL or CCL has announced changes in  disembarkation / embarkation for tomorrow's scheduled sailings  - YET.  They may or may not have to.  It all depends on Maria.

Royal Caribbean is advising passengers scheduled to sail on Sunday to "monitor the Royal Caribbean website and their airlines for any additional updates regarding the storm and the status of the port."  Carnival cruisers should be monitoring the situation as well.

Royal Caribbean is stationing Guest Assistance Agents in baggage terminals B and D at the San Juan Airport.

The itinerary of the Oasis of the Seas has also been adjusted because of the storm.

Related Articles:

• Huirricane Tips for Cruisers
• Hurricane Season 2011 Predictions

Carnival Ecstasy still at Sea (Alex) Next Sailing Delayed

Because of severe weather from Alex, the Carnival Ecstasy has been unable to  port at Galveston.    Carnival Cruise Line has announced the following change.

The next cruise will now be a 3 day cruise to nowhere beginning on Friday, July 2nd.  Bording will begin at 2 pm.

According to the Carnival website, "Guests that sail on the new 3 day cruise will receive a 25% refund of their cruise fare along with a 25% discount on a future 3 to 5 day cruise departing prior to April 30, 2012 as well as a $25 per person on board credit as a reimbursement for the Cozumel government taxes and fees." 
SOURCE: http://www.carnival.com/cms/faq/default.aspx#q-1

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Alex Forces a Few Itinerary Changes

Belize, The Bay Islands of Honduras, and much of the Yucatan Peninsula's east coast are under tropical storm warnnings as Alex approaches landfall in (probably) northern Belize.  Several cruise itineraries have been adjusted to keep ships and their passengers out of harm's way. Here are the ones we know about:

CARNIVAL Cruise Line
Carnival Triumph:  Monday - Cozumel instead of Progresso;  Tuesday - Progresso instead of Cozumel
Carnival Ecstacy:  Monday - Cozumel instead of Progresso;  Tuesday - Progresso instead of Cozumel


ROYAL CARIBBEAN Cruise Line
Grandeur of the Seas:  Sunday - Nassau, The Bahamas, instead of Cozumel. 

Be aware that there are several Gulf of Mexico home ports.  With an active system, there is always the possibility that a ship's next arrival at, or departure from, the home port could be affected.
NOTE - This information in this blog  is meant as a 'heads-up' only.    Check with your Cruise Line or Travel Agent for the most authoritative information.