Soon-to-be Hurricane Helene appears set to become a powerful weather system that will cause damage on land while also disrupting many cruise ship. Some cruise lines have already canceled ports and changed itineraries in order to avoid the storm.
It’s likely that some ships sailing in and out of Tampa will have their arrival and departure times changed. In addition, Port Canaveral may face a Thursday closure, although if that happens, it’s only expected to be for a few hours.
Related: Hurricane forces Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC itinerary changes
The latest report from the National Hurricane Center makes it clear that the storm will be a serious one.
“Due to the large size of Helene, there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge across the entire West Coast of the Florida Penninsula,” the agency shared. “…Devastating hurricane force winds are expected across portions of northern Florida and Southern Georgia.”
The worst of the weather is expected to hit Florida’s West Coast on Thursday, Sept. 26. It’s already impacting some cruise ships as it moves closer to the United States.
And, while the situation is going to disrupt some cruises and disappoint some passengers, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald shared some advice that applies to people sailing on every cruise line.
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Carnival and other cruise lines will change ports or skip them to keep ships safe.
Image source: Matthew Frankel/Come Cruise With Me
Carnival’s John Heald is the voice of reason
Heald worked on ships for years and has experienced having to be the person who delivers bad news to passengers. He understands what it’s like for those workers and he’s truly compassionate to people who are having their vacations disrupted.
He wants, however, for people on any cruise ship to remember one key thing:
Trust the captain.
Trust the crew.
You may think that you ‘could do a better job’ and that the decisions being made because of tropical storms and bad weather are the wrong ones but please do not shout and scream at the guest services desk demanding OBC (onboard credit).
They are not making those decisions.
Do as others have done today and vent and shout at me. That’s what I’m here for.
Remember, a missed port may be because the port itself is closed or that sailing there would be putting the ship and those on board in danger.
We will always keep you safe.
Trust the captain
Trust the crew
Cruise lines can’t control the weather, and when a storm hits safety is the top priority above all else.
Carnival passengers support Heald’s message
Over 500 people commented on Heald’s post when it had been on Facebook for just six hours. Most seemed to understand and support the message.
“The captain and staff always have my trust! If you miss a port, so be it, relax, and enjoy the beautiful ship you’re on! It’s not Guest Services’ fault if there is a storm. Get over it,” shared Bonnie Pilon.
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Many agreed that the cruise line did not owe them anything for a changed itinerary.
“Totally agree! Just had a conversation with a lady at the casino last night on Horizon. She was saying how Carnival needs to give us something since our two ports got canceled. I was like they really don’t. Be happy they rescheduled us to at least one new port and are keeping us safe,” wrote Tynika Brown.
Some reminded other passengers that Carnival literally does not owe them anything.
“People, the contract you sign and agree to says that ports and routes can change if needed. Carnival doesn’t owe you OBC because of this. All they owe you is a refund on those port fees. The entitlement of people is pathetic,” added Annette Crimmins.
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Some commenters took an even stronger stand.
“Any person that screams at guest services or any other crew member should be immediately banned from any/all cruises with Carnival! The captain is going to do everything he can to keep the passengers and ship safe! No one should be taking Helene (or any other storm) lightly! If you cruise during hurricane season you deal with the consequences if a storm develops,” wrote Jennifer Silverwood Young.
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