The weather situation has been changing quickly but the major cruise lines have yet to cancel any cruises or say that any ships will have their sailings cut short or extended.
Hurricane Milton has, however, become a truly dangerous storm.
Related: Royal Caribbean shares an urgent Hurricane Milton warning
“Data from both Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Milton has strengthened to a category 4 hurricane. The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 150 mph (240 km/h). Milton is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,” the National Hurricane Center shared.
The agency explained what that information means in a separate “key messages” post.
“There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of the Florida Penninsula beginning Tuesday night or early Wednesday. Storm surge and hurricane watches are now in effect for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and residents in that area should follow any advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.
Cruise News shares the latest storm update
Cruise News Today’s Doug Parker opened his show by sharing an update on Hurricane Milton.
“All eyes are on the Caribbean as Hurricane Milton intensifies, expected to reach Category 3 or Category 4 status before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast by Wednesday,” he shared.”Now, cruises departing from Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, and Everglades might be impacted by port closures and itinerary changes.”
A number of ships across a variety of cruise lines have been impacted.
“At the time of broadcast, the Margaritaville Islander, Grandeur of the Seas, Harmony,Symphony, Wonder, Utopia, Celebrity Reflection, and Carnival Pride are among the ones with itineraries impacted. If you are cruising this week, stay tuned to your cruise line,” he added.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
All Florida ports, Parker shared on his website, have a Coast Guard rating of “X-Ray.” Here’s a look at the Coast Guard’s Port Condition Key:
Whiskey: Gale-force winds (39-54 mph) are expected within 72 hours. Ports remain open, but residents are advised to exercise caution and prepare.X-Ray: Gale-force winds are expected within 48 hours. Ports are still open, but some restrictions may be placed to begin securing operations.Yankee: Gale-force winds are expected within 24 hours. Ports are closed to incoming vessels, and outbound vessels may be restricted.Zulu: Gale-force winds are expected within 12 hours. Ports are fully closed to all incoming and outgoing vessels, and all operations cease.
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