The 2025 hurricane season is unfolding with notable activity—not in the Atlantic, but in the eastern Pacific, where three named storms have already formed before early June.
Typically, the first named storm in the Pacific appears around June 10th. This year, however, Hurricane Barbara reached hurricane strength on June 9, followed swiftly by Tropical Storm Cosme.
Hurricane Barbara emerged southwest of Manzanillo with sustained winds near 75 mph/120 kmph, earning the distinction as the season’s first storm. It has now weakened to a tropical storm and continues tracking northwest over cooler seas, though its swell continues to batter coastal waters off southwestern Mexico and Baja California.
Meanwhile, Cosme, situated several hundred miles south of Baja California, remains on course to strengthen before losing intensity in the coming days.
These closer-to-shore Pacific systems have prompted proactive measures from CCL-Carnival Cruise Line. After departing Long Beach/LA on June 7th for a 7-night Mexican Riviera voyage, Carnival Panorama adjusted its route under the direction of Captain Carlo Queirolo and CCL’s Fleet Center in Miami. The original 4-port itinerary (Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas) has been reordered in reverse, not in port specification but in sequence, to maintain a safe distance from Barbara and its developing companion.
Despite the alteration, all originally scheduled stops will be made, with excursions shifted accordingly. Captain Queirolo confirmed that weather patterns continue to be monitored closely, and passengers were assured that any further changes would be communicated promptly.
Carnival brand ambassador John Heald emphasized that the company strives to balance guest expectations with safety protocols, noting that this instance exemplifies a “best-case scenario” where itinerary changes preserve both enjoyment and security.
For more Carnival Panorama incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.