The danger alert from hurricane Dorian to Florida during Labor Day weekend put many cruise ports in Florida on “Whiskey” status. Technically, the status means that there is a threat perceived from sustained winds with a speed between 39-54 mph within 72 hours.
As on Thursday, August 29, the Whiskey status reflects the higher threat level from the hurricane. The affected ports include Jacksonville, Canaveral, Everglades, Manatee, Miami, and Tampa.
Although ports and other facilities remain open, Whiskey mandates large vessels to be on alert and make plans to leave the cruise port and let know smaller cruise ships that they consider seeking safe harbor elsewhere.
Many cruise ship operators are currently watching the storm closely. Some have already made changes to the itineraries.
- Carnival Sunshine, which departed on Thursday, August 29, is to skip Princess Cays on Saturday, August 31, and instead, is scheduled to visit Key West between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The plans of Sunshine for Monday, September 2, are under evaluation. There is a possibility that the ship may not return to Charleston. Pre-purchased Carnival shore trips for canceled ports will be automatically refunded.
- Royal Caribbean modified the itineraries of 3 ships from eastern to western Caribbean routes. The Royal Caribbean vessels sailing with a changed program include Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.
- Disney Cruise Line changed the itinerary of Disney Fantasy to the Eastern Caribbean from the planned western Caribbean routes.