Royal Caribbean Adjusts Itineraries Amid Severe Winter Weather
In a bid to prioritize passenger safety, Royal Caribbean has taken proactive measures to reroute and delay ships amid the impending blizzard expected to hit the East Coast. As forecasts predict up to 20 inches of snow in certain areas, key adjustments have been made to the itineraries of at least two cruise liners: the Star of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.
Significant Changes for Passengers
The Star of the Seas will skip its scheduled stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay due to expected rough seas. Instead, passengers will enjoy an additional Sea Day before arriving earlier than planned in St. Thomas. Royal Caribbean expressed regret over this last-minute change, with safety being their utmost concern.
Meanwhile, the Odyssey of the Seas is set to remain docked overnight in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, delaying its February 22 departure. Passengers have been informed of the situation, with expectations of “high winds and rough seas.” Communications advised guests to stick to their original check-in times, although casino and onboard shops will remain closed until the ship departs.
The Impact of Winter Storm Hernando
The impending storm, dubbed Winter Storm Hernando, is expected to unleash blizzard conditions across the region, leading to state of emergency declarations in New Jersey. Specific regions, including New York City and Boston, will experience significant impacts, hindering travel and possibly leading to extensive flight delays and road hazards as conditions worsen. Many people are fearful of dealing with dangerous black ice as snow begins to melt and refreeze.
Navigating Uncertainty
While Royal Caribbean has not yet announced further modifications to the itineraries, the duration of the delay could result in a domino effect on other ports of call, including Port Canaveral and Nassau, expected later in the week. This is not the first time the Odyssey of the Seas has faced disruptions this winter due to severe weather, highlighting the significant impacts of winter storms.
For those affected by the changes, the cruise line reassures that they are closely monitoring weather conditions to facilitate the safest experience possible. With safety as their top priority, the cruise company remains committed to keeping passengers updated in real-time.
As we await updates, cruise enthusiasts are reminded to stay informed about changing weather patterns and potential impacts on their travel plans. Travelers are encouraged to monitor conditions closely as these storms develop, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience once travel resumes.
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