If you have family or friends cruising this week in and around the Gulf of Mexico, it may be a few extra days before they make their way home. Port Tampa Bay is preparing for closure as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida’s west coast, prompting cruise lines to make significant itinerary adjustments to ensure passenger safety. Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, along with several other vessels, will be unable to return to port until at least Sunday due to the impending storm.
As a result, passengers on these ships are experiencing extended voyages while the cruise lines work to reroute itineraries around the storm’s path. This precautionary measure comes as Hurricane Helene continues to intensify, with forecasts predicting severe weather conditions that make docking unsafe.
Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have activated contingency plans, extending trips and adjusting arrival times to prioritize safety as the hurricane approaches. Passengers are being regularly updated on changes and assured that every precaution is being taken to avoid the worst of the storm.
