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Western Caribbean cruises dodge Helene, Tampa impact likely

A number of western Caribbean cruises were revised to avoid Tropical Storm Helene, forecast to become a hurricane before crossing the Gulf of Mexico and potentially reaching Florida's Gulf Coast late Thursday.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

September 24, 2024

1 Min Read
The National Hurricane Center's five-day forecast for Helene puts Port Tampa Bay in the 'cone.' Carnival Paradise is scheduled to turn around there ThursdayCHART: NOAA

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Helene could become a hurricane Wednesday and a major hurricane Thursday.

On Tuesday afternoon a hurricane watch was in effect for the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula from Cabo Catoche to Tulum, Mexico, Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province and Tampa Bay.

Carnival warns about Tampa and Jacksonville

Tuesday calls to Cozumel by Carnival Paradise and Carnival Valor were canceled, with Paradise substituting a stop at Costa Maya. Carnival Cruise Line was monitoring Carnival Breeze and Carnival Horizon itineraries for potential changes.

Carnival urged passengers with upcoming cruises in the area of Helene's projected path — including sailings from Port Tampa Bay and Jacksonville — to monitor emails and opt-in to text alerts.

Under the current scenario, Port Tampa Bay has already advised the cruise schedule for the next several days will be impacted.

'It is still to be determined what that means for Carnival Paradise,' Carnival said. The ship is due to turn around there on Thursday.

Royal Caribbean changes

At Royal Caribbean, Independence of the Seas' current cruise replaced Cozumel with a call at Nassau, while Mariner of the Seas dropped Cozumel, adding a sea day.

Grandeur of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas are both skipping Cozumel and Costa Maya and are going east to Nassau and Freeport instead.

Wonder of the Seas replaced Cozumel, Roatán and Costa Maya with eastern Caribbean calls at St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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