Tropical Storm Isaac heads west, ships try to come home

While some cruise guests were treated to an extra day or two at sea due to Tropical Storm Isaac, others will have to forego part of their cruise as well as miss out on a much-anticipated port. All a part of taking a cruise during hurricane season.

Tonight it seems that Isaac is slowly steering westward and the west coast of Florida is no longer in a direct path of the storm. Cruise lines are trying to get back to normal as soon as possible. Here’s the 11pm latest direct from the cruise lines:

ROYAL CARIBEAN
Allure of the Seas
Given Tropical Storm Isaac’s current location and projected path, and the forecasted weather for South Florida, Allure of the Seas’ next sailing will now begin on Tuesday, August 28. We ask that guests who are scheduled to sail on Allure of the Season Sunday, August 26, not arrive at the port until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28. We kindly ask that guests come to the terminal between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, for check-in and boarding.

Regrettably, the delayed departure will have an impact on the scheduled itinerary. Allure of the Seas will now spend Wednesday, August 29, at sea, call to Cozumel, Mexico, on Thursday, August 30, spend Friday, August 31, at sea, and Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday, September 1.

Majesty of the Seas
The Port of Miami closed at 11:00 p.m. yesterday evening and plans to reopen on Monday, August 27. Because of this, Majesty of the Seas’ boarding on Monday will be delayed. Boarding will now start on Monday at 5:00 p.m. Guests can begin arriving at 5:00 p.m. and should arrive no later than 8:00 p.m.

Majesty of the Seas will call on Nassau, Bahamas, on Tuesday, August 27, as scheduled. However, the arrival time in Nassau may be impacted by the later departure. More information will be provided to guests once they board the ship.

Monarch of the Seas
Boarding for Monarch of the Seas will begin at 1:00 p.m., as scheduled. Monarch of the Seas will spend Wednesday, August 29, at sea, and call to CocoCay, Bahamas, on Thursday, August 30.

However, we suggest that guests sailing on Monarch of the Seas on Monday, August 27, continue to monitor this website for any additional updates.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Valor – 8/18/12 Departure

The Port of Miami is expected to reopen on Monday at noon. The Carnival Valor will remain at sea a safe distance away from the storm until the port reopens.

Carnival Valor  – 8/26/12 Departure
Our scheduled 6 day cruise will be shortened to a 5 day cruise visiting Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. Unfortunately, this means we will cancel our call in Key West. Check-in for your cruise is now scheduled on Monday August 27, 2012, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and sailing is set for 8:00 PM. The times in Grand Cayman & Montego Bay remain unchanged.

Here are your options for compensation:

• Sail with us and receive a:
– One-day pro-rated refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
– $50 per person on board credit
– Refund of the government fees and taxes for Key West
– Gratuities will also be adjusted to reflect the shortened voyage
– Shore excursions purchased for Key West will be automatically refunded
– Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers or other incidental costs.

Carnival Imagination – 8/24/12 Departure
The Port of Miami is expected to reopen at noon on Monday. The Carnival Imagination will remain at sea at a safe distance from the storm until the port reopens.

Carnival Imagination – 8/27/12 Departure
Check-in for the Carnival Imagination is set for 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM and sailing is set for 8:00 PM.

For all above departures:
Guest who purchased flights with Carnival’s FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Norwegian Sky will delay her arrival into Miami on Monday, August 27. The ship is now expected to arrive between noon and 4 pm on Monday, depending on when the Port of Miami re-opens. Embarkation for guests on the ship’s four-day Bahamas cruise will now take place at 5 pm. Norwegian Sky is expected to depart at 10 pm and follow her existing itinerary.

And of course, there’s DISNEY:
At this time, we have not made any changes to the following itineraries:
Disney Dream  August 29th, 4-night sailing to the Bahamas.

Photo credit: Wunderground.com, Sherry Laskin