Winter Storm Fern Disrupts US Cruise Itineraries
Winter Storm Fern is wreaking havoc on cruise schedules across the United States. Cruise lines are scrambling to adjust itineraries, arrival times, and embarkation schedules. The storm is sweeping through the central, midwestern, and eastern US, bringing snow, ice, and freezing rain. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have announced changes affecting several ships and homeports.
Harmony of the Seas Returns Early to Galveston
Royal Caribbean has made a swift decision regarding Harmony of the Seas. The ship is returning to Galveston a day earlier than planned. Originally set for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, the ship departed on 18th January. It will now dock in Galveston at 11 am on Saturday, 24th January, instead of Sunday, 25th January. This change aims to minimise disruption to guests’ onward travel plans due to the severe weather.
Weather Concerns in Galveston
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the Galveston area. Rain, thunderstorms, and potential freezing rain are expected. Texas faces mixed precipitation, extreme cold, and wind chills below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice on bridges connecting Port of Galveston to the mainland is a major concern. This could leave travellers stranded if conditions worsen.
Impact on Cruise Itinerary
Due to the early return, Harmony of the Seas has cancelled its final port call to Cozumel, Mexico. This was originally scheduled for Friday, 23rd January. The ship is sailing back to Texas at full speed to stay ahead of the storm. Guests can disembark on Saturday once the ship is cleared. Those who prefer to stay onboard until Sunday can do so, but must inform their stateroom attendant or Guest Services by noon on Friday.
Onboard Arrangements and Compensation
Guests choosing to remain onboard must briefly disembark with their travel documents on Saturday before reboarding. This process is similar to a back-to-back sailing. While docked, retail shops and the casino will remain closed. Royal Caribbean is offering compensation in the form of a one-day pro-rated refund of the cruise fare. This will be issued as onboard credit and refunded to the card on file if unused. All shore excursions booked for Cozumel are being automatically refunded. Importantly, guests will still earn full loyalty points for the original 7-night cruise, regardless of their disembarkation day.
Winter Storm Fern continues to challenge cruise operations, but proactive measures are in place to ensure guest safety and satisfaction. Stay informed and plan accordingly if you’re cruising during this period.
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