Storm Floris Forces Cruise Itinerary Changes
Two cruise ships, Regal Princess and Ambience, have had to alter their itineraries due to the fierce Storm Floris. This storm is sweeping across northern Scotland and the Norwegian coast. To ensure passenger and crew safety, both ships have cancelled or rearranged their planned ports of call.
Regal Princess Adjusts UK Voyage
The Regal Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, is on a 12-night UK cruise departing from Southampton. The ship set sail on 1st August 2025. Although it managed to visit Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, it had to skip Invergordon and Stornoway. These changes were necessary as Storm Floris approached with high winds and rough seas.
Instead of the cancelled stops, the Regal Princess will spend an extra day at sea. It will now visit Greenock (Glasgow) a day earlier, on Tuesday, from 8 am to 7 pm. Additionally, a new stop in Liverpool has been added for Wednesday, 6th August. Passengers will receive automatic refunds for any pre-booked excursions at the cancelled ports.
Ambience Reroutes from Norway
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience is also navigating the storm’s impact. The ship left Tilbury on 3rd August for a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. To avoid the worst of the storm, Ambience has swapped its Sandnes stop on 5th August for an earlier visit to Bergen. Bergen is currently under a lower-tier yellow wind warning.
The ship will extend its stay in Alesund on 7th August. However, calls to Haugesund and Stavanger have been cancelled due to safety concerns and berth unavailability. The revised itinerary is as follows:
– 3 August – Depart Tilbury
– 4 August – Day at Sea
– 5 August – Bergen (replacing Sandnes)
– 6 August – Geiranger
– 7 August – Alesund (extended visit)
– 8 August – Day at Sea (formerly Bergen)
– 9 August – Day at Sea
– 10 August – Return to Tilbury
Weather Warnings in Effect
As Storm Floris progresses eastward, the UK Met Office continues to issue wind warnings for Scotland, including the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued alerts for Norway’s west coast, including Stavanger. Wind gusts in these regions could reach dangerous levels, making it crucial for cruise lines to prioritise safety.
In conclusion, while itinerary changes can be disappointing, passenger safety is paramount. Cruise lines are taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey despite the weather challenges.
Leave a Reply