With Hurricane Polo gaining strength off Mexico’s Pacific coast, cruise lines are making sure their cruise ships stay far away from any impact and keep guests safe. As of September 25, three cruise ships have confirmed itinerary adjustments, but more could be on the way depending on the storm’s development.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) 8:00 AM Advisory 20, Polo has maximum sustained winds of 180 MPH and is located 410 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It’s moving west at 12 mph and is a very powerful Category 5 hurricane.
Grand Princess (September 25 Sailing)
The 2,610-passenger Grand Princess is the latest vessel to be impacted by Hurricane Polo, which is churning off the west coast of Mexico. Princess Cruises sent out an itinerary change notice to booked guests for the September 25 sailing out of Los Angeles, California.
The cruise line stated in its notice, “Please be advised we are closely monitoring Hurricane Polo as it moves along the coast of Mexico. With the safety of our guests and crew as our highest priority, we have made amendments to your upcoming Grand Princess voyage to keep us well out of the path of the storm and provide you with the most comfortable cruise.“
Grand Princess has cancelled its scheduled calls to La Paz on September 29, Guaymas on September 30, and Puerto Vallarta on October 2. Instead, the ship is offering a new overnight call to San Diego that will arrive on September 26 and depart on September 27, instead of an originally scheduled sea day. The ship has also added a call to Mazatlan in Mexico on October 1.
Booked guests do have the option to cancel their planned cruise and can receive a full 100% refund of their fare. Those who are sticking with the ship and still moving ahead with their cruise are getting $100 in onboard credit from Princess Cruises.
Navigator of the Seas (September 25 Sailing)
Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to respond to the powerful hurricane, informing guests of an itinerary change in a notice sent on September 23. The voyage impacted is the September 25 sailing out of Los Angeles, California.
Navigator of the Seas has cancelled its planned stop in Ensenada, Mexico, on September 26, which will now be a sea day, and its call at Cabo San Lucas on September 28. Instead, the 3,386-passenger vessel has shifted its call at Mazatlan to September 28 and has added a new call at Puerto Vallarta on September 29.
Royal Caribbean stated to guests in the notice it sent out, “We’re sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know being onboard is one of the safest places to be because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather.“
The cruise line is ensuring that any shore excursions booked through them for Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas are refunded to the SeaPass account as onboard credit.
Brilliant Lady (September 26 Sailing)
It’s also been confirmed by guests booked on the Brilliant Lady September 26 sailing out of Los Angeles that it has been adjusted.
Virgin Voyages has cancelled the call to Cabo San Lucas on September 28, the call to Mazatlan on September 29, and Puerto Vallarta on September 30.
Instead, Brilliant Lady is staying closer to home, with a call to San Francisco on September 28, San Diego on September 30, and then the final call in Ensenada, Mexico, on October 2. This means Ensenada is now the only Mexican port on the itinerary. The ship will then return to LA as normal on October 3.
Cruise Ships to Watch
Cruise Hive is watching for further confirmed itinerary changes for other ships sailing the region, including Carnival Panorama’s September 26 sailing out of Long Beach, Carnival Miracle’s repositioning September 26 sailing out of Seattle, Queen Elizabeth’s September 24 sailing out of Seattle, and Coral Princess’ September 23 Panama sailing out of Vancouver.
