With a series of low pressure systems combining into a massive nor’easter storm, multiple cruise ships have adjusted departure times, sailing routes, and overall itineraries involving Canadian Atlantic and eastern US homeports and ports of call to avoid the worst weather and ensure smooth, safe sailing for guests and crew members.
Norwegian Escape Leaves Halifax Early
Norwegian Escape departed New York on a 7-night Canada and New England itinerary on Saturday, September 19, 2026, long before the nor’easter was impacting the region. The ship’s last port of call and return to New York, however, has now been adjusted.
The 4,266-guest ship’s original itinerary included a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. Because of the rough weather, however, that visit was shortened so the ship could return to New York earlier.
“Due to forecasted weather conditions associated with a developing nor’easter expected to impact the northeastern United States and Canadian Atlantic coast, Norwegian Escape will depart Halifax earlier than originally scheduled today,” guests were informed by letters on Thursday morning.
“Based on the latest forecasts and to allow the ship to safely navigate the region ahead of the storm’s expected strongest conditions, this adjustment is necessary to support our planned arrival into New York City.”
Norwegian Escape departed Halifax several hours early and should arrive in New York late Friday evening, well ahead of the original arrival time of 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. The ship will remain docked through the night and guests will debark as planned on Saturday morning.
Friday was originally planned as a leisurely day at sea as the ship made her way back to the Big Apple. Since Norwegian Escape will not arrive in New York until late, however, the experience for guests onboard will not be much different than a typical sea day, other than a great opportunity to view the nighttime New York City skyline as the ship arrives late Friday evening.
Carnival Venezia Cuts Bermuda Short, Delayed Back to New York
Carnival Venezia has also changed her current cruise plans to avoid the worst of the storm’s weather. The 4,090-guest ship departed New York on Sunday, September 20 for a 4-night Bermuda sailing. On the first full day of the cruise, however, guests were informed that the time in Bermuda would be shortened and the ship would change her return route back to New York.
“I must say thank you to the guests on board now who have a delayed debarkation in New York this morning because the Captain slowed the ship to make it more comfortable for them in the bad weather,” Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador John Heald explained in a Facebook post on Thursday morning, September 24.
This also pushed back embarkation for the ship’s next sailing, a 5-night Bermuda itinerary that was to have included an overnight visit. Due to the delayed departure from New York and rerouting to avoid stormy conditions on the way to Bermuda, however, the September 24 cruise will now arrive in Bermuda at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, rather than 9 a.m. on Saturday as originally planned.
Vision of the Seas Sails South Instead
Royal Caribbean’s 2,050-guest Vision of the Seas rerouted completely to avoid the storm. Sailing from Baltimore, the ship was to have departed on Thursday, September 24, 2026 for a 9-night Canada and New England itinerary.
Instead, the ship remained overnight in Baltimore on Thursday and will not depart until 3 p.m. on Friday, September 25. From there, she will be sailing south to spend the time in Florida and the Bahamas, with port visits to Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Grand Bahama Island before returning to Maryland on Saturday, October 3.
Embarkation for the sailing was also delayed and the cruise terminal did not open until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Due to government restrictions, guests were not permitted to debark the ship to enjoy the city once they had embarked.
“Going ashore will not be permissible per the CBP [US Customs and Border Protection],” the cruise line explained in an email notification.
Other Ships to Watch
While only Norwegian Escape, Carnival Venezia, and Vision of the Seas have confirmed itinerary changes at this time, other ships in the Northeast may also see adjustments to their itineraries over the next few days.
This could include Crystal Symphony (Friday), Queen Mary 2 (Saturday), and Valiant Lady (Sunday) in New York and possibly Independence of the Seas (Saturday) and Oasis of the Seas (Sunday) across the bay at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey.
Carnival Pride is also scheduled in Baltimore on Sunday, September 27.
Silversea’s Silver Wind (Saturday) and Norwegian Breakaway (Sunday) are scheduled for Boston, and Celebrity Silhouette (Sunday) is expected in Portland, Maine.
Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to be in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 26 and could be affected depending on how far the storm’s impact may reach.
Any cruise guests sailing in the Northeast over the next few days should stay in close contact with their cruise line for updates and adjustments as any change in plans is confirmed.
