Dense fog has forced the Port of Galveston to close which means two cruise ships remain in port unable to depart.
UPDATE: The port has now reopened and the fog has lifted. Cruise ships have departed. The Carnival Dream remained in port for seven hours until being able to set sail.
Heavy Fog Causes Problems at Galveston Port
The Port of Galveston has been hit with dense fog once again and it has forced the port to close. This has also resulted in the Carnival Dream which is operated by Carnival Cruise Line and Enchantment of the Seas operated by Royal Caribbean unable to depart and remain docked.
Cruise Hive has confirmed the captain of the Carnival Dream has made an announcement to guests saying the port is currently closed and the ship will set sail once it reopens. He also warned passengers that depending on the departure time the itinerary might need to be altered.
Carnival Cruise Line also did release a travel alert to those guests booked on today’s February 17 departure:
Dear Carnival Dream Guest,
As you are preparing for your cruise, we want to make you aware of a weather alert.
Our Fleet Operations Center in Miami has been actively monitoring the weather forecast for Galveston. Dense fog is expected and this may impact the arrival of the ship and your embarkation.
We will continue to monitor the weather and provide you with an update by 9:00 AM (CST) tomorrow. In the meantime, please opt-in for text alerts by texting CCL1 to 278473 (CRUISE).
We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard for a FUN and memorable cruise vacation.
Here are some exclusive photos for Cruise Hive taken from the Carnival Dream before entering the port this morning and while docked:
Both vessels did suffer from foggy conditions when entering Galveston earlier this morning. Enchantment of the Seas was ending a 5-day western Caribbean cruise and the Carnival Dream was ending a 4-day cruise which was also in the western Caribbean. Thankfully they both managed to navigate very slowly into port.
Cruises from Galveston: The Pros and Cons
Travel reports for the are show there will be heavy fog until around 9:00 PM and if that is the case there will no doubt be an impact on sailings. Carnival Dream was scheduled to depart at around 3:30 PM on a 5-day western Caribbean cruise including calls to Cozumel and Progreso, both in Mexico. Enchantment of the Seas was scheduled to depart at around 4:00 PM on a 4-day Western Caribbean cruise with a call to Cozumel, Mexico.
Galveston Island and the surrounding areas are often hit with foggy conditions and unfortunately, this has happened many times in the past. Carnival Dream was impacted by fog in January and ended up sailing a cruise to nowhere after having a major delay.
