Tropical Storm Gordon is currently pounding south Florida with high winds and heavy rainfall. As the storm continues and then hits the Gulf of Mexico we could see cruise itineraries impacted.
Tropical Storm Gordon a Threat to Cruises
Now we must say first that this isn’t a huge Hurricane ‘yet’ but is still very dangerous indeed which should not be taken likely. No cruise itinerary changes have been officially announced yet but as Gordon heads toward the Gulf coast this will likely change.
Royal Caribbean is looking at a possible late departure for Majesty of the Seas out of Tampa, Florida today. Do keep in touch with the cruise line if this impacts you.
Update for @RoyalCaribbean #MajestyoftheSeas leaving Tampa today. Tropical Storm #Gordon will be intensifying as it tracks NW towards New Orleans. Marine Ops Miami, and Captain Perrson are looking at a delayed departure to stay away from the center of the storm. pic.twitter.com/aNmiyHTT9s
— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) September 3, 2018
Tropical Storm Gordon is pounding south Florida at the moment and this area includes the major cruise ports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The storm is keeping away from central Florida so Port Canaveral should be just fine. As Gordon heads towards the Gulf Port of Tampa may suffer from the bad conditions. Having said that none of the ports are expected to be damaged and the storm will mainly cause issues with ship routes at sea.
Storm Current Status
Right now according to the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) Tropical Storm Gordon has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving northwest at 16 mph. The storm is over south Florida but later in the afternoon will hit the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Also Read:Â How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise
It won’t get any better from there as the warm conditions will just turn Gordon into a category 1 Hurricane. It will reach the U.S. Gulf coast by Tuesday night at the latest, these areas include the popular cruise ports in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. Expect storm surges, heavy flooding and high winds in these regions.
It is always best to check with the cruise line directly before traveling and follow them for updates. Cruise Hive will monitor the growing Tropical Storm and will post updates which impact the cruise industry including ship itineraries and ports.
