The 2025 hurricane season has already created a turbulent start for the cruise industry. Hurricane Humberto, now a Category 4 system, continues to gain strength in the Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, Tropical Storm Imelda has formed near the northwest Bahamas. Together, these storms have forced major cruise operators to alter plans, reroute ships, and cancel key stops across the United States and Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line lead the list of affected companies. At least a dozen ships face changes that include skipped ports, extended sea days, or replacement destinations. Travelers planning sunny escapes in the Bahamas or Bermuda instead find themselves exploring Canada, New England, or Western Caribbean ports.
Hurricane Humberto Gains Strength
Hurricane Humberto has quickly become one of the strongest storms of the season. Positioned northeast of the Leeward Islands, it continues to move toward Bermuda with dangerous winds and high seas. Its reach has extended far, producing large swells across the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.
Cruise ships scheduled for stops in Florida, Bermuda, and the Bahamas face immediate adjustments. Travelers expecting CocoCay or Nassau now spend days at sea or visit new ports. Some ships add calls in Nova Scotia or St. John, Canada, offering unexpected cultural experiences. For many guests, these changes mean discovering destinations that they had not planned to visit.
Tropical Storm Imelda Creates New Challenges
While Humberto dominates the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Imelda threatens the northwest Bahamas. Its development has forced ships to reconsider short sailings and Florida departures. The storm’s timing disrupts dozens of three- and four-night itineraries from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa.
Imelda may be smaller than Humberto, but its proximity to major embarkation ports makes it more disruptive. Nassau, Freeport, and private islands such as Castaway Cay and CocoCay face multiple cancellations. Many ships now reroute to safer Western Caribbean destinations, including Cozumel and Roatán.
Royal Caribbean Adjustments
Royal Caribbean has made wide-ranging changes.
- Star of the Seas from Port Canaveral redirected to Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel. Nassau and CocoCay dropped. Refunds offered.
- Symphony of the Seas from Cape Liberty shifted to Atlantic Canada, with an overnight in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Guests receive onboard credit.
- Utopia of the Seas dropped Nassau, replacing it with another sea day. CocoCay remains on the schedule.
- Freedom of the Seas canceled Bahamas stops, with Western Caribbean ports under review.
- Liberty of the Seas diverted from Bermuda to St. John, Canada.
- Adventure of the Seas cut Bahamas calls, with possible Western Caribbean substitutions.
- Grandeur of the Seas adjusted Cozumel to avoid storm conditions.
- Enchantment of the Seas rerouted from the Bahamas to Mexico.
Carnival Cruise Line Adjustments
Carnival ships also face changes.
- Carnival Sunrise from Miami moved Half Moon Cay to Sept. 26 and added an extra sea day.
- Carnival Venezia skipped a Bahamas stop and returned early to New York.
- Carnival Horizon canceled Grand Turk and replaced it with Cozumel, Mexico.
Disney Cruise Line Changes
Disney Cruise Line, known for its private island experiences, has also adapted quickly.
- Disney Wish canceled Nassau and moved its Castaway Cay stop to Sept. 27. A full sea day was added.
Ships Under Watch
Several other ships remain under close monitoring as forecasts evolve.
- Anthem of the Seas may swap Bermuda for Canada.
- Carnival Celebration may skip CocoCay for Cozumel.
- Norwegian Getaway could shift from the Bahamas to the Western Caribbean.
- Disney Fantasy may reorder Eastern Caribbean stops if conditions worsen.
Broader Tourism Impact
Hurricanes are a familiar risk during the Caribbean cruise season. The industry has adapted by creating flexible schedules, safety-first protocols, and strong contingency plans. While passengers may lose favorite stops like CocoCay or Castaway Cay, they often gain new adventures in Canada or Mexico.
Cruise lines also support travelers with compensation. Refunds, onboard credits, and future cruise vouchers soften the impact of missed ports. These steps reinforce confidence that cruising remains a safe and enjoyable vacation option.
Lessons for Travelers
Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda prove once again that flexibility matters when cruising in storm season. Guests who travel during these months should carry reliable travel insurance, expect possible reroutes, and maintain patience. In return, they still enjoy memorable experiences and the chance to explore unique destinations.
The cruise industry has shown its resilience in the face of unpredictable weather. Operators adapt quickly, prioritize safety, and preserve the vacation spirit for travelers. Even when storms strike, the adventure continues, often in surprising and rewarding ways.
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