Another major winter storm is expected to slam the United States over the weekend. The effects, however, are being felt beyond land — with cruise itineraries being disrupted in anticipation of strong winds.
Passengers sailing on this weekend's Utopia of the Seas voyage were informed that their scheduled visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay was canceled due to the weather forecast and unsafe docking conditions.
"[W]e unfortunately have to cancel our visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas on Sunday due to strong winds. As a result, and to provide you with the best and safest experience, we'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead," reads a letter given to guests.
That isn't the only change, either. Rather than departing Nassau at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, Utopia of the Seas will leave the Bahamian capital at 5:00 p.m.
"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather — your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is the safest place to be, as we can move out of the way of any inclement weather," the letter continues.
Royal Caribbean is not providing any compensation for the canceled port beyond the standard port fee refund. Those who pre-booked shore excursions through the cruise line will receive an onboard credit, which can be used anywhere on the Oasis Class ship.
Any remaining funds at the end of the sailing will be reimbursed to the card on file in up to 14 business days after disembarkation.
At the time of writing, Utopia of the Seas is expected to return to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, as scheduled at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2.
Massive bomb cyclone targeting the East Coast
According to the Weather Channel, Winter Storm Gianna is expected to intensify into a bomb cyclone, with snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding impacting the Carolinas, Virginia, and New England.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for much of the East Coast, ranging from the Southeast all the way up to Cape Cod and Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
AccuWeather reported that certain southern cities, including Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, North Carolina, could be facing their biggest snowstorm in decades. Preliminary estimates also suggest that snowfall totals in Norfolk, Virginia, could top last February’s 11.1 inches.
The arctic blast is pushing south as well, with impacts expected as far as South Florida and the Bahamas. In Port Canaveral, for example, the low on Saturday is forecast around 29°F, and near-freezing temperatures are possible across parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, CBS News confirmed.
Other ships impacted by the strengthening major nor'easter
(Credit: Scott Sanders, The DCL Blog/X)
Like Utopia of the Seas, Disney Wish will skip its scheduled stop to Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private Bahamaian island, this weekend.
"We have been closely monitoring a weather system that will impact our planned stop at Disney Castaway Cay," a letter given to impacted passengers reads.
"Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions predicted in The Bahamas overnight on Saturday and during the day on Sunday, we will not be able to visit Disney Castaway Cay on Sunday. We will instead spend more time in Nassau, on Saturday night and throughout the morning on Sunday."
(Credit: John Wojtasiak/Facebook)
Even ships already at sea are being forced to adjust. Carnival Sunshine, for example, is returning to Norfolk at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Sunshine Class vessel was originally expected to arrive in Virginia on Sunday.
Consequently, the ship’s scheduled visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, on Thursday was canceled to allow enough time to sail up the East Coast.
Carnival Sunshine passengers do not have to disembark from the ship upon its arrival in Virginia — they may remain on board until Sunday as originally planned.
Read more: Carnival ends cruise early to avoid developing Nor'easter
Regardless, everyone will receive a one-day prorated refund of the paid cruise fare to the original form of payment, along with a one-day prorated refund for any pre-purchased drink packages, Wi-Fi plans, and prepaid gratuities. Carnival is also providing passengers with a complimentary Value Wi-Fi plan to handle last-minute travel arrangements.
Carnival's letter, which was signed by Captain Leonardo Contarino, concludes, "Once again, we are truly sorry that the weather is affecting our plans this week and thank you for your patience and understanding. My team and I remain committed to taking good care of you for the rest of our time together."
Similarly, Norwegian Breakaway is rushing back to New York and skipping its visit to St. Thomas. The ship is expected to arrive on Feb. 1 at 11:00 p.m., rather than Feb. 3. The extra two nights in New York will be treated as an overnight port of call.
