A cruise ship originally destined for a tropical escape to The Bahamas is instead stuck in New Jersey and covered in snow.
Winter Storm Hernando has wreaked havoc in the travel industry, disrupting thousands of passengers traveling via air and cruise ship.
One such vessel, Odyssey of the Seas, was stuck in port overnight. As the record-breaking winter storm slammed the New York City area, Odyssey was blanketed in snow across the Hudson.
The Quantum Class ship was originally supposed to depart Bayonne (Cape Liberty), New Jersey, on Sunday, February 22. However, "high winds and rough seas" forced the cruise line to delay its departure.
Rather than waking up to the ocean's endless horizon, passengers were surprised by the rare sight of snow-covered decks and gray skies.
Jerel Donovan and Warren Caesar provided photos of what it's like on the cruise ship that's blanketed in white, fluffy snow.
As of 2:35 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 23, Cruise Mapper reveals that Odyssey has yet to depart New Jersey and head south toward The Bahamas.
Odyssey is supposed to call at Port Canaveral, Florida, on Feb. 24, followed by Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.
However, further itinerary changes could be possible depending on when the ship finally sets sail.
While docked in New Jersey, the onboard shops and casino must remain closed due to local laws and regulations.
MSC Meraviglia was also stuck in the New York City area overnight, remaining docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal around noon on Feb. 23.
Meraviglia's itinerary is similar to Odyssey of the Seas in that she is supposed to call at Port Canaveral, Florida, on the 24th, then visit MSC Cruises' private island in The Bahamas on Wednesday. The final stop on the 7-night itinerary is Nassau.
Unfortunately, passengers on both ships must wait and watch the storm continue to pound the Northeast until they're able to safely depart.
Earlier on Monday, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey shared on X that all operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, Port Newark Container Terminal, Maher Terminals, Port Liberty Bayonne, and New York and Red Hook Barge Terminal were closed due to the severe winter weather.
Over 600,000 homes and businesses have been left without power as the bomb cyclone continues to bring heavy snow and powerful winds to the region, according to The Weather Channel. Hurricane Hunters have even begun flying into the storm to gather data.
Over 15 inches of snow has accumulated in New York's Central Park so far, marking the city’s heaviest snowstorm in over five years since the pandemic. The last time New York saw higher snowfall totals was during the 17.4-inch storm that lasted from January 31 to February 3, 2021.
Should NYC see another 2.4 inches of snow, Winter Storm Hernando will officially become the city's heaviest snowstorm since January 2016.
