Bad weather moving through the English Channel will slow the plans for a Royal Caribbean ship, impacting its timeline to return back to the UK.
Liberty of the Seas' second sailing since completing her Royal Amplification was suddenly disrupted by severe weather, affecting passengers on two cruises and forcing last-minute adjustments to debarkation and embarkation plans.
The revamped Freedom Class cruise ship won't return to its seasonal homeport in England as originally scheduled on Sunday, June 7, due to a storm that's preventing the vessel from safely making her way back toward Southampton.
As a result, passengers embarking on Liberty of the Seas for the June 7 cruise were told to arrive later than planned.
"We are closely monitoring adverse weather along our route back to Southampton, England for our current sailing. With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours and the terminal will be closed for embarkation until 2:30 PM," reads the email notice sent to guests, as shared with Royal Caribbean Blog.
(Credit: Leeor Plotkin)
It continues, "Arriving at the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time. All guests should be checked in and onboard by 6:30 PM. So, plan on arriving no later than 6:00 PM. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change."
According to the email, the earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:00 p.m.
Liberty of the Seas is currently wrapping up her first weeklong itinerary back in service following her highly anticipated Royal Amplification.
The 154,407 gross ton ship received new restaurants, refreshed public spaces, and even a few new cabins.
Highlights include Izumi Hibachi, Starbucks, a new Caribbean resort-style pool deck, El Loco Fresh, The Lime and Coconut, and more.
She'll remain in Europe throughout the summer, offering voyages to bucket list destinations like Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and Norway, then move back to the United States.
Unfavorable weather en route to England
(Credit: CruiseMapper. Screenshot taken at 2:18 p.m. EST)
Current reports on social media reveal that the developing storm system is forcing Liberty of the Seas to remain docked in Vigo, Spain, until 11:00 p.m. local time.
"Late departure tonight from Vigo at 23.00 so now 11.00 arrival in Southampton sunday now, due to storm avoidance," Michael Mccalla shared on Facebook.
Initially, the vessel was supposed to depart around 4:30 p.m. local time, with an estimated arrival time of 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7.
(Credit: Buoyweather. Screenshot taken at 2:31 p.m. EST)
However, as of 2:35 p.m. EST (8:35 p.m. local time), Liberty of the Seas remains in Vigo as the storm continues to impact the ship's English Channel crossing from Spain to England.
Vigo itself isn't forecast to be impacted by the severe weather. That said, the situation further north is less favorable, with strong winds and other inclement conditions developing across the English Channel.
According to Buoyweather, conditions along the route are expected to deteriorate overnight, especially closer to Southampton.
Strong winds and gusts could reach as high as 37 knots (around 42 mph), with models also indicating the possibility of waves exceeding 20 feet.
