Airlines and cruise lines began implementing preventative measures in anticipation of Hurricane Helene, with significant impacts on travel itineraries as the storm threatens Florida and the Southeast.
Nearly 900 flights were canceled nationwide, primarily affecting airports in Tampa, Fort Myers, and Atlanta, while three major Florida airports temporarily closed due to the storm’s approach. Flight EI120 Orlando to Dublin departed on schedule.
Airlines including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United have issued travel alerts, allowing for fee waivers and flexible rebooking options for affected passengers traveling to or from certain Florida airports.
Cruise lines adjusted their itineraries and closed ports in Florida. One ship is currently stuck at sea, while two more are skipping planned stops while Tampa and Jacksonville ports closed Wednesday evening ahead of Hurricane Helene’s projected landfall. Five Royal Caribbean ships routes have been impacted,
- Serenade of the Seas – Changed stops from Cozumel and Costa Maya to Freeport and Nassau, with a delayed return to Tampa.
- Independence of the Seas – Changed Tuesday’s planned stop in Cozumel to Nassau, Bahamas.
- Mariner of the Seas – Swapped out Tuesday’s stop in Cozumel for a day at sea.
- Wonder of the Seas – Skipped stops in Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya, with added stops in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
- Grandeur of the Seas – Changed stops from Costa Maya and Cozumel to Nassau and Freeport.
- MSC Seashore’s Thursday turnaround at Port Canaveral was put back to Friday.
- Disney Fantasy cancelled Tuesday’s call at George Town, replacing it with a sea day while Disney Wish delayed arrival at Port Canaveral and rescheduled subsequent departure.
- Carnival announced that eight ships’ itineraries are currently under watch. Galveston-based Carnival Breeze skipped Cozumel and was expected to call at Progreso instead, on Thursday.
- Miami-based Carnival Horizon missed Grand Cayman and in lieu of Cozumel on Thursday was expected to visit Amber Cove (Dominican Republic).
