Cruise Lines and Ports Prepare For Hurricane Ian
As Hurricane Ian approaches Florida as a strong category three storm, cruise lines are now starting to issues messages to guests on sailings out of Tampa and Port Canaveral.
Carnival Cruise Line sent a letter to guests embarking on Tampa-based Carnival Paradise this Friday that said “Hurricane Ian is expected to be a major hurricane that will impact the Tampa area beginning Wednesday. There is a possibility that the return to Tampa could be delayed due to the storm. Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you have received confirmation from us on when your cruise will operate.”
Paradise is currently the only cruise ship sailing out of Tampa.
The U.S. Coast Guard has also issued port warnings and potential closures ahead of the storm for Tampa, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Key West. At this time, Miami and Lauderdale aren’t impacted.
As of 5 am, Ian now a major hurricane, set to develop into Category 4 storm in Gulf. The storm is now expected to make landfall in the Tampa area tomorrow evening.
If you’re sailing from Florida, stay in contact with your cruise line, and stay safe.
STORY: Hurricane Ian Changes Multiple Caribbean Cruise Itineraries
Canada to Remove All COVID-19 Entry Restrictions
The Government of Canada announced today that it will be removing all COVID-19 entry restrictions for anyone entering the country starting October 1. Travelers to Canada, including cruise passengers, will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination, undergo pre or on-arrival testing, or carry out COVID related quarantine or isolation.
A set of guidelines will remain to protect cruise guests and crew, which will align with the guidelines being used in the U.S.
Princess Cruises and Holland America have already announced that vaccination will no longer be required on their Alaska and Canada and New England voyages.
STORY: Canada Will Soon Drop Its COVID-19 Entry Requirements
Carnival Luminosa Out of Dry Dock
Carnival Luminosa is officially out of dry dock and sailing for the first time with her brand-new blue, red, and white Carnival livery. The ship is now en route from Italy to Dubai, where she will pick up crew members.
Today also marks the first time Luminosa is sailing with a Bahamian flag. Previously, she sailed with a Portuguese flag with Costa Cruises.
The ship will spend the winter and early spring sailing from Brisbane, Australia. In mid-spring, she will head to Seattle to spend the season operating voyages to Alaska.
STORY: Carnival Luminosa Departs Shipyard, Now Heading to Pick Up Crew
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