At least two Carnival Cruise Line ships had to change their schedules due to the impact from Hurricane Debby.
According to the company’s weather contributor, Amy Sweezey, the Carnival Paradise and the Carnival Elation had their returns to Florida altered due to the storm.
“There have been some impacts in Tampa, Jacksonville and we’re keeping an eye on Charleston as well,” she said in a video updated.
According to Sweezey, the storm made landfall as a hurricane in Florida on Monday and is now set to head up to Georgia and South Carolina.
With Port Tampa Bay closed for ship traffic, the Carnival Paradise was one of the ships affected by the situation, she added.
“It had to wait and not come back to port when it was supposed to, so that’s going to be a day late. That means that the next sailing for Paradise will be delayed as well,” Sweezey said.
As the situation is constantly changing, passengers set to embark on the ship are asked to wait for Carnival’s email and text confirmations, she added.
Initially set to dock in Tampa on Aug. 5, the ship is now expected to arrive once the port reopens for cruise traffic on Aug. 6.
The Carnival Elation was also impacted by Debby, having arrived at its homeport in Jacksonville one day earlier than initially scheduled on Aug. 4.
“It had to leave one day early as well. Thankfully it was able to avoid the worst of the weather, which is in Jacksonville right now,” Sweezey explained, while thanking guests for their flexibility and cooperation.
Currently offering a five-night cruise to the Bahamas from Charleston, the Carnival Sunshine may also experience impacts from Debby, she added.
“The Fleet Operations Center in Miami is monitoring the storm closely as it moves closer to South Carolina,” Sweezey said.
The storm is expected to slow down as it approaches, so it’s expected to bring rain to the region for several days, she added.
“If you are planning an upcoming sailing on the Sunshine in the next few days, make sure you get our text alerts, watch your emails, and listen to any announcements with changes,” Sweezey said, noting that Carnival’s number one priority is to keep guests safe.