Cruise ships change course due to record-breaking Category 5 hurricane

Hurricane Beryl is moving towards several popular Western Caribbean destinations, prompting numerous ships to adjust their routes. The storm became the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic hurricane season when its winds surpassed 157 mph on Tuesday. The conditions have already caused significant damage to the Windward Islands, including parts of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Although the storm has since been downgraded to a Category 4, it is forecasted to impact Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center. If it maintains its current path, the storm could disrupt key cruise ports including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth in Jamaica; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; Belize City and Harvest Caye in Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Progreso in Mexico.

Seven cruise lines have modified their port calls for 11 ships scheduled to be in potentially impacted areas in the coming days:

Carnival Cruise Line

• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Liberty

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Beyond

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Fantasy

Margaritaville at Sea

• Islander

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Jade

Princess Cruises

• Enchanted Princess

Royal Caribbean

• Grandeur of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

Several vessels have changed their itineraries in affected regions to include stops in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and various ports in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. To avoid the storm, some ships have altered the sequence of their scheduled ports.

In statements sent via email to TPG, all cruise lines have indicated they are actively monitoring the situation concerning the current voyages of the ships mentioned above and will make adjustments for future sailings as they gather more information about the hurricane's trajectory.

MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages also have vessels in the vicinity. As of the latest updates, they informed TPG that no changes had been made yet, but they are closely monitoring the situation.

Hurricane Beryl marks the earliest Category 5 storm recorded in the National Hurricane Center's history, joining only Hurricane Emily (July 2005) as one of two Category 5 hurricanes to form in July. The hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30 each year, with peak activity typically occurring from mid-August to mid-October. September usually sees increased activity, especially around September 10, which industry insiders refer to as Hurricane Day due to the consistent presence of a named storm in the Atlantic on that date.

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, the NHC's most recent advisory indicates the storm is located about 75 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds reaching 145 mph. The storm is expected to arrive in Jamaica by Wednesday evening and the Cayman Islands overnight into Thursday.

The NHC announced on X that Hurricane Beryl is generating "devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surges, and damaging waves," along with "life-threatening flash floods and mudslides."

Hurricane warnings are currently in effect for all of Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac; as well as the Yucatan Peninsula coast of Mexico from Costa Maya to Cancun. Hurricane watches and tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for portions of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as parts of Haiti and Belize.

If you have a cruise booked or are considering one during hurricane season, ensure you're equipped with these helpful resources:

• Your comprehensive guide to cruise travel insurance
• The top travel insurance options for cruisers
• What to understand if your cruise line changes or cancels your itinerary