Carnival Changes Itineraries Due to Storm Helene

Carnival Cruise Line is modifying the itineraries of at least two of its ships due to the impact of tropical storm Helene on the Gulf of Mexico.

The company shared an update that the itineraries of the Carnival Paradise and the Carnival Valor were altered this Tuesday due to the storm’s path.

Amy Sweezey, a weather contributor for Carnival Cruise Line, reported that the timing and movement of the storm into the Gulf of Mexico necessitated adjustments to some itineraries. She noted that both ships had to cancel their visits to Cozumel on Tuesday to avoid the projected path of tropical storm Helene in Mexico.

While the Carnival Valor remained at sea for the day, the Carnival Paradise substituted its scheduled visit to Cozumel with a stop at Costa Maya.

Carnival’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami is maintaining close communication with officials at homeports and on board the ships to monitor other potential itinerary changes, Sweezey mentioned.

She indicated that the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Elation might also experience changes in the coming days.

Sweezey emphasized that guests currently on board are informed of any changes by the ship’s crew. She advised those preparing for upcoming cruises, especially from homeports in the storm’s path, to closely monitor their emails for updates.

She added that passengers due to sail from Tampa and Jacksonville are more likely to experience disruptions, as both ports lie within the potential path of Helene. According to a statement from Carnival, the Port of Tampa Bay has already announced that its cruise schedule for the next several days will be affected.

The company noted, “Under the current scenario, the Port of Tampa Bay has already advised that their current cruise schedule for the next several days will be impacted.”

Carnival also stated that the safety of its guests and crew remains a priority and that it will continue to monitor the storm, taking guidance from the National Hurricane Center, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local port authorities to provide timely updates as more information becomes available.