Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica As Cruise Lines Reroute To Safer Waters

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As Hurricane Melissa barrels toward Jamaica with destructive force, cruise lines across the Caribbean are rerouting ships and cancelling port calls to keep passengers and crew safe – while officials brace for what could be the strongest storm in the island’s history.

Tropical hurricane

The Category 5 hurricane, packing sustained winds of more than 175 mph, is bringing catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges.

Jamaica’s government has declared a national state of emergency and mobilised resources as towns along the southern and eastern coasts prepare for impact.

Cruise Lines Divert as Safety Precaution

While the humanitarian focus remains firmly on Jamaica and its people, the storm’s wide reach has also forced cruise lines to alter itineraries across the region.

Ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line have each announced course changes to avoid the storm’s path.

Carnival confirmed adjustments to at least five vessels – Liberty, Celebration, Dream, Sunrise, and Vista – rerouting them away from Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean. Montego Bay, one of the country’s most popular cruise ports, has been removed from several itineraries as the hurricane approaches.

This image features the Crown Princess cruise ship docked in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The ship is surrounded by stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes, creating a picturesque tropical scene. The vibrant waterfront and idyllic coastline emphasize the destination's appeal to cruise travelers.

“Safety is our priority, and we continue to track conditions carefully, factoring in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and local port authorities,” Carnival said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, and Celebrity Beyond have each swapped their Eastern Caribbean routes for Western ones, calling at destinations such as Cozumel, Roatán, and Belize instead of St. Thomas, St. Maarten, or the Dominican Republic.

Royal Caribbean Group described the decision as a precautionary measure, with Chief Executive Jason Liberty emphasising that guest and crew safety “always comes first.”

Disney Cruise Line has also made significant changes. Disney Treasure will now sail to Cozumel and spend two days at the company’s private island, Castaway Cay, while Disney Wish has rearranged its Bahamian port visits to avoid deteriorating conditions later in the week.

Jamaica and Neighbouring Islands Brace for Impact

Forecasters warn that Melissa could bring up to 40 inches of rainfall in parts of Jamaica, raising the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Neighbouring regions – including the Turks and Caicos, eastern Cuba, and the Bahamas – are also under hurricane warnings as the storm is expected to track northeast later in the week.

Caribbean beach hurricane

Airports across Jamaica have suspended operations, and ships already at sea are steering well clear of the island and surrounding waters.

Cruise lines have stressed that itinerary adjustments are minor compared to the potential devastation ashore. In recent years, many have joined humanitarian relief efforts following major storms, and they are expected to assist again once port conditions allow.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists say Hurricane Melissa could be one of the most powerful storms to strike the Caribbean in decades.

Beyond the immediate threat, the storm is likely to disrupt tourism across the region, affecting not just cruise schedules but also hotels, flights, and local businesses that rely heavily on visitor spending.

For now, the focus remains on the safety of island residents and travellers alike.

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