Storm Halts Cruise Departures From New York, Delaying Thousands of Passengers

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A powerful storm sweeping across the US Northeast has forced multiple cruise lines to postpone sailings from New York-area ports, leaving thousands of passengers unexpectedly docked as heavy rain, rough seas and strong winds battered the region.

Royal Caribbean wifi

The severe weather temporarily suspended pilotage services in New York Harbor – which are mandatory for all ship arrivals and departures – effectively grounding operations until conditions improve.

Multiple Major Ships Affected

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, remains docked at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey.

The 228,081-gross-ton ship, which can accommodate more than 5,500 guests, had been due to depart on 12th October 2025 for a 7-night Bahamas cruise calling at Port Canaveral, Nassau, and the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Instead, the ship is staying in port until the harbour and coastal conditions are deemed safe for departure.

The visits to Port Canaveral and Nassau have been cancelled, and once the ship departs it will sail to Perfect Day at CocoCay only before returning to New York.

Guests have been told that they will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to the first two nights of their cruise fare, and were also offered discounted drinks on the second day of the cruise.

Letter sent to Symphony of the Seas guests about delays

Anyone who had booked a Deluxe Beverage Package instead received a $35 onboard credit, in lieu of the discounted drinks.

Across the river, MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia – which carries up to 5,642 passengers – has also been affected.

The 171,598-gross-ton ship had been scheduled to depart Brooklyn Cruise Terminal the same day for a Bahamas sailing visiting Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway, docked at Manhattan Cruise Terminal, was also set to leave on 12th October for a 7-night New England and Canada cruise.

The ship, which can host around 3,900 guests, will now depart on 14th October, with a revised itinerary that skips Newport and Boston. The ship will instead sail directly to Bar Harbor once conditions improve.

Guests affected by the change have been promised automatic refunds for cancelled shore excursions, according to a letter from Norwegian Cruise Line.

European Ships Also Impacted

Luxury German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS Europa, which had just completed a 21-night East Coast voyage with 400 passengers, was scheduled to depart New York for Hamburg on 13th October.

That transatlantic repositioning cruise now appears to be delayed as well.

Another German ship, Mein Schiff 1 operated by TUI Cruises, is also in port for an overnight stay with nearly 4,000 guests. The vessel is not set to sail until late on 14th October and may avoid major disruption if conditions ease by then.

Several ships have opened their gangways to allow guests to explore New York City, turning the unexpected delay into an impromptu bonus day ashore.

Widespread Storm Disruption

The powerful coastal storm has brought winds of over 60 mph (97 km/h), waves of up to 15 feet, and several inches of rain across New York, New Jersey, and parts of New England.

Beaches along the New Jersey Shore have suffered significant erosion, while some low-lying areas have experienced overnight flooding.

Both New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency through the evening of 13th October as high tides and flooding risks peaked.

The storm has also caused delays for ships at other East Coast ports, though the system is now moving away from the region.

Once seas calm and pilotage resumes, affected vessels are expected to depart on 14th October, allowing itineraries to proceed – albeit slightly shortened – after an unplanned but necessary pause for passenger safety.

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