Frankenstorm hits New York City. Image: Daily News

Cruise lines have been forced to make yet more itinerary changes with the hurricane dubbed ‘Frankenstorm’ currently reported as moving quickly toward southern New Jersey and Delaware. 

According to the National Hurricane Centre 5:00pm EDT advisory, Hurricane Sandy was located approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Atlantic City, New Jersey sustaining 150 kilometre per hour (90 mile per hour) maximum sustained winds.

Landfall is expected this evening (EDT) accompanied by life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds.

New cruise ships affected:

Brilliance of the Seas

Currently berthed in St. Jon, New Brunswick, the ship will remain in port until 30 October.

Caribbean Princess

The ship’s arrival into New York City will be delayed due to sea conditions requiring the vessel to operate at significantly reduced speeds.

Currently in Boston on day two of a four-day cruise (B237), the line expects the ship to arrive in port at least a day later than scheduled and no earlier than the morning of 1 November.

Passengers are being given the option to disembark in Boston on 30 October with flights being rebooked for those who purchased directly through Princess.

Complimentary phone and internet services have been provided for all passengers requiring changes to their independent travel plans.

Future cruise credits will be supplied to all passengers as a gesture of goodwill by Princess Cruises.

All passengers booked on voyage B238 have been advised of the late departure and will receive a per diem for any cruise days missed.

Those guests who have booked Princess Air or transfers will be contacted regarding the changes to their specific travel plans.

Carnival Pride

Due to the cancellation of Carnival Pride’s cruise out of Baltimore this week, a two-night “Cruise to Nowhere” has been scheduled sailing return from Baltimore on 2 November with a 4:30pm departure.

Crystal Symphony

Arriving safely in the port of Boston to shelter through the hurricane, Crystal Symphony is scheduled to depart the port on the morning of 30 October at a time yet to be determined by the Captain.

She will sail to New York City where disembarkation and embarkation for the next voyage will commence on 31 October and will remain there until 9:00pm instead of the original sailaway time of 5:00pm.

Any passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays resulting in the inability to embark in New York on 31 October will have the option to embark in Charleston, South Caroline on 2 November.

Enchantment of the Seas

Unable to call into Kings Wharf, Bermuda, the ship is currently positioned at sea.

Norwegian Dawn

Currently overnighting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Norwegian Dawn will depart at 7am on 30 October and is scheduled to arrive in Boston on 31 October.

Norwegian Gem

Captain Roger Gustavsen has reported via Norwegian’s Facebook page that they continue to hold current position 400 nautical miles off the south-east coast of New York City to ride out the storm.

The ship will remain there until the Port of New York is reopened and it is safe to sail in.

“The latest forecast shows us being able to dock tomorrow evening (30 October) and until then we will keep everyone onboard safe, comfortable and entertained,” Captain Gustavsen said.

Guests will be offered the option to disembark the ship on arrival into New York City or remain onboard overnight to make appropriate travel arrangements.

The cruise line expects that embarkation for the next cruise aboard Norwegian Gem will commence at midday 31 October, with a scheduled departure at 4:00pm based on information currently available.

Guests are encouraged to remain at home until the port is officially open and embarkation times are confirmed.

Norwegian Jewel

Captain Idor Hoydal reported via Norwegian’s Facebook page that they safely navigated out of New York City yesterday and are sailing south to Port Canaveral with a scheduled arrival on the morning of 30 October.

“Everyone is safe and excited to enjoy the sunny skies, calm seas and warm weather awaiting us in Florida tomorrow,” Captain Hoydal said.

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