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Several cruise lines are affected by port closures ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to remain a major storm when it makes landfall in Florida late Wednesday or early Thursday.
The monster storm maintained strength overnight but fell to a Category 3 on Wednesday afternoon. The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, faces potential widespread destruction from heavy winds and several feet of storm surge.
A message on boards put up over windows in Tampa ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in the middle of this week on October 8, 2024 in Florida. (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images)
More than 12 million people in the state face the threat of tornadoes along with hail and wind, the National Weather Service said.
MORE: Hurricane update: Milton at Category 4; tornado watches active across Florida
"Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday morning.
Many of Florida’s ports, which serve as homeports for various cruise ships, are closed. Here’s which cruise lines are impacted,
Which ports are closed for Hurricane Milton?
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Port Canaveral, the Port of Tampa, Port of Palm Beach and Jaxport are all closed, according to The Orlando Sentinel. PortMiami and Port Everglades remained open Wednesday morning, but vessel traffic was limited.
Several cruise ships that are currently at sea may not be able to arrive back at Port Canaveral as scheduled Friday.
Hurricane Milton Disney Cruise cancelations
The October 11 sailing of the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida, is canceled because of Hurricane Milton, Disney said on its website.
MORE: Cruise ship finally sets sail on world voyage after 4-month delay
"Refunds will be automatically processed back to the original form of payment used for the cruise booking," the update states.
Hurricane Milton Carnival cruise ship changes
FILE - The Carnival Celebration cruise ship docked at the cruise terminal at PortMiami in Miami, Florida, US, on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Hurricane Milton has closed several Florida ports, impacting multiple cruise ships. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcate …
Multiple Carnival cruise line sailings are affected by Hurricane Milton, including out of the Port of Jacksonville, the Port of Tampa, Port Canaveral and Miami, according to a post on the Carnival website. Impacted ships include Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Glory, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Valor.
Click here for more information.
Hurricane Milton Royal Caribbean changes
There were no itinerary changes or cruise cancellations on Royal Caribbean’s website as of 1 p.m. Wednesday.
"We’re closely monitoring Hurricane Milton along with our chief meteorologist. We are committed to keeping you informed as the situation evolves. As always, please know that the safety and comfort of our guests are always our highest priority. Please check back for any potential changes," the website says.
Hurricane Milton Margaritaville at Sea cruise changes
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Tracking Milton: Live update ahead of landfall
Volusia County Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham joins LiveNOW from FOX to talk about safety concerns ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.
Margaritaville at Sea, which sails from the Port of Tampa, took off from Florida a day early, on Monday, Oct. 7, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, according to the company. Passengers on the previous sailing had their trips cut short by a day.
Hurricane Milton MSC cruise changes
MSC Seashore is currently at sea and will not be able to return to Port Canaveral until the U.S. Coast Guard reopens it – which is expected sometime Friday, according to MSC. The ship’s Thursday sailing will take off Friday if conditions allow.
"Should Port Canaveral receive clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard to reopen on Friday, October 11 at a reasonable time, we will proceed with an abridged two-night sailing, visit Ocean Cay on Saturday, October 12, and return to Port Canaveral on Sunday, October 13 as planned," the line stated.
More cruise line changes due to Hurricane Milton
Norwegian cruise line has not reported any updates on its website, and there are likely more cruise line changes than the ones listed above. Passengers are asked to contact cruise lines directly if they need more information.