Two Carnival Ships Steering Away From Hurricane Flossie
As Tropical Storm Flossie has now strengthened into an official Category 1 hurricane, both Carnival Panorama and Carnival Firenze have adjusted their itineraries to steer clear of the rough weather.
While both ships are well away from the storm’s center and its projected track, the rough waves and strong winds generated by Hurricane Flossie can easily impact Cabo San Lucas. That popular port of call is on both ship’s current itineraries.
Carnival Panorama Itinerary Change
Carnival Panorama is now sailing a 6-night Mexican Riviera itinerary that departed Long Beach on Sunday, June 29. The ship was originally scheduled to visit Cabo San Lucas on two consecutive days – Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 2.
John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, warned guests earlier that it might not be possible for the ship to return to Cabo San Lucas on the second day. Now, that has become official.
“The Fleet Operations Center [has advised] that the captain leaves after the first day in Cabo, so they’ll have a full and extended Day in Cabo San Lucas but they won’t be there for the second planned day,” Heald confirmed. “That will be some very adverse weather coming in on the bands of [Hurricane] Flossie.”
Instead, Carnival Panorama will spend Wednesday, July 2 enjoying a day at sea with extra entertainment and activities added to ensure plenty of fun for everyone.
To help compensate for the change, Carnival Panorama is planning to arrive in Cabo San Lucas roughly two hours earlier than originally scheduled on Tuesday, July 1. This will give guests some additional time to enjoy the scenic and vibrant destination.
Any shore tours booked through Carnival Cruise Line for the now cancelled Wednesday visit will be automatically refunded.
Carnival Firenze Itinerary Change
Carnival Firenze will likewise be unable to make her visit to Cabo San Lucas on her current sailing, a 5-night Mexican Riviera itinerary leaving Long Beach on Tuesday, July 1.
The Baja peninsula port was to have been the ship’s first port of call on Thursday, July 3. Unfortunately, at that time Hurricane Flossie will be closest to Cabo San Lucas and the weather will be unsafe for the ship to visit.
“Instead, they will stay away, keep the ship safe, keep everybody safe, and will have two days in Ensenada,” Heald noted.
Again, shore tours booked through Carnival Cruise Line will be automatically cancelled and refunded. Additional tours will also be planned for the second day in Ensenada if guests want to take advantage of the extended opportunity to enjoy that port.
While many guests are sure to be disappointed and even frustrated at the change, it is essential to ensure the ship, her crew, and all guests aboard remain safe and comfortable, well away from the storm’s influence.
Read Also: Worried About Hurricanes? Carnival Explains How It Keeps Cruises Safe
“As always, there’s going to be disappointment when we have to change an itinerary,” Heald admitted. “It’s all about keeping you safe, keeping the fun going, and that is what is happening.”
He goes on to note that the Fleet Operations Center is also monitoring tropical development near Australia. That system may impact Carnival Adventure sailing to Moreton Island, but there are no confirmed changes yet for the Sydney-based ship.
Hurricane Flossie Update
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Flossie currently has maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour, but she is expected to strengthen slightly more over the next day or two.
The storm’s center is positioned roughly 240 miles south of Puerto Vallarta or 500 miles southeast of Cabo San Lucas. She is moving west-northwest at 10 miles per hour.
At this time, Hurricane Flossie is not expected to make landfall, but the storm bands can easily cause rough waters and localized flooding in coastal areas, including popular Mexican Riviera ports.
All cruise lines will naturally be watching the storm closely and will make any itinerary or route adjustments as needed to ensure the safety of their individual ships.