Hurricane Lee is displaying a notable increase in strength and size this week, prompting significant attention from the travel industry, particularly major cruise shipping companies operating in the Caribbean and along the USA's East Coast.
As per the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Lee experienced a considerable weakening from its peak as a Category 5 storm on Saturday, followed by a re-strengthening into a major Category 3 hurricane on late Sunday, maintaining this intensity as of Monday.
Weather experts tracking the storm anticipate that Hurricane Lee will commence a northward trajectory in the Atlantic Ocean later this week. This movement is expected to bring rain, wind, and the potential for coastal flooding to regions including Bermuda, Atlantic Canada, and New England USA, although the precise forecast remains uncertain.
While airlines have yet to issue travel waivers, opting to await further developments and storm landfall projections, cruise lines serving the Caribbean have already begun adapting their itineraries in response to Hurricane Lee's progress.
John Heald (CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's Ambassador) shared on Facebook that itineraries for Carnival Venezia and Carnival Magic have been adjusted. Venezia is now slated to visit Half Moon Cay, avoiding areas susceptible to the storm's impact, while Magic's plan is being modified due to the impending storm, although specific alterations were not detailed.
RCI-Royal Caribbean International has also proactively altered itineraries for four of its ships: Adventure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.
DCL-Disney Cruise Line has likewise made adjustments, rerouting at least one sailing originally scheduled for Bermuda to a Western Caribbean itinerary, effectively bypassing Hurricane Lee's path. The company has indicated its readiness to monitor the situation closely and make further changes as required.