Post-tropical cyclone Lee arrived in Canada on Saturday, September 16th, ushering in heavy rainfall, potent winds, and storm surges affecting sectors of New England USA and southeastern Canada. This meteorological event led to disruptions in both flight and cruise schedules along the Atlantic coast.
In anticipation of the hurricane, RCI-Royal Caribbean enacted alterations to the itineraries of 4 vessels. Notably, one of these ships, originally destined for a Thursday port call in St. Maarten, had to forego its intended stop due to the storm, as reported by the port authorities. Specifically, Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, which embarked from Cape Liberty in New Jersey on Friday, had originally planned to visit Halifax, Canada on Saturday. However, the ship found herself berthed in Manhattan instead.
NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line took parallel measures, canceling planned stops for its Norwegian Escape ship. Departing from Boston MA on a Tuesday, the vessel diverted to Eastport ME, instead of its initial destination, Portland. The route was further adjusted, foregoing Halifax, Canada, in favor of a Sunday arrival in New York, where the Escape concluded the remaining 2 days of the voyage.
Princess Cruises also altered its course away from Halifax. Emerald Princess, initially scheduled for a Thursday visit to the Canadian city, was redirected to her homeport in Brooklyn, New York, after departing from Saint John, Newfoundland, ultimately arriving a day earlier than scheduled, on Friday. Additionally, Caribbean Princess docked in Boston on Friday, anticipating the impending storm. The subsequent sections of the 10-day itinerary were subject to potential alterations due to adverse weather conditions. Princess' representative extended apologies for the unforeseen changes and inconveniences faced by passengers, while also expressing gratitude for their patience and understanding, underscoring the prioritization of safety.
Meanwhile, ACL-American Cruise Lines, with the presence of several small ships in Portland, Bangor ME, and New Bedford MA, took precautionary measures by docking all vessels in the affected region ahead of the storm. ACL's representative noted the possibility of further itinerary adjustments in response to evolving weather conditions.