Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Steers Clear of Tropical Storm Beryl
So, you’re all packed and ready for your long-anticipated Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, only to find out that your itinerary has taken a 180-degree turn, quite literally. With a tropical depression now bearing down on the Caribbean, those plans for visiting St. Maarten and St. Thomas? Well, they’ll have to wait. Here’s why a last-minute change can be a blessing in disguise.
Late Friday night, as visions of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters danced in the heads of would-be cruisers, an email landed in the inbox of guests boarding the Icon of the Seas the next day. The email was from Royal Caribbean International, and it wasn’t casual. The cruise line’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, working alongside the National Hurricane Center, predicted that the brewing system will morph into Tropical Storm Beryl and could bring the big bad wolf of sea storms—high waves and strong winds.
“As we’re monitoring the inclement weather around our intended path and are expecting high waves and strong winds, we’ve modified our itinerary to provide you with the most enjoyable sailing,” the notification said, in what I’d call an impressive display of euphemism for a substantial detour.
Instead of the Eastern Caribbean cruise extravaganza, the Icon of the Seas will head for safer waters, rerouting to the Mexican gems of Cozumel and Costa Maya. The stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, remains unchanged and just as magical—scheduled for Friday, July 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plenty of time to sip cocktails and float down the island’s lazy river.
Now, some of you might be bummed about this interruption to your sun-soaked dream, but let’s talk real for a second: which do you prefer? A relaxing (and more importantly, safe) cruise or a terrifying encounter with a storm named Beryl? Thought so. Besides, Cozumel and Costa Maya are no slouches in the beach paradise department either.
The new, safer itinerary includes a full day at sea on Sunday, dropping anchor in Cozumel from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. There’s another day at sea on Tuesday, followed by a visit to Costa Maya from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. After a laidback day at sea on Thursday, the ship heads to CocoCay on Friday. We’ll all be back to Miami in time for brunch on Saturday, July 6.
For those who had their excursions for St. Maarten and St. Thomas all planned out, don’t worry—Royal Caribbean has your back. Pre-booked shore tours for these destinations will be automatically canceled and refunded, leaving you free to book new adventures in Cozumel and Costa Maya once you’re onboard. They even managed to slip in an apology for the inconvenience, saying, “We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather—your safety is our top priority.”
As of Friday evening, the tropical system sits approximately 1,300 miles east of Barbados, making its way westward at 17 miles per hour. The winds are clocking in at 35 miles per hour but could become significantly stronger as the storm continues to develop. The forecast suggests it will reach hurricane strength by early Monday morning, likely east of the Lesser Antilles. Tropical Storm Beryl, everyone. Doesn’t she sound sweet?
Here’s something to ponder: This storm brewing further to the east than is usual for this time of year could make things interesting. Forecaster Cangialosi from the National Hurricane Center pointed out, “Development this far east in late June is unusual; there have only been a few storms in history that have formed over the central or eastern tropical Atlantic this early in the year.” It’s a rare and unsettling anomaly, making the cruise line’s decision to avoid it all the more prudent.
These atmospheric oddities align with the forecasts for a busier-than-usual hurricane season in 2024. Moving forward, this could mean more of the same—unexpected itinerary shifts to keep you and your loved ones safe. So, while your itineraries may not be set in stone, the very fact you’re on a floating marvel equipped to outrun a storm is pretty incredible, don’t you think?
Other Cruises May Be Impacted
Rest assured, if you’re booked on one of the many cruises setting sail in the eastern or southern Caribbean in the coming days, you’re likely to face similar changes. Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Belize, and even Cozumel could fall within the storm’s reach, which honestly sounds like the beginnings of a plot for an adventure movie featuring tropical storms and heroic captains.
It’s essential for cruise-goers to stay informed about potential changes or cancellations to itineraries. Most cruise lines will stay in close contact with you through email or their apps, providing updates, changes, and any necessary instructions. Be flexible, keep your vacation spirit alive, and be ready to trade one slice of paradise for another as you navigate around the seasonal storm hurdles.
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