Photos Capture Cruise Ships Trapped at Port Amid Record Blizzard
Recent heavy snowfall in the Northeast has created unexpected delays for two cruise ships, Odyssey of the Seas and MSC Meraviglia. These vessels are currently docked at Cape Liberty in New Jersey and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, respectively. The massive snowstorm, named Winter Storm Hernando, made it unsafe for these ships to sail.
Winter Storm Hernando Causes Travel Disruptions
Winter Storm Hernando has brought over 15 inches of snow to Central Park and prompted a citywide travel ban in New York. These severe weather conditions have resulted in significant operational challenges at the ports.
Current Status of the Ships
- Odyssey of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): Docked in Bayonne, New Jersey. Scheduled to depart on February 22 for a 7-night Bahamas cruise. Departure has been delayed until late Monday or early Tuesday due to high winds.
- MSC Meraviglia (MSC Cruises): Docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Originally planned to sail on Sunday afternoon. Currently, the captain announced that the port will reopen at 4:00 PM.
Impact on Itineraries
Due to the storm, both ships are experiencing itinerary changes. MSC Meraviglia will skip its stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and will proceed to Ocean Cay later in the week. The final changes for Odyssey of the Seas will be announced soon.
Travel Challenges for Passengers
More than 8,000 flights have been canceled across the Northeast since the storm began. This situation has hindered many “fly-to-cruise” passengers from reaching their departure points. Until the U.S. Coast Guard and Port Authority lift the restrictions on vessel movement, both ships remain docked.
Looking Ahead
Weather conditions are expected to improve late Monday evening. Once the Port of New York and New Jersey reopens and the Coast Guard clears the channels, both vessels can set sail. Passengers are encouraged to monitor their cruise lines’ mobile apps for updates on departure times and changes to itineraries.
