Caribbean cruise ships reroute routes amid strengthening Hurricane Melissa

IN SPACE, CARIBBEAN SEA - OCTOBER 26: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images' editorial policy.) In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , Hurricane Melissa strengthens into a Category 4 storm as it churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea captured at 7:40Z on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and could further develop into a Category 5 as it approaches Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)
IN SPACE, CARIBBEAN SEA - OCTOBER 26: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images' editorial policy.) In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , Hurricane Melissa strengthens into a Category 4 storm as it churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea captured at 7:40Z on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and could further develop into a Category 5 as it approaches Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images) Photo credit (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)

Several major cruise lines are adjusting itineraries this week after Category 4 Hurricane Melissa intensified over the Caribbean, prompting reroutes away from eastern island ports.

Vessels operated by Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and other lines are shifting voyages toward western Caribbean destinations, such as Mexico, Belize and Honduras, instead of originally scheduled stops in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands or the Eastern Caribbean.

Cruise operators say the changes are motivated by safety concerns and new forecast tracks that show the storm threatening Jamaica, Hispaniola and surrounding regions with catastrophic wind, rain and flooding.

The rerouting affects multiple sailings departing from Florida and other U.S. ports, with guests being notified and shore excursions canceled or adjusted in response to the shifting weather.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)