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.