Hurricane Oscar is wreaking havoc on travel plans across the Bahamas and Cuba, forcing cruise lines to alter itineraries, causing flight cancellations, and disrupting hotel services.
Cruise Lines Navigate Strong Winds
The powerful winds associated with Hurricane Oscar have forced several major cruise lines to adjust their itineraries for the safety of their passengers. Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, along with Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, have all opted for extended sea days instead of docking as planned. The high wind speeds and gusts made it unsafe to dock or disembark passengers.
During the scheduled docking times, winds were recorded at 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30-35 mph. These conditions made it extremely difficult for ships to safely maneuver alongside piers and raised concerns about the stability of guest gangways.
Utopia of the Seas and Disney Wish, both on 3-night weekend sailings, departed from Port Canaveral on Friday, October 18, with planned stops at CocoCay and Castaway Cay, respectively. However, due to the unfavorable weather, the fate of these stops remains uncertain.
Similarly, Carnival Glory, on a 3-night sailing set to visit Nassau on Saturday, and Carnival Sunshine, on a 4-night voyage, were forced to modify their plans. Both ships spent additional time at sea instead of docking in Nassau, their only scheduled port.
Other Bahamian ports, particularly private islands without sheltered harbors, are also at risk of being affected by the storm’s powerful winds, potentially leading to further disruptions for cruise passengers.
Southern Bahamas and Eastern Cuba Under Hurricane Warning
Hurricane Oscar, currently a Category 1 storm, is expected to maintain its intensity as it moves westward through the Greater Antilles. On Sunday morning, it made landfall on Great Inagua Island in the southern Bahamas, and a second landfall near Guantanamo or Holguin, Cuba, is possible later today.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for both the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba, where conditions are expected to worsen over the next 24-48 hours. While Oscar poses no immediate threat to the United States, its heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges are causing travel disruptions in the region.
Travelers Advised to Stay Informed
Travelers planning to visit the Bahamas or Cuba in the coming days should closely monitor the situation and stay informed about potential travel restrictions or cancellations. They should also remain in contact with airlines, cruise lines, and local authorities to ensure their safety and adjust their plans accordingly.
Nadine’s Remnants Continue to Disrupt Central America
Meanwhile, remnants of Tropical Storm Nadine continue to impact travel across Central America. After making landfall near Belize City on Saturday afternoon with 60 mph winds, the storm has since dissipated over southern Mexico. However, its remnants are still bringing heavy rain and gusty winds across Belize, Guatemala, and parts of southern Mexico, causing further disruptions to travel.
Several airports and transportation routes in these regions could be affected by heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding and mudslides. The region is expected to see between 3 to 8 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches, making travel by road and air dangerous in the coming days.
Travelers in these areas are advised to stay alert for any local advisories and possible evacuation orders as the remnants of Nadine continue to move westward across southern Mexico.
Conclusion: Travel Disruptions Persist
Hurricane Oscar’s path through the southern Bahamas and Cuba, along with strong winds affecting cruise itineraries, have led to widespread disruptions for travelers in the region. Cruise passengers have seen their plans change as high winds prevent ships from docking, while visitors to the southern Bahamas should remain cautious of the storm’s effects.
Additionally, the remnants of Tropical Storm Nadine continue to cause heavy rainfall and travel hazards across Central America. With unpredictable weather conditions and the potential for continued disruptions, travelers in these areas should stay informed and in close contact with airlines, cruise lines, and local authorities to ensure their safety and adjust their plans accordingly.