Cruise lines impacted by Irma, but Florida ports could reopen soon

Several of the top cruise lines took a hit as Hurricane Irma battered popular destinations and Florida’s ports.

Port Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and the Port of Tampa were closed Monday, according to Carnival.

MORE: Local flights impacted as Irma strikes Georgia

“Although the ports remain closed, port assessments in South Florida have already begun and we are optimistic the ports will reopen in time for us to operate” several cruises, Carnival posted on its website.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line were among the impacted lines.

Carnival cancelled some departures on the Liberty (Sept. 7 and 10), Victory (Sept. 8), Splendor (Sept. 9), Ecstasy (Sept. 9) and Paradise (Sept. 11) ships.

Royal Caribbean said its Empress of the Seas cruise starting Sept. 13 and Majesty of the Seas cruise starting Sept. 15 are cancelled to utilize the ships for humanitarian efforts.

MORE: Miami Valley offers sanctuary, resources during Irma

Norwegian Escape is sailing at full capacity with approximately 4,000 displaced guests from both Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Escape that were unable to secure flights back home when the ships returned early to Miami on Thursday, according to the line’s website.

“Due to the devastating impact in the Caribbean from Hurricane Irma, all of Norwegian Escape’s upcoming Eastern Caribbean sailings until November will be altered to a Western Caribbean itinerary,” Norwegian wrote on its website.

At least one local family was travelling by cruise last week. Jenna Tardiff, 27, of Franklin, set sail with family last week for a long-awaited Caribbean vacation on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas.

MORE: Franklin woman aboard cruise ship diverted by Hurricane Irma

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