In response to Hurricane Rafael, several cruise lines have modified their itineraries.

The hurricane struck Cuba on Wednesday, classified as a Category 3 storm, bringing fierce winds and disrupting power across the country. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Western Cuba on Thursday, as per the National Hurricane Center’s reports.

“There is a risk of flash floods and mudslides in elevated regions,” warned the advisory released on Thursday morning. The storm is forecasted to “advance slowly over the south-central Gulf of Mexico” through early next week.

▶ The Harmony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International has decided to skip its Thursday stop in Cozumel, Mexico, opting for a day at sea instead. This ship, which set sail from Galveston, Texas, on Sunday, is adjusting its course based on the hurricane’s path.

“Together with our Chief Meteorologist, we have been keeping track of Hurricane Rafael’s developments, leading us to alter our itinerary to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests,” a spokesperson from Royal Caribbean stated in an email to YSL News. “All guests have been informed directly.”

▶ Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line’s ship, the Carnival Horizon, is reversing its itinerary, visiting Cozumel on Tuesday and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Thursday. This ship departed from Miami, Florida, on Sunday.

The Carnival Miracle, which also left Galveston on Sunday, bypassed a scheduled stop in Grand Cayman on Wednesday.

▶ MSC Seascape has changed its route as well, replacing its planned visit to Falmouth, Jamaica with Costa Maya, Mexico, on Monday, and going to Roatan in Honduras instead of George Town, Grand Cayman, on Tuesday. “The ship will return to Miami as originally planned on Saturday, November 9,” confirmed an MSC Cruises representative in an email.