Hurricane Matthew is causing multiple cruise ships including the Carnival Sensation, Carnival Splendor and Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas to alter their itineraries as the storm travels Cuba and the Bahamas. Several cruise ships will avoid travel to the Bahamas and will instead head to Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico.

According to reports, the storm made landfall in Haiti early this morning carrying winds of 145 mph causing devastating damage to the island. Hurricane Matthew is expected to pass over eastern Cuba and portions of the Bahamas later today then heading toward the US, dropping down to a category 3 with 120 mph winds.

The United States Coast Guard Captain for South Florida Ports has set port condition whiskey for Port Miami, Miami River Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach, Port of Ft. Pierce and all other South Florida terminals and facilities due to the storm’s expected track near southwest Florida.

Vessels bound for South Florida unable to depart prior to Hurricane Matthew making landfall are being advised to seek an alternate destination. Additionally, vessels desiring to remain in port have to obtain permission and submit a safe-mooring plan in writing.

Sources and Photo Credit:

Hurricane Matthew Forces Cruise Ships to Alter Course, USA Today, October 3, 2016.

Hurricane Matthew Hits Haiti, CNN, October 4, 2016.

Mariners Urged to Prepare Now for Hurricane Matthew; Coast Guard Sets Port Condition Whiskey for South Florida, U.S. Coast Guard, October 3, 2016.

Photograph made available by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration