The tropical depression, TD18, that developed this morning has developed into Tropical Storm Sandy a little sooner than suspected. TS Sandy is stationary at the 5 o’clock hour almost 400 miles south-southwest of Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. This models are showing the storm moving over Jamaica on Wednesday, and continuing through Hispaniola, on her way to the Bahamas later in the week.
Additional strengthening is likely over the next several days as the system moves over warm Caribbean waters, and TS Sandy could be near hurricane strength as she makes landfall in Jamaica.
The latest potential track from the National Hurricane Center includes Nassau and Castaway Cay in the 4-5 day cone.
Current and Future Cruise Implications
As of this this evening, Disney Cruise Line has not issued any Travel Advisories, as the system is still evolving. Rest assured that the safety of the Guests and crew is DCL’s top priority.
The Disney Magic is schedule to call on Grand Cayman on Tuesday well ahead of any potential problems from the outer wind bands of the weather system. The Disney Fantasy is currently sailing on a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean and based on the current forecast track could run into the system as the Fantasy makes her way to Castaway Cay on Friday. Friday’s weather forecast on Great Abaco is calling for heavy rain and wind with a high of 82. The Disney Dream will encounter a similar forecast this Friday when she is scheduled to call on Nassau, and Saturday at Castaway Cay.
While it is too early to really know for sure, the system’s potential to cause some problems this weekend in the Bahamas for the Dream and Fantasy is increasing.
Any idea what changes of port could result because of the storm??? Specifically the Dream??.
Dave,
That is a great question. My first thought was Key West, but the Dream is too big for Key West. Another possibility is having all sea days. Maybe the system will take a turn to the east and head out to sea. Anything is possible.
I thought Key West as well. Didn’t know it was too large for that port. If there are no ports visited will Disney be responsible to refund any portion of the trip? What do you think is the likelihood of cancellation?
It is very unlikely that the cruise would be canceled unless the ship could not return to a port. It is not uncommon for ships to return home to a different port. Just this summer, Hurricane Issac forced the Port of Tampa to close. Carnival was due back in Port, so they went to Port Canaveral and bussed passengers to Tampa, and oncoming passengers from Tampa. Here is a link to Disney’s Cruise Contract.