Earlier today, Port Canaveral issued a statement that the US Coast Guard opened the port with operating restrictions allowing cruise ships to return to the port. As a result, Disney Cruise Line updated their tropical weather statement to inform guests that the Disney Dream’s September 15th sailings is expected sail as scheduled. On Saturday, September 16th the Disney Fantasy is also expected to return to service as scheduled.
At this time, Disney Cruise Line is continuing to assess the impact of Hurricane Irma in the Eastern Caribbean for future Eastern Caribbean sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy. While other cruise lines such as Norwegian, have already switched Eastern to Western itineraries, Disney Cruise Line has yet to make a decision. It is unclear if this is just because Disney has the time given the next scheduled Eastern is 9/23, they are still making arrangements, or just hoping for Tinker Bell to sprinkle some pixie dust over the Caribbean. Regardless, any necessary itinerary changes will be posted on DisneyCruise.com later this week.
Disney Cruise Line provided the following statement at 9AM on September 12, 2017.
Tropical Weather Update
September 12, 2017 – 5:00 p.m.
Disney Dream Sailings – September 15 and beyond
The Disney Dream is expected to sail as scheduled on Friday, September 15.Disney Fantasy – September 16 Sailing
The Disney Fantasy is expected to sail on its Western Caribbean itinerary as scheduled on Saturday, September 16.Disney Fantasy – Eastern Caribbean Sailings
We continue to assess Hurricane Irma’s impact on the ports of call we visit in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Updates regarding any necessary itinerary changes will be posted on our website later this week.
Below is the statement issued earlier today by Port Canaveral.
Port Canaveral Resumes Operations
Port opened by U.S. Coast Guard with operating restrictions; prepares for vessel arrivals scheduled for today and tomorrow
Port Canaveral, FL – Sept. 12, 2017Efforts are well underway at Port Canaveral to resume normal operations. As of 12 noon today, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) approved restricted commercial vessel transit through Port Canaveral to allow the Port to support the arrival of critical fuel supplies destined for Florida consumers, and to receive cruise ships that were diverted from Port Canaveral prior to the arrival of Hurricane Irma. Port Canaveral previously had limited operations capability due to lack of water and limited electric power. However, this update to the Port’s Condition Zulu confirms the Port’s ability to regain full operational capability over the next few days.
“Our ability to supply the critical fuel needs of Florida has been a priority. We have been working diligently with the Coast Guard, our Port partners and tenants to ensure their businesses are in good shape to resume business operations,” said Port CEO John Murray.
“Seaport Canaveral is operating at 100 percent and is moving gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel throughout the state. The steady stream of trucks that were in queue for loading fuels beginning last night, have been loading and moving out to make their deliveries.”
“Seaport Canaveral Corp. is currently supporting the needs of the State with full involvement from our customers, suppliers, haulers and drivers. Our main priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone including our people and their families, our surroundings and the environment,” said Clement Saaltink, General Manager.
“Arriving in Port this afternoon, we have a fuel tanker vessel delivering gasoline to add to Seaport Canaveral’s capacity, and two more tankers are on their way here,” said Capt. Murray. “Tomorrow, we will have two homeported cruise ships arriving in Port for debark and embark passenger operations, and beginning Friday, will begin to board passengers for their regularly scheduled cruise itineraries.”
Port Canaveral is continuing to assess the damage to its facilities and grounds from Hurricane Irma. Initial status reports have indicated mostly cosmetic damage and significant debris removal. The Port’s pre-storm preparations and mitigation efforts prior to Irma’s arrival helped to reduce the risk of catastrophic damage to the Port’s buildings and operations. Returning the Port to full operational status was hampered by the loss of power and failure of the City of Cocoa water system which supplies the Port.
Cruise passengers scheduled to depart Port Canaveral are advised to check with their respective cruise lines to confirm details of their ship’s arrival and departure from Port Canaveral.
ANXIOUSLY awaiting a “final say” on the 9/23 Eastern Caribbean cruise! Our bags are *desperately* waiting to be packed!
Well, the Fantasy will likely sail on 9/23. The looming question is where will it visit.
Looks like the Dream is just leaving Castaway Cay on her way to Port Canaveral.
Just got this about you 10/7 Cruise
Dear Erik,
We are looking forward to sailing with you and want to provide you with an update on your cruise itinerary.
In order to enable the British and U.S. Virgin Islands the appropriate time to recover from the effects of Hurricane Irma, we have altered the itinerary for the September 23 and October 7 Disney Fantasy sailings to include ports in the Western Caribbean. The revised itinerary is below.
Saturday Port Canaveral
Sunday Day at Sea
Monday Cozumel, Mexico
Tuesday George Town, Grand Cayman – tender port
Wednesday Falmouth, Jamaica
Thursday Day at Sea
Friday Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Saturday Port Canaveral
We truly appreciate your understanding regarding this necessary itinerary change due to the storm recovery efforts taking place in the Eastern Caribbean.
Port Adventures that were pre-reserved in Tortola and St. Thomas will automatically be removed from your cruise activities, while those for Castaway Cay will remain as scheduled. Likewise, pre-reserved onboard activities are being adjusted to fit this revised itinerary. Should you wish to explore Port Adventure opportunities featured on this revised itinerary, please visit the My Cruise Activities section of our website at http://www.disneycruise.com after Friday, once all of the shore excursions and onboard activities are secured and available on the site. Modifications to your pre-arranged Cruise Activities and Port Adventures can be made online up to three days prior to your sailing.
Should you have any questions related to a future reservation, please contact your original booking agent or call us at 1-855-347-2784 or 407-566-7054.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an enjoyable sailing.
Sincerely,
The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line
Any word on the January 13th sailing of the Fantasy to the Virgin Islands? Phil