Carnival Monitoring Hurricane Francine for Potential Impact

Carnival Cruise Line is closely tracking Hurricane Francine and assessing its possible effects on cruise operations in the Gulf region.

In a statement on its website, Carnival said its Fleet Operations Center in Miami is actively monitoring the storm, in consultation with the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and local port authorities.

Hurricane Francine, with winds exceeding 90 mph, is projected to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday night as a Category 1 storm.

Carnival’s weather expert, Amy Sweezey, noted that the Carnival Valor might face changes to its scheduled return to New Orleans.

The Valor, which departed on a five-night Western Caribbean cruise last Saturday, is slated to return to its Louisiana homeport on September 12, 2024.

“Guests onboard have already been notified that there could be potential itinerary changes. Obviously, the number one goal is to keep everybody safe,” Sweezey said.

After its stop in Puerto Progreso, Mexico, on Tuesday, the Carnival Valor is currently en route back to New Orleans.

“The crew will always sail a safe distance away from Francine to keep everyone onboard safe,” Sweezey added.

Passengers set to board the next cruise are advised to stay updated through text and email alerts.

“We don’t know what the storm is going to do when it actually moves through New Orleans throughout Wednesday and early Thursday. That’s why we ask you to please be flexible and stay in tune,” Sweezey said to those embarking on the upcoming cruise.

She also reminded passengers that “forecasts can and do change,” and any itinerary adjustments are made based on the most up-to-date weather predictions.

The Port of New Orleans issued a weather update indicating that preparations for Francine are underway. While some services may be limited on Wednesday, normal operations are expected to resume by Thursday, September 12, following an assessment of any storm-related damage.