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Disney Cruise Ships Forced to Alter Course Due to Strong Subtropical Storm

Disney Cruise Subtropical Storm

On Wednesday, November 9, Subtropical Storm Nicole is expected to hit Florida, with near hurricane-strength winds. While the term “subtropical” may not sound as bad as tropical, a subtropical storm can be just as dangerous — with the term meaning that the strongest winds are not located close to the center of the storm and the storm has less symmetry. Currently, Subtropical Storm Nicole is making her way through the Caribbean and the state of Florida is under a Hurricane watch.

November 3, 2022 Storm Watch

Credit: National Hurricane Center

Nicole sitting in the Caribbean is causing some major problems for the Disney Cruise Line. All the ships in Disney’s fleet — the Disney Magic, the Disney Dream, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Fantasy, and its newest ship, the Disney Wish — sail through the Caribbean and stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, some sailings have to be altered and Guests will no longer be able to spend time on the gorgeous Castaway Cay beaches.

Castaway Cay

Credit: Disney

Guests aboard the Disney Dream were set to leave port on Monday, November 7, and head through the tropics for a 5-night voyage. However, when Guests boarded the ship, they were given the following notice.

Dear Disney Dream Guest, 

We are glad that you have joined us aboard the Disney Dream. 

As you may be aware, Subtropical Storm Nicole is currently located in the Eastern Caribbean and is forecasted to move through the Bahamas later this week. We have been closely monitoring the storm system to ensure our Guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises.

While we plan to sail from PortMiami today as scheduled, it is necessary to make some changes to your sailing to make certain out ships steer clear of the storm. Below is the revised itinerary of your sailing. 

  • Monday – Miami, Florida
  • Tuesday – Day at Sea (previously Castaway Cay)
  • Wednesday – Day at Sea
  • Thursday – Cozumel, Mexico
  • Friday – Day at Sea
  • Saturday – Miami, Florida

Any pre-reserved Port Adventures in Castaway Cay will be automatically removed from your stateroom account. If you are interested in reserving additional experiences ashore in Cozumel, you may do so once on-board the ship through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

We appreciate your understanding regarding this necessary itinerary change and look forward to providing you with an enjoyable sailing. 

Sincerely, 

The Cast & Crew

Disney Cruise Line

DCL Cruise Line notice

Credit: Disney Cruise Line Blog

As you can see, in order to avoid the storm, Castaway Cay will not be one of the stops for the Disney Dream— which is not the only Disney Cruise Line ship impacted by the storm. Guests aboard the Disney Wish will also have to skip Castaway Cay and will head towards Cozumel instead of through the Bahamas.

While those are the only two ships impacted at this time, it is possible that may change as the storm continues to head toward Florida. Hurricane season runs through the end of November, but storms are uncommon this late in the year. Floridians hope the storm changes course, as they are still recovering from Hurricane Ian, which decimated the state in late September.

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!