Hurricane season isn’t over yet, and Hurricane Melissa is proving why. In just 24 hours, this storm has gone from a strong tropical storm to a dangerous Category 4 hurricane, and forecasters say it could hit Category 5 status before Monday. While Florida isn’t in the direct path, the storm is already causing major changes to Disney Cruise Line itineraries for the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish, keeping Disney fans and travelers on high alert.
Rapid Intensification Shocks the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa’s growth has been nothing short of dramatic. Meteorologists describe the storm as undergoing “explosive intensification,” with wind speeds jumping roughly 60 mph in a single day. That puts Melissa firmly in Category 4 territory — just one step shy of the ultra-rare Category 5.
The storm is now barreling toward Jamaica, where it is expected to make landfall sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the southern Bahamas are all expected to feel severe impacts as well. With rainfall totals in some areas expected to exceed two feet, authorities are warning of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and life-threatening conditions.
For Jamaica, in particular, this is uncharted territory. There is no record of a Category 4 or 5 hurricane making landfall there in modern times, meaning residents may face a storm unlike anything they’ve experienced.
Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) wrote, “In just 18 hours Melissa has rapidly intensified from a 70 MPH Tropical Storm to a 140 MPH Cat. 4 #hurricane. Forecast to a Cat. 5 before landfall in Jamaica Tuesday AM, this will likely be their worst on record. @RobertRayWx is live from Kingston on @foxweather & @FoxNews”
In just 18 hours Melissa has rapidly intensified from a 70 MPH Tropical Storm to a 140 MPH Cat. 4 #hurricane. Forecast to a Cat. 5 before landfall in Jamaica Tuesday AM, this will likely be their worst on record. @RobertRayWx is live from Kingston on @foxweather & @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/3zBRpmK8RF
— Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) October 26, 2025
Disney Cruise Line Adjusts to Avoid the Storm
Even though Florida is outside the storm’s immediate danger zone, Disney Cruise Line has proactively adjusted itineraries for its major ships to ensure guest safety. The Disney Treasure and Disney Wish are now on alternate paths to steer clear of the hurricane.
Disney Treasure Changes
The Disney Treasure, which departed Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 25, was originally set to visit Tortola and St. Thomas. With Melissa moving into the Caribbean, those stops were removed, and the ship is now heading to Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, for the majority of its Caribbean adventure.
The revised itinerary is as follows:
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Saturday, October 25: Depart Port Canaveral, Florida
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Sunday, October 26: Day at Sea
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Monday, October 27: Day at Sea
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Tuesday, October 28: Cozumel, Mexico (replacing Tortola)
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Wednesday, October 29: Day at Sea (replacing St. Thomas)
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Thursday, October 30: Disney Castaway Cay
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Friday, October 31: Disney Castaway Cay
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Saturday, November 1: Return to Port Canaveral
Disney sent alerts to passengers after embarkation to notify them of the changes. Port Adventures previously booked for canceled destinations have been removed, with the option to rebook through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or at the onboard Port Adventures desk.
Disney Wish Changes
The Disney Wish has also shuffled its itinerary. The October 27 sailing from Port Canaveral now swaps its planned Nassau and Castaway Cay days, putting Castaway Cay earlier in the trip to avoid rough seas later in the week.
The updated schedule is:
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Monday, October 27: Port Canaveral, Florida
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Tuesday, October 28: Disney Castaway Cay
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Wednesday, October 29: Nassau, The Bahamas
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Thursday, October 30: Day at Sea
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Friday, October 31: Return to Port Canaveral
These changes ensure the ships stay in safer waters while still offering passengers a full Disney experience, including onboard dining, entertainment, and activities. While port excursions have shifted, Disney is emphasizing that safety is their top priority.
What Passengers Can Expect
For Disney cruise fans, this is both a disappointment and a rare opportunity. While guests lose certain stops, they gain extra time at Disney Castaway Cay — often described as the crown jewel of Disney’s cruise destinations. The extended stay allows more time for beach activities, snorkeling, and family-friendly fun.
Onboard, Disney continues its seasonal “Halloween on the High Seas” events, so passengers can still enjoy themed parties, trick-or-treating, and character meet-and-greets even as the itinerary adjusts.
Caribbean in the Crosshairs
Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa is gathering strength. The slow-moving storm will linger over Jamaica and nearby islands, which could experience catastrophic rainfall, flooding, and storm surge. Some regions could see rainfall totals of two to three feet, with mountainous areas facing extreme mudslide risks.
Cuba is expected to feel significant effects after Jamaica, and neighboring nations such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas should also monitor conditions closely. Emergency officials have issued warnings for communities in vulnerable locations to seek shelter immediately.
Even though Melissa will not directly impact Florida, its presence is affecting travel plans and cruise schedules. Disney Cruise Line has adjusted itineraries to prioritize guest safety, but the storm underscores the wider implications hurricanes can have on Caribbean travel.
For Disney fans planning cruises or visits to the Caribbean in the coming week, flexibility is essential. Guests are encouraged to stay updated through official cruise channels, apps, and onboard announcements.
Ultimately, Hurricane Melissa serves as a reminder that while Disney magic can weather many challenges, nature occasionally calls for a quick pivot. With safety measures in place and itinerary changes communicated, travelers can still enjoy the Disney Cruise Line experience — even if it comes with a slightly different set of ports.
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