Tragedy struck when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning. As the search for the remaining bodies continues, the impact of the situation is already hitting travel, both business and leisure alike. This also includes the cruise industry, as it prepares to make shifts due to this heart-breaking situation.
Eve Chen and Nathan Diller of USA Today dove into the impending issues this matter will cause the travel industry. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the 2024 calendar includes a planned 115 stops in Baltimore. Major cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and others typically depart from Baltimore. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas is set to depart from the city on April 12 and the bridge collapse may impact that plan.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings,” said a spokesperson for the cruise line in the USA Today report.
As for Carnival, that organization has already made adjustments to the upcoming schedule. The Carnival Legend cruise also had a scheduled departure from Baltimore in April, but that has already moved to Norfolk, Virginia. The current cruise left from Baltimore, but the end destination is now Norfolk and travelers will get a free bus ride back to Baltimore.
“We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible,” said Carnival president Christine Duffy in a prepared statement. “As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”
Most drivers are being diverted to Interstate 95 to avoid the collapsed bridge. Drivers with hazardous materials are being pushed to other routes.
If you have a cruise scheduled or are considering planning one, pay close attention to the company websites for any changes that may occur.