Additional airlines with similar travel waivers in place include JetBlue, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier, and Sun Country.
Cruise disruptions
Port Tampa suspended all vessel operations on Tuesday morning, after the US Coast Guard set a Port Condition Zulu, which means gale-force winds are expected to hit the port in 12 hours. There are three cruise lines scheduled to sail from Port Tampa this week, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Margaritaville at Sea, and Royal Caribbean International.
All three cruise lines have been making itinerary adjustments to keep passengers safe. Carnival said in a Monday afternoon update that all of its ships will continue to sail a safe distance from the storm. Travelers with upcoming cruises departing homeports that could be affected by the storm are encouraged to opt in to the line’s text alerts for the latest information.
Margaritaville at Sea moved the Tampa departure of its Sea Islander ship up by a day to Monday October 7 instead of Tuesday October 8 to avoid the impending storm.
Port Condition Yankee—indicating gale-force winds within 24 hours—was set Tuesday at midnight for the remaining cruise ports in Florida, including Port of Miami, Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach, and Port of Fort Pierce. As of Tuesday morning, Port Miami remained open and advised travelers to check with their cruise lines for any updates.
If you’re scheduled for a cruise from Florida or within the Gulf of Mexico this week, be sure to monitor emails or text alerts from your cruise line to stay informed of the latest changes.
Hotels and resorts
Numerous resorts along Florida’s Gulf Coast are closing their doors this week in anticipation of the storm. St. Regis Longboat Key is closed and waiving cancellation fees through October 14. Hotels in St. Pete Beach, including Don CeSar, Sirata, and Tradewinds Resort, have all shuttered, according to industry publication Travel Weekly. And of course, hotels in areas under mandatory evacuation orders, like the Tampa Bay area, Anna Maria Island and Fort Myers Beach, are also shutting down. Contact your hotel directly for the latest information on closures, trip cancellations, and refunds.
Site Closures
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday October 8, Wednesday October 9, and Thursday October 10.
