Storm Delays Symphony of the Seas Departure From New Jersey
Severe weather has disrupted Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, forcing the ship to remain docked at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, instead of sailing toward the Bahamas as scheduled. The powerful nor’easter sweeping across the U.S. East Coast has left thousands of passengers temporarily stranded while the ship awaits improved conditions.
According to reports from WFMZ, the vessel was originally set to depart on Sunday but is now expected to leave on Tuesday, October 14, two days later than planned. The decision to delay was made for passenger safety, as the storm brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and wind gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour across the region.
“Down in the Bahamas, it was up in the 80s, maybe like 85. Now it’s cold here, so I really feel bad for them,” said passenger Elaine McElroy, who disembarked from the previous sailing and witnessed the change in weather conditions firsthand.
The nor’easter has impacted much of the Northeast, prompting states of emergency in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. The storm has also caused widespread travel disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations at major airports. Tragically, at least one fatality was reported in Brooklyn, where a 76-year-old woman was struck by a falling solar panel amid high winds.
Royal Caribbean has not confirmed whether the altered departure will affect the ship’s full itinerary, which was scheduled to include multiple stops in the Bahamas. However, the company is monitoring the weather closely and maintaining communication with guests regarding updates and adjusted plans.
The incident underscores the challenges cruise lines face during the late hurricane season, when strong coastal storms can impact sailings along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. Despite the delay, Royal Caribbean emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority.
As the nor’easter moves offshore, conditions are expected to improve by midweek, allowing Symphony of the Seas—one of the world’s largest cruise ships—to finally set sail for warmer waters and resume its journey to the Caribbean.
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