For those headed to Bermuda aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, there’s still unexpected news. The cruise has again altered its route because of Hurricane Erin, forcing the ship to skip its planned port of King’s Wharf on August 23, 2025. Instead, guests will cruise straight through the Atlantic with an extra relaxing day at sea. This is the second time in days the ship has adjusted its schedule; an earlier stop in Bermuda was also dropped because of the same storm.
Seeing the itinerary shift has reminded many of the powerful sway of weather on cruise plans—and just how quickly cruise lines recalibrate. The change serves as an immediate safety measure, but the ripple reaches one of the islands largest benefited each summer through Royal Caribbean’s heavy passenger drop. The altered voyage underlines how storms still ripple through the tourism supply chain long after the storm passes, forcing the island to replace projected retail and port fees while the lines focus on keeping customers safe and comfortable.
Bermuda, a highly sought-after destination for cruise tourists, will experience another disruption to its visitor traffic. King’s Wharf, a key port of call for many Royal Caribbean ships, was scheduled to welcome the Liberty of the Seas on August 23. With its cancellation, the local economy may face some short-term losses. Cruise ship tourism is a major contributor to Bermuda’s economy, with passengers typically spending on excursions, dining, shopping, and other services during their brief visits.
While the island’s tourism authorities are undoubtedly disappointed by the cancellation, it’s important to note that the decision was made with safety in mind, as large swells and adverse weather conditions would have posed risks to both the passengers and the local infrastructure. The port will likely face fewer visitors in August, a peak travel month for the region. Still, Bermuda’s tourism industry remains resilient, and the longer-term impact of these cancellations will depend on how quickly the situation improves and the recovery of upcoming cruise schedules.
In light of the disruptions, local businesses that rely on cruise passengers may adjust their offerings, and the region will be hoping for a more stable hurricane season as it looks ahead to future cruise arrivals.
Royal Caribbean, known for its commitment to passenger experience and safety, promptly communicated the itinerary changes to guests. The company has reassured passengers that their safety is the number one priority, noting that the ship’s ability to adjust its course and avoid severe weather makes it one of the safest places to be during a storm.
In compensation for the cancelled stop in King’s Wharf, Royal Caribbean has extended the time in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The ship will now arrive at 10 AM, four hours earlier than originally planned, and will depart at 7 PM instead of the previously scheduled 8 PM. This adjustment gives passengers a longer time to explore St. Maarten, a popular port of call known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and duty-free shopping opportunities.
Furthermore, all pre-paid shore excursions for the affected stop in Bermuda will be automatically refunded in the form of onboard credit. This ensures that passengers who had booked excursions through Royal Caribbean will still have the opportunity to enjoy alternative activities while onboard, offering flexibility in the face of these unexpected changes.
While these changes are disappointing for some passengers, especially those looking forward to their time in Bermuda, the overall response from Royal Caribbean demonstrates a strong commitment to both passenger satisfaction and safety.
Hurricane Erin serves as a reminder of the challenges the cruise industry faces during hurricane season. Cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, have long been prepared to adjust their itineraries in the event of adverse weather conditions. For many cruise ships, particularly those in the Atlantic, navigating around hurricanes or tropical storms is a critical aspect of maintaining safety while continuing to offer exciting travel experiences.
The shift from Bermuda to an additional sea day and adjustments to the St. Maarten stop illustrate the cruise industry’s ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Not only do these changes affect operational logistics, such as port schedules and crew shifts, but they also have broader implications for the tourism destinations involved.
Tourism in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and other popular cruise destinations has been impacted by these weather-related changes. As cruise itineraries adjust, it’s clear that flexibility and communication are essential in maintaining consumer trust. However, while some of these disruptions are unavoidable, they also present an opportunity for the tourism industry to reflect on resilience and the ability to recover quickly from such events.
The Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas situation underscores how weather disruptions affect not only cruise passengers but also the broader tourism ecosystem. For Bermuda, a region heavily reliant on cruise tourism, this change represents a short-term setback, but it highlights the need for tourism sectors to diversify their offerings and reduce dependence on any single source of visitors.
Cruise operators like Royal Caribbean can help mitigate the impact of such changes by offering alternative excursions and enhancing onboard experiences to maintain high satisfaction levels. Moreover, destinations can develop strategies to manage such disruptions more effectively by focusing on flexibility, real-time communication, and increasing their appeal to non-cruise tourists.
For Royal Caribbean, this is also an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to customer service by offering compensations such as onboard credits, thus ensuring that passenger expectations are met even when plans change unexpectedly. In the broader tourism context, this event serves as a reminder that planning for the unforeseen is crucial in maintaining smooth operations.
While Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas may have faced itinerary changes due to Hurricane Erin, the cruise industry continues to demonstrate its ability to bounce back and cater to tourists in a safe and enjoyable way. Bermuda and other affected destinations will likely continue to recover as the season progresses, with the possibility of more stable weather conditions leading to better cruise schedules in the future.
Tourists looking to book future cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean are advised to monitor weather reports, consider purchasing travel insurance, and stay informed about potential itinerary changes. For the cruise industry, the need for flexibility in its offerings will be more important than ever, ensuring that passengers can still enjoy their vacations despite unpredictable weather patterns.
