Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas: A Winter Wonderland at Sea
“That’s not how the ships are supposed to look,” commented one Facebook user, and many agreed. Images of the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas and MSC Meraviglia, covered in a thick layer of snow, went viral after a powerful winter storm swept through the Northeast. What normally would be a vibrant scene of sunbathers on embarkation day transformed into a surreal, winter wonderland.
Winter Storm Hernando Grounds Cruise Ships
Winter Storm Hernando, a powerful nor’easter, brought record-breaking snowfall – 15 inches in Central Park alone – and high winds, forcing a citywide travel ban in New York. This made navigating the harbor unsafe for large vessels, effectively grounding the Odyssey of the Seas and MSC Meraviglia in New Jersey and New York as of Monday afternoon.
The situation was certainly unusual. Passengers found themselves bunkered down, awaiting departure for warmer climates, sharing photos on social media that looked utterly surreal. While the delay was frustrating, passengers weren’t left without amenities. All onboard services, including dining, entertainment, and staterooms, remained fully operational.
Itinerary Changes and Travel Disruptions
The storm’s impact extended beyond the ships themselves. Over 8,000 flights were canceled across the Northeast since Sunday, preventing hundreds of “fly-to-cruise” passengers from reaching the terminals. The cruise lines were unable to move the ships until the U.S. Coast Guard and Port Authority lifted restrictions on vessel movement in the shipping channels.
MSC Meraviglia has already announced itinerary changes, skipping its stop in Nassau, Bahamas, to reach Ocean Cay later in the week. Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas is also expected to face itinerary adjustments, details of which will be announced soon.
Smooth Sailing Ahead?
Fortunately, weather conditions began to improve late Monday evening. Once the Port of New York and New Jersey reopened and the Coast Guard cleared the channels of ice and debris, both ships were able to begin their cruises. Cruisers were advised to monitor their cruise line’s mobile apps for real-time updates on departure times and itinerary changes.
The incident serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of flexibility when travelling. Hopefully, these ships are now enjoying smoother sailing and warmer waters, leaving the snow (and the anxiety) behind!
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