BALTIMORE — While immediate rescue and recovery efforts are most important, Tuesday’s incident could create some problems for cruise ships heading home from tropical destinations.
Vessels are not allowed in or out of the port in the immediate future. Twelve different cruise ships will land at the Port of Baltimore this year, with 115 trips scheduled.
More than 378,000 passengers are expected to board cruises at the port in 2024. Two ships are due back in Baltimore in the coming days and weeks.
Carnival’s Legend left Baltimore for the Bahamas on Sunday and was expected back at the Port of Baltimore on March 31. A statement released by Carnival announced that the cruise will return to Norfolk on Sunday and guests will be provided complimentary bus service back to Baltimore.
Carnival's upcoming seven-day cruise will operate from and return to Norfolk, according to the cruise line. Guests on the current and upcoming cruises are reportedly being informed of the change.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas Departed on March 23 for the Virgin Islands and Barbados, it’s not expected back until April 4.
The Cruise Lines International Association released this statement to FOX43, saying in part:
“We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation. Right now, the most important thing to do is to allow the emergency workers to do their work.”
Carnival Cruise Lines told FOX43 its thoughts are with those affected by the incident. Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, released the following statement:
“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in 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. 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.”
American Cruise Lines, which has scheduled cruises operating from Baltimore for later in the year, told FOX43 that they will continue to monitor the situation and make schedule adjustments as needed. Small ship cruises operating from the company in the Chesapeake Bay area will remain unaffected and are operating roundtrip from Washington, D.C.