Hurricane Helene Forces Port Tampa Bay to Close, Impacting Cruises

Port Tampa Bay officially closed on Wednesday night in anticipation of Hurricane Helene, which will significantly impact cruise schedules. At 8 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard declared Port Condition ZULU due to worsening weather conditions. This decision halts all inbound and outbound vessel traffic, ensuring the safety of the port and its operations.

Shipping Channels Closed, Landside Operations Continue

The port’s shipping channels are now closed, though landside operations will proceed as long as they are deemed safe. Port officials stress that cruise schedules will be disrupted, and passengers should directly contact their cruise lines for updated itinerary information.

Cruise Lines Contact Information

For passengers affected by the port closure, here are the contact numbers for major cruise lines operating out of Port Tampa Bay:

• Carnival Cruise Line: 1-800-764-7419
• Margaritaville at Sea: 1-800-814-7100
• Royal Caribbean International: 1-800-256-6649

Fuel Supply Efforts Continue

Port Tampa Bay is working closely with fuel terminal operators to ensure the continued flow of fuel supplies to consumers for as long as possible. “Port staff will work around the clock to ensure a swift reopening and return to full operations as soon as it is safe to do so,” officials stated. WFLA initially published the story.

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