PortMiami reopened at approximately 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2023, approximately 12 hours after the morning boat collision that caused fatalities, water damage, and channel closures, thus preventing three large cruise ships from re-entering the port. the end of their journey.
Emergency crews were able to successfully clear the channel and ensure the safety of the returning ships, however, the disembarkation and boarding of nearly 30,000 passengers has begun.
PortMiami Is Now Reopened
After the sunken boat was successfully removed from the Government Dock at PortMiami, the port was able to reopen successfully and receive three cruise ships that were scheduled to disembark and pick up passengers today: Norwegian Escape, MSC Seascapeand Carnival Festival.
All three ships were parked out of the way from the start the port was closed in the morningwaiting for updates from port authorities and the US Coast Guard to be allowed to enter the port.
The dock was closed at about 3:40 a.m., when a 30-foot ferry collided with the Fisher Island Ferry east of Dodge Island, where the ferry terminal is located.
One person died in the accident, while another was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. No further details of the incident have been released and an investigation is ongoing into the collision, who may have been at fault, and its aftermath.
A boat equipped with a crane was brought in to rescue the sunken ship, while various maneuvers were carried out to ensure the safety of the channel.
If the port is reopened, 165,000-gross tons Norwegian Escape was the first vessel to enter the channel and port, followed by the 169,400-gross ton. MSC Seascapeand finally, 183,500-gross tons Carnival Festival.
At 3:45 pm, all three ships entered the channel, and Norwegian Escape he had already finished climbing. Together, the three ships have carried more than 15,000 passengers, as well as thousands of workers.
Every time a ship docks, it will no longer need to disembark passengers and crew who may be at the end of their ship’s contracts, as well as pick up supplies for the next voyage.
Informing Visitors
All three routes have worked hard to get guests on the train and those departing today to be updated throughout the day with text messages, emails, and letters delivered to the train station.
Although things did not go smoothly, everyone tried to help the guests feel comfortable as the day progressed.
Guests on board had various announcements whenever new items were available, and the crew worked to provide food, drink, and entertainment.
For travelers whose journeys now start hours later than expected, cruises will issue a credit ($20 per person). MSC Seascape and Carnival Festivaland $25 for Norwegian Escape) for today’s lunch prices, as well as suggestions for where to go nearby for shopping, dining, or entertainment.
Carnival Cruise Line has also provided complimentary shuttles for its guests to visit Bayside Marketplace, a nearby grocery store. A Carnival employee was also on hand at the Bayside Marketplace to inform visitors throughout the day.
“This is not how we expected to start your journey, and we appreciate your patience and understanding,” one change from Carnival reading. Each train is expected to depart in 2-3 hours, with the next journey to start as soon as possible.
in the evening, Norwegian Cruise Line they informed the visitors that they are expected to start at 7pm, and start around 9pm. “Please don’t arrive at the port before 6pm,” The NCL notice saidin order to reduce traffic and people.
Similarly, MSC Cruises advised incoming guests that boarding would not begin until 5pm “Right now we hope to start boarding before 5:00 pm,” MSC’s letter was read. “We will let you know as soon as we have a clear idea of when we will be ready to receive you.”
Will Next Steps Be Affected?
There’s no word yet on whether each ship’s next move will be adjusted to account for the late start. Each train is expected to start a 7-night service today, with all three ships departing Eastern Caribbean Cruises.
Although each ship has different itineraries and different ports, all three should be at sea on Monday, June 26.
This would make it easier for each train to make up for lost time by adjusting the speed to compensate, which means that the entire journey is less affected.
Each cruise line will make change decisions based on all sailing routes, port preparation times, and ship speeds, and those changes will be communicated to passengers when confirmed.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the families of the victims of this morning’s accident, and best wishes go out to all those affected for the best on their slightly delayed journeys.
