A cruise ship will not be returning to Palm Beach County on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as originally planned because of severe weather between the Bahamas and the South Florida coast.
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise ship now expects to return to the Port of Palm Beach in Riviera Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to a port statement.
“We know this change may affect your travel plans, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” reads the statement.
The port authority advised that the ship delay its return, according to a statement from the cruise line. The port is expected to be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 27, due to "anticipated unfavorable weather conditions," a cruise line spokesperson said.
Beach County beaches
What will cruise ship guests receive?
Cruise guests will receive an additional port day in Nassau in the Bahamas. Onboard packages, including Wi-Fi and drink packages, will be extended at no additional charge, the spokesperson said.
Each stateroom will also receive a $50 credit toward a future Margaritaville at Sea cruise, according to the cruise line statement.
“The safety of guests and crew is always the cruise line's and the Port's highest priority,” the port statement read. “The cruise line continues to share updates as more information becomes available.”
The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is an island-inspired cruise ship that sails from the Port of Palm Beach to Key West, the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean over two to five night trips, according to its website.
The ship has pools, themed bars and lounges, cabanas, activities and entertainment and more than 650 staterooms and suites. It can carry more than 1,300 passengers and has nearly 600 crew members.
Dangerous swimming, surf conditions in Palm Beach County
King tides have recently flooded coastal streets in Palm Beach County, which is getting pummeled by strong winds that have created choppy waves at the beaches.
Major coastal flooding is expected through the middle of the week, and a coastal flood warning is in place through Wednesday, Oct. 28, for possible significant saltwater flooding, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.
Palm Beach County is under a high surf advisory at least through Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Sustained winds have a medium-to-high chance of reaching more than 25 mph with gusts over 40 mph at coastal areas in South Florida on Monday, Oct. 26, the weather service said.
There is a high risk for rip currents along the beaches and a gale warning will be in effect through the night of Tuesday, Oct. 27, for sustained winds of up to 45 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots, according to the weather service. Rain chances are also higher through Oct. 27 along the coast.
“Wind and wave conditions will possibly be hazardous for small craft,” the weather service said in a statement. “Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.”
Maya Washburn is a Trending News Reporter for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Margaritaville cruise ship delays Palm Beach return due to rough seas
