Amira M. Hairston, a spokeswoman for the Port of Baltimore, said in an email that the status of the upcoming cruise ship program was not yet known.
“At the moment, we do not know how long maritime traffic will be suspended. As soon as this is determined, we will provide an update. Until then, please keep those involved in your prayers,” Hairston wrote.
Royal Caribbean International Vision of the seas departed Saturday for a 12-night southern Caribbean cruise with plans to return April 4. The cruise line said in a statement that it was “monitoring the situation closely, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas.” current and future crossings.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our sincere prayers to all those affected,” the company said. Royal Caribbean International will contact guests and travel partners once plans are finalized, the operator said.
Carnival legend depart on Sunday for a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas; the ship was scheduled to return on March 31 and depart for its next departure the same day. Instead of returning to Baltimore, Carnival announced Tuesday evening that it would end its trip in Norfolk and free buses would take passengers back to Baltimore.
The ship's next seven-day cruise will leave Norfolk and return to port. In a Press releaseCarnival said it would temporarily move operations from Baltimore to Norfolk “while the Key Bridge salvage and cleanup efforts continue.”
“Our hearts go out to the affected families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. “We appreciate the commitment made by President Biden today to devote all available resources to reopening the Port of Baltimore to maritime traffic as soon as possible. As these plans are finalized, we will notify our future cruise passengers of when we will return to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from Norfolk officials.
Carnival Pride is scheduled to begin sailing from Baltimore next month, primarily to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line is not planning cruises from the port until later this year. American Cruise Lines, a U.S. river cruise operator, is operating Chesapeake Bay trips on small ships from Baltimore starting in May. The cruise line said it would monitor the situation “and make adjustments as necessary.”
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said it was “deeply saddened” by the bridge collapse and was closely monitoring the situation. “Right now, the most important thing to do is to allow first responders to do their jobs,” the group wrote in a statement.
This year, 12 ships are expected to make a total of 115 calls at the Port of Baltimore, the industry association said. Accommodating about 2,000 or 2,100 passengers at double occupancy, most of the Baltimore-based ships are much smaller than the record-breaking ship. mastodons which depart from Florida ports.
“Any adjustments to current cruise activity at the port will be announced as soon as possible by the individual cruise lines,” CLIA said in its statement.
A news release released last month by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's office said more than 444,000 people left the Port of Baltimore last year, the most since 2012. The Maryland Port Authority said in a statement. Press release as of last year, the cruise industry generates nearly 400 jobs and $63 million in revenue each year for local businesses.
The port positions itself as a convenient option for year-round sailing, thanks to its location next to Interstate 95 and ample parking. More than 40 million people live within a six-hour drive of the city, according to the Port Authority.
