Three cruise ships reached PortMiami approximately six to seven hours late after gale-force winds and rough seas disrupted operations off the Florida coast.
Norwegian Joy, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth and Norwegian Getaway were all held offshore on the morning of Tuesday, 27 October 2026 while they waited for conditions to improve sufficiently to enter Miami safely.
Norwegian Joy was the first of the three vessels to arrive, reaching the port at approximately 12.50pm. Queen Elizabeth followed at around 1.15pm, with Norwegian Getaway alongside at approximately 1.35pm.
The ships had originally been expected during the early morning. Their delayed arrivals affected passengers completing their cruises, guests waiting to embark and the port's turnaround operation.
Gale warning issued for Miami waters
The National Weather Service had a gale warning in force for Biscayne Bay and coastal waters around Miami until 8am on Wednesday, 28 October.
Its forecast called for north-easterly winds of 25 to 30 knots, gusting to 35 knots, with seas of between nine and 14 feet. The warning said the strong winds would create hazardous seas and reduce visibility, advising mariners to alter plans or seek safe harbour.
The conditions prevented the three cruise ships from making their planned morning approaches to PortMiami. Waiting offshore allowed the vessels and port authorities to avoid bringing large ships through the entrance channel until the operation could be completed safely.
Norwegian Joy returns from Hallmark voyage
Norwegian Joy was returning from a four-night Bahamas cruise that hosted a Hallmark Christmas-themed programme. Its scheduled arrival was delayed until early afternoon, pushing back disembarkation and check-in for the next sailing.
Norwegian Cruise Line advised embarking passengers not to travel to the terminal until a revised arrival time had been confirmed. The terminal could not begin check-in before the ship had docked and departing guests had left the vessel.
The ship's following itinerary was due to visit destinations including the Turks and Caicos Islands and Great Stirrup Cay. The delay shortened the available turnaround period but did not amount to a cancellation of the cruise.
Queen Elizabeth embarkation pushed back
Queen Elizabeth was completing a 12-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary when the weather delayed its return to Miami.
Cunard told guests joining the next voyage to arrive seven hours later than the check-in or arrival time printed on their boarding passes. Passengers were asked not to reach the terminal before their revised time because check-in would not be available.
Disembarkation from Queen Elizabeth began during the afternoon, with the final groups leaving several hours later than originally planned. The late finish created a risk of missed flights and disrupted onward travel for guests who had booked tight connections.
The ship was scheduled to begin a nine-night Caribbean cruise from Miami, with calls including Grand Turk, Willemstad, Kralendijk and Oranjestad.
Norwegian Getaway passengers face travel disruption
Norwegian Getaway was also completing a four-night Bahamas voyage. Guests aboard were advised to review their flight arrangements and contact their airlines if the late arrival affected their journey home.
Reports based on passenger communications said Norwegian Cruise Line would consider reimbursement of up to $300 per person for eligible airline change or cancellation charges not covered by an airline or travel insurance. Passengers seeking reimbursement were instructed to retain and submit their receipts.
Travellers whose onward arrangements had been booked through Norwegian Cruise Line were told that the company would coordinate the necessary changes.
The Miami arrival marked the end of Norwegian Getaway's latest programme from the port. The ship was due to reposition to Port Canaveral for its next series of cruises rather than embark a fresh group of passengers in Miami.
Mein Schiff 1 misses Miami altogether
A fourth cruise ship was also affected by the same conditions. TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 1 omitted its scheduled call at Miami instead of waiting to enter the port.
The ship was sailing a 14-night repositioning itinerary from New York to La Romana in the Dominican Republic. After visiting Port Canaveral, it spent the planned Miami day at sea and continued towards San Juan, Puerto Rico.
A missed port call and a delayed turnaround have different consequences. Guests aboard Mein Schiff 1 lost the Miami visit, while passengers travelling on the three turnaround ships experienced late disembarkation or embarkation and possible onward-transport disruption.
Why ports delay cruise-ship arrivals
Cruise ships can generally operate safely in a wide range of weather at sea, but entering a confined harbour requires more precise manoeuvring. Strong crosswinds, high swells, reduced visibility and movement in an entrance channel can make a port approach unsafe even when a vessel remains secure offshore.
Harbour authorities, pilots and ship masters assess the conditions before each movement. Delaying an arrival can create significant inconvenience, but passenger schedules remain secondary to the safe navigation of the vessel.
The Miami disruption followed a wider period of hazardous marine conditions along Florida's Atlantic coast. Cruise guests travelling during the affected period were advised to monitor direct messages from their cruise line rather than relying on the original times shown in their travel documents.
Frequently asked questions
Which cruise ships arrived late in Miami?
Norwegian Joy, Queen Elizabeth and Norwegian Getaway all reached PortMiami during the early afternoon of 27 October 2026, approximately six to seven hours later than planned.
What caused the delays?
Gale-force winds and rough seas made the approach to PortMiami unsafe during the morning. The National Weather Service forecast gusts of up to 35 knots and seas reaching 14 feet.
When did the ships arrive?
Norwegian Joy arrived at approximately 12.50pm, Queen Elizabeth at around 1.15pm and Norwegian Getaway at approximately 1.35pm. All times were local.
Were the following cruises cancelled?
No cancellation was announced for the departing Norwegian Joy or Queen Elizabeth voyages. Their embarkation and departure arrangements were delayed while the ships completed disembarkation and turnaround procedures.
Did any ship miss Miami completely?
Yes. Mein Schiff 1 omitted its scheduled port call and continued towards San Juan after spending the day at sea.
What should passengers do during a weather delay?
Passengers should follow messages from their cruise line, avoid travelling to the terminal before the revised check-in time and contact their airline or travel provider if onward arrangements are affected. Receipts should be retained for any insurance or reimbursement claim.
Arrival and operational times can change during weather disruption. This report reflects information available after the ships reached PortMiami on 27 October 2026.