As Hurricane Shanshan barrels in direction of Japan, company aboard the Movie star Millenium have discovered their itinerary altered.
The Movie star Cruises’ 2,138-passenger ship set sail on Monday, August 19, 2024, in good climate. However because the ship makes its 12-night journey round Japan, having already visited Kobe, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, passengers obtained a discover of an itinerary change as soon as the ship arrived in Jeju, South Korea, on August 27.
“We hope you’re having fun with your time aboard Movie star Millennium!” the letter from Movie star started. “Together with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been intently monitoring the trail of Hurricane Shanshan. Like a hurricane within the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Shanshan is anticipated to be a Class 3 storm when it approaches southern Japan this week.”
Because the vessel’s itinerary again to homeport in Tokyo, Japan, on August 31 included calls in Kagoshima and Shimizu in southern Japan, the cruise line has determined to divert the ship to take care of passenger security.
“So as to safely keep away from the hurricane and its impacts, a route taking us north and holding us removed from the storm is greatest to take care of a protected and cozy crusing,” the letter continued.
As a substitute of visiting Kagoshima on August 28 and Shimizu, close to Mt. Fuji, on August 30, company will now spend the twenty eighth and thirtieth at sea and name at Hakodate, Japan’s third-largest metropolis, on August 29.
Shore excursions booked via Movie star in Kagoshima and Shimizu have mechanically been cancelled and passengers will obtain refunds within the type of onboard credit score to their SeaPass Account for use anyplace onboard the ship or for brand new excursions in Hakodate.
Moreover, any funds remaining on the finish of the cruise might be refunded to the bank cards on file.
Nonetheless, passengers on the 90,940-gross-ton vessel who booked independently might be chargeable for the cancellation of shore excursions and might want to work out refunds via the tour suppliers.
“We apologize for the last-minute change brought on by the climate – your security and well-being are at all times our highest precedence,” stated the cruise line.
Hurricane Shanshan Approaches Southern Japan
As Hurricane Shanshan advances towards Japan’s southwestern islands, the Japan Meteorological Company (JMA) issued warnings about extreme climate situations poised to strike the area.
Presently positioned about 80 miles west of Amami Island on August 27, the storm is monitoring north with highly effective winds reaching speeds of as much as 100 miles per hour. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies storms with this wind pace as Class 2.
Nonetheless, meteorologists predict wind speeds could attain as much as 155 miles per hour by August 28, making it a Class 3. The storm can also be bringing torrential downpours.
Though air and prepare transport has been suspended within the space, the Japan Coast Guard has but to implement no-entry advisories for giant vessels or evacuations. If advisories are imposed, they are going to be introduced 24 hours earlier than the storm zone reaches the affected areas.
Learn Additionally: The 10 Roughest Seas within the World for Cruise Ships
Passengers onboard Movie star Millenium have been reassured by the crew. “Please know, being onboard a ship is without doubt one of the most secure locations to be as a result of we’re sooner and may transfer out of the way in which of any inclement climate,” the letter said.
Just like the Atlantic and Caribbean’s hurricane season, hurricane season in Japan usually runs between Could and October, with August and September peak season. Throughout these instances, passengers could elect to buy cruise insurance coverage that provides safety from weather-related points.
