Major Cruise Changes Could Come After Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses

As authorities continue the search and rescue mission after the sudden collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, cruise lines are expected to make some major changes to itineraries that include the Port of Baltimore.

The Port of Baltimore is the 29^th largest cruise port in the U.S. with 378,000 passenger movements scheduled through the port.

A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) told TMR that CLIA was “deeply saddened” by what happened on Tuesday morning, and that it extended “our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted.”

“We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation. Right now, the most important thing to do is to allow the emergency workers to do their work,” the spokesperson said.

According to CLIA, 12 ships were scheduled to make a total of 115 calls during the 2024 calendar year. While changes are expected, CLIA told TMR that any adjustments to cruise activity will be announced by individual cruise lines, including the likes of Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, both of which have ships homeporting in Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas left from the port on March 23 for a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing. The ship is again scheduled to depart for an 8-night Southeast Coast & Bahamas from Baltimore on April 4. 

Royal told TMR in a statement on Tuesday that its team is currently working on alternatives for Vision.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted. We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings,” a Royal spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that any updates will be communicated to guests and travel advisors once the plans are finalized.

Carnival could also make changes to its scheduled itineraries. Carnival Legend left the port for a 7-Day Bahamas sailing on March 24 and is scheduled to be at the port for a 7-Day Eastern Caribbean sailing that departs on March 31. 

A spokesperson for the cruise line said it is too early to comment on changes to Legend sailings, and that the line’s “thoughts are with those affected by this tragic accident.”