Cruise Ports to Begin Opening

Cruise lines plan to be back in operation in South Florida beginning Tuesday as soon as ports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale open.

PortMiami is open and the Port Tunnel is also now open. The U.S. Coast Guard cleared truck and gate operations for Seaboard Marine container terminal. However, the port will remain closed for marine traffic at least through 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Upon conclusion of side sonar underwater inspections by NOAA we will update the public as to the opening of PORTMIAMI's navigational channels.

The U.S. Coast Guard is completing surveys of the Port Everglades navigation channels so ships can begin re-entering the port later this morning. At 8AM Tuesday, September 12, there are three cruise ships, three petroleum tank ships and two cargo ships offshore waiting to come in.

Unfortunately, travelers who need to fly to port cities will find it difficult to get to Florida to embark on their cruises. Major airports in the state were closed yesterday and are expected to begin opening today. However, airlines are unlikely to be offering a full schedule of flights.

In Port Canaveral, Canaveral Fire Rescue has been on scene at Port making preliminary assessments; no major damage noted at this point. All vessels that remained in port are secure. We will begin assessing general harbor conditions soon to facilitate return to normal operations as soon as possible. Port remains closed until further notice.

Port Tampa Bay experienced only minor damage and flooding from Hurricane Irma and the U.S. Coast Guard says it expects to reopen the port at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The U.S. Coast Guard is currently assessing the condition of the Jacksonville harbor and port facilities following Hurricane Irma. All JAXPORT offices and terminals remain closed today. The Port of Jacksonville remains in condition Zulu.