Cozumel, Q.R. — Approximately 20,000 unexpected tourists landed on the island of Cozumel Sunday after being diverted due to Hurricane Dorian.
The cruise ships, which were sailing Atlantic waters, were forced to change itineraries with the presence of Dorian, which has since developed into a Category 5 hurricane. A total of five ships traveling to and from Florida and the Bahamas, made their way to Cozumel for a safer journey while the storm passes.
Cruise ships including Disney Dream and Norwegian Sun began arriving at the Punta Langosta pier, while Harmony of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas docked for the day at the SSA Mexico terminal. At Puerta Maya, a Carnival company ship arrived with guests who took in a day on land.
In total, approximately 20,000 cruise ship tourists took to the island while waiting out Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas Sunday night as a catastrophic storm, the strongest in its history. Dorian continues to make its way toward the U.S. with mandatory evacuations from coastal regions of Florida to South Carolina and Georgia.
The National Hurricane Center says Dorian is expected to reach the U.S. sometime late Monday, and although it may spare the U.S. with a direct hit, it is expected to pass close to Florida’s coast.