Cruise ship changes course to avoid Tropical Storm Lorena

Hurricane Lorena has forced at least one cruise ship to change its itinerary to avoid the storm. 

Guests aboard Carnival Firenze were informed that, although no ports of call have been cancelled, they will now be visiting the ports in a different order. 

Carnival Firenze departed from Long Beach, California, on Thursday, September 4, on a 5-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera. 

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Initially, guests were supposed to visit Cabo San Lucas on Sept. 6, followed by Ensenada, Mexico, on Sept. 8. Now, however, Carnival Firenze will call at Ensenada first. 

The ship will arrive in Ensenada on Friday, Sept. 5. The itinerary change means that Cabo San Lucas will now be the second port of call, with the ship scheduled to arrive there on Sunday, Sept. 7.

"We apologize for this weather-related change and trust you understand this decision was made with everyone’s safety in mind," read a letter sent to impacted passengers. 

Read more: I booked a cruise during hurricane season

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All pre-purchased shore excursions will be automatically adjusted to meet the ship's new schedule. 

Carnival Firenze is the newest ship in Carnival's fleet, though she isn't a new build. She originally entered service as Costa Firenze in 2020. The vessel was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in 2024. 

Although she currently sails year-round from California, the 4,208-passenger ship will be repositioned to the U.S. East Coast in 2026, following a few special South American voyages.