Ships escape Baltimore port after bridge collapse

In the wake of last week’s bridge collapse in Baltimore, efforts to restore normalcy to the city’s port operations have seen some progress.

• Following a bridge collapse in Baltimore, the Port of Baltimore opened a temporary channel, allowing some trapped tugs and barges to escape.

• Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have adjusted their sailings, with ships rerouting to Norfolk, Virginia, instead of Baltimore due to the bridge closure.

• Affected passengers are being provided compensation and assistance, including shuttle transportation, Wi-Fi, and phone calls, to accommodate changes in travel plans.

The Port of Baltimore initiated the opening of a temporary channel on Monday, allowing for the liberation of several tugs and barges that had been ensnared following the bridge collapse.

However, officials caution that broader restoration of commercial shipping remains hampered by persistent obstacles.

The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge has had significant ramifications for maritime activities, particularly impacting cruise lines operating in the area.

Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, which utilize the Maryland Cruise Terminal in Baltimore’s Locust Point, have had to adjust their sailings in response to the incident.

Royal Caribbean announced that its 2,514-passenger ship, the Vision of the Seas, originally slated to arrive in Baltimore on April 4, will now conclude its current cruise in Norfolk, Virginia.

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Next cruises

The ship’s next two cruises, scheduled for April 4 and 12, will depart from Norfolk instead of Baltimore.

Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,124-passenger vessel, the Carnival Legend, which was due to arrive in Baltimore on March 31, will now disembark passengers in Norfolk, offering bus services back to Baltimore.

The journey from Norfolk to Baltimore typically takes between four to five hours, contingent on traffic conditions.

Carnival further stated that the Legend will temporarily relocate its homeport from Baltimore to Norfolk, with the cruise initially planned to depart from Baltimore on March 31 now departing from Norfolk.

Passengers affected by these changes are being promptly informed, Carnival assured.

In response to the disruption, Royal Caribbean has pledged compensation for passengers currently aboard the Vision of the Seas, including complimentary shuttle transportation from Norfolk to Baltimore, along with free Wi-Fi and phone calls to facilitate adjustments to travel arrangements.