Matthew Is Ready to Become a Problem

As storms go, Hurricane Matthew has been relatively well behaved. It's stayed out of the way of most cruise ships and hasn't been particularly strong. Suddenly, however, Matthew has strengthened to a Category 5 storm - the first in the Atlantic basin since 2007 - and it is getting ready to turn northward from its location off the Caribbean coast of South America and move rapidly up north.

By Monday it is forecast to pound Jamaica while still at Category 5 strength, then cross Cuba and by Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday move northward through the Bahamas. At this point, it shouldn't directly affect South Florida as it passes. So far, only one line has told us of their plans to move ships out of the way. Other lines should be expected to follow suit by Monday.

Details appeared in the September 30 edition of Cruise News Daily.