Category 5 Hurricane Reroutes Thousands of Disney Vacations

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified over the past 24 hours, evolving from a strong Category 2 storm into a powerful Category 4 hurricane by Sunday morning. Meteorologists expect the system to strengthen even further, possibly reaching the rare and catastrophic Category 5 status by late Sunday night or Monday morning.

Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) wrote, “In just 18 hours Melissa has rapidly intensified from a 70 MPH Tropical Storm to a 140 MPH Cat. 4 #hurricane. Forecast to a Cat. 5 before landfall in Jamaica Tuesday AM, this will likely be their worst on record. @RobertRayWx is live from Kingston on @foxweather & @FoxNews”

In just 18 hours Melissa has rapidly intensified from a 70 MPH Tropical Storm to a 140 MPH Cat. 4 #hurricane. Forecast to a Cat. 5 before landfall in Jamaica Tuesday AM, this will likely be their worst on record. @RobertRayWx is live from Kingston on @foxweather & @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/3zBRpmK8RF

— Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) October 26, 2025

While Melissa poses no direct threat to Florida at this time, its growing size and intensity are already being felt across the Caribbean — and even within the travel industry. Disney Cruise Line, which operates several itineraries through the affected region, has adjusted upcoming voyages for both the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish in response to the storm’s projected path.

A Rapidly Intensifying Storm

According to meteorological updates early Sunday, Hurricane Melissa has undergone explosive intensification — a process in which wind speeds increase dramatically in a short period of time. Over the past day, maximum sustained winds have risen by nearly 60 miles per hour. This rate of strengthening far exceeds the standard definition of rapid intensification, which is typically an increase of 35 mph within 24 hours.

Melissa is currently churning through the Caribbean with extremely warm sea surface temperatures and minimal wind shear — ideal conditions for further strengthening. Forecast models suggest it could become a Category 5 hurricane before making its first landfall.

The storm’s immediate path puts Jamaica directly in its crosshairs. If it makes landfall as a Category 4 or 5 storm, it will be an unprecedented event for the island. No current residents of Jamaica have ever experienced a hurricane of that magnitude. The last hurricane even remotely comparable in strength struck more than a century ago.

Potentially Historic Impacts on Jamaica and Cuba

Forecasts indicate that Melissa will move slowly as it approaches Jamaica, potentially lingering over the island for an extended period before pushing north toward eastern Cuba. That slow movement poses a significant risk for catastrophic rainfall, flash flooding, and widespread landslides.

Meteorologists expect rainfall totals to reach two feet in some areas, with localized totals possibly nearing three feet in mountainous terrain. The storm’s slow speed means the same areas could endure torrential rain and hurricane-force winds for more than a day.

Beyond Jamaica, the storm’s outer bands will impact western Haiti and parts of the Dominican Republic, while eastern Cuba is projected to experience direct landfall after Jamaica. The Bahamas could see tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain later in the week as Melissa tracks northward.

Officials have issued strong warnings for residents in Jamaica and neighboring regions to seek safe shelter immediately. Infrastructure damage, long-term power outages, and communication disruptions are expected. The National Hurricane Center emphasized that the combination of wind, storm surge, and rainfall could make this a “generational” disaster for portions of the Caribbean.

Florida Out of the Direct Path — For Now

Although Hurricane Melissa continues to intensify, current tracking models show that Florida remains outside the storm’s direct cone of impact. That means Central Florida, including Walt Disney World and Port Canaveral, will likely avoid severe weather.

However, Florida’s cruise industry is still being affected indirectly due to port adjustments, rerouting, and itinerary changes. Major cruise lines — including Disney Cruise Line — are taking preemptive steps to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.

Disney Cruise Line Adjusts Sailings in Response to Hurricane Melissa

While Hurricane Melissa remains far from Florida, its path through the Caribbean has already forced Disney Cruise Line to alter itineraries for two of its most popular ships — the Disney Treasure and the Disney Wish.

These changes, announced to guests after embarkation and through onboard communications, are designed to steer clear of the storm’s projected path while maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience at sea.

Disney Treasure Itinerary Changes

The Disney Treasure, which embarked from Port Canaveral on Saturday, October 25, was originally scheduled for an Eastern Caribbean voyage, including stops at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Due to Hurricane Melissa’s presence in that region, both of those stops have been cancelled and replaced with destinations in the Western Caribbean.

The revised itinerary is as follows:

• Saturday, October 25, 2025: Port Canaveral, Florida (departure)

• Sunday, October 26: Day at Sea

• Monday, October 27: Day at Sea

• Tuesday, October 28: Cozumel, Mexico (replacing Tortola)

• Wednesday, October 29: Day at Sea (replacing St. Thomas)

• Thursday, October 30: Disney Castaway Cay (replacing a former sea day)

• Friday, October 31: Disney Castaway Cay (added second stop)

• Saturday, November 1: Return to Port Canaveral

Guests onboard were notified of these changes shortly after departure. Any pre-booked Port Adventures for the original ports of call have been removed from guest accounts. Travelers have the option to rebook new excursions through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or by visiting the Port Adventures desk onboard.

Disney Wish Itinerary Changes

The Disney Wish, set to depart Port Canaveral on Monday, October 27, also saw its itinerary adjusted due to the storm’s path. While the ship’s ports of call remain the same, the order of those visits has been changed to avoid rough seas and potential weather disruptions later in the week.

The updated Disney Wish itinerary is as follows:

• Monday, October 27, 2025: Port Canaveral, Florida (departure)

• Tuesday, October 28: Disney Castaway Cay

• Wednesday, October 29: Nassau, The Bahamas

• Thursday, October 30: Day at Sea

• Friday, October 31: Return to Port Canaveral

The original schedule had included Castaway Cay later in the week, but Disney chose to move that stop earlier to ensure favorable weather conditions.

Disney’s Commitment to Guest Safety

Disney Cruise Line has a long-standing reputation for prioritizing guest safety, and these itinerary changes are consistent with that policy. Ships are designed to adapt quickly to changing weather conditions, and captains have full discretion to reroute if necessary.

Guests affected by the changes will still enjoy the full onboard experience, with the addition of a rare two-day stay at Disney Castaway Cay — Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas.

Disney representatives onboard have assured guests that while certain excursions may be unavailable, all shipboard activities, entertainment, and dining experiences will continue as planned.

Even though Hurricane Melissa is not projected to strike Florida, its growing power is reshaping travel and tourism across the Caribbean. The combination of record-warm ocean temperatures and low wind shear has allowed this system to intensify at an alarming rate, becoming one of the strongest storms of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

As the storm moves toward Jamaica and Cuba, attention is turning toward humanitarian preparations and relief efforts in those regions. Meanwhile, travelers across the region are being reminded of the importance of flexibility during hurricane season.

Disney’s quick adjustments to its cruise schedules are a clear example of the company’s ability to adapt and prioritize guest safety without sacrificing the quality of the vacation experience.

Hurricane Melissa’s explosive growth into a potential Category 5 storm underscores just how volatile late-season hurricanes can be. While Florida will likely avoid direct impact, its effects are already rippling through the cruise and tourism industries.

For now, all eyes remain on Jamaica, Cuba, and the surrounding Caribbean islands as they brace for a potentially historic storm. Travelers with upcoming plans in the region are advised to stay informed, follow official advisories, and remain flexible as the situation continues to evolve.