World · North America · 2 hrs ago
Weather delays Hallmark Christmas Cruise’s return to Miami by six hours
The Hallmark Christmas Cruise returned from Miami to the Bahamas with 4,000 fans and 18 Hallmark Channel actors aboard the Norwegian Joy.
Rain and high winds forced organizers to move several outdoor activities indoors.
Actors Jonathan Bennett and Nikki DeLoach hosted the cruise and helped add three performances so more fans could attend.
On Tuesday morning, storm conditions prevented the ship from docking in Miami at its scheduled 7 a.m.
arrival time.
The delay meant passengers waited six hours before they could disembark.
DeLoach told passengers the ship could not dock safely, and said their safety came first.
With no need to leave early, actors and fans stayed up together at a final-night silent disco.
The 2026 Hallmark Christmas Cruise was delayed by six hours before passengers could disembark in Miami.
Rainy weather and high winds prevented the Norwegian Joy from docking at its scheduled 7 a.m. arrival time on Tuesday.
The captain announced the delay at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, saying the ship could not dock safely in the conditions.
Hallmark stars Jonathan Bennett and Nikki DeLoach told passengers they understood their concerns.
The delay gave the actors and passengers more time to enjoy the cruise’s final night together.
- Who
- Passengers and 18 Hallmark Channel actors were aboard the Norwegian Joy. Jonathan Bennett and Nikki DeLoach hosted the event.
- What
- Bad weather delayed the ship’s return to Miami, postponing passengers’ disembarkation by six hours.
- When
- The delay was announced at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026. The ship had been scheduled to arrive at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27.
- Where
- The Norwegian Joy was returning to Miami from the Bahamas.
- Why
- Rainy weather and high winds prevented the ship from docking safely.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The cruise ship departed Miami for the Bahamas.
The ship arrived in the Bahamas.
The captain announced that weather conditions meant the ship could not dock as scheduled.
The ship was scheduled to arrive in Miami, but passengers faced a six-hour delay before disembarking.
- Ship
- Norwegian Joy
- Passengers
- 4,000 fans
- Hallmark actors aboard
- 18
- Scheduled Miami arrival
- 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Disembarkation delay
- Six hours
What people are saying
We just got the same news that you did
As the captain said, the ship cannot dock under these current conditions. It’s just not safe. It’s no different than an airline that can’t take off or land. A giant ship in the middle of the ocean is no different. And our safety is the most important thing.
I just want you guys to know that we share your worry about your kids, your jobs, your pets, what you have to get home to
You guys are the best! Oh my gosh, I love you all so much!