Symphony of the Seas Remains in Port Amid Temporary Closure of New York Harbor

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas will remain docked in Bayonne overnight after the ship’s scheduled departure was postponed due to unfavorable wind and tide conditions in the Port of New York and New Jersey.

An onboard announcement confirmed that the ship would not be leaving port today. Instead, Symphony temporarily moved away from the dock lto allow space for a container vessel. As we write this article, she is returning to her berth to wait out the conditions.

According to updates from the Sandy Hook Pilots Association, which manages ship navigation in and out of New York Harbor, strong winds and high tides have made it unsafe for large vessels to depart or arrive. Operations are expected to resume once the conditions ease—currently forecasted by the Pilots to improve by 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

You can watch the current port movements and weather conditions on PTZTV's NY Harbor Webcam.

Weather-Driven Delay, Not Mechanical or Staffing Issue

The operational pause affects multiple cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which issued a similar statement confirming that their ships are also temporarily delayed due to the same weather-related restrictions. Both cruise lines emphasized that this is a safety-driven measure, not connected to mechanical problems or staffing shortages.

The Sandy Hook Pilots frequently halt operations in cases of high winds, limited visibility, or dangerous tide patterns to ensure the safety of vessels navigating the narrow harbor channels.

Life Onboard: Making the Best of the Situation

Though many passengers were surprised by the announcement, the atmosphere onboard remains upbeat.

“Standby for Symphony ‘Fast Cruise’—this is a Navy term where you shut all the hatches and simulate being at sea while tied to the pier!” joked passenger Donald Jackson in a Facebook post.

Others were understanding of the circumstances. “Better to be safe,” wrote passenger Lorraine Valentina, echoing the sentiment that safety must take priority over schedule.

Some guests expressed mild disappointment about the extended time in port, particularly since the casino and onboard shops must remain closed while the ship is docked in U.S. waters. “So basically in port for three days—no shopping, no gambling,” commented passenger Tiffany Lynn.

Still, many cruisers are taking advantage of the ship’s open bars, restaurants, and entertainment. “The bars are still open. Cheers all!” wrote passenger Lynne Coyle, sharing a photo of her cocktail from the pool deck.

Wind and Tide Conditions in New York Harbor

Local weather reports indicate that gusty winds and exceptionally high tides have been affecting the New York Harbor area since early morning. Some waterfront areas and piers around Manhattan and Brooklyn have been temporarily closed as a precaution.

The combination of wind direction, tidal surge, and vessel size can make maneuvering large ships like Symphony of the Seas challenging and unsafe until conditions improve.

Impact on Itinerary

Symphony of the Seas was scheduled to depart Cape Liberty today for a weeklong cruise with stops in Florida and the Bahamas. While Royal Caribbean has not yet confirmed any itinerary adjustments, passengers speculate that the ship may need to shorten or modify its route depending on when it can safely depart.

Royal Caribbean has not released details regarding potential compensation or credits, though passengers from previous weather-related delays suggest that the cruise line may offer onboard credit or other goodwill gestures.

For now, the ship’s 6,600 guests are treating the delay as an extended staycation—enjoying the ship’s amenities and watching the New York skyline from the deck as they await a safe window to set sail.