Earl changes cruise lines’ travel plans

Hurricane Earl has put a kink in travel plans for some people, especially those sailing out of Central Florida.

Cruise ships, however, were still sailing as of Tuesday morning.

The good news is that it’s a big ocean out there, and cruise companies can easily adapt to the changing weather situation.

The Carnival Dream, which left Port Canaveral Friday, was supposed to sail the eastern Caribbean, but hurricanes Danielle and Earl have forced the ship to tour the western Caribbean instead.

The same happened for Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas, which also left Friday.

The change of plans will keep those ships well to the west of the storms’ path.

Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line said it does not expect any itinerary changes.

Cruise ship companies have usually been quick to move back into the areas, trying to pump tourism cash as fast as possible, even while cleanup efforts get off the ground.

Of course, the cruise lines’ plans could change further as the storms move through and change course.