Rerouted Cruise Ship Now Carrying Harvey Supplies

MIAMI, FL — Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas cruise ship is now carrying an additional $200,000 worth of supplies for victims of Hurricane Harvey. The Galveston, Texas-based vessel was forced to reroute from Texas to Florida when it was unable to make port in Galveston during the unprecedented storm. Passengers were given the option of disembarking in Miami or continuing on to Galveston with a new expected arrival of Friday.

Like the Miami Patch Facebook page below, then continue reading the story.

"It's $200,000 worth of food, water, blankets, towels and cleaning supplies," Royal Caribbean International spokesman Owen Torres told Patch on Tuesday evening. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Patch.)

Torres said that the Miami-based company purchased the supplies to give to victims of what is now considered to be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Many of the passengers aboard the vessel are from Texas and also possible victims of the storm themselves.

Harvey Could Be One Of The Most Expensive Storms In US History

Like Miami Patch on Facebook

"We anticipate Liberty can return to Galveston on Friday, Sept. 1, conditions permitting, in time for its next sailing departing on Sunday, Sept. 3," Torres said.

Torres did not say how many passengers were on the vessel, but it holds about 3,800 passengers and 1,360 crew, according to the Royal Caribbean website.

Some passengers have been critical of Royal Caribbean's handling of the storm, particularly the decision to keep charging for optional items such as internet access as passengers sought to check on loved ones back in storm-ravaged areas.

"We are doing all we can to help our guests, and appreciate their patience as we carefully navigate the effects of Hurricane Harvey," Torres added.

Liberty of the Seas courtesy of Royal Caribbean International