Cruise should have been cancelled due to Hurricane Matthew. We received this text message from Royal Caribbean which stated the ship was sailing on Friday, October 7 2016 anyway.

S: Important Update: Empress of the Seas - October 7, 2016

This is Royal Caribbean International with important update regarding changes to your boarding time for your sailing on Empress of the Seas departing Friday, October 7. Given Hurricane Matthew's current location and projected path, as well as the port's closure, Empress of the Seas was delayed arriving to Port Miami. Boarding for your cruise will now begin at 5:00 PM. Due to limitations at the port, guests who arrive prior to 5 PM will be asked to return when the terminal is ready. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you onboard! To confirm: reply with YES and send. When we arrive at 4:30, we were told you could have boarded earlier. Read more