Port Canaveral now open with some restrictions

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - The U.S. Coast Guard has opened Port Canaveral's waterways with restrictions.  

Six cruise ships will be arriving at Port Canaveral on Thursday morning, Sept 5: Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas; Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas; Carnival Elation; Carnival Ecstasy; Carnival Liberty; and Disney Dream.

The Coast Guard has ordered that vessels with a draft equal to or less than 36 feet (10.97 m) are authorized to transit into and out of the port.  No transits are authorized for vessels with a draft greater than 36 feet (10.97 m), until a further evaluation of the channel has been complete.

The State Road 401 bridge will open on the hour beginning at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for vessel traffic.  No openings from noon to 2 p.m.