Cruise ships moving again after fog closes Port Tampa

Image 1 of 3

Heavy fog over Tampa Bay prompted the Coast Guard to close parts of the Bay earlier Sunday, meaning cruise ships and other vessels couldn't get to or from Port Tampa.

Coast Guard officials announced around noon that the Bay waters had "reopened" and ships and commercial vessels would start moving again. 

Earlier on Sunday, there were more than 10 ships sitting in the Gulf off of southern Pinellas County waiting to get into the port. The Carnival Miracle, Norwegian Pearl and MS Rotterdam were among the ships anchored off the coast. 

In addition, there were cruise ships stuck at Port Tampa, unable to depart for their itineraries. 

Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas were both scheduled to depart Tampa on Saturday. Because of the closure, both ships had to sit at the port for nearly 24 hours with no movement.

The Coast Guard warned that the foggy conditions could return Sunday night.