Hurricane Maria has forced a cruise ship to cancel its stop in Bermuda, while three more vessels are expected to arrive in Hamilton a day later than scheduled.

Treacherous sea conditions caused by Maria have prompted the Somers Isles to delay her arrival in Bermuda until Thursday, while the Bermuda Islander is expected to arrive a day late on Friday.

Meanwhile, the liner Anthem of the Seas, which was expected to arrive in Dockyard yesterday from Cape Liberty for a one-night stay, has cancelled its trip to Bermuda altogether.

The car ship Kariyushi Leader was expected to arrive in Hamilton from Haiti tomorrow, but has put back her arrival by a day to avoid the bad weather surrounding Hurricane Maria.

A Category 1 hurricane at 6pm yesterday, Maria was still considered a potential threat to the island by the Bermuda Weather Service.

It was 424 nautical miles west of the island at 6pm and was moving north at 7mph with winds of 80mph and higher gusts. The National Hurricane Centre said it was expected to turn north-northeast today.

Meteorologists are also watching Hurricane Lee, which is not considered a threat to the island at this time.

The Category 1 hurricane was 735 nautical miles east of the island at 6pm, moving west-southwest at 8mph.