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Ford BlueCruise Rivals GM’s Super Cruise for Balancing Automation and Driver Monitoring

This new active driver assistance system stands out for allowing the driver to intervene without shutting off

We just evaluated the new Ford BlueCruise active driver assistance system on a 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle and came away with mostly positive feelings. The system can allow for hands-free driving on sections of premapped divided highways, automating the vehicle’s steering, acceleration, and braking for the driver. It stands out for its driver monitoring and appropriate warnings when driver attention appears to have wandered, plus it effectively encourages collaborative driving. 

BlueCruise is similar to General Motors’ Super Cruise—currently the top-rated active driver assistance system in Consumer Reports’ tests —in that it uses a direct driver monitoring system, via an infrared camera mounted on top of the steering column, to make sure the driver is looking at the road. 

CR feels it is imperative that active driver assistance systems—which combine lane centering assist (LCA) and adaptive cruise control (ACC)—use direct driver monitoring to make sure the driver is looking at the road to help keep their car and other vehicles around it safe. Most current active driver assistance systems, including Tesla’s Autopilot , do not use effective direct driver monitoring, and instead require occasional hand pressure on the steering wheel as a means to make sure the driver is paying attention.

BlueCruise has a big advantage over Super Cruise and Autopilot: It allows for driver collaboration. If the driver wants to steer around a pothole, pedestrian, or cyclist, for example, the system doesn’t immediately shut off or go into a standby mode, as with Autopilot and Super Cruise. After the maneuver is completed, the system will recenter the car in the lane automatically. This allows the driver to work with the system, rather than seemingly passing the control back and forth between automation and the driver.

Although BlueCruise has taken notable steps in the right direction for active driver assistance systems, Ford has made some missteps, too. We found that it doesn’t communicate enough information to the driver about when and why they are being told to suddenly put their hands back on the wheel when the system is in its “hands-free” mode. 

Plus, Ford’s marketing of the system as a “hands-off highway driving experience” is sure to leave some customers confused about the system’s capabilities when they get alerts to put their hands back on the wheel for reasons that aren’t always clear. 

“If consumers expect that BlueCruise will do the driving for them, they are going to be disappointed,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing. “The reality is this is a unique, collaborative approach that balances making driving easier while keeping drivers engaged during the boring parts of driving.”

During an interview with representatives from Ford, we were told that they “choose very carefully what to show drivers” in terms of messaging on the instrument cluster. But they also acknowledge that they’ve been listening to feedback from customers and “are looking at a future enhancement” to the system, although they wouldn’t elaborate on the details. To further help their customers understand the nuances of BlueCruise, Ford says it is developing how-to videos on the system.

@consumerreports Tesla’s system fails to keep a driver's attention on the road. Ford's issues an alert when the driver's eyes are diverted. #cartok #tesla #ford ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

BlueCruise worked well during our preliminary evaluations on a Mustang Mach-E rented from Ford. The system is easy to activate because it takes only a single press of the cruise control button on the steering wheel to simultaneously engage the ACC and LCA. After that, all the driver has to do is stay attentive, ready to take over the steering on certain curvy sections of highways and manage the little stuff, such as steering to avoid potholes and manually adjusting the ACC’s speed, if they wish. 

We found BlueCruise enjoyable to use because it provides steering assistance on straight, boring sections of highway, or when you’re stuck in a traffic jam, which can make driving less stressful and more relaxing. 

We’re happy with Ford’s decision to utilize a driver monitoring camera to ensure that the driver is paying attention to their surroundings any time the system is active, whether on highways or secondary roads. 

We will fully test BlueCruise when the system becomes available through an over-the-air update on our 2021 Mustang Mach-E test car.

Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

BlueCruise Strengths

• Direct driver monitoring to make sure the driver is paying attention to the road.
• Allows for the driver to make their own steering-wheel inputs without immediately shutting the system off.
• Simple to activate by pressing a single button on the steering wheel.
• The system works on nonhighway roads with lane lines, but it still requires the driver to have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

BlueCruise Weaknesses

• BlueCruise doesn’t make it clear to the driver why it’s telling you to suddenly put your hands back on the wheel, or why the system won’t engage “hands-free” mode at times on divided highways.
• Hands-free mode doesn’t always engage immediately after pressing the cruise-control button, with no explanation as to why.
• Ford’s marketing of BlueCruise as “a hands-off highway driving experience” overstates the true experience.

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

The Camera Is the Key

BlueCruise hands-free driving is available only on “prequalified” (Ford’s term for GPS mapped or premapped) sections of divided highways called “Hands-Free Blue Zones.” Those zones cover about 130,000 miles of North American roads, according to the automaker. Thanks to Ford’s mapping data, BlueCruise knows information such as the GPS location of the lane, lane width, lane curvature, and changes in elevation. The information is onboard the vehicle, and Ford will update the maps over the air as needed.

But a key reason BlueCruise works so well is that the driver has to pay attention to the road. The system uses a driver-facing infrared camera perched atop the steering column that monitors the driver’s eyes and head gaze. If the driver glances away from the road for too long (about 5 seconds in our experience)—whether to look at their cell phone, fiddle with the infotainment screen, or because they fell asleep—the system will give the driver a visual warning to “Watch the road” within the instrument cluster, followed by an audible warning chime. The driver monitoring works effectively at detecting when the driver is looking away from the road, and it was not thrown off by sunglasses or a face mask. We didn’t find that it warned us so quickly that it became annoying.

Among BlueCruise’s advantages over competing systems is its simple activation process: All the driver has to do is press the cruise control button on the steering wheel (provided the system is set to adaptive cruise control, as opposed to “normal cruise control,” within the driver assistance settings on the infotainment screen) and the system is activated. 

But although pressing the cruise control buttons turns the system “on,” the hands-free aspect won’t necessarily engage immediately—sometimes it does; other times it can take a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The system has to be on a section of divided highway that it deems safe for hands-free driving. The driver will know the hands-free mode has been engaged when the instrument cluster background turns from white to blue, while showing a steering wheel with the words “hands-free” below it. 

We asked Ford representatives what parameters cause the system to suddenly switch out of hands-free mode, and were told it could be a number of things, from overly curvy lanes to unclear lane lines.

Works With the Driver, Not Against

As with Autopilot and Super Cruise, the BlueCruise system steers the vehicle to keep it near the center of the lane, yet unlike those other systems it doesn’t fight the driver if they want to take corrective action to dodge a pothole, or steer around a pedestrian or cyclist. Once the steering correction is made, the system seamlessly resumes control. With some competing systems, adding your own steering inputs deactivates the steering assistance, which means the driver will then have to reactivate it. 

Not only is it annoying to have to reactivate the system, but having to do so can also be a deterrent to the driver adding their own steering inputs, or using the system at all. With BlueCruise, even if the driver takes over the steering, the system still provides lane centering steering-wheel torque, but we found that it works with the driver instead of feeling like it’s working against them.

We see this as a big win, because systems shouldn’t “penalize” the driver for adding their own steering inputs.

BlueCruise Correctly Suggests Its Limitations

Unlike the inappropriately named Autopilot and other active driver assistance systems, the BlueCruise system is “more honest” about its limitations, says Kelly Funkhouser, CR’s manager of vehicle technology. “In our experience so far, BlueCruise seems to perform well in areas such as lane centering, ease of use, and driver monitoring,” she says. “But one of the aspects we really like about BlueCruise is that it doesn’t say to the driver, ‘I’ve got this, don’t worry about steering,’ which can lead to a false sense of complacency.”

Instead, BlueCruise asks the driver to “Keep hands on steering wheel” on curvy stretches of highway. “It’s not necessarily ending its steering assistance,” Funkhouser says, “but the system wants the driver to have their hands on the wheel for safety just in case the automation can’t actually handle the turn.”

“I love driving,” Fisher says. “But not on boring, straight stretches of highway or in stop-and-go traffic.” In those situations, BlueCruise can automate the steering, braking, and accelerating for you pretty well.

“I still want to be in charge during higher-risk driving, such as through fast or tight curves,” Fisher continues. “BlueCruise has the ability to sense those sections ahead of time, and it makes sure you have your hands on the wheel so you’re at the ready.”

Mixed Messaging

Ford’s marketing of BlueCruise as a “hands-off highway driving experience” is potentially misleading to consumers. People may be confused or feel misled when they find out that BlueCruise wants them to have their hands on the steering wheel quite often on curvier sections of highway. Many customers may assume “hands-free” actually means “hands-free at all times,” and in our experience so far, that simply isn’t the case with BlueCruise, even on premapped sections of divided highway.

BlueCruise is currently available on the F-150 full-sized pickup and Mustang Mach-E EV. The system will be coming to the 2022 Expedition Platinum soon, as well as the upcoming F-150 Lightning EV pickup. A Ford spokesman told us BlueCruise would be heading to more vehicles, as well, but declined to give specifics as to which models, and the time frame.

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How Much Automation Does Your Car Really Have?

Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise feature is now available as a monthly or annual subscription

Ford owners can decide to activate the level 2 driver-assist feature after buying their car as a $75 a month or $800 a year subscription..

By Andrew J. Hawkins , transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.

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Ford is changing how it sells its hands-free BlueCruise driver-assist feature to its customers.

Previously, customers had to decide at the dealership whether they wanted to purchase a new Ford vehicle with BlueCruise hardware installed — and they couldn’t go back and change their minds if they opted not to include it. Now, the hardware will come standard on many new vehicles, and customers can decide at any time whether they want to activate it. Most notably, they can choose to pay for it as a monthly or annual subscription.

Most notably, they can choose to pay for it as a monthly or annual subscription

The news comes as the broader auto industry is shifting to subscription products as a major new source of revenue. Everything from driver-assistance features to heated seats is on the table — with customers growing increasingly nervous about having to pay more often for services they previously only had to purchase once.

BlueCruise is a Level 2 system, meaning the vehicle controls major functions like acceleration and braking as well as lane centering and automatic lane changing. And it only works on divided highways in the US and Canada. But while drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and their feet off the pedals, they need to keep their eyes on the road and be ready to take control at a moment’s notice. Ford said that BlueCruise-equipped vehicles have already traveled over 100 million miles.

Ford says, at present, 225,000 vehicles are equipped with BlueCruise. And it projects that an additional 500,000 vehicles will have it by the end of 2024. The company also says the feature works on 97 percent of controlled access highways in the US and Canada — which translates to around 130,000 miles of road.

Now, customers will have several new ways in which they can get access to the feature. They can pay for it when they order their vehicle online or from a dealership, with a three-year commitment costing $2,100. If a customer doesn’t choose this option, they can also activate a $75 a month or $800 a year subscription — with a 90-day complimentary bonus.

The new payment structure will first come to all trims of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and will soon be available to all 2024 model-year vehicles where BlueCruise is available, like the F-150 Lightning, Ford F-150, and Ford Expedition.

The news also comes on the heels of Ford’s announcement of the hiring of former Apple executive Peter Stern to oversee the automaker’s software services.

Ford is not the only company shifting to subscription payments for its advanced driver-assist products. Tesla started offering its Full Self-Driving feature as a $199 a month subscription in 2021. GM’s Super Cruise costs $2,500 to install upfront as well as a monthly rate to keep it active.

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FORD BLUECRUISE

Bringing you hands-free motorway driving.

Our vision for the future just accelerated with Ford BlueCruise Try Ford Bluecruise today , our latest innovation in Advanced Driver Assistance technology – the first of its kind in Europe. Mustang Mach-E owners can now enter a new era of mobility, and be the first to experience L2 hands-free driving in designated ‘Blue Zones’.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Flexible driving. flexible subscription..

HANDS OFF, EYES ON

Turn the music up, enjoy watching the miles go by and arrive at your destination less stressed. Ford BlueCruise unlocks a new world of driving convenience Ford Bluecruise safety .

SAFETY FIRST

For your safety and peace of mind, we’ve rigorously tested our Ford BlueCruise technology over 100,000 miles Ford Bluecruise safety . Plus, the technology is continuously monitoring of the road and other drivers around you. 

90-DAY FREE TRIAL

We think the convenience of driving with Ford BlueCruise speaks for itself. So we’re giving you the opportunity to try it free for 90 days Ford BlueCruise subscription , after which, it’s only £17.99 per month.

ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD

The world of Advanced Driver Assistance technology is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. So, we’ll update Ford BlueCruise maps automatically over-the-air Enable automatic updates  as the technology and infrastructure progress. Making sure you’re always getting the most up-to-date experience.

INTRODUCING BLUE ZONES

Over 95% of the country’s Try Ford Bluecruise today motorways are designated Ford Blue Zones, where Ford BlueCruise can be activated upon entering. With automatic updates enabled and completed, your vehicle will have the latest Blue Zone routes.

TRY FORD BLUECRUISE TODAY

The future of driving, completely free of charge. All Mustang Mach-E vehicles built from 2023 Try Ford Bluecruise today  are eligible for a 90-day free trial of Ford BlueCruise, worth £17.99 per month. Just sign into your Ford Account to get started.

Start your free trial

TECHNOLOGY THAT DRIVES CONFIDENCE

We’ve rigorously tested this Ford BlueCruise technology, including racking up over 100,000 driving hours and consulting the authorities, for your peace of mind.  

DRIVER-FACING CAMERA

Ford BlueCruise Ford Bluecruise switch on uses the driver-facing camera in the instrument cluster to carefully monitor your gaze and head position, checking that your attention is on the road ahead before the vehicle takes control.

INTELLIGENT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Combining Speed Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control Ford Bluecruise switch on , your speed will be automatically set to the zone detected. For example, if going from a 70 mph road into a 40 mph, your vehicle will gently slow to 40 mph.

LANE CENTERING

When activated, Ford BlueCruise uses our intelligent Lane Centering technology to maintain steering control between lane markings.

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Head to our FordPass support and FAQs page for useful tips on getting the most out of your vehicle. You can get help straight through the app with FordPass Guides, our chat feature is the best way to get a quick response.

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What is Ford BlueCruise * ?

BlueCruise allows for true hands-free highway driving on pre-qualified areas called Hands-Free Blue Zones that make up over 200,000 kilometres of North American roads.

BlueCruise uses blue lighting on the digital instrument cluster to indicate when the vehicle is in a hands-free zone. 

How BlueCruise Works

BlueCruise builds upon available Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering and Speed Sign Recognition . It allows you to operate your vehicle hands-free while you are monitored by a driver-facing camera to make sure you are keeping your eyes on the road, with the potential for more enhancements in the future. 

Additional Information

How do I turn on BlueCruise? BlueCruise Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do I activate my FordPass ® Connect modem?

* Feature is available on select vehicles. Features may vary based on model year, trim, options, packages, and supply availability. Use the  Build and Price tool  to view feature availability on current models. If you have questions or need more information, reference your  Owner’s Manual  or contact your  Ford Dealer .

Available Feature. Equipped Ford vehicles come with either a complimentary BlueCruise trial period or an included BlueCruise connected service plan duration, after which purchase is required. Modem activation through the FordPass® App is required for subscription purchase and for initial activation of BlueCruise (for pre-2024 model year vehicles). See ford.ca/technology/connected-services/bluecruise/ for details. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment or need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

** Connected service and features depend on compatible cellular network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent the operation of connected features. FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via download. Message and data rates may apply.     

Ford BlueCruise Vs Tesla Autopilot: Which Is Better For Road Trips?

As the production of cars gets more advanced, throwing down more horsepower and torque than ever before, safety systems also get more advanced. One such push by automakers in recent years is the introduction of driver assistance systems. Two such systems are Ford BlueCruise and Tesla Autopilot. 

Both are Level 2 autonomous driving systems , as described by the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) International. That means that both systems require constant input from the driver, and do not allow for total hands-free driving for the duration of the trip, and are, by nature, very limited in scope and ability. That said, each system has the potential to offload some of the more tedious or monotonous driving tasks to the car itself and allow the driver to experience at least a bit of assurance behind the wheel. 

Ford has been trying its darndest to make strides in the world of EVs and steal the electrified crown from Tesla with EVs like the F-150 Lightning and Mach-E. But which automakers' driver assistance system holds up best to the rigors of a long road trip lasting hundreds or thousands of miles?

Ford BlueCruise

For starters, BlueCruise is fairly limited in the scope of vehicles it's available on. It's only available on the Mustang Mach-E, the XLT, Lariat, Platinum, and Tremor trims of the F-150, Platinum, and Lariat trims of the EV F-150 Lightning, and Platinum trim models of the Ford Expedition. Additionally, it's available on both the Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Navigator, regardless of trim level.

Currently, BlueCruise 1.3 is the latest version, and the system includes adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and the ability to reposition the car inside the lane if it strays outside the lines. According to Ford, BlueCruise works on 97% of the highways in the United States and allows for somewhat hands-free driving on a large portion of highways. Although judging by Ford's coverage map, you will need to take control of the vehicle on nearly every road that isn't a major highway. And for safety's sake, you should never have your hands off the wheel for any extended period of time whatsoever.

The previous version, the  Ford BlueCruise 1.2 system is found to be sensible, but it is ultimately lacking in coverage, and the system has a tendency to abruptly change speeds at times. Given that many major highways are covered in a strict road trip scenario, having Ford BlueCruise enabled might make the bi-yearly trip to Disney slightly less strenuous. 

Tesla Autopilot

On the other hand, Tesla Autopilot is significantly more controversial than Ford's option. The same could be said about the entirety of Tesla. The full self-driving system, which is separate from the autopilot system, came under immense fire and has faced many legal and safety challenges, one due to a shocking dashcam video showing an autopilot Tesla crashing into emergency vehicles.  That can't be ignored when it comes to driver assistance features. And given Elon Musk and Tesla's tendency to over-promise, it's best to pay extra attention. 

At least on paper, Tesla's system touts much of the same abilities as Ford BlueCruise, meaning it can steer, slow down, and speed up by itself within a lane. However, Tesla does not make the same geographic concessions as Ford. Tesla takes great pride in its cameras that (theoretically) allow Tesla Autopilot to be used on more roads than Ford's system, not just major highways. The system also includes Smart Summon features that Ford does not have. As far as a road trip is concerned, you don't have to worry about the system's compatibility with the road you are driving on. And given the fact Teslas are electric, the onboard system is able to automatically guide you towards any Tesla Superchargers during the drive, a feature that's particularly helpful in unfamiliar areas.

Nonetheless, Tesla has the leg up on Ford as far as driver assistance features are concerned. Tesla has also been in the game longer, and as Autopilot capabilities improve, they will continue to be upgraded by over-the-air software updates. 

The verdict

For a road trip, the victor would have to go to Ford, even though the technology may not be as capable as Tesla's. And as of now, it only works on a set number of highways. Not only will the number of compatible roads go up in the future, but Ford has a better attitude toward safety improvements than Tesla has shown in the past. An individual Tesla likely isn't going to go haywire while in autopilot mode. Still, given  the sheer number of safety investigations into the brand and its supposed autonomous driving technology, it's tough to make an honest recommendation.

When it comes to long-distance driving, Ford's system covers most major highways to the point where it likely won't be a problem if you're going across the country. But it's still something to consider. If coverage is a deal-breaker and you don't mind stopping to take in the sights and fill up on electrons at a charging station, then Tesla's Autopilot might be the driver assistance package for you.

There's also the final question of price. Base Autopilot is standard on all Teslas, and the Enhanced Autopilot, which includes Smart Summon, automatic lane changes, and navigation features, is a $6,000 option. Ford's BlueCruise 1.3 is a $2,100 option on the Mustang Mach-E, and BlueCruise 1.0 is a $1,995 option on the gas-powered F-150.

Bickford Ford

Official blog.

What is Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving?

How to use ford bluecruise: tips and tricks for hands-free driving  .

Ford vehicles are known for their reliability, safety, and advanced technology. One such feature that impressed almost every customer is the Ford BlueCruise. For the uninitiated, it is a Hands-Free driving assistance that aims to make your driving easier and your journey more enjoyable. Continue reading below to learn more about this feature. Also, those interested in buying a new Ford can view our online inventory and car financing options at Bickford Ford, our dealership in Snohomish, Washington.        

How to Set up Ford BlueCruise  

Step 1: Blue Zone

The journey with Ford BlueCruise begins in what Ford calls a “Blue Zone.” These are designated sections of pre-mapped highways where the system can operate hands-free. When you enter this area, you’ll get a prompt on the instrument panel letting you know that BlueCruise is available.

Step 2: BlueCruise Assist  

Once in a Blue Zone, the true magic of Ford BlueCruise comes into play. All you have to do is tap the Adaptive Cruise Control on the steering wheel and let BlueCruise Assist without taking your eyes off the road. Along with handling steering, this system adjusts your vehicle’s speed and keeps it centered in the lane. You can control the direction of your vehicle manually anytime.  

Step 3: The Magic of Hands-free Driving  

With your hands off the wheel, you can experience the unique sense of freedom that BlueCruise offers. You can switch lanes on the highway using Lane Change Assist, and the In-Lane Positioning automatically adjusts your vehicle’s position in the lane based on the current driving situation, all this without using your hands. 

A key component of the BlueCruise system is the driver-facing camera that tracks your eye gaze and head position, ensuring that even while your hands are off the wheel, you remain focused on the road. It ensures that you are still engaged and can resume control whenever the situation demands it.  

The external sensors used by BlueCruise are designed to create a 360° perception of your vehicle’s surroundings. This comprehensive situational awareness allows the system to keep your car centered in its lane and at a safe distance from other vehicles. It can also adjust to give more space to vehicles in adjacent lanes, enhancing overall safety and comfort.  

Ford BlueCruise relies on connected maps to identify Blue Zones. These maps are continuously updated over the air, ensuring you always know where you can use the hands-free feature. This smart mapping technology uses your vehicle’s geolocation to provide real-time information on Blue Zones.  

View Our New Ford Inventory in Snohomish, WA  

If you want to buy a new Ford, view our online inventory and schedule a test drive. You can also visit us for repair and maintenance services. For further help, contact Bickford Ford. Our team is here to guide you and answer all your questions. We hope to hear from you soon! 

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American teen missing in Germany after leaving cruise ship, police say

Aydin brown, 14, hasn't been seen since 7 a.m. on thursday when he left the caribbean princess cruise ship in the port town of rostock-warnemünde, police said., by carlo angerer and antonio planas | nbc news • published july 5, 2024.

An American teenager disappeared Thursday from a cruise ship in Germany, police said.

Fourteen-year-old Aydin Brown has not been seen since 7 a.m. Thursday when he left the Caribbean Princess in Rostock-Warnemünde, a port town on the Baltic Sea, police said.

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Brown stands about five-feet-seven inches tall and has long dark hair. He was last seen wearing a dark jacket, dark pants and retro shoes, police said.

No one with the Caribbean Princess could be immediately reached Friday afternoon for comment.

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Police are also searching for a witness who may have seen the boy on the morning of his disappearance. The witness is described by police as between 20 and 25 years old. His stature is slim and he has long hair which was braided into a ponytail.

He was last seen wearing a light shirt, blue pants and a black jacket. He wore brown headphones, police said.

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The witness is asked to urgently report to the criminal investigation department in Rostock.

The witness is believed to have seen the missing teen at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the train station in Warnemünde, police said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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American teen found after going missing from cruise ship in Germany: Report

Cousin reportedly feared 14-year-old had been 'lured' by stranger

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Texas teen Aydin Brown, 14, has been found three days after he went missing while his family was on a cruise in Germany, according to the New York Post .

American teen found after going missing from cruise ship in Germany: Report Back to video

The teenager was last seen leaving the Caribbean Princess cruise ship in Rostock-Warnemünde — about two hours north of Berlin — by himself on Thursday morning after getting into a fight with his grandmother, reported Fox News, but turned up Saturday, according to his family.

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American boy, 14, found in Germany days after family feared he was ‘lured’ from cruise ship https://t.co/jXaajKxxnC pic.twitter.com/9cKAEyVGi5 — New York Post (@nypost) July 7, 2024

It was initially thought he’d been “lured away” after the ship docked because of two of the three photos that local authorities released of Brown during their search.

The two concerning images were surveillance footage showing Brown speaking with an unidentified man before the duo walked toward Warnemünde Church, according to NBC News.

Before he was located, one of Brown’s cousins said the family thought he had been “lured away” by a stranger.

“My worst nightmare continues to unroll,” Brown’s cousin, Anne Yaktiyol, wrote on social media. “Aydin remains missing. It appears once he left the ship in Warnemünde, Germany, he may have been lured away.”

• An Alaska tourist spot will vote whether to ban cruise ships on Saturdays to give locals a break

Police had asked the man to report to them during the search, but it is unclear who he was or if he assisted in the Texas boy being found safe.

“We are delighted that Aydin Brown has been found safe and sound,” the cruise line told NBC News Saturday, adding that the teen was reunited with his family.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to German authorities for their swift response and exceptional efforts in locating Aydin after he disembarked in Warnemünde last Thursday morning.”

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Impacts may be 'catastrophic' as Hurricane Beryl pounds Jamaica: Live updates

Editor's note: This page reflects news on Hurricane Beryl from Wednesday, July 3. For the latest news on Hurricane Beryl please follow USA TODAY's live updates on the storm for Thursday, July 4 .

Hurricane Beryl was retreating from Jamaica late Wednesday and is expected to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight as a major hurricane, bringing intense winds and heavy rain, the National Hurricane Center said.

As of 2 a.m. ET Thursday, Beryl was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph and was about 110 miles southeast of Grand Cayman — the largest of the Cayman Islands. After roaring by Jamaica's southern coast, the hurricane was expected to unload "devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves" across the Cayman Islands, according to the hurricane center.

The Cayman Islands could get up to half a foot of rain through Thursday. Weather officials are also warning about life-threatening surf and rip currents along parts of western Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the coast of Belize.

Beryl was on track to approach the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula about 24 hours later, still as a hurricane but weakened by expected wind shear.

In Jamaica, emergency crews evacuated people living in flood-prone communities and nearly 500 people were in shelters by Wednesday afternoon, according to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“We’re concerned about widespread damage and potentially catastrophic impacts in Jamaica,” said Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather's chief on-air meteorologist. "Flooding may last days to even weeks. Widespread power outages are expected. Beryl will likely damage many homes and businesses and cause severe coastal inundation."

The chances of Beryl impacting part of the Texas Gulf Coast have increased with the projected path veering northwest, AccuWeather reported , although it would not bring anywhere near the ferocity of its devastating assault on the southern Windward Islands earlier this week. The current track calls for Beryl to weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses the Yucatan and then becomes a hurricane again before making landfall along the coast near the border of Mexico and Texas.

The storm is projected to drench Jamaica with 4 to 8 inches of rain, and 12 inches are forecast in some places, which could cause "life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said. Holness declared all of Jamaica a "disaster area" and imposed an islandwide curfew Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Monday, Beryl made landfall in Grenada's Carriacou island as a Category 4 hurricane, ravaging the southern Caribbean Islands, flattening hundreds of buildings and causing the deaths of at least seven people. On Monday night, Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record. Driven by record-hot ocean temperatures, Beryl's rapid strengthening has stunned experts.

Amazing drone footage: As Hurricane Beryl tears through Caribbean, a drone sends back stunning footage

Developments:

∎ The death toll from the powerful hurricane rose to at least 10, according to Reuters. But that figure is expected to increase as communications come back online across islands damaged by flooding and intense winds.

∎ The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica posted on X that a small section of the roof of its passenger boarding pier was damaged by Beryl. "Once the storm has completely passed, a full assessment of damage will be done," the airport stated on X.

∎ The Meteorological Service of Mexico issued a hurricane warning for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, a popular tourist destination, according to the NHC. Tropical storm warnings were also issued for other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

∎ Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, and senior officials in her traveling party were injured by a falling tree Tuesday night while surveying an area near the country's Caribbean coast where the Manzanares River overran its banks after heavy rainfall caused by Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of storm

Will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas?

Portions of South Texas are now within the forecast cone of Hurricane Beryl , which meteorologists say could arrive in the state over the weekend or early Monday.

However, forecasters remain unsure of what Beryl will do and how strong it will be as it approaches the Gulf Coast after hitting Mexico: "High uncertainty remains with both the track and intensity of Beryl," the  National Weather Service said Wednesday.

"From Panama City, Florida to New Orleans, there is a low risk of direct impacts from Beryl, but from about Corpus Christi to Brownsville, Texas, the risk increases significantly due to the potential for Beryl to have more direct impacts,"  AccuWeather  meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "That southern portion of the Texas coast is the zone we have to really watch."

Coastal threats could begin this weekend, Weather.com warned: "Well ahead of Beryl, onshore winds could lead to increasing surf, rip currents and coastal flooding along parts of the Gulf Coast from eastern Mexico to Texas and western Louisiana beginning as soon as Saturday, and continuing until just after Beryl's final landfall, Weather.com  said. The rip current threat could also even extend farther east along the northern Gulf Coast.

Brennan said Tuesday that "folks in the Texas coast, as we go into the holiday weekend, you're going to want to make sure you check back on the forecast and make sure you're ready for any potential impact. If we were to see tropical storm conditions affect those areas in the far western Gulf of Mexico, it could be during the day Saturday."

– Doyle Rice

More than 90% of the homes, buildings destroyed

More than 90% of homes and buildings across at least three islands were destroyed or severely damaged after Beryl tore through the southeast Caribbean, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency reported Wednesday. The agency was assisting with the disaster response in Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Beryl struck the islands with winds of 150 mph and higher gusts on Monday, causing significant impacts to the islands, according to Elizabeth Riley, the disaster management agency's executive director. In addition to infrastructure damages, some islands have also faced power outages and disruptions to communications.

In a briefing late Tuesday, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described "total destruction" on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

"There's really nothing that can prepare you to see this level of destruction," Mitchell said. "It is almost Armageddon-like, almost total damage and destruction of all buildings. Complete devastation and destruction of agriculture. Complete and total destruction of the natural environment."

— Dinah Voyles Pulver

Airlines waive fees for some in Hurricane Beryl's path

Six major U.S. airlines said they're waiving various fees for travelers who have flights booked in Beryl's path. In most cases, flights booked before July 1 are eligible for the changes. The listed flights include departures from or arrivals in airports in Mexico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Belize.

American , JetBlue , United , Delta , Southwest , and Spirit Airlines are offering a variety of fee waivers because of the hurricane. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with the airlines on what amended policies apply to them.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said on its website travelers on international flights may be able to recover expenses from a delayed or canceled flight by filing a claim with the airline.

"If the claim is denied, you may pursue the matter in court if you believe that the carrier did not take all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the damages caused by the delay," the agency said. 

− Krystal Nurse

Resort manager in Jamaica maintains composure as Hurricane Beryl approaches

The coming hurricane doesn't scare Tamar Atkinson, the manager of a small resort in Hanover, a community on Jamaica's northwest coast.

"The way I look at it, I can't stop it," she told USA TODAY. "If the hurricane is going to blow your house down, it's going to blow the house down."

Atkinson, 42, who moved back to Hanover a year ago after she lived in the U.S. for 20 years, already has her sea legs in weathering Jamaica's hurricanes. She remembers facing Hurricane Gilbert, a Category 5, as a little girl – the storm blew the roof off her aunt's house, where she sheltered, but left her mother's house in "perfect condition."

When Hurricane Ivan hit two decades ago, Atkinson sheltered at a nearby school. Once again, the storm blew out the school's windows but left Atkinson's house untouched. "I'm not leaving my house, and I'm not going to go crazy like the rest of the people," she said, adding that she's told her guests to "relax their nerves."

Jamaica closes all international airports as Hurricane Beryl nears island

The Jamaica Tourist Board announced Wednesday that the Sangster, Norman Manley, and Ian Fleming international airports were closed as Hurricane Beryl approached the island.

Jamaica's travel website, VisitJamaica.com, doesn't list a reopening time for the airports and encourages travelers to contact their travel agents and/or airlines for flight updates. The website also encourages travelers to heed any instructions from their hotel or private accommodation on sheltering.

"We also encourage you to register with your Embassy for country-specific guidance and support," the board said on the website.

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica is open on a limited basis and encourages Americans to not visit the embassy for shelter and instead seek a government-run shelter. Citizens in Jamaica are encouraged to call the embassy at (876) 702-6486 if they need assistance. 

– Krystal Nurse

Ahead of Hurricane Beryl, Jamaicans prepare their homes

Donae Maye stocked up on water, candles, and food earlier this week, before supermarkets across her hometown of Montego Bay, a city on Jamaica's northern Coast, emptied.

"There was no bread, no essentials that you actually need, no candles, very few tin products," she said on Wednesday, after a recent visit to some local grocery stores.

Maye, 27, also prepped her home, where she will shelter with her fiance, her son and his father. "We cleared away any trees that might be blocking any electrical wires and stuff like that that might fall and break the window," she said.

She's confident that her house, which is made of concrete, will stand up to the storm better than many buildings did to Hurricane Ivan 20 years ago. Back then, more structures were made of board, which didn't fare well in the storm, she said. Today, "most structures are built to withstand the winds and the hurricane," she said.

Humanitarian groups rally relief for impacted countries

Global Giving and Americares are among the humanitarian organizations collecting money for those affected by Hurricane Beryl. Both promise donations to support various impacted communities, focusing on those who are disadvantaged and on decimated medical facilities.

Cora Nally, international emergency response director of Americares, said the organization focuses on restoring damaged medical facilities and expects to deploy its workers to Jamaica soon after Beryl leaves.

"That is really going to serve as a home base for them, and we are asking them to do an assessment of all the impacted islands in the Caribbean, and we are going to be keeping an eye on the storm as it moves towards Mexico and the United States," she said.

Is Cancun in the path of Hurricane Beryl?

Among the parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas under hurricane warnings were Cancun and the island of Cozumel, two popular tourist destinations packed with luxury resorts and cruise ship ports.

The hurricane warnings were issued by the Meteorological Service of Mexico as forecasters warned residents and tourists of the projected impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Brennan, the director of the NHC, said in a YouTube livestream on Wednesday that the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, faces 3 to 5 feet of storm surge as well as up to 8 inches of rain.

The record-breaking hurricane is expected to make landfall along the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday night or early Friday, NHC said.

In Jamaica, tourists shelter in hotel ballroom from Hurricane Beryl

Cecilia Garcia and her family initially planned to weather the beginning of the hurricane in the bathroom of their hotel room in Ocho Rios, on Jamaica's northern coastline. "We do have windows in our room, so I think the safest option would probably be to go in our restroom," she said.

Moon Palace Jamaica, where Garcia, 25, is staying with her parents, brother, sister and two kids, told hotel guests to evacuate to a ballroom. When Garcia and her family first visited the shelter, they found it too chaotic. "We ended up back in our room because it was very crowded," she said. "It was very hot in there."

But later on Wednesday morning, as the winds picked up, the family returned to the packed ballroom, where thin cots were arranged in rows, according to a video Garcia shared with USA TODAY.

Garcia and her family's flight back to their home of Houston, Texas, isn't until Saturday – the hurricane will strike at the midpoint of their week-long vacation. Garcia said if they chose to end their stay earlier, they wouldn't get a refund. 

Looking out at skies still partially clear on Wednesday morning, Garcia said the family was keeping calm ahead of the storm. "We're kind of used to bad weather and floods like that in Houston," she said. "But again, it's different when you're not at home, so that's the only scary part."

Hurricane Beryl spoiling graduation trip

Mona Parhar, 23, and Arezoo Rafkhani, 24, didn't start searching for early return flights from their vacation to Jamaica until Tuesday night, less than 24 hours before Hurricane Beryl was expected to sweep across the island. By then, they learned airports had closed.

"We really have no choice but to stick it out," Parhar said Wednesday from their hotel room at the Hotel Riu in Montego Bay on the island's northern side.

The two Toronto natives booked their trip to celebrate their recent graduations – Rafkhani from Toronto Metropolitan University and Parhar from York University. "We've never experienced something like this as Canadians," Rafkhani said. "It's kind of nerve-wracking."

The pair were comforted by the hotel staff, who kept guests informed and safe. "Since last night, they've been sending us messages about how to get prepared, what they're doing and will be doing this morning," Rafkhani said. "They've been keeping us calm," Parhar said.

Jamaica braces for Hurricane Beryl

Jamaican officials warned residents to stock up on food, batteries, candles, and drinking water. Residents in flood-prone areas were also advised to prepare for evacuation.

"Secure your critical documents and remove any trees or items that could endanger your property," the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica said on X on Tuesday. "Everyone, including those living alone, should take these necessary steps now."

As a precaution, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Tuesday night that electricity and water services will likely be shut off "if the storm reaches a serious threshold" to prevent fires and protect equipment.

"Only one hurricane has ever affected Jamaica during July," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrell. "Category 4 Hurricane Dennis in 2005 did not make landfall but killed one person and caused a lot of damage."

Record-breaking path: Hurricane Beryl tears through the Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl breaks records

Forecasters have projected 2024 to be one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record. Beryl has already surprised forecasters and broken records since it formed, including becoming the earliest Category 4 or 5 storm on record.

Beryl broke the previous record set by Hurricane Emily on July 17, 2005, for the strongest Category 5 hurricane. Beryl rapidly strengthened from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in about 48 hours.

The storm is also the earliest Category 4 or larger storm by more than a week, breaking the record set by Hurricane Dennis, a Category 4 storm on July 8, 2005.

It was fueled by  much warmer than normal  ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and aided in that development by light winds that allowed it to build a strong inner core.

— Jennifer Borresen, Dinah Voyles Pulver and Ramon Padilla

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of Category 5 storm

Smaller islands hit hard by Beryl

Beryl hit St. Vincent and the Grenadines especially hard, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

"The hurricane has come and gone, and it has left in its wake immense destruction," he said, adding that Union Island had 90% of homes "severely damaged or destroyed."

After making landfall in Grenada's Carriacou Island on Monday, strong winds and high water levels smashed fishing boats in Barbados, downed power lines in Grenada and St. Vincent, and knocked out drinking water in St. Lucia, according to officials.

Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell noted on Tuesday that the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were significantly impacted by the hurricane. In addition to downed power lines, roads remained impassable and fuel stations were destroyed.

"The situation is grim. There is no power. There is almost complete destruction of homes and buildings," Mitchell said.

Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida ; Reuters