Re-imagining our Holiday Caribbean Cruise

My wife and I are on the Quest for the December 2017 holiday cruise in the Caribbean. We know that several of the stops on our itinerary will have to change given the impacts of a monstrous hurricane season.

Our hearts go out to all those affected and we feel we have to do something to give back for all the hospitality and generosity we have always been privileged to enjoy over the 20+ years of cruises to the Caribbean.

I know that we won't be able to go to some of the planned stops because of the extent of the damage and we will find a reputable charity and disaster relief organization to help in our small way.

For those islands we will stop at I was thinking that we could do excursions as we always do OR volunteer our time and hands to help out in some small way. Wouldn't it be nice (liability being an issue that needs to be considered) if Azamara could assist by setting up an volunteer relief excursion to help give back. Reforest a hillside, clean out a lot, paint a house. Something small but worthwhile.

I know it is more likely the wine we had with our pizza and the visuals we see on the TV but we do feel the desire to give forward.

Bonnie, I'm not sure what I'm asking but is there something in this that Azamara HQ work with?

What does the Cruise Critic community think we can do to help give back?

Any suggestions most appreciated,

NtSTiRReD

Ottawa Canada

If i could go to St martens i would start by tipping everyone more than i normally would. i would every meal off ship and pay extra. i would try to find while in states a way to help for a few houses that day.. like people did in TX -some cleaned out homes of ruin stuff.

What a wonderful idea! Hope Az will do it!

Cruise Critic sent an email today with udates on the islands.

Some good news for some islands and for other islands, not that good.

Considering the magnitude of Irma and Maria, much progress has been made.

Here is the text of their message:

OPEN AT THIS TIME

The Florida Keys

Cruise Ports: Key West

The Florida Keys sustained serious damage and flooding as a result of Hurricane Irma, but the Port of Key West recovered sooner than expected. Originally, Key West officials had stated that the port would be open for tourism by October 20. But on September 24, Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas called on Key West.

On September 25, Royal Caribbean announced that Key West is back on itineraries ( specifically October 2 and 9 on Enchantment of the Seas). According to an official with Royal Caribbean, most shore excursion in Key West are available. The only four from their normal tour program that remain closed are Snuba, Hemingway's House, Taste of Key West and Butterfly Conservatory.

Carnival also announced the same day that Carnival Victory will return to Key West on September 26 and Carnival Paradise on September 27.

Bahamas

Cruise Ports: Nassau; Freeport

The Port of Nassau, and other ports around The Bahamas, are open, escaping any effects from Hurricane Maria.

Bahamasair resumed service into the United States on September 12 at Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport. While airlines are operating international flights out of Grand Bahama International Airport, U.S. customs and border pre-clearance is currently unavailable and will be reinstated at a later date. Out Islands International service has resumed from Exuma International Airport in The Exumas and Marsh Harbour Airport in The Abacos.

Nassau and Paradise Island hotels received no damage from Irma. The majority of hotel and resorts throughout The Islands of The Bahamas are operating as usual or are expected to reopen on their regularly scheduled dates.

Great Stirrup Cay: According to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay was unaffected by Hurricane Irma and is receiving cruise ships.

CocoCay: Also known as Little Strirrup Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas is currently open.

Castaway Cay: Disney's private island is open. However, a call from Disney Fantasy on September 22 was skipped due to an itinerary change to Western Caribbean.

Half Moon Cay: Half Moon Cay was evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Maria, but has since re-opened.

After Hurricane Irma, Carnival brand ambassador John Heald reported minimal beach erosion and no major damage at the private island.

Princess Cays: Princess Cays, located at the southern end of Eleuthera island, was also evacuated to prepare for Hurricane Maria, but is now open for business.

St. Kitts

Cruise Port: Basseterre

The Port Zante cruise pier did not sustain damage and St. Kitts welcomed two vessels on September 23: Carnival Fascination and Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas. All hotels in St. Kitts are fully operational and St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport re-opened and began welcoming flights on September 20.

The port of Basseterre was one of the first cruise ports to re-open following Hurricane Irma; Carnival Fascination called on September 8. St. Kitts & Nevis sustained minimal damage from Irma overall, and St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport is open.

Nevis

Cruise Port: Charlestown

The port in Charlestown and Nevis' Vance W. Amory International Airport are currently open.

Barbados

Cruise Port: Bridgetown

The Port of Bridgetown is open at this time. Calls from Carnival Fascination began on September 13.

Antigua

Cruise Port: St. John's

Antigua escaped much of the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. The next scheduled call on St. John's was Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas on September 19, which has since been diverted to Aruba due to Hurricane Maria.

Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport opened for all flights on Thursday, September 7. Unfortunately, sister island Barbuda was severely impacted by the storm.

Haiti

Cruise Port: Labadee

Haiti was relatively unscathed by Irma. All services remain in operation and the country continues to welcome visitors. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas called on Labadee, Royal's private island, on September 14.

Cuba

Cruise Ports: Havana; Cienfuegos; Santiago de Cuba

According to a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line, "We have received confirmation that the port facilities in Havana were not impacted by the storm [irma] and our tour operators are ready to receive cruise guests." Norwegian Sky's four-day cruise to Cuba departing on September 18 sailed as scheduled. Hurricane Irma passed over the northern portion of Cuba, and it was been reported that Havana experienced major flooding, with widespread power outages and wind damage. Both Delta and JetBlue have resumed flights to Havana.

Martinique

Cruise Port: Fort de France

Hurricane Maria passed over Martinique on September 18. The Martinique Aime Cesaire International Airport is now open, and the port re-opened on September 20.

Dominican Republic

Cruise Port: Amber Cove; La Romana; Samana; Santo Domingo

According to the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, all ports in the country are operating normally and none suffered damage due to Hurricane Maria. More than 50 cruise ships are expected to arrive this year to the DR, and the ports in Sans Souci and Cap Cana are also fully functional and carrying out their operations without disruptions.

La Romana welcomed Carnival Vista on September 26, and Amber Cove in Puerto Plata will receive Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic on September 27, as well as Carnival Splendor on September 28.

Hurricane Maria ran through the Dominican Republic on the morning of September 21 as a Category 3 storm. All ports were closed on September 20.

The ports of the Dominican Republic emerged from Irma without major damage. Punta Cana International Airport resumed normal operations and the area's hotel sector is reporting no major damage. Ships began sailing back to Amber Cove shortly after the storm.

CLOSED

Turks & Caicos

Cruise Port: Grand Turk

Hurricane Maria passed over the Turks & Caicos islands on September 22. The port is not officially open at this time.

After Hurricane Irma, local authorities and Carnival Corp. were still assessing Grand Turk and when it could return to service.

Magic, Conquest and Glory replaced Grand Turk's upcoming calls with the line's private port, Amber Cove; Sensation was instead scheduled to call at Freeport.

Several of the hotel properties on Turks & Caicos were scheduled for annual closure prior to Irma. Some properties have elected to remain closed to assess any damage to their properties and are looking to reopen in the beginning or middle of October.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority re-opened Providenciales International Airport for scheduled flights as of 11 a.m. on Monday, September 11.

Puerto Rico

Cruise Port: San Juan

The Hurricane made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm on September 20 with winds of up to 155 mph. By mid-day, the storm downgraded to a Category 3 with wind speeds of 115 mph, but not before knocking out power to the entire island. According to Reuters, at least 15 people are confirmed dead. Puerto Rico's governor declared a state of emergency and ordered a number of evacuations. President Trump has stated he plans to visit the U.S. territory on October 3.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas is scheduled to aid with evacuations.

A September 26 letter to passengers on the October 28 Celebrity Summit sailing states "while several facilities in San Juan suffered significant damage, we remain confident that the airport and cruise terminals will be functional at the time of your sailing, and we continue to work closely with local officials to provide food, water, and generators to those in need."

The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, in San Juan, shut down at 7 p.m. September 19, ahead of the storm. The airport has been receiving military and rescue flights as of September 21 and very limited commercial flights began arriving to the island beginning September 22. Check your airline's website for the latest details.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, San Juan is open for daylight transits only. Carnival has confirmed its terminal has sustained substantial damage and will take several weeks to repair. In a statement, Carnival said: "Port officials have informed us that our terminal in San Juan has sustained extensive damage as a result of Hurricane Maria. The assessment is still in progress but it now appears that it will take several weeks to make the necessary repairs." The line has canceled Carnival Fascination's next six departures to and from the port; the ship will now replace Carnival Elation offering Florida to Bahamas cruises. Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas September 27 sailing has been canceled.

Prior to Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico served as a staging ground for evacuees from other islands affected by Hurricane Irma.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Cruise Port: St. Croix

The Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility pier in Frederiksted, St. Croix's deepwater cruise ship facility, held up against Hurricane Maria, according a story in Travel Weekly that attributes the information to U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp. However, the port remains closed to cruise traffic at this time.The story also states that the runway at Henry Rohlsen Airport has been cleared but relief flights have not yet begun.

The latest statement from the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands is that cruise ships could return as early as October 15 -- with the end of October being a more realistic goal.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will sail from St. Croix on September 29, accommodating up to 750 evacuees.

Hurricane Maria made landfall in St. Croix between September 19 and 20. According to a statement from Beverly Nicholson-Doty, the Commissionor of Tourism: "Based on our preliminary assessments and reports, St. Croix experienced serious hurricane winds and was significantly impacted, and heavy rainfall and flooding affected our Territory. Communications are limited and our teams are in the process of making an assessment of damage to our infrastructure." According to Reuters, at least one person is dead as a result of the storm.

While fellow U.S. Virgin Islands St. Thomas and St. John were far more impacted by Irma, seaports on St. Croix and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix quickly re-opened. JetBlue resumed operations on the island on September 8, and American Airlines followed on September 12.

Guadeloupe

Cruise Port: Pointe-a-Pitre

Hurricane Maria hit the southern shores of the French island of Guadeloupe on September 18, causing flooding and obstruction of roads from debris. Two people are reported dead. The island's airport is currently closed.

Anguilla

Cruise Port: Road Bay

The Road Bay Port at Sandy Ground reopened after Irma and is able to receive cargo, but no cruise ship calls are on the schedule until late November.

The Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is now open from sunrise to sunset for charter and emergency flights. Anguilla Air Services is currently operating into St. Kitts and Antigua, taking persons to connect out of those hubs and also bringing persons into Anguilla.

SEVERELY DAMAGED

Dominica

Cruise Port: Roseau

Hurricane Maria hit Dominica as a Category 5 storm on September 18. The island's Prime Minister said that initial reports were of widespread devastation, with most homes losing roofs from the 160 mph winds. The island is without electricity or running water, however the tarmac at Mellville Hall [Airport] was not too badly damaged, according to a statement, so the strip should be re-opened for larger relief planes to land. The death toll is currently at 15 confirmed fatalities, with many others reported missing, according to a statement from the prime minister.The government of Trinidad & Tobago have offered their assistance and plan to mobilize defense personnel as soon as it's deemed safe. A supply vessel is also being sent.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

Cruise Port: Philipsburg (St. Maarten); Marigot (St. Martin)

According to a September 26 article in local paper The Daily Herald, "Though it is possible to welcome a ship as per November 1, the Port has identified the symbolic date of November 11, St. Maarten Day, to welcome the first ship back to St. Maarten," according to the Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher. "She said in a statement to The Daily Herald that she hopes this will be enough time to have Philipsburg, in particular, properly cleaned up, the beach replenished and for tours with chosen routes, stating, "The importance of our cruise product cannot be underestimated and we will lend whatever support that we must to get the Port fully operational sooner rather than later."

Currently, there is no information on when French side St. Martin will re-open to cruises.

Both the Dutch and French sides of the island were severely impacted during Hurricane Irma and are closed to cruise business. On September 10, Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas made a humanitarian stop in St. Martin, escorted by the Dutch navy. "We were able to tie up, and we landed much-needed provisions: water, ice, garbage bags, clothing, canned food," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said during an interview on Good Morning America. "We were able to evacuate around 320 tourists and local people who needed help and needed to get out of St. Martin...we're taking them on to the ABC islands [Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao], where they'll probably disembark."

Director of tourism for Dutch St. Maarten Rolando Brison reported some visitors were also been evacuated to Montreal, Canada and other locations. The Princess Juliana International Airport re-opened on September 10 to receive flights bringing in relief supplies and to evacuate guests, but no passengers -- including media -- are being allowed in at the moment due to a shortage of staff.

Land-based resorts were severely damaged, including hotel chain Sonesta, which has canceled all reservations on the island through the remainder of 2017.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Cruise Ports: St. Thomas; St. John

The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, which received extensive damage during Hurricane Irma, is expected to re-open to commercial flights on September 28. There is no commercial airport on the island of St. John.

It is reported that all seaports in the St. Thomas/St. John district are open, but not to cruise passengers. A September 26 letter to passengers booked on the October 28 Celebrity Summit sailing states "Due to the success of the recovery efforts in St. Thomas, USVI, we’re happy to announce that we will be adding a visit to this stunning island back to your sailing. We’ve removed the stop in St. Croix, USVI from your sailing...We’ll send you all the details on our updated shore excursion offerings in St. Thomas as soon as they’re finalized."

Cruise lines Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have sent ships to deliver supplies and pick up evacuees.

The latest statement from the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands is that cruise ships could return as early as October 15 -- with the end of October being a more realistic goal.

Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas arrived in the Charlotte Amalie harbor departed on September 13, taking residents and visitors to the Port of San Juan after Hurricane Irma.The American Red Cross and the Government of Puerto Rico coordinated support on the ground in San Juan and helped to re-book flights for passengers. Norwegian Sky also took evacuess to Miami on September 12

Following Hurricane Maria, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will sail St. Thomas on September 30, with up to 200 passengers from St. John and 50 from St. Thomas. The voyage will end in Fort Lauderdale approximately two days after departing.

Ferry service between Cruz Bay, St. John and Red Hook, St. Thomas is limited to daylight hours only.

British Virgin Islands

Cruise Port: Tortola

The cruise port in Tortola is currently closed. The destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands has been "devastating," according to a statement from Sharon Flax-Brutus, the director of tourism. With downed cell phone towers down and power outages, communication within the territory has been difficult, impacting the ability to fully assess the damage. The destination has lost entire structures and many homes are without roofs, or have been diminished to their foundations.

On September 11, the team on the ground helped American visitors board a ferry to St. Thomas for transportation to Miami via Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas and Norwegian Sky.

The government has begun to coordinate humanitarian relief efforts and an initial clean-up operation. The United Kingdom has sent relief and support.

St. Barts

Cruise Port: Gustavia

St. Bart's was heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma, which destroyed government buildings and badly damaged private homes and hotels. The French government has sent people and supplies to the country to assist with recovery efforts, and French President Emmanuel Macron visited on September 13. On September 14, the island's airport reopened to commercial flights, and the harbor is open to relief efforts. Roadways have been cleared, water production has resumed and electricity is being restored.

Barbuda

Cruise Port: Low Bay Beach

The cruise port in Barbuda is closed. The island of approximately 1,800 residents -- a twin to the better-known Antigua -- was severely impacted by Hurricane Irma, which passed directly over the small island, resulting in one fatality. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said 90 percent of homes were destroyed as a result of the storm, and Barbuda's hotel infrastructure was also damaged.

The Azamara holiday sailing is still some time away. For me, wherever they decide to sail is fine with me.

For the sake of those on the severly damaged islands, let us hope they receive the support that is so badly needed.

Having lived through Irma in south Florida, I hope all can repair their islands with stronger building codes in place.

So many lack resources and funding to build stronger can be a challenge.

That said, even the Miami Dade building codes meant to stand up to 165 mph winds would not survive a Category 5 with 185 mph winds. I hope this is not what we will see in coming hurricane seasons.

A very useful post for those booked on Caribbean sailings.

My wife and I are on the Quest for the December 2017 holiday cruise in the Caribbean. We know that several of the stops on our itinerary will have to change given the impacts of a monstrous hurricane season.

 

Our hearts go out to all those affected and we feel we have to do something to give back for all the hospitality and generosity we have always been privileged to enjoy over the 20+ years of cruises to the Caribbean.

 

I know that we won't be able to go to some of the planned stops because of the extent of the damage and we will find a reputable charity and disaster relief organization to help in our small way.

 

For those islands we will stop at I was thinking that we could do excursions as we always do OR volunteer our time and hands to help out in some small way. Wouldn't it be nice (liability being an issue that needs to be considered) if Azamara could assist by setting up an volunteer relief excursion to help give back. Reforest a hillside, clean out a lot, paint a house. Something small but worthwhile.

 

I know it is more likely the wine we had with our pizza and the visuals we see on the TV but we do feel the desire to give forward.

 

Bonnie, I'm not sure what I'm asking but is there something in this that Azamara HQ work with?

 

What does the Cruise Critic community think we can do to help give back?

 

Any suggestions most appreciated,

 

NtSTiRReD

Ottawa Canada

I'll run it up the flagpole and see what management is thinking...

As awesome an idea I think this is I highly doubt it will come to fruition. I think their would be too much liability on Azamara's side if they did and someone got hurt. Might be better to contact some of the big groups like Red Cross or Salvation Army to see what you could do. I am sure they would welcome the help

Kathy