Cruise lines are continuing to modify Caribbean cruise itineraries as a result of Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean reports that the cruise line will modify both Adventure of the Seas’ and Allure of the Seas’ current itineraries to keep guests and crew well out of the path of Hurricane Maria, although no further details are available at this time. The cruise line said it aims to provide notice of any future itineraries within a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure, and that it would provide further details on the September 23 departure of Adventure of the Seas by Thursday afternoon.
Royal Caribbean also reports that it has received word that Key West should reopen to tourism by October 20 following damage the destination sustained during Hurricane Irma. The Key West call on Empress of the Seas’ September 23 and 27, as well as its October 2, 7 and 11, Cuba cruises will be replaced with a sea day. Guests who choose not to sail on that itinerary will receive a 100 percent future cruise credit on bookings made within the next year.
Royal Caribbean is also continuing to modify some itineraries to incorporate alternative ports to St. Maarten and St. Thomas in addition to Key West:
Adventure of the Seas:
- 9/16, 10/7 – St. Maarten to St. Croix
- 9/23 – St. Thomas to Bonaire
- 9/30 – St. Maarten to St. Kitts
- 10/14 – St. Thomas to St. Croix
Allure of the Seas:
- 10/1 – St. Thomas to Labadee
- 10/15 – St. Maarten to Labadee
Enchantment of the Seas:
- 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9 – Key West to Freeport
Harmony of the Seas:
- 9/23 – St. Thomas to St. Kitts
- 10/7 – St. Maarten to St. Kitts
Oasis of the Seas:
- 9/24 – St. Maarten to St. Kitts
- 10/8 – St. Maarten to Nassau
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises reports that it will have no ships in the Caribbean until Caribbean Princess’ departure from Fort Lauderdale on October 7. That sailing will be modified to replace its call at St Thomas with a call at San Juan. Additionally, Regal Princess’ October 26 Caribbean cruise will replace a call at St Maarten with a call at St Kitts, and will also reschedule the planned Antigua call to October 30.
Since both San Juan and St Kitts are in the path of Hurricane Maria, Princess said it would provide additional updates once that storm passes. Guests with shore excursions for the two cancelled ports will receive a refund to the original form of payment. Shore excursions for the new destinations will be available within the next two weeks, or they may be booked onboard.
Princess is still assessing any itinerary impacts for its remaining 2017 eastern Caribbean ports of call, and plans to provide an update by the end of the week.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line reports that, at this time, all ships are sailing as scheduled. The Norwegian Dawn is currently alongside in Bermuda and will depart this evening, planning to return to Boston September 22 as scheduled. Norwegian Breakaway is currently en route to Bermuda, with arrival planned for Wednesday. The ship will then remain alongside at the Royal Naval Dockyard until Friday evening as scheduled.
MSC Cruises has not issued any further updates since yesterday.
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