Due to the impact on Eastern Caribbean cruise destinations due to Hurricane Irma Royal Caribbean is replacing them with alternative ports.
Royal Caribbean is replacing popular cruise ports due to the impact of Hurricane Irma which destroyed several destinations as a category 5. St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten in the Eastern Caribbean have been heavily affected by Irma and the cruise ports are expected to be out of action for a while. As a result, the cruise line is replacing the scheduled calls on upcoming sailings with St. Kitts and St. Croix.
We will now be visiting Basseterre, St. Kitts instead of St. Maarten. Check website for updates: https://t.co/4KkTRPAdT0. – Michelle
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) September 14, 2017
At least Allure of the Seas will be changing ports for its September 17 sailing from Port Everglades, Florida. The Oasis-class ship was originally scheduled to call in Hurricane hit St. Maarten but will now call in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
Hi, Dylan. You’ll now be visiting St. Croix instead of St. Maarten on 09/17/17. I'm sorry for any previous misinformation. -Vero
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) September 14, 2017
Adventure of the Seas out of San Juan is another Royal Caribbean ship replacing St. Maarten. The ship is sailing to St. Croix instead.
Hi, Liz. Your visit to St. Thomas on 09/26/17 has been changed. Now, you'll be visiting St. Kitts! -Ana
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) September 13, 2017
The world’s largest cruise ship Harmony of the Seas is another vessel which will be sailing to St. Kitts instead of St. Thomas on its September 26 sailing from Port Everglades.
Royal Caribbean will be keeping guests updated and is changing to alternatives ports through September. The Miami-based cruise line posted a statement on the changes:
Given Hurricane Irma’s impact to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Key West, we will be working on alternative ports for future sailings until these islands have fully recovered. We have communicated all changes on sailings through the end of September directly with guests that have itineraries with port calls to these islands. As the situation remains fluid, and each island is working diligently to get back up and running, we will continue to communicate any port changes approximately four weeks prior to departure.
In the meantime, the hugely popular cruise ports of St. Maarten and St. Thomas are working hard to restore services and recover. Many residents have been impacted by Irma and must be given all the support possible. Cruise Lines are also supporting in relief efforts for both islands.