Brittany C

Thank you for inviting our questions. We will be visiting here as well as San Juan in Nov/Dec this year. Having been to both in the past, I think the one that still leaves me with the most questions is St Thomas/St John post hurricane.

We loved St John, however I am truly wondering what to expect with all that those poor people went through? What is current status of visiting St John? I seem to read more about taking a sail or cat excursion to snorkel from rather than actually spend the day there?

We also would enjoy just hanging part day at maybe Sapphire and then wandering Charlotte Amalie.

Thanks again. I look forward to your report!

Hi there!

Just got back from the trip, and will be posting more information in the coming month, but St. John is open for business -- the shops and restaurants of Mongoose Junction are up and running and the ferry is as well, making it an easy trip. Some trails are open in the park, but many are still closed due to fallen trees. You will pass some sad mangroves, but there is still plenty of beauty and beaches!

Sapphire Beach has been revitalized and is great for spending a day. Charlotte Amalie has plenty of restaurants, historic attractions and new attractions for an afternoon -- check out the Shipwreck Museum, it impressed us.

For more on the beaches check out our updated list for St. Thomas and St. John: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1636

The moral being you will still see the tarps or "blue roofs" but the islands are open for business and ready to welcome visitors!

Happy Cruising!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Cruise Critic Editor

For Any of the Islands;

 

Food quality: Do you see a difference in offerings due to limited power supply? Food storage options must have been affected, therefore, the variety or quality may have to change a bit.

 

Transportation: How is the availability of taxis/buses? I know that they are there, but again, fuel prices, damaged vehicles or even damaged gas stations may affect transportation.

 

Water supplied in hotel: Please comment on what you experience for showering, etc...

 

Please comment on the beaches that you visit with respect to food/bar service, available toilets and changing rooms. Please let us know whether loungers/umbrellas are available and in what condition. Cost would be nice as well.

 

Thanks for doing this. I hope you also have an enjoyable time on your mission.

Hi there!

njhorseman is correct -- A lot is business as usual in San Juan. I returned from the trip at the end of last week and the Cruise Critic writeup will be published some time in mid-August (I will post here). A few hotels have still not reopened, including the Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and Conquistador resort in Fajardo. But for the businesses that ARE open, service is back to normal and the beer is ice cold.

We saw plenty of taxis and rideshare companies have made it to San Juan as well. The free trolley around Old San Juan was operating a normal route.

We stayed at a bed and breakfast in Old San Juan and experienced no water issues or anything like that. The only beach we were able to properly visit was Isla Verde, and with the Ritz closed there weren't rentals at that end, but some concessions appeared open at the far end. Plenty of amenities seemed available across the way in Condado (beach and watersport rentals, concessions).

Stay tuned for our anniversary coverage, but in the meantime, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are open! Enjoy!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Cruise Critic Editor

Hello,

I am an editor here at Cruise Critic and I will be heading out a month from today to St. Maarten/Martin -- in addition to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. John -- to report on how the cruise ports are doing nearly one year after Hurricanes Maria and Irma hit. I am only in each port for about three days, but would love to hear comments, questions and suggestions about your favorite shore excursions, restaurants or other special places you've come to discover on a cruise in these destinations. Look forward to reporting back.

Thank you!

Hello,

I am an editor here at Cruise Critic and I will be heading out a month from today to San Juan -- in addition to St.Thomas/St. John and St. Maarten/Martin -- to report on how the cruise ports are doing nearly one year after Hurricanes Maria and Irma hit. I am only in each port for about three days, but would love to hear comments, questions and suggestions about your favorite shore excursions, restaurants or other special places you've come to discover on a cruise in these destinations. Look forward to reporting back.

Thank you!

Hello,

I am an editor here at Cruise Critic and I will be heading out a month from today to St. Thomas and St. John -- in addition to Puerto Rico and St. Maarten/Martin -- to report on how the cruise ports are doing nearly one year after Hurricanes Maria and Irma hit. I am only in each port for about three days, but would love to hear comments, questions and suggestions about your favorite shore excursions, restaurants or other special places you've come to discover on a cruise in these destinations. Look forward to reporting back.

Thank you!

Yesterday, I got off the Norwegian Jade. I was on the cruise before the currently ongoing Star Trek cruise. (I did see a couple decorations slip into position the night before we got off the ship).

 

It got me thinking, though. When a ship is chartered like this, what happens to the crew (and specifically the entertainers, ie production cast).

 

I found the schedule for the star trek cruise online, and it is quite clear that the normal productions don't happen during these cruises. Are the cast members still around (perhaps for rehearsals, etc)? Do they go on vacation for a couple weeks? Or do they simply time it so that their contract ends before the charter, so a new cast can take their place a couple weeks later?

Hi there,

We actually have an editor onboard the Star Trek cruise now. This is what she said: "Just met two of the entertainment crew. They help out the charter entertainment by taking tickets at autograph sessions or handing things out. But they mostly get a break. And the woman I spoke with said she loves it. Guess it's more relaxed for them."

Hope that helps to answer it! I also would imagine it varies by charter company.

Happy Cruising!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Hi there,

Carnival Cruise Line is scheduled to return to St. Maarten on January 15, 2018 with a call from Carnival Sunshine.The port officially reopened for cruise business on December 4.

We were recently there, and you can read about that experience here.

Happy Cruising!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Maybe old news from the other Magic-drydock thread, but to confirm official new press details from the Sentinel--

 

Following Tiana's Place on the Wonder, another former Carioca's is under new Disney-host management, to go with its "Tangled" musical:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-magic-tangled-restaurant-20171117-story.html

Consider checking out the Cruise Critic story on Magic's new spaces.

Thanks!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

I was staying in one of the hillside cabanas this week and even after a staff member came to take a look, we were never able to connect to Wi-Fi. Seemed like a system-wide outage.

What can we expect on the first sailing after a dry dock? We will be on the Zuiderdam on Nov 5th and fresh out of dry dock. Where do the staff go during that time? Since no one is getting off that day then there shouldn't be any wait to go to our staterooms right?

 

 

Sherri

Hi Sherri!

On Cruise Critic, we have an article entitled What to Expect: Cruising Before or After a Dry Dock. Hope it helps!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

You are so right! Thanks, Ruth :)

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

I traveled on Holland ship from Baltimore to Canada. It was hot hot August. But I do not remember the year (probably mid 90-s) And it was my first cruise at all. I remember that it was the oldest ship of Holland Family - very beautiful inside but visibly shabby. And after that trip I was told she will be refurbished and renovated.

The problem is that I do not remember the name of the ship (Rotterdam?) and exact time of that cruise.

I need help: whom I can ask about this matter? Where to look for data?

I will appreciate anyone help.

Hello!

I am updating our Holland America Cruise Line History. Here is a portion of that -- hope it helps! Not sure which ship sailed from Baltimore.

Statendam-class ships now include Statendam, Maasdam and Veendam. Ryndam was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia in November 2015 and renamed Pacific Aria. The four vessels entered service between 1993 and 1996. The ships were ordered not long after Carnival Corporation bought Holland America. Since Carnival didn't want the Holland America ships to compete in size with its own Carnival Cruise Line, the Statendam ships were kept to a more modest size: 55,000 GRT, 720 feet long, with a passenger capacity of approximately 1,260. It's a nice configuration that feels more spacious than other mid-sized ships. The Statendam-class ships feature two-level dining rooms and large atriums; these four vessels epitomize the line's vintage charm as the oldest in the fleet.

The Rotterdam class of vessels consist of the line's two flagships, the 1,316-passenger Rotterdam and the 1,380-passenger Amsterdam, built in 1997 and 2000, respectively. (Both ships are 780 feet long and approximately 60,000 GRT.) As flagships, the Rotterdam and Amsterdam were designed to show off Holland America at its best -- and most opulent. They were decorated with a lot of dark woods, ornate dining facilities, elaborate atriums, and the impressive original artworks that are the line's hallmark. Constructed for longer voyages, the ships carried passengers on world cruises from 1997 to 2001.

Almost as contemporary are the 1,440-passenger sister ships, Zaandam and Volendam, of the same size as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The ships debuted in 1999 and 2000, sandwiched in between the launch of the line's Rotterdam and Statendam classes of ships. Zaandam and Volendam feature a convenient third staircase for easier access to public rooms, a very spacious and well-equipped gym facility, and more (168) of the popular "verandah suites" than any other Holland America ship. Zaandam and Volendam were the first ships in the fleet to introduce what has now become Holland America's signature restaurant, the Pinnacle Grill.

Holland America purchased the 793-passenger Prinsendam in 2002. Built in 1988, the ship was originally called the Royal Viking Sun, and then became the Seabourn Sun. Holland America dubbed the ship its "Elegant Explorer," and has been primarily utilized for longer sailings, such as world cruises. Although Holland America updated the ship when it was purchased, Prinsdendam still has an old-world feel, with lots of dark woods and brass accents -- but also plenty of modern amenities, including wireless access. Some say that Prinsendam's promenade deck, with its unobstructed views, is one of the nicest on the seas.

Holland America

Holland America's Caribbean season begins in mid-October; the line's private island, Half Moon Cay, is fully operational. The line plans to announce updates for 2017 itinerary changes on September 26. Any changes for 2018 Caribbean cruises will be announced on October 5.

For the most up-to-date information for HAL and other cruise lines, please read After the 2017 Hurricanes: Where Will Caribbean Cruise Ships Go?

For more hurricane updates, visit the Cruise Critic news page.

Best,

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

I have been having a difficult time finding any specifics about our Dream cruise over Christmas Day this year. After reading the general Merrytime Cruise info, I'm still wondering if there is anything special about being aboard on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

What are the holiday dinners like? Do we dress up for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner? Are there any special events Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Are any normally scheduled shows or events canceled for the holiday? Are there holiday church services? Aside from the obvious like gifts and stockings, what things will I want to bring that I may not have thought of?

 

There are 3 in our little family party - a senior, an adult, and a 9 yr old - so info for any age group is helpful. If anyone has done a Disney Cruise over Christmas, I would love to hear your thoughts and advice. Thanks!

Hi there!

Check out Cruise Critic's roundup on Very Merrytime Cruises with Disney Cruise Line

"If you're one of the lucky kids (or adults) on Santa's Nice List and you're booked over Christmas Eve, you might find special towel animals and a plate of cookies in your cabin, as kids and crew go caroling throughout the ship."

Happy Cruising!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Hello

 

I've tried to gather this information through news sources, online sites and social media but am not getting a clear idea of the damage to these islands.

 

Does anyone know if these islands are in good shape after hurricane Irma:

 

1. St. Lucia

2. Grenada

3. Barbados

4. Dominica

5. St. Kitts

 

Thanks:)

Hi there,

To answer you question, all of the islands you have listed were unaffected by Hurricane Irma. Cruise Critic has been monitoring and updating coverage of the storms and recovery of the ports. For the latest on what ports were affected, please check out After Hurricane Irma: Which Cruise Ports are Open?

For the latest on all things cruise, bookmark the Cruise Critic news page.

Cheers,

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Hi everyone,

The latest information we have is that Key West is expecting to re-open on October 20. For the latest on port statuses following Irma, please visit After Hurricane Irma: Which Caribbean Cruise Ports are Open? We've included Key West there.

All the best,

~Brittany Chrusciel, Asssociate Editor, Cruise Critic

https://www.thestreet.com/story/14306180/1/carnival-change-caribbean-cruise-itineraries-irma.html

 

 

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Hello everyone,

You can find this information in way more detail on the Cruise Critic site by visiting our news page.

We are constantly updating stories about itinerary changes and cancellations, the current state of the Caribbean cruise ports, and even how cruise lines are helping with recovery efforts.

Thanks so much,

~Brittany Chrusciel. Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

CruiseFever posted that a HAL released a statement stating that Half Moon Cay was not damaged by Hurricane Irma and is fully operational! Good news!

 

https://cruisefever.net/4-cruise-ports-closed-indefinitely-due-damage-caused-hurricane-irma/

Cruise Critic has a story about the latest updates to all affected Caribbean ports: After Hurricane Irma: Which Caribbean Cruise Ports are Open?

Our editorial staff works hard to bring you the latest cruise news. Please consider checking out our coverage!

Happy Cruising!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Watching the news the Turks & Caicos was one of the islands hardest hit, don't know if that means they'll cancel that port of call.

Allan

Hi Allan,

Actually, T&C did not receive the brunt of the storm, and fortunately Grand Turk is open for business. For the latest on which Caribbean ports are open and which are the most damaged, please see our news story.

Happy Cruising,

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Is there any reports as to how hard Port Canaveral was hit? Even if it wasn't hit hard, will the supply of food, beverage and fuel be up and running to provision the ships? Will the employees even be available to work? (they may have their own issues that are a priority).

Hello,

We are working on an updated story on Florida ports today, but the most recent version so far is here: Florida Cruise Ports Shut Down for Hurricane Irma. For the latest updates, please refer to Cruise Critic's news page.

All the best,

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

Does anyone know how CC has been effected now that the hurricane has passed by? I know I read somewhere that all the CMs were evacuated. What about the island itself?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi there!

The latest story we have on Florida ports is here: Florida Cruise Ports Shut Down for Hurricane Irma, however we are currently working on an update of the status today. Stay tuned to our news page for the latest!

All the best,

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

That's a good start. Royal Caribbean sent 2 ships to the Caribbean island to provide assistance! https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/17732-royal-caribbean-to-deploy-two-ships-for-humanitarian-efforts.html

Hi there' date='

Cruise Critic is keeping up to date with the latest ship schedules and port statuses as well as a story on the evacuations. Check it out here: Cruise Lines Assist with Hurricane Irma Evacuations.

Thanks for being a member. Cheers!

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

I enjoyed a stay at Hotel 71, which is a former bank, with a nice view to Frontenac from my window.

Enjoy!

~Brittany

Check out our story: Lindblad Expeditions Partners with Lifestyle Brand Exhale for Wellbeing Cruises

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

For anyone who missed it this past weekend, the first new cruise ship from Lindblad Expeditions finally set sail! News story here: https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7969

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic