Dominica: Celebrity Still Sailing There? Loved this Island Paradise!

[TLCOhio]

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity (on another cruise line) to visit, ten different Caribbean Islands during our first visit to this wonderful area. One of the key highlight was Dominica. In fact, we super loved this island and its unique offering of nature, great culture, wonderful architecture, etc. But if you have not followed the news during the past few days, that small island has been hit very hard by Tropical Storm Erika. From the BBC this morning within the past couple of hours, they have this headline: "Tropical Storm Erika devastates the island of Dominica".

 

Here are their summary highlights: "A tropical storm has devastated the Caribbean island of Dominica causing floods and mudslides. The damage caused by Tropical Storm Erika has set the country back 20 years, its prime minister said. According to officials, the storm has killed at least 20 people, with at least 31 people reported missing. Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said in a televised address late on Friday that hundreds of homes, bridges and roads had been destroyed. About 80% of Dominica was without power and the water supply was cut off."

 

In the story, their country's leader noted: "The extent of the devastation is monumental. We have, in essence, to rebuild Dominica." In the US News story linked below, they noted that his storm "dumped some 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain on the mountainous island" and "The island's airports remain closed, and authorities have not yet been able to reach some communities cut off by flooding and landslides."

 

While there in February, we noticed that aspects of this island were a little "third-worldish", but the people and its rainforest aspects of this area were so absolutely, totally wonderful. Amazing, in fact!! I will share some special visuals from Dominica below. Such a wonderful and meaningful part of the world!! Not too commercial and/or over-developed as has happened in certain other places in the Caribbean.

 

Full BBC story at:

http://www.bc.co.uk/newsround/34095426

Added story at:

http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/08/28/tropical-storm-erika-to-lose-steam-but-death-toll-rising

 

In checking the Celebrity website, it appears that the Summit and Equinox have a number stops planned for October, November and December, 2015 (plus more in 2016 and 2017) for visiting Roseau, Dominica. The Celebrity pages note: "Access the largely untouched interior of Dominica via an extensive network of nature and hiking trails, which will take you on an odyssey through the lush landscape past waterfalls, clear-running streams, and bubbling hot springs. If you'd prefer swimming to hiking, try the world-class scuba diving."

 

Maybe it is too soon for Celebrity to know how these scheduled Celebrity visits will be affected by this damaging tropical storm. BUT, I just wanted to alert those with plans there that Roseau and Dominica can be wonderful. Some stops this fall and/or winter, however, might be in question. Very sad for the wonderful people there!!

 

Good luck to all with Dominica on your future schedule. Happy to answer any added questions on Dominica and/or share more background, visuals, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 27,412 views for these postings.

 

 

Here are three examples for the "action" from our fun during Dominica's Carnival parade and festivities. The steel drum band was one of the most entertaining parts from these activities. This parade segment really had that super Caribbean "music feel" to keep the wonderful memories fresh and alive in our minds for the future. I got a great video sampling for this music and fun. In the morning here, we did a wonderful "tubing" adventure on one of their super scenic and rocky rivers through the rainforest in Dominica. It was great, exciting fun.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We found the architecture and character of Dominica to be totally fascinating. Loved its style, the people, etc.!! Much of this island, as described by our ship's expert destination expert Corey Sandler, is like the Caribbean from three decades back before things got too development and so overly commercialized. Here are three examples for certain of their buildings, balconies, roof lines, a church, etc., from Dominica.:

 

 

 

 

 

[cruisin_ppl]

Very sad news. :(

 

Dominica is such a charming island. We loved this port on our cruise 2 years ago.

It's terrible that they have so much work ahead to rebuild and to mourn the lives lost from this storm.

 

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[tbmrt]

Hoping that they are able to rebuild and keep as safe as possible.

[FireEater]

This was 1 of the islands I was looking forward to visiting in November, but after reading the story about the island a few days ago, I do not think Celebrity will go there. My cruise is approx 2.5 months away, but I think that they will bypass this island and either give us another sea day or change islands....not sure if they would just add an overnight stay at another island either.

[awhfy]

Wonderful island, but almost zero infrastructure- this storm has set them back about 20 years, such a shame

[FireEater]

I hate to see that on any island...it has been so hard for all concerned to build up to where they are now.

 

I am 5 days away from having to decide on canceling my upcoming cruise with Dominica being a stop or just paying in full and seeing where or if we move islands or make it a sea day......

 

Guess I will call them tomorrow to see if there is a game plan in place yet on cruises going there from today into the future.

[judyfssw]

Terry, I remember going to Haiti shortly after it was devastated by a hurricane. We still stopped there. I remember how sad it was to see all of the homes, businesses and churches with blue tarps on them and the just blown out buildings.

I know that Dominica will come back but it will take them a lot of time.

[benny salami]

A wonderful unspoiled island with friendly people totally dependent on environmental tourism. We stopped for local fruit and drink samples with local celebrity Mr. Nice in the mountainous interior. Pray for a complete recovery and know what a huge task lies ahead.

[mokat76]

This is tragic. I was there earlier this year. It is a beautiful island, but the least developed of the stops we made on our cruise. I loved that. The people were wonderfully warm and friendly. It was the one island I wanted to revisit because of its natural beauty and the people.

 

Our tour guide told us then their government had thrown all its economic development resources at attracting tourism. The destruction of the infrastructure they need to get basic services to their own is crushing. That it also will devastate their one economic engine breaks my heart.

 

I would hope the corporations that put cruise ships into that port and make a ton of money off the cruisers would step up financially to help Dominica recover. They can't do it all, but they could help.

 

 

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[TLCOhio]

Wonderful island, but almost zero infrastructure- this storm has set them back about 20 years, such a shame

 

Our tour guide told us then their government had thrown all its economic development resources at attracting tourism. The destruction of the infrastructure they need to get basic services to their own is crushing. That it also will devastate their one economic engine breaks my heart. I would hope the corporations that put cruise ships into that port and make a ton of money off the cruisers would step up financially to help Dominica recover. They can't do it all, but they could help.

 

judyfssw: Terry' date=' I remember going to Haiti shortly after it was devastated by a hurricane. We still stopped there. I remember how sad it was to see all of the homes, businesses and churches with blue tarps on them and the just blown out buildings. I know that Dominica will come back [b']but it will take them a lot of time[/b].

 

Appreciate these follow-ups. The recent "good news" is that the tropical storm that hit Dominica has slowed down, not become a hurricane and is not heading up the eastern coast of the U.S. BUT, sadly, the damage has been done to Dominica and a few other Caribbean places.

 

Doubt that the cruise lines are going to do much to help fund the costly recovery in Dominica. They are fairly focused with their capital spending on building new ships, keeping their shareholders happy and keeping prices competitive to help make customers coming back for their next cruise. Very challenging on the "economics" for how Dominica finds the needed money, gets the skilled construction expertise and supplies, etc., to make its needed fixes work.

 

Below are a few more visuals from my files that I had not previously posted. Please share more of your memories, pictures, etc., from Dominica. Plus, any word or update that folks hear from Celebrity as to how they are going to manage the planned stops at Dominica during the coming months.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 117,699 views for this posting.

 

 

Here are some of my added Dominica visuals from my file from our wonderful Feb. 2015 visit there. This roadway first shown was kind of an exception compared to many we drove on. This one was smooth and in fairly good conditions. Many others were not at this level. Next are four different views from in and around the main downtown of their capital of Roseau. Not a boring and/or bland area with its buildings and local "character". Finally, a departing shot as we sailed away showing the drama of their mountains, the water and wooded areas.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[digital_curator]

I have visited beautiful Dominica and my heart breaks for its inhabitants.

 

We were in St. Lucia shortly after the devastating mudslides. I contacted out tour guide and she said that it would still be possible to do our tour, with a few modifications. I also asked about bringing supplies and was provided with a list, and we brought what we could.

 

Our tour guide did an excellent job but it was hard for her- we passed more than one site where friends of hers lost their lives. I felt so badly but she said the best thing that tourists could do was to keep coming since their dollars would keep those dependent on tourism going, which in turn benefitted other islanders.

 

I do hope that Celebrity can visit the island so that generous X-passengers can do what they can to help!

 

Cheers,

[cruisead]

If you look closely at the videos of the storm, you will see a few shots of the port area. There's a little area at the end of the pedestrian walkway from the ship (you walk under a little shelter with a colorful welcome sign ), and it looked like that port area was severely hit, and it appeared that some of the buildings right across the street from the port were badly damaged. We liked walking through the tents that the locals put up along the port area, to sell locally made goods. It's going to take more than just a couple of months to get them back up and running. So sad, as it's such a beautiful island.

 

Unfortunately, Dominica is the island Celebrity removed from their Equinox itineraries in order to do their overnight in St Maartin.

[FireEater]

 

Unfortunately, Dominica is the island Celebrity removed from their Equinox itineraries in order to do their overnight in St Maartin.

 

It was on my itinerary for November. I still have not seen any change on their web page due to the storm.

[cruisin_ppl]

Unfortunately, Dominica is the island Celebrity removed from their Equinox itineraries in order to do their overnight in St Maartin.

 

We're on the Equinox in March 2016 and they eliminated it from our itinerary for an overnight in St Maarten .. needless to say this was a big disappointment for us.

 

:mad:

[marshabear]

we are due to stop there in October on the Summit..we have been there before and toured the island..such a beautiful place...

 

praying for the victims of this tragedy....will wait to see what Celebrity does with our itinerary...

 

 

 

 

 

Marsha

[A1A]

Doubt that the cruise lines are going to do much to help fund the costly recovery in Dominica. They are fairly focused with their capital spending on building new ships, keeping their shareholders happy and keeping prices competitive to help make customers coming back for their next cruise. Very challenging on the "economics" for how Dominica finds the needed money, gets the skilled construction expertise and supplies, etc., to make its needed fixes work.

 

I think your comments towards the cruise lines are unfair. Cruise lines, historically have donated millions of dollars in relief and disaster aid. Royal Caribbean provided over a million dollars to relief aid in Haiti after the terrible earthquake that took so many lives. Carnival over $5 million. I could quote many more news stories just by googling cruise critic stories on disaster relief. Let's wait and see what the cruise lines do before casting stones at them. Hopefully Dominica will recover quickly and I look forward to visiting and putting some of my money back into the local economy in April.

Cheers!

Ken

[Tak8]

Dominica was eliminated from my December '16 cruise on The Eclipse when Celebrity decided to do the overnights.

I enjoyed The Champagne Reef snorkel when I was in Dominica last year.

[Baatman]

Very sad news. :(

 

Dominica is such a charming island. We loved this port on our cruise 2 years ago.

It's terrible that they have so much work ahead to rebuild and to mourn the lives lost from this storm.

 

.

 

Sad news indeed. I suspect that the rebuilding process will take many years.

[mokat76]

 

I think your comments towards the cruise lines are unfair. Cruise lines, historically have donated millions of dollars in relief and disaster aid. Royal Caribbean provided over a million dollars to relief aid in Haiti after the terrible earthquake that took so many lives. Carnival over $5 million. I could quote many more news stories just by googling cruise critic stories on disaster relief. Let's wait and see what the cruise lines do before casting stones at them. Hopefully Dominica will recover quickly and I look forward to visiting and putting some of my money back into the local economy in April.

 

Cheers!

 

Ken

 

 

I hope that happens for Dominica. That would make life better for many.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TobyKnits]

We were there in January 2014 while cruising on Equinox. Four of us arranged a private tour through KHATTS that took us to Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, and then we spent lunch/afternoon at Papillote. I wish I could say I had some photos worth sharing, but many of them were hazy due to the steamy climate.

 

Titou Gorge was amazing - only 2 of us swam in the gorge and we were the only people there. Other tours were pulling in as we were leaving.

 

Papillote was lovely - good food, beautiful gardens, and some great hot water pools to relax in. It was a very laid back place to spend the afternoon. I don't think it cost much at all, and there was only one other couple there that were using the hot pools.

[searoses]

My only trip there was about 6 yrs ago with a wonderfull roll call group headed by Joe the dentist...we went to the Gorge with Levi bumpiing.....my best cruise stop ever.....the kindest people being patient as this older,mobility challenged lady made it down to the Gorge and popped into the water....I could not climb to jump so Levi pulled me over to the waterfall with a swim ring.....I could not stop smiling.....he later personally escorted me down the hill to the bubbly snorkeling....it brings tears to my eyes as I think back to those lovely people....no fema,such as it is,for them.....it will be a long road back.....

[josumello]

We were there last January. I wish I could be as positive as many of the previous posters. Frankly we were underwhelmed. Did a private tour with Levi Baron. Tour was fine but frankly the island really was not impressive. Would not choose to revisit. To each his own. Obviously we wish the best for the islanders.

[TLCOhio]

I think your comments towards the cruise lines are unfair. Cruise lines, historically have donated millions of dollars in relief and disaster aid. Royal Caribbean provided over a million dollars to relief aid in Haiti after the terrible earthquake that took so many lives. Carnival over $5 million. I could quote many more news stories just by googling cruise critic stories on disaster relief. Let's wait and see what the cruise lines do before casting stones at them. Hopefully Dominica will recover quickly and I look forward to visiting and putting some of my money back into the local economy in April. Cheers! Ken

 

Appreciate from Ken the background about what RCI and Carnival did in the past for Haiti. Hope that this type of assistance can be directed to help Dominica. My sincere concern is not to be negative towards any of the companies and/or their management. It is just a "realism".

 

That is based on two key factors. First, the infrastructure and building/structure conditions and needs were so major in Dominica, even BEFORE this terrible storm hit the island. Lots of rivers there means many bridges can and were probably damaged seriously. The wiring for electric and communications, as shown in my earlier pictures, was not the newest and best. Need that electricity to run gas pumps, power tools, etc., to repair damages, etc. We could tell that many roofs and structures were not in tip-top condition prior to the storm hitting. Second, Dominica as a location has not been as known and visible as other places in the Caribbean. So far, partly due to logistics, the major international media has not been there and beaming back impactful video on the damages there that much, if any at all. There is verbal mention of the damage, but not the depth of coverage as has happened in other locations in the past.

 

We all hope for the best and a quick recovery. BUT, unfortunately, it seem to my eye that Dominica might have a more challenging period for gaining the recovery needed.

 

On the NBC Today Show this morning at 7 am, they said that the death total for this storm in Dominica is still at 20 people and that 24 persons are listed as missing. This morning, most of the media attention seems to be about how what is left of this storm will hit Florida. Fortunately, that state and area is not being hit with a hurricane and/or full-strength tropical storm.

 

THANKS! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 184,879 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[micruiser12]

So sad to hear the news about Dominica! We have been there several times on a cruise stop and loved snorkeling at Champagne Reef in the bubbles and then going to the hot baths in Soufriere. Such a lovely island. Will be keeping the people in our thoughts as they try to recover from the hurricane destruction.

[packedandready]

Thanks for sharing. We've been to Dominica twice and absolutely love it. Probably had our most memorable snorkel experience there. This is so sad.