Latest port information on Caribbean ports 10/25

[irishgal432]

Here is the latest news release, although the website is not updaed, it outlines when the ports will be open and RC will be returning.

 

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-caribbean-sets-return-to-san-juan-and-st-maarten-300542903.html

 

MIAMI, Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean International today announced the cruise line's return to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten marking a major milestone towards the revival of these Caribbean gems which were impacted by recent hurricanes. On Nov. 30, Freedom of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to call on San Juan, Puerto Rico, arriving with approximately 3,782 visitors to the island that is renowned for its passionate, welcoming spirit. Grandeur of the Seas will follow suit on Dec. 17 as the first cruise ship to sail into, St. Maarten since Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas arrived to provide humanitarian relief last month. This announcement comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean's recent news that Adventure of the Seas will be the first ship to call on St. Thomas on Nov. 10.

"Royal Caribbean is encouraged by the commendable progress that has been made by the governments of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten towards the recovery of these destinations and it means a lot to us that we are heading back home. We have been part of the Caribbean community for almost 50 years, and for all of us it has been paramount that we focus on supporting our long-standing partners – who feel more like family after so many years," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Supporting these destinations that are so reliant on tourism is key to the future of the islands and the best thing we – as travelers and businesses – can do for the islands."

Working closely with the governments of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten, and local businesses, Royal Caribbean will be able to offer destination experiences that will allow guests to enjoy the natural beauty, historic landmarks and culture of these idyllic islands. With power and transportation on track to be readily available in San Juan by Nov. 30, guests can tour the city by foot, bike, Segway or bus; explore the epic fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal in Old San Juan; spend the day on the beach at VIVO Beach Club; or admire the countryside through Cueva Ventana – the Window Cave – which sits atop an 800-foot limestone cliff.

Similarly, the return of power and water to most of St. Maarten means that a majority of the shops, restaurants and bars, and tour operators around Philipsburg will be fully operational for guests to experience a diverse and extensive array of dining, shopping and activities in the area. The sun and vistas of the region's best beaches, Great Bay Beach and Kimshaw Beach, will be a beacon for guests wanting to dive into the turquoise blue waters and admire the sea life, whether by boat or catamaran, or from the relaxing comfort of a beach lounger.

As of Nov. 30, all scheduled calls to San Juan and St. Thomas across 10 ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet will operate as planned – including calls from the world's largest cruise ships each sailing with nearly 6,000 new visitors each week – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. The scheduled visits to St. Maarten will operate as planned starting on Dec. 17 with the exception of Oasis of the Seas, which will make its first call to the island on January 1 during her New Year's Eve cruise. Additionally, the global cruise line will return to St. Croix on January 8 with the arrival of Jewel of the Seas, which will sail from San Juan. All calls to Dominica are cancelled through June 2018 and the cruise line is working closely with the local government on a return date to the destination. For more information on Royal Caribbean's newly updated Caribbean itineraries, visit RoyalCaribbean.com

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 48-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry "firsts" never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. On board, guests are catered to with the cruise line's world-renowned friendly and engaging service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 24 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

[sisocialworker]

hope they announce soon the complete re build of labadee's damaged areas as well

[bwest the man]

I wish they would go ahead and announce the replacement ports for ST. Maarten for Oasis through the end of the year then.

[ladydiinflorida]

I'm a little confused about the above stating RCCL will be beginning St. Martin stops on Dec 17th. The following is an except that I received yesterday from customer service.

 

"We understand your frustrations as they relate to this year’s hurricane season and thank you for your feedback. We can ensure all of your comments will be sent to our operational teams for their internal review.

Royal Caribbean leadership recently returned from visits to St. Thomas. San Juan, and St. Maarten. They continue to be impressed with the progress the islands are making to rebuild. As a result,we anticipate no further changes to our scheduled calls in St. Thomas, San Juan and St. Maarten for sailings December 1, 2017 forward.

 

There are no compensation offers for this sailing at this time. We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause."

 

 

I am on Harmony leaving on Dec 2nd and have no idea where our first stop will be. The 2nd stop is still to be San Juan. I give up trying to communicate with the cruise line.

[gumdrop44]

Thanks so much! Been waiting to know for so long!!

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[skiiergirl]

I too am confused b this press release. I thought it had previously been announced Grandeur would be the first ship to return but I thought it was much earlier....like mid-Nov!

[bjs188]

From SMN News on Oct 24th

 

"With some new products and services coming online in December 2017, St. Maarten’s Cruise partners at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association conference in Merida, Mexico has identified mid-December as a better start date to resume port calls to the destination. Both Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean International committed to returning their vessels with close collaboration with the Port Authority and Ministry of Tourism and praised St. Maarten for its speedy recovery efforts thus far."

[Pratique]

I'm a little confused about the above stating RCCL will be beginning St. Martin stops on Dec 17th. The following is an except that I received yesterday from customer service.

 

"We understand your frustrations as they relate to this year’s hurricane season and thank you for your feedback. We can ensure all of your comments will be sent to our operational teams for their internal review.

Royal Caribbean leadership recently returned from visits to St. Thomas. San Juan, and St. Maarten. They continue to be impressed with the progress the islands are making to rebuild. As a result,we anticipate no further changes to our scheduled calls in St. Thomas, San Juan and St. Maarten for sailings December 1, 2017 forward.

 

There are no compensation offers for this sailing at this time. We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause."

 

 

I am on Harmony leaving on Dec 2nd and have no idea where our first stop will be. The 2nd stop is still to be San Juan. I give up trying to communicate with the cruise line.

 

St. Maarten has been replaced by St. Thomas for this cruise. 8 am to 6 pm

Edited October 25, 2017 by Pratique
typo/hours

[pink845]

Yep, just received notice from RCCL a few minutes ago that Harmony of the Seas will be stopping at St. Thomas as opposed to St. Maarten for their Dec 2, 2017 sailing. Works for me. I am just wondering if the roads will be operational and whether I will be able to rent a car. Hmm.