Thursday, September 21, 2017

Updates to Itineraries for the Caribbean due to Hurricanes


I woke up at 4 am today - on my day off - thinking of those affected by the recent hurricanes and the horrible earthquake in Mexico.   I am thinking of Antours in Dominica who we have used numerous times.  I wonder about Daria and Michael from Dominica's Caribbean Cooking Experience and how they are.

As I checked the web for updates I saw that Princess has released an update to their cruises that visit affected ports in the Caribbean.

Our trip in January will certainly be affected as we dock in Dominica and I am not sure if they will be able to get back up and running for cruise passengers.  Other islands that are currently affected can hopefully get the help needed to accept tourists soon.  

One thing we both have agreed to is that we will be actively searching ways we can give back on the islands affected.  

Also following is Frequently Asked Questions.

HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA — CARIBBEAN UPDATE
What's on this page: Impact on Itineraries | Frequently Asked Questions
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

Princess Cruises has no ships in the Caribbean until Caribbean Princess departs Ft. Lauderdale on October 7, 2017. We look forward to continuing to provide the great cruise experience our guests expect and the economic support that the region relies on, now more than ever.

Our staff will continue to assess recovery efforts and conditions in affected destinations. Should any adjustments be required to future sailings as a result of storm damage, booked guests and their travel professional will be notified.

Princess Cruises and its parent company Carnival Corporation are working to provide extensive relief to those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Princess has created a matching fund through Princess Cruises Community Foundation for employee donations to support hurricane relief via the American Red Cross. As part of Carnival Corporation’s pledge at providing up to $10 Million dollars in Hurricane relief, Princess Cruises Community Foundation has also set up a Hurricane Relief initiative on board Princess Cruises’ ships to gather donations from guests and crew members which will be matched by Princess Cruises Community Foundation.*

Carnival Corporation, has begun outreach and support for those islands already impacted on behalf of the family of cruise lines. They have been in communication with officials in many of the Caribbean islands and have activated a plan to begin delivery of supplies on both an immediate and sustained, longer-term basis. These deliveries will be worked into ships’ cruise itineraries as part of ongoing operations. Carnival Corporation Foundation is also beginning to evaluate the best channels for support in the Caribbean, as well as Florida.

*Princess Cruises Community Foundation will match funds up to $100K.

IMPACT ON ITINERARIES
UPDATED AS OF 9/18/17, 5:50PM PDT
The following sailings are being adjusted due to Hurricane Irma:

Caribbean Princess: October 7 Caribbean Cruise
We have replaced the call to St Thomas on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 with a call to San Juan from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the same date. Since the time we made this decision, the path of Hurricane Maria is likely to affect Puerto Rico, therefore an update to the call to San Juan will be provided after the storm passes.

Guests who booked Princess shore excursions for St Thomas will receive a refund to the original form of payment. Shore excursions for San Juan will be available within the next two weeks or may be booked on board.

Regal Princess: October 26 Caribbean Cruise
We have replaced our call to St Maarten on Monday, October 30, 2017 with a call to St Kitts from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31. As a result of this change, we will now call to Antigua on Monday, October 30. Since the time we made this decision, the path of Hurricane Maria is likely to affect St. Kitts, therefore an update to the call to St. Kitts will be provided after the storm passes.

Guests who booked Princess shore excursions for St Maarten will receive a refund to the original form of payment. Shore excursions for St. Kitts and Antigua will be available within the next two weeks or may be booked on board.

For remaining 2017 Eastern Caribbean ports of call, we are currently assessing itinerary impacts and an update will be provided by the end of the week. We sincerely encourage guests with current reservations and anyone considering a Caribbean cruise to move forward with their plans. There is no better show of support for the area and the people than to continue to visit.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard.

UPDATED AS OF 9/14/17, 8:45PM PDT
Princess Cruises can announce that none of its cruises to the Caribbean or Panama Canal will be cancelled as a result of Hurricane Irma. Furthermore, our private island resort at Princess Cays is ready to receive guests and all of our 7-day cruises to the Western Caribbean and all cruises to the Panama Canal are unaffected by Irma and will go ahead as planned at this time.

At Princess Cruises, we prioritize the safety and enjoyment of our guests and to that end, we are working with local ports in the Eastern Caribbean affected by the Hurricane to assess the situation and to determine if any itinerary changes are needed. Please check back on Monday, 9/18 for an update.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I have booked a Caribbean cruise and would like an update on my itinerary.
We are currently talking to our port agents in each of the affected islands to assess the situation in each area. As you can imagine, communication is difficult at the moment in many places but as soon as we can establish the facts we will be able to share an update.

Will cruises be cancelled?
We will not be cancelling any cruises at this time

Will my itinerary be changed?
While we need to support the communities in those affected islands, inevitably it may take some time to repair the damage and restore those islands so they are able to accept cruise guests. We are talking to each of the islands to understand the extent of the damage so we can make a decision on the itineraries. As soon as we are aware of any changes we will be in touch with all guests individually or through the travel agent. At the moment unfortunately we cannot confirm the time line but will certainly let you know as soon as possible.

How will guests be notified of any changes?
We will be in touch with all guests individually or through the travel agent. We will also update our website with any changes.

Will I receive any compensation if itineraries have been changed?
At this point there are no confirmed changes to the itineraries. If any changes are necessary then we will review them in line with our booking conditions and we will be in touch with guests individually or through the travel agent.  

Will our insurance cover us if we cancel?
Each insurance policy is different so guests should speak to their travel insurance directly.

What if I have booked shore excursions in cancelled ports, will these be cancelled?
If any ports are cancelled then a full refund will be given on any booked shore excursions.

Are there any Princess ships in the Caribbean at the moment?
There are no Princess ships in the Caribbean until the beginning of October.

May I bring on supplies to deliver to the communities the ship visits?
As it requires infrastructure to receive and distribute supplies and the needs at each Island vary, the organizations responding to the immediate crisis and ongoing rebuilding efforts request money rather than supplies. There will be donation opportunities onboard.

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