Royal Caribbean Is Returning To St. Thomas, St. Maarten And Puerto Rico
The cruise line will resume sailings to some of the islands impacted by the recent hurricanes.
Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas is returning to St. Thomas starting today, November 10. The announcement was made almost two months after the cruise line had been rerouting its ships from the U.S. Virgin Islands because of extensive hurricane damage.
"We are very excited to get back home to our friends in St. Thomas," says Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "The Caribbean is our family, having cruised there for nearly 50 years, and the long-standing relationships created in all this time are unwavering."
Power and water have been restored to St. Thomas, so cruisers can explore the restaurants, bars and shops that are open on Main Street in Charlotte Amalie and at Havensight Mall.
Royal Caribbean has also partnered with the USVI government and Magens Bay Authority to help rebuild Magens Bay, a 1-mile beach frequented by tourists and locals. The popular spot will also reopen November 10.
In addition, catamarans are ready to lead water-based excursions, while Secret Sands Beach, Secret Harbor Beach Club, Lindquist Beach, Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, and Abi Beach are all ready to welcome guests.
Royal Caribbean plans to resume sailings to other islands impacted by the recent hurricanes in the next few weeks. Freedom of the Seas will return to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 30, and Grandeur of the Seas will return to Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on December 17. Oasis-class vessels will return to St. Maarten in early 2018, as more time is needed to repair the gangways specially designed for these types of ships.
There will be plenty for cruisers to do in both ports. St. Maarten has power and water, and many of the shops, restaurants and bars surrounding Philipsburg are open. It's also safe to swim at Cupecoy Beach, Mullet Bay Beach and Maho Beach. Sunset Beach Bar, a popular spot to watch the planes land at Princess Juliana International Airport, reopened in early November.
In San Juan, power and transportation are expected to be back on track by late November. Once power is restored, popular landmarks like the fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal in Old San Juan will reopen to the public. Visitors can also shop at The Mall of San Juan and Plaza Las Americas, which have several stores currently open, and expect to be fully operational once power is restored.
The best way to help hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean is to keep traveling to the region. With the reopening of these popular cruise ports, tourism revenue will help these islands and the residents get back on their feet. Book your next cruise at royalcaribbean.com.