Devastation in the Caribbean

As we all know hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean with vengeance and caused major damage to multiple islands.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected.

Barbuda was one of the worst hit and is now ‘barely inhabitable’ and practically rubble.

Tortola – Road Town, 5 people lost their lives here. Homes, schools, offices, churches are all gone and the locals say it feels like they have been bombed.

St Martin – the French territory & St Maarten – the Dutch territory was one of the worst hit islands, 95% of houses have been damaged and 60% are inhabitable.

Turks & Caicos were also affected and at least 4 people lost their lives here as 6ft waves hit leaving devastation behind.

Cuba suffered significant damage to coastal communities cutting off power to large areas.

St John’s British Virgin Isles also took a knock from Irma, once a lush gem and now practically a wasteland after most of the homes were wiped out.

Upto 55 people are believed to have lost their lives due to Irma.

Southern Florida, especially The Keys were worst affected and got the brunt of the storm so Miami & Fort Lauderdale & Orlando were not as badly hit as expected which is great news.

I feel sorry for passengers who got caught up in the hurricane and had to cut short their trips and fly home early.  Most customers have been understanding as we cannot predict the weather and these things can happen especially in the hurricane season May-September.  I have had a few complain but I agree with the cruise lines – customer safety is paramount and we need to ensure they are safe even if that means cutting short their holidays.

The cruise lines have been very generous in these instances and it’s not even their fault either.

Irma was classed as a category 5 hurricane which is the highest possible and one of 4 over the last few weeks.

Hurricane Jose is close behind but weakened to a category 1 so not as bad but still expect winds upto 75mph.

There are lots of updates online about these hurricanes so if you are due to fly out & cruise then please be sure to check in plenty of time if you cruise has changed itinerary.  I know Royal Caribbean ships are visiting St Kitts instead if St Maarten at the moment and will do for the coming weeks.

Stay safe & happy cruising….