In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s devastating impact, cruise lines are stepping up their efforts to provide aid to affected Caribbean islands. With numerous cruise itineraries canceled, many ships are now being repurposed to deliver essential supplies and evacuate those in distress.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced the deployment of its 2,000-passenger ship, the Norwegian Sky, to St. Thomas. This vessel is loaded with much-needed supplies and has space for evacuees. Similarly, Royal Caribbean revealed plans to send two ships to St. Maarten and St. Thomas, while preparing two additional vessels to assist in Florida, specifically targeting the Keys and Tampa if necessary. “We are mobilizing ships and supplies to support those in need,” Royal Caribbean stated in their announcement.
The devastation on St. Maarten, an island situated east of Puerto Rico, has been significant. The Dutch government reported that approximately 70 percent of homes on the island’s Dutch side, known as St. Martin, were either destroyed or severely damaged, with at least four fatalities linked to the storm. Reports of unrest have emerged as survivors struggle over dwindling food and water supplies. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, which can accommodate 3,800 passengers, arrived in St. Maarten to deliver more supplies and assist with evacuation efforts.
In the coming days, the Majesty of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean ship with a capacity of 2,800 passengers, will make stops at St. Thomas, where the only hospital was rendered inoperable by Irma, and at St. Maarten to provide additional aid. Meanwhile, the Empress of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas are on standby, fully stocked with supplies and ready to head to Key West or Tampa based on the storm’s aftermath. Notably, the Enchantment of the Seas had previously assisted in evacuating Royal Caribbean employees and their families from Miami as Irma approached.
As of now, Irma has been downgraded to a tropical storm but continues to impact Florida with winds reaching 70 mph. The extent of the damage in Florida remains uncertain, but communities are already coming together to offer help. Amid the chaos, there are glimmers of hope and resilience.
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In summary, cruise lines are redirecting their efforts to assist Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Irma, providing vital supplies and evacuation assistance. With the storm’s impacts still unfolding, communities are demonstrating remarkable solidarity in the face of disaster.