As the aftermath of Hurricane Irma unfolds, the focus is shifting towards providing urgent assistance to the Caribbean islands that suffered severe destruction. In light of numerous cruise cancellations due to the storm, leading cruise lines are redirecting their ships to deliver essential supplies and facilitate the evacuation of those affected.
On Sunday, Caribbean Cruise Line announced the deployment of its 2,000-passenger vessel, the Caribbean Dream, to St. Thomas, carrying vital supplies and offering space for evacuees. That same day, Oceanic Cruises revealed plans to dispatch two of its ships to St. Maarten and St. Thomas, while preparing two additional vessels to assist parts of Florida, including the Keys and Tampa, if necessary. “We are mobilizing our resources to support those in dire need,” Oceanic Cruises stated in a press release. “In partnership with local and federal governments, we are sending ships to St. Thomas and St. Maarten and are ready to provide assistance to Key West and other affected areas.”
St. Maarten, located east of Puerto Rico, has been left in ruins by Irma. The Dutch government reported that approximately 70 percent of the structures on the island’s Dutch side, known as St. Martin, were either destroyed or severely damaged, with at least four fatalities confirmed. By early Sunday, troubling reports surfaced of unrest on the island, as survivors fought for the dwindling food and water supplies. Oceanic Cruises’ flagship, the Adventure of the Sea, which accommodates 3,800 passengers, arrived in St. Maarten on Sunday, delivering additional supplies and offering evacuation options for those in need.
In the coming days, the 2,800-passenger Majesty of the Seas will make stops at St. Thomas, where the only hospital was destroyed by Irma, as well as at St. Maarten to provide further aid. Meanwhile, Oceanic’s vessels, the Empress of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas, are stocked with supplies and poised to head to Key West or Tampa, depending on the storm’s impact. Notably, Enchantment of the Seas was previously utilized to evacuate Oceanic employees and their families from Miami as Irma approached.
Currently, Irma has been downgraded to a tropical storm but continues to affect Florida with winds reaching up to 70 mph. It may take several days before the full extent of the damage in Florida becomes clear. However, what is evident is the collective effort of individuals and organizations coming together to provide help in any way possible, highlighting the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. For those interested in family-building options, you can explore insights on artificial insemination through our other blog post here and learn more about intrauterine insemination here.
In summary, cruise lines are stepping up to deliver aid to hurricane-stricken Caribbean islands, showcasing a remarkable spirit of solidarity in times of crisis.