Royal Caribbean International has announced the cruise line’s return to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St Maarten, in the aftermath of the devastation left behind by recent hurricanes.
On November 30, Freedom of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to call on San Juan, arriving with approximately 3,782 visitors to the island.
Grandeur of the Seas will follow suit on December 17 as the first cruise ship to sail into St Maarten since Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas arrived to provide humanitarian relief last month.
The announcement comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean’s recent news that Adventure of the Seas will be the first ship to call on St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands on November 10.
Encouraged by commendable progress
“Royal Caribbean is encouraged by the commendable progress that has been made by the governments of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten towards the recovery of these destinations and it means a lot to us that we are heading back home. We have been part of the Caribbean community for almost 50 years, and for all of us it has been paramount that we focus on supporting our long-standing partners – who feel more like family after so many years,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“Supporting these destinations that are so reliant on tourism is key to the future of the islands and the best thing we – as travelers and businesses – can do for the islands.”
He added that Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the governments of Puerto Rico and St Maarten, and local businesses, to offer destination experiences that will allow guests to enjoy the natural beauty, historic landmarks and culture of the islands.
Significant service as of Nov. 30
As of November 30, all scheduled calls to San Juan and St. Thomas across 10 ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet will operate as planned – including calls from the world’s largest cruise ships each sailing with nearly 6,000 new visitors each week – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.
The scheduled visits to St Maarten will operate as planned, starting on December 17 with the exception of Oasis of the Seas, which will make its first call to the island on January 1 during the New Year’s Eve cruise.
Additionally, the global cruise line will return to St Croix, also in the United States Virgin Islands, on January 8 with the arrival of Jewel of the Seas, which will sail from San Juan.
Cruises to Dominica cancelled until June,2018
However, all calls to Dominica are cancelled through June 2018 and the cruise line is working closely with the government on a return date to the destination.
For other recent news on Royal Caribbean, click the link: service to Haiti
