Navigating the Storm: What Cruise Travelers Need to Know About Hurricane Tammy and US Virgin Islands Port Closures
Chantelle KincyIf you’re planning to set sail in the Caribbean anytime soon, it’s essential to be aware of the current weather conditions, particularly as they relate to Hurricane Tammy. This fast-developing storm has led to the full closure of all three major cruise ports in the US Virgin Islands, affecting itineraries and causing general concern among travelers.
What’s Happening?
As of 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, all three seaports in the US Virgin Islands — St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix — have been set at Port Condition Zulu and are fully closed. This measure comes as Hurricane Tammy is expected to pass the islands overnight into the early morning hours of Sunday.
The US Virgin Islands Port Authority has suspended ferry services, and ports will remain closed until the U.S. Coast Guard completes its assessments for potential damage or debris. This means no incoming or outgoing ships will be allowed until the all-clear is given.
➡️ See updated Hurricane Tammy News Here
Puerto Rico’s Precautionary Measures
The US Coast Guard also set Port Condition Yankee for seven seaports in Puerto Rico, including the popular port of San Juan. This is one step below a full closure but indicates that extra precautions are in place.
How Does This Affect Cruises?
Luckily, not many cruise ships are sailing in the immediate vicinity of the storm. However, itinerary changes have occurred. For instance, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Joy have both made changes, including visits to St. Maarten to steer clear of Hurricane Tammy’s path.
Norwegian Joy had left St. Thomas ahead of the port’s closure, while Norwegian Sky, initially scheduled to visit St. Thomas on Sunday, had its schedule advanced to Saturday and has since moved out of the storm’s reach. No cruise ships were scheduled for St. John or St. Croix this weekend, minimizing the impact on these ports.
Cruise lines are very proactive in these situations and would never knowingly place passengers in harm’s way. The advanced satellite systems and technologically advanced methods they employ help them navigate out of harm’s way.
Cruisers should always be prepared for itinerary changes that could take you to new ports, or even additional sea days if making land is not a viable solution.
If you have booked shore excursions with your cruise line, the money for canceled excursions is normally returned in the form of “On board credit” but can also be returned to your credit card if you ask. You can also expect a very small refund for port fees if you miss a port of call altogether. These fees are usually minimal, only a few dollars per cruiser.
If you have booked your excursion with a 3rd party, your refund may look different. If the company you booked with works extensively with cruise lines, they will likely automatically cancel your excursion and refund your payment to the method paid. If you have booked with any other type of company, you may need to request a refund (be sure and check for any cancellation windows or fees).
It’s always disappointing to miss a port you have been looking forward to but it’s important to remember that any day on vacation is still better than any day at work! It’s additionally important to remember that the ship’s crew is not responsible for you missing a port, and are just doing their jobs, so be kind and have fun.
Current Status of Hurricane Tammy
As of the latest update, Hurricane Tammy is located 35 miles east of Antigua and is moving north-northwest at 10 mph. It’s a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. While hurricane warnings and watches are in place in some areas of the Lesser Antilles, the bulk of the storm’s wind field is to the east of the eye, meaning the roughest weather is likely to be further from populated islands.
What Should Travelers Do?
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and travel advisories. Check for notifications from your cruise line about itinerary changes.
- Be Prepared: Always have a contingency plan, including necessary medications and travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
- Follow Local Guidelines: If you’re already in an affected area, heed the advice of local authorities and stay off the roads.
Wrapping Up
It’s always a good idea to plan and be prepared for unexpected changes when cruising, especially during hurricane season, which officially ends on November 30. Though Hurricane Tammy is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by late next week and dissipate entirely soon after, it’s a stark reminder to always exercise caution and stay informed.
Safe travels, everyone!
