Caribbean islands to face economic crisis as cruise ships prepare to avoid ports ravaged by Hurricane Irma
Devastated local communities are trying to recover from the killer storm but depend on the daily arrival of ships packed with thousands of tourists
CRUISE lines plan to steer their ships away from major Caribbean ports after Hurricane Irma ripped through the paradise islands, dealing an extra economic blow to the region ravaged by the storm.
Caribbean communities depend on the daily arrival of ships packed with thousands of tourists from all over the world, particularly during the winter season.
With its sights now set on Florida, Irma churned its way through the Bahamas last week, leaving death and devastation in its wake across more than half-a-dozen Caribbean islands.
As cruise fleets prepare to set sail next month, P&O Cruises have confirmed they are urgently reviewing the destinations their vessels will call at.
Costing £3500 per head, the line’s Adonia will depart for a 34-night sail around the tropical region on October 14. It is due to call at the French-Dutch island St Martin and also Tortola, both battered heavily by the hurricane.
Shocking pictures show the destruction caused by Irma's 185mph wind in St Martin, when it made landfall as a category 5 hurricane on Wednesday.
As well as the ports, the storm left homes, stores, gas stations, airports and power stations in shambles.
The overall deathtoll in the Caribbean currently stands at 25, but is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Adonia is also scheduled to visit Miami and Key West in Florida, US ports which were hit yesterday and continue to be threatened by Irma's 125mph winds and 15ft storm surges.
A spokeswoman for P&O said the company is looking at contingency plans for introducing major alterations to their schedules.
She said: "Many of the ports that our ships routinely visit have had extensive damage to both the infrastructure and vibrant communities who support our operations and work hard to provide us with fantastic experiences.
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“We are currently working with the relevant port authorities to help manage the situation and we will share any relevant information as updates are received.”
P&O Cruises currently have no ships in the Caribbean as their fleet sails in the Mediterranean throughout the summer.
The spokeswoman added: "Our thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma.”
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