Question for recent Western Caribbean Cruisers

[espmass]

We will be going to Princess Cay, Ochos Rios, and Cayman Island. I realize the ports are now open for ships, or will be shortly. Are you able to go see more than the port area or is there still too much damage from the hurricanes?

[sue d. miller]

The Jamaica port is open!! There is still damage in the island!! Princess Cays, should be open by the end of this month, to early november. Grand Cayman reports it will be open for business in january, 2005. Here is a site which has reports of what they are still dealing with in George Town!!!

http://stormcarib.com/reports/2004/cayman.shtml

[fivebucs]

Problem is no Princess Ships are doing the Western till Oct 24 when the Star goes on what we are calling the Mystery cruise, cause we have no idea where we are going. sb:confused:

[sue d. miller]

It will just add to the excitement of the eclipse!! ;)

[espmass]

Mystery Cruise. Cute. I like that one. I'm not going till February when I'll be on the Star. Even though I know the ports have reopened, I was just curious as to whether the islands are available for more than just shopping in the port areas. Hopefully the progress is going smoothly for those poor people on the islands.

[JodyB]

I like your title of Mystery Cruise. We are going on the 2nd Western Carib. on the Star on the 11/7/04 so will be anxiously awaiting your info. It looks like it could even be the difference of a week or two (end of Oct.) so we may be getting the Mystery Cruise as well. As long as we are in blue water, I will be happy. Personally, I have seen enough of hurricane destruction for the season anyways. Do you know if there is anything we can bring them on GC? I would rather help out somehow if I could.

 

Jody in FLorida:)

[sue d. miller]

Grand Cayman is the island with the most damage. If you continue to read that site I gave you, you will keep up with the progress. As far as excursions go, that will depend on the operators, and how much has to be replaced, rebuilt, equipment replaced for them to open. That is what Jamaica did, There is still a lot of destruction, but if operators were able to open in at least a small way, they did it to get income.

[sue d. miller]

Jody, if you go to the link above, it has several links for help. But most problems involve electricity, some still are without water, housing, rebuilding!! It also has a link for donations. Here is a link for all of the caribbean islands!! Just move it up a little and you will see all the islands listed.

http://stormcarib.com/#eleven

[Shelli]

Ocho Rios was not damaged in the hurricanes-- the other side of the island, locals told us, got the damage. We only went to the shopping area near the port and Margaritaville, inside that shopping area-- it was really nice. But all the typical port excursions were available through the ship.

[sue d. miller]

Thanks, Shelli, that is one of our ports!!! :)

[Host Caroline]

IPersonally, I have seen enough of hurricane destruction for the season anyways. Do you know if there is anything we can bring them on GC? I would rather help out somehow if I could.

 

Jody in FLorida:)

I can't recall if it was Princess boards but I read on one of the message boards here that a ship (or ships) anchored off Cayman and tendered in blankets, water, supplies.. The cruise lines have in the past given lots of assistance to islands devastated by hurricanes but with Cayman being so very flat and catching the eye of the storm, they didn't have a chance.. I hope that they are ready for tourists by winter as that is their "high" season and so many will go without income when they so desperately need it!

[lynwar]

The Caribbean Princess stopped at Grand Cayman on the way back from Cozumel on our Sept 19-27 cruise. Passengers stayed on board, as ships came out to the ship to pick up the supplies of water, etc. We were there for 4-5 hours or so. Ochos Rios has been rebuilt at the dock since I've been there in 1998.There is an attractive shopping area, with Margaritaville and some other eateries. Looks nice from the ship, too. I'm not sure how many walked to the old straw market in town, but it wasn't as accessible as before. The taxi cabs were still around, but not right at the dock.There are also at least 3 security checkpoints to go through to get on and off.Be sure to have your picture ID with you. Lynne

[Fancy_Goods]

Problem is no Princess Ships are doing the Western till Oct 24 when the Star goes on what we are calling the Mystery cruise, cause we have no idea where we are going. sb:confused:

 

So then, this would be a Halloween themed cruise? :p

[fivebucs]

But it will probably be a mystery cruise also. sb:eek: