Cruise lines’ private islands sustain minor or no hurricane damage

The private islands
and ports in the Bahamas and Haiti are mostly open
and sustained only minor damage from Hurricane Matthew, according to
cruise lines.

At Holland
America Line’s Half Moon Cay, staff recently inspected the island and clean-up
efforts are underway. The next scheduled call is by Carnival Valor on
Oct. 15, followed by Zuiderdam on Oct. 20.

Likewise,
Princess Cays, the private island of Princess Cruises, sustained very little
damage during Hurricane Matthew, said spokewoman Brea Burkholz.

Haiti was
hard-hit by Matthew, but most of the severe damage was on the southwest
tip. Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee on
the island’s north coast is “up and running” said spokeswoman Lyan
Sierra-Caro. Allure of the Seas called on Oct. 7, the day after the
storm’s passage, she said.

Disney
Cruise Line’s exclusive port at Castaway Cay is also open and expects a call from
Disney Dream on Oct. 13.

Norwegian
Cruise Line’s private island at Great Stirrup Cay was closed for renovation
during the storm. An assessment team has been sent to make an evaluation. The
island is currently scheduled to reopen Oct. 22.

Of the public
ports, Nassau was ready for cruises quickly after the storm, but Freeport may
have received more damage than other parts of the Bahamas. The Grand Bahamas
Port Authority has an official notice of closure “until further notice,” posted
on its website.