Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas evacuated 1,700 people from San Juan last night as the ship continues to aid humanitarian efforts for destinations suffering the effects of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.
Adventure of the Seas also dropped off relief supplies in San Juan, and is headed to St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands next to continue offering assistance. Royal Caribbean cancelled Adventure of the Seas’ September 30 cruise out of San Juan in order to use the ship for these evacuation and humanitarian calls. After St. Thomas and St. Croix, the ship will bring evacuees to Fort Lauderdale before returning to San Juan October 6 to prepare for its October 7 cruise, according to the latest statement on the cruise line’s website.
Puerto Rico continues to suffer from the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, with many residents without drinkable water and without power for the foreseeable future. Princess Cruises has cancelled Caribbean Princess’ October 10 call at San Juan, and Carnival Cruise Line has said that the damage its pier sustained at the port could take weeks to repair.
In air travel news, airlines flying through San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport continue to offer limited service, as the airport is still running on backup generators. Southwest Airlines resumed operations yesterday, while JetBlue continues to offer daily relief flights. United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta are also offering flights, although many airlines are still warning travelers to stay away from the destination while relief efforts continue.
American Airlines is offering customers scheduled to travel through April 2, 2018, the ability to rebook through September 30, 2018, in the same cabin (or pay the difference).
United Airlines will waive the change fee and any difference in fare for customers flying through October 15 between the same city pair. For wholly rescheduled travel departing after October 15, or for a change in departure or destination city, the airline will waive the change fee but a difference in fare may apply. Rescheduled travel must be completed within one year from the date when the ticket was issued.
Delta is offering customers scheduled to fly through April 2, 2018, the ability to rebook for travel through September 27, 2018. The ticket must be reissued on or before October 31.
Southwest Airlines is offering customers scheduled to fly through November 1 the ability to rebook in the original class of service or travel standby within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city pair.
Finally, customers on JetBlue flying through December 15 can rebook through November 1, with new travel to be completed by December 15.
For the latest status update on Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, click here.
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