Has anyone cruised the Caribean since the Hurricanes
 

I am considering a Viking West Indies Cruise in mid-March of this year. The Cruise is San Juan to San Juan visiting most of the islands (British Virgin, St. Thomas, Antiquated, Barbados, etc.). I have been warned by friends, (that have not travelled the islands...) that the Eastern Caribbean islands are still in 'shambles', but cannot find anything to substantiate those claims. Viking said they made some adjustments to the itinerary and assured me that I would enjoy the trip. This will be my 5th cruise with Vikng but my first ocean cruise with them. I have never been disappointed with Viking.

Has anyone recently taken the West Inidies cruise with Viking or an eastern Caribbean cruise with any cruise line?

Would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,
Judy

There are still damages that had not been repaired but the cruise liens had been quick to adjust and avoid those area or change excursions away from the areas affected. If you have not cruised the Caribbean before, you would not know the difference.

the Viking going on to ocean cruise is relatively new. I am not sure too many people here had been on the Viking Ocean liner. Ocean cruises are quite different from River cruises and it will be a totally different experience for you.

First, you will notice the number of passengers on board and of course, the size of the ship. What you will also notice next is the motion of the ship. The water around Eastern Caribbean could be rough at time, especially when compared to the tame river cruises.

It is a new adventure and hopefully, you'll enjoy the "sun destination" and the beaches.

Thanks for the reply. I should have mentioned that I have been on many ocean cruises, including eastern and western Caribbean, but this is my first ocean cruise with Vikng.

Not sure if I should make this trip right now or not.....

Thanks,
Judy

A friend just got back from an NCL Carib cruise. The ports were changed due to the hurricanes to St Lucia.,St Kitts, Antigua, Barbados
& San Juan and they had no problems. The cruise originally was to stop in St Thomas but changed to San Juan so don't know
they condition there. I am due to take this same cruise in 2 weeks.

Sounds more promising! If you can, please post your experience upon your return.

I was in a waiting room last night and saw Travel and Leisure magazine had an article going over what the current status is. Perhaps you can do an online description or find a print copy.

I was in St. Thomas in December. Lots of blue-tarped roofs to be seen, but Charlotte Amalie was open for business - restaurants, bars, shops, etc. all open. The only thing that I saw closed was the skyride thing that goes up the mountain. Excursions were going to all the beaches - I talked to some people who had gone to Magens Bay and said it was fine. Barbados is fine (the hurricanes hit from Dominica north and west).

Thought I should close out this post by saying we had a great time in the Caribbean. Yes there is still some abandoned buildings from hurricane damage - some as far back as Hugo in 1989 - but nothing that distracted from our comfort or the beauty of the islands. Keep in mind that hurricanes are part of the islands history and you'll have a wonderful visit.

Thanks for all the posts and advice,
Judy .

Thanks for that update, Judy! Several friends and I are planning a cruise out of San Juan in February, and several of them are apprehensive about what the hurricanes did!

Damage to the degree that was done much less political administrations which were less than effective fortunately are not