The Latest Post-Hurricane Updates Coming Out of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Hope is the thing with wings, supplies and WiFi for those still dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, rising from and running into the rubble are a band of heroes from the tourism sector, who are rolling up their sleeves to assist in everything from the delivery of supplies to hosting locals and emergency response workers. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas is currently scheduled to sail from St. Croix on September 29th with 750 evacuees, leaving St. Thomas on September 30th with an additional 250 from St. John and St. Thomas. Cruise ship reps are currently scoping out St. Thomas and St. Croix ports, as well as restaurants, shops and beaches for hints of a quick and triumphant return, hopefully by the end of October.

Here are a few more real-time updates, as given to us by the USVI Department of Tourism.

St. Croix

• The Buccaneer and the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa are open for business, but currently accommodating only relief workers such as FEMA. *Update: as of 9/29/17 the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola will be closed until further notice.
• The Henry E. Rohlsen Airport is scheduled to reopen next week.
• Divi Carina Bay is assisting in relief efforts by hosting military and other relief workers. The hotel will remain closed to additional against throughout 2017.

St. John

• The Westin St. John Resort &  Villas is assessing damage and will remain closed throughout the remainder of 2017.

St. Thomas

• The Cyril E. King Airport is expected to reopen for commercial flights on September 28th. Flight schedules will be determined by respective airlines.
• Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is hosting relief workers and guests in need, but closed for business throughout the remainder of 2017.
• Caravelle Hotel & Casino received ground floor flooding and some damage, but rooms were not affected. The hotel is hosting only relief workers at this time.
• Cottages by the Sea came through Hurricane Maria very well though clean-up is still happening on-site and water and electricity have not been restored. The resort says that all October reservations are currently intact.
• Bluebeard’s Castle Resort sustained major damage, which is currently being assessed.
• Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas and Sugar Bay Resort & Spa are all currently closed; Sugar Bay hopes to reopen this year.
• Secret Harbour Beach Resort has no major structural damage, but is currently closed until electricity and cell service is restored.
• Windward Passage Hotel is open only to first responders, business owners and relief workers at this time.

For more post-Irma and Maria updates, and to learn how you can assist in relief efforts, check out “3 Ways the Hospital Industry Is Helping Hurricane Irma and Maria Victims.”