Cruise Lines Set Dates for Reopening of Bahamas Private Islands

Cruise lines are slowly recovering operations and itineraries back to normal after Hurricane Dorian passed through the Bahamas and to Florida this week.

After Dorian moved out to sea, cruise lines began to assess the damage that the storm did to some of their Bahamian private properties. Some have set dates for their reopening, while others are still determining the best course of action.

Perfect Day at CocoCay
After the survey team inspected the island, Royal Caribbean announced that it will reopen Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sept. 7.

The cruise line said in a statement: “While CocoCay was somewhat spared from Hurricane Dorian’s destruction and we did not have any major damage, the storm left behind debris, washed away some of our sand and bricks, and took down many of our trees. We started working on repairs as quickly as possible, but we kindly ask that ‘you mind our dust’ or sand, as we continue our own recovery efforts.”

Half Moon Cay
According to an update from Holland American Line, Carnival Corp.’s Half Moon Cay suffered “minor beach erosion that will be cleaned up but no structural damage” during Hurricane Dorian.

Holland America expects its ships to return to the island on Oct. 21.

Castaway Cay
According to an update from Disney Cruise Line, “all is well” at Castaway Cay, as Dorian only caused tropical storm conditions on the island, but the company has yet to reopen the island.

“We have some cleaning up to do related to landscaping and will need to make minor repairs to the roof of one small covered pavilion,” Disney said in a statement.

Disney said it also needs to evaluate the pier and ship channel before they set a date for the island’s reopening.

Great Stirrup Cay
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Great Stirrup Cay is still closed to cruise traffic and a team is still assessing the damage.