Norwegian Cruise Line has begun reaching out to company visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico to inform them {that a} common rainforest hike shore tour has been cancelled.
Little clarification has been given for the cancellations – which affect a number of crusing dates in 2024 – however company who had booked the tour are being supplied full refunds.
Rainforest Hike Excursions Cancelled
Passengers on upcoming Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Puerto Rico will not be capable to benefit from the El Yunque Rainforest Hike tour. The cruise line has been contacting booked company and their related journey brokers to inform them that the tour is not accessible.
“We’re reaching out to advise that your shore tour, El Yunque Rainforest Hike has been cancelled as a consequence of operational wants,” the e-mail defined.
Friends who’ve booked the tour are being given full refunds again to the unique type of fee. This refund is computerized and impacted vacationers don’t have to take any motion to make sure their charges are returned.
“We do apologize for any inconvenience this will likely trigger,” the e-mail concluded. “We sincerely admire your understanding and look ahead to welcoming you aboard in your dream trip at sea!”
Whereas Norwegian Cruise Line is routinely cancelling and refunding impacted excursions, company who’ve made unbiased preparations will need to attain out to their tour operators to ask about changes or cancellations if essential.
Different shore excursions can be found to ebook and company may have loads of nice choices to discover the colourful tradition and historical past of San Juan when their ship arrives, together with browsing classes, bike excursions, rum tastings, dance performances, kayaking, strolling excursions, zip strains, and extra.
A number of excursions to El Yunque are additionally listed on the Norwegian Cruise Line web site, however in the meanwhile these excursions solely embrace scenic drives, reasonably than climbing alternatives. Driving excursions do typically embrace stops at scenic vistas, waterfalls, or commentary towers the place accessible, although stops could range.
Why the Cancellation?
The precise “operational wants” haven’t been detailed, however there may very well be a number of causes for the cancellation. Roadwork or different development within the park might make the property much less accessible in the meanwhile, or staffing concerns could also be impacting what number of guests might be accommodated.
It must be famous that the park’s Baño de Oro Path, one of many main climbing trails, has been closed for development since July 2023. Whereas a small portion of the tail is open, the rest of the path is closed for development work.
Moreover, the Mt. Britton Path can be impacted by development, as varied highway segments towards the commentary tower are being repaved, and new culverts are being put in. This work started in August 2023 is predicted to proceed till March 2024.
Parking is at the moment restricted at El Yunque Nationwide Forest, and customer capability is being fastidiously managed whereas development is underway.
Flood or landslide injury in several areas of the park – a typical incidence in nationwide parks – might additionally shut all or elements of various trails. The park receives, on common, 120-240 inches of rainfall annually, relying on the place the precipitation is measured.
Additionally it is potential that the tour cancellations could associated to shortened port go to occasions on the a part of Norwegian Cruise Line, and never be associated to operational challenges within the park itself.
El Yunque Nationwide Forest is almost 29,000 acres and is the one tropical rainforest within the US Nationwide Forest system. It’s positioned in northeastern Puerto Rico, and is the biggest block of public land on the island. It is likely one of the hottest vacationer sights, with many miles of climbing trails, tenting amenities, waterfalls, swimming areas, and rather more to get pleasure from.
