In latest weeks, Princess Cruises has confronted challenges resulting from congestion on the port of Roatan, Honduras. Following the sooner introduced diversion of Regal Princess on January 25, the cruise line has introduced an analogous alteration for Sky Princess.
Whereas influence on friends is minimal, with Princess Cruises exchanging dates between the calls to Belize and Roatan, the modifications underscore the continuing points confronted by cruise operators because of the growing reputation of Caribbean locations, notably through the peak season.
Sky Princess Diverted Amidst Roatan Port Congestion
Princess Cruises has been compelled to tell friends of one other itinerary change for friends booked on a cruise calling to Isla Roatan, Honduras. Friends booked on the February 17, 2024, cruise onboard Sky Princess crusing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, can be getting a distinct itinerary than that they had initially counted on.
Sky Princess, initially scheduled to go to Roatan on February 20, 2024, will now be calling on the port a day earlier, on February 19. This alteration has been necessitated by the numerous congestion at Roatan, with a number of cruise ships scheduled to dock on the identical day.
The brand new itinerary sees Sky Princess visiting Belize Metropolis on February 20 and Cozumel on February 21, a reshuffling of the unique schedule.
Friends affected by these modifications, notably these with pre-booked Princess shore excursions, have been knowledgeable that the cruise line can be attempting its greatest to accommodate friends on the identical excursions on the brand new dates. Ought to this show inconceivable, they are going to be refunded the funds already paid.
Additionally Learn: Princess Cruises Makes a Important Value Improve
The modifications that Princess Cruises has been making stem from the truth that Roatan solely has area for 3 cruise ships per day, whereas 4 have been scheduled.
Roatan’s Rising Recognition
The present state of affairs at Roatan displays the island’s hovering reputation. With an increasing number of cruise operators crusing to the Western Caribbean, cruise strains are selecting from a wider pool of locations than Cozumel and Costa Maya. A number of cruise ships coming in every day have grow to be a norm, with the present Caribbean cruise season witnessing unprecedented visitors.
This surge in reputation, whereas useful for native tourism, presents logistical challenges for each cruise operators and port authorities.
The congestion problem is additional compounded by the simultaneous presence of a number of giant cruise ships. For example, on February 20, Roatan is predicted to welcome Carnival Jubilee, Enchantment Of The Seas, and Norwegian Prima, with a mixed visitor rely exceeding 10,000. Such excessive volumes pressure port amenities and necessitate scheduling changes.
The scenario with Sky Princess serves as a reminder for friends on different cruises to remain vigilant. Regal Princess, which has already seen itinerary modifications for the January 21 cruise, faces comparable congestion challenges for the decision to Roatan on February 21. On that date, Regal Princess is scheduled to name along with Carnival Dream, Concord Of The Seas, and Norwegian Breakaway.
Sky Princess can be crusing the japanese and western Caribbean by means of March 9, 2024. After that, the ship can be crusing a 16-night transatlantic cruise with calls to the Azores; Madeira; Casablanca, Morocco; Cadiz, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and concluding in Southampton, England, on March 25.
From her summer season homeport in Southampton, the 141,000 gross tons Sky Princess can be crusing a variety of itineraries to Spain, France, Iceland, Norway, and plenty of extra international locations round Europe.
