Severe weather recently hit the Bahamas, causing disruptions for cruise travellers. Royal Caribbean Group has confirmed that their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, has suffered damage. This limits the number of ships that can dock safely.
Pier Damage Affects Cruise Itineraries
The storm caused significant damage to the eastern side of CocoCay’s pier. Strong winds and heavy seas tore several catwalks loose, which fell into the water. This debris poses a hazard for arriving ships. Divers have not yet located all the submerged structures, making it unsafe for vessels to dock on that side.
Changes to Cruise Schedules
Due to these safety concerns, cruise itineraries have been altered. Freedom of the Seas and Celebrity Reflection have both cancelled their scheduled visits to CocoCay. Freedom of the Seas, on a five-night Bahamas cruise, will now visit Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic instead. Meanwhile, Celebrity Reflection, also on a five-night journey, will replace CocoCay with a stop at Freeport in the Bahamas.
Limited Docking Capacity at CocoCay
Despite the damage, CocoCay remains partially operational. Ships can still dock on the western side of the pier, but only one vessel per day. This reduced capacity means that when two ships are scheduled, one must divert to another port or spend the day at sea. For instance, on 3rd February, Wonder of the Seas docked at CocoCay, while Freedom of the Seas stayed at sea.
Future Cruise Adjustments
CocoCay is a popular stop on Royal Caribbean’s Bahamas itineraries. Typically, two ships are scheduled to visit each day. Until the eastern pier is repaired, further cancellations are likely. Decisions on which ship can dock will depend on factors like vessel size and original plans. Some sailings might be adjusted to visit CocoCay on a different day, especially when no ships are scheduled.
Cruise guests affected by these changes should stay informed. Check for updates from your cruise line to ensure a smooth holiday experience.
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