Attractions in Florida including several Disney theme parks shut down on Saturday ahead of Hurricane Irma hitting the state.
Disney closed a number of parks including the Magic Kingdom Park, Animal Kingdom Hollywood Studios, Epcot and its two water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
The announcement was made on the company’s official website, and counts as the fifth time in history the resorts officially closed since Walt Disney World first opened nearly 45 years ago.
Other Florida theme parks to announce their closure on Sunday and Monday included Universal Studios, LEGOLAND Florida, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, cruise operator Royal Caribbean International mobilised ships and supplies to help people in need over the weekend.
In co-ordination with the US and local governments ships were dispatched to St Thomas and St Maarten and were on stand by to assist in Key West, Tampa and other locations.
Adventure of the Seas was due to make a humanitarian stop in St Maarten on Sunday and Majesty of the Seas will make calls to St Thomas and St Maarten to provide supplies and also assist in transporting evacuees in St Maarten to safety.
Additionally, Empress of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas were put on standby to assist Key West and Tampa once the impact of the storm is known.
As a result, the line cancelled a September 13 Cuba cruise by Empress of the Seas and a September 15 Bahamas departure by Majesty of the Seas. A Majesty of the Seas charter due to sail today (Monday) was also cancelled.
Other Caribbean and Bahamas cruises by Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas are being altered.
Carnival Cruise Line cancelled four departures after the ports of Miami, Port Evaglades, Port Canaveral and Tampa were shut due to Hurricane Irma with full refunds being offered. A further six weekend departures have been delayed until tomorrow or Wednesday.
The line said: ”We are working on outreach and support for those islands already impacted.
“We have been in communication with officials in many of the Caribbean islands and have activated a plan to begin delivery of supplies on both an immediate and sustained, longer-term basis.
”These deliveries will be worked into ships’ cruise itineraries as part of our ongoing operations. And, as we await news of the full impact that Irma will have on Florida, we stand ready to provide support as needed to affected ports and communities.
“Carnival Corporation foundation is also beginning to evaluate the best channels for support in the Caribbean, as well as Florida once the storm passes through the state.”
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