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Hurricane Irma: Royal Caribbean ‘back to business as usual’

Royal Caribbean Cruises is getting back to business as usual today (Monday) following hurricane Irma and has called on the industry to support the Caribbean now more than ever.

A total of 14 Royal Caribbean International sailings were impacted by Irma, while two Celebrity Cruises itineraries were amended this week.

Royal’s office in Miami re-opened on Tuesday after it was forced to close for five days during the hurricane.

Speaking on behalf of the group, vice president and managing director Celebrity Cruises UK & Ireland & Asia, Jo Rzymowska, confirmed all staff and guests were safe and well.

“That is the most important thing,” she said. “But our thoughts are with the Caribbean now more than ever. It’s so important we continue to visit and support the islands which we are very committed to.”

Rzymowska said the group’s brands worked together to mitigate against the impact of the hurricane.

Royal’s Enchantment of the Seas was used to evacuate staff and families caught up in the eye of the storm and the company worked closely with the Red Cross to get aid into Antigua for those affected in Barbuda and food supplies to Saint Martin.

“It’s in our DNA to do what we can in these situations. We are getting back to normal and it’s very important that we now focus on supporting the Caribbean as a destination.”

Anyone can donate to the hurricane Irma relief effort on any of the group’s websites.

More: 

Hurricane Irma: Antigua stresses that it’s ‘open for business’

Hurricane Irma: BA Caribbean and US flights return to normal

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