There’s just a little over three months to go before February 15–25, 2018, when the 15th Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise sets sail. We are looking forward to a great event! We are sold out, except for a few suites. If you would like to come, but haven’t booked yet, we do have a wait list in case rooms open up! Email your name, phone number, type of room you would like, and the number in your party to info@lorrainetravel.com.
As many of you know, our original itinerary was changed by MSC Cruises due to the damage to several islands caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. With those islands focused on recovery efforts, MSC arranged for us to visit alternative destinations further south and east, in order to ensure a great vacation experience. We’re especially excited about the four ports that we will be visiting for the first time, and also about returning to St. Thomas, one of the favorite ports of past guests.
Since 2004, Holistic Holiday at Sea has been traveling throughout the Caribbean, and we feel deeply about the communities that were affected by the hurricanes. We’d like to update you on what MSC Cruises is doing and Holistic Holiday is planning in this regard.
First, we applaud the MSC Group—including the Mediterranean Shipping Company and MSC Cruises—for their engagement in both short- and long-term relief efforts, including procurement and complimentary shipping of needed goods to support the Caribbean islands most impacted by the hurricanes. These efforts are ongoing and will continue as MSC helps the Caribbean recover as quickly as possible.
Holistic Holiday at Sea president, Sandy Pukel, will be donating some of the proceeds of an onboard raffle to the recovery efforts. There will be lots of great prizes, so this is another way to contribute and hopefully win something, too!
A number of you have asked about what you can do to help. St. Thomas is the only port we will be visiting that was impacted by the hurricanes in September, and recovery efforts are well underway. Stay tuned for more updates on what we can do to help the people who feel like family in the Caribbean.
The Updated Itinerary
The MSC Divina will depart from Miami, Florida, and head to the following ports of call in the southeastern Caribbean:
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
- Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
- Fort-de-France, Martinique
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe
You can view the itinerary here.
In 2017, we traveled to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Historically, the cruise has alternated between the Eastern and West Caribbean, but for our next cruise, there will be primarily brand new ports, in part made possible by the extension from seven days to ten. “There is extra time so we will not be pressed to fit everything in,” says Sandy Pukel, HHAS president.
Lectures will take place when we are not at a port so the maximum amount of time can be allotted to exploring these new places. Giving guests many opportunities to see new sights and learn about different points of history is an important part of the cruise’s mission. “Different cultures are always educational and exciting to experience,” says Sandy.
The Ports
Basseterre (Photo courtesy of MSC)
Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands was founded in 1681 by Danish settlers. What was then a colonial trading post is now a bustling town. The Three Queens Fountain honors three important women who led a successful 1878 labor revolt against the Danish Government: Queen Mary, Queen Agnes, and Queen Josiah. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, Charlotte Amalie features charming cobblestone alleyways and 17th century Danish fortifications. The combination of old and new is any history buff’s dream.
Founded in 1627 by the French, Basseterre (French for lower ground) is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre attracts visitors for its beaches, resorts, and marinas. One of the two centers features a green clock tower and water fountain known as the Piccadilly Circus, or the Circus.
Many visitors to Martinique’s capital city of Fort-de-France check out the Fort St-Louis, after which the city was named. Beach goers will not be disappointed as there are many spots to lounge by the water. Exports of Fort-de-France, Martinique, include rum, bananas, cacao, and pineapples.
Bridgetown (Photo courtesy of MSC)
Formerly the town of Saint Michael, Bridgetown is on the southwest coast of Barbados. Known for its British colonial architecture, Bridgetown has many historic sites, such as Morgan Lewis Windmill (last operating sugar windmill in Barbados), St. John’s Parish Church, National Heroes Square, and the oldest Jewish synagogue in the western hemisphere.
A city on the island of Grand-Terre in Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre is a fashion hub with a vibrant marketplace. The smell of aromatic spices will greet you in the marketplace where you can find locally woven fabric and fresh fruits and vegetables. Beautiful French architecture awaits you, such as the Cathédrale de St-Pierre et St-Paul, nicknamed the “Iron Cathedral” because of its iron girders.
Caribbean Hurricane Relief Organizations
Here you can donate directly to St Thomas and “100% of your donation will benefit those in crisis” (via Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands).
Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been operating in the USVI for more than 25 years. It has supported past relief efforts in the region and is working closely with government and community providers to identify priorities and direct resources for immediate needs as well as long-term recovery efforts.
YouCaring 21 US Virgin Island Relief Fund
Former San Antonio Spurs basketball star Tim Duncan, who grew up on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, created the 21 U.S. Virgin Island Relief Fund when Irma hit the island. Now, in the aftermath of Maria, the fundraising goal has been increased to $5 million. Duncan matched the first $1 million in donations. $2,742,158 has been raised so far by 21,538 donors. The goal is $5,000,000.
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
CDEMA is a regional, inter-governmental agency for disaster management in the Caribbean. Members include the Virgin Islands, Barbuda and Dominica—all territories devastated by the recent storms. Donations to the CDEMA Hurricane Relief Fund will be used to purchase relief supplies and support early recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these hurricanes and we will continue to update you on our efforts to ensure an amazing experience for our guests and support efforts of rehabilitation in the US Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands.
