St. Croix In The U.S. Virgin Islands ‘Getting Back To Business’ After Hurricane Irma

USVI Island Accepting Tourists; St. John & St. Thomas Hotels & Resorts Updates

In the wake of all the bad and sad news coming out of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands – indeed, all over the Caribbean – as a result of Hurricane Irma, there is some good news.

The island of St. Croix in the USVI is “getting back to business” according to a press release issued Saturday by the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

“The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has advised that full assessment on the impact of Hurricane Irma is underway and while St. Croix is getting back to business, visitors are being encouraged not to visit the district of St. Thomas and St. John,” it stated in the release.

“The island of St. Croix did not receive the full brunt of the storm, and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix receives its first commercial flight (JetBlue Airways from San Juan) today,” Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty said.

And Hurricane Jose posed no threat, as this post on Twitter shows:

#StCroix is getting bypassed by #HurricaneJose today. Let’s keep it normal here. pic.twitter.com/KoxYz3xXK4

— Richard Summerbell (@Akiliense) September 9, 2017

The other two U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John, are reeling from Irma. There are four reported fatalities on St. Thomas. Here’a an update on properties on St. John and St. Thomas:

St. John Hotels & Resorts Update

Caneel Bay: Complete power outage at the resort. Team assessing the damage.

Westin St. John Resort Villas: All associates, owners and guests are safe. The resort and the surrounding areas experienced some damage and overall impact is being assessed.

St. John Hotels & Resorts Update

Bluebeard’s Castle Resort: Everyone who was onsite is safe. The property has sustained major damage, which is currently being assessed.

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort: Resort is currently closed. There are no reported injuries. We encourage those planning to visit the hotel to check the news for the most current information and amend their travel plans accordingly. We are waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates and suggest our customers call 1-800-228-9290 for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the Marriott toll-free number in their country.

Margaritaville Vacation Club: With four resorts in the Caribbean, we have been closely monitoring the impacts of Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. At this time, we are able to confirm that all associates, owners and guests who were at Wyndham Rio Mar, Wyndham St. Thomas, Elysian Beach Resort, and Bluebeard’s Beach Club during the storm are safe. We will continue to work with our properties to re-establish regular communication and begin the recovery efforts.

Point Pleasant Resort: Everyone at the resort is safe, but without power and cell phone service. The team is currently assessing damage, and will post new information when available.

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: There are no reported injuries.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort: All guests and staff are safe. There is no major structural damage to the buildings. The generator is still working. No cell service except for Verizon.

Updated 9/8/17: Sugar Bay Resort & Spa: All guests and team members are safe. The damage is being assessed and will provide updated information when available.

Windward Passage: Will be closing for six months.