Icon of the Seas cancels call to St Kitts amid weather disturbance

The Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas which was scheduled to arrive island nation on Tuesday, 13th August 2024 has been cancelled due to the unfavourable weather conditions of the country. This decision has been taken ensuring the safety and well-being of all the passengers and crew members.

The information about the unfortunate cancellation of the vessel was provided to the St Kitts Tourism Authority by Port Agent. Along with that, the seaport will also be temporary closed due to the expected storm.

While shedding light on the temporary closure of the sea port, the authorities noted that this is a protective step taken for the safety of their staff, business and personnel for the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto. However, RLB International Airport will continue its operations as scheduled.

Moreover, Icon of the seas plays a huge role in bringing large number of tourists to the country and in the last month also, the vessel managed to bring thousands of passengers to the nation. But this time, the call for the cruise vessel has been cancelled with the motive of ensuring the safety of all the visitors.

Notably, St Kitts and Nevis is currently under a tropical storm effect warning and the citizens have been asked to stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and advisories from the official sources such as the National Emergency Management Agency SKN. The tourism authority has urged people to cooperate them and has reiterated their commitment to the highest standards of safety and hospitality.

The authority has promised to navigate this challenging situation with resilience and care. Also, as per the recent report shared by the Meteorological Service, the center of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 16.0 N, Longitude 58.5 West. As per the details, Ernesto is moving towards the West near 28 mph.

On the forecast track, Ernesto is expected to move across portions of the Leeward Islands Tuesday and near or over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by today evening. Ernesto is then expected to turn northward over the western Atlantic. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts of upto 50mph possible. Seas are also forecasted to reach between 8 to 11ft.

Gradual strengthening is also anticipated during the next few days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the centre. The expected minimum central pressure is 1009 mb. Also, the offices of St Kitts have been closed for the safety of staff members.

St Kitts and Nevis have another cruise call for this month i.e. on Wednesday, 21st August. The Rhapsody of the Seas will make its visit to the shores of the country and is anticipated to welcome over 2000 passengers to the country. Since now no changes in plan or any cancellation has been announced for Rhapsody of the Seas.