Caribbean vacations could be affected by Irma

Latest word on the status of Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Irma shows some have been hit hard and others recovering.

According to the latest information from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, some of the hardest hit Caribbean islands and countries include Anguilla, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, the Dutch and French island of St. Martin, and the islands of St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Hotels, cruise ship ports and other facilities and infrastructure in those locations might have received significant damage and could affect visitors’ vacation plans for months to come.

Other islands were damaged to varying degrees.

St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands received minor damage.

Puerto Rico suffered significant power outages, but the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. reported that major tourism infrastructure and attractions on the island were operational for the most part and many properties are ready to receive guests immediately.

The Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas, reopened Sunday although other Bahamian airports remained closed. Cruise ports in the Bahamas were being evaluated for safety before being giving the go-ahead to reopen. Cruise reservation holders are being advised to check directly with cruise providers for updates on the status of departures and itineraries.