Spain lethal flash floods drive Royal Caribbean to alter cruise ship go to

Passengers onboard Odyssey of the Seas’ transatlantic cruise from Italy to Cape Liberty had been knowledgeable they’d not be visiting Valencia, Spain. 

Lethal flash floods attributable to heavy downpours in japanese Spain have resulted in at the very least 205 fatalities, in keeping with the Related Press. It is the nation’s deadliest storm in dwelling reminiscence and has been categorised as a stage two disaster on a scale of three. 

Spain’s meteorological company stated a yr’s price of rain fell on the area in lower than 8 hours. The catastrophic flooding occurred with little to no warning, trapping residents of their houses and autos. 

By the point an emergency alert was despatched out round 8:00pm, many had been already overwhelmed by the rising waters. Because the water got here dashing down the rivers and tributaries towards the Mediterranean Sea, bridges had been destroyed, and automobiles had been swept away. 

Valencia’s president, Carlos Mazón, has deployed over 500 troopers, becoming a member of the 1,200 from the Navy Emergency Unit. An extra 500 troopers will arrive on Saturday to assist rescue victims, clear particles, and supply meals and water. 

Whereas the waters have receded, it should take Spain months to get well from the destruction. Many are nonetheless with out energy or working water. CNN reported that Valencia’s highways are blocked or solely partially useable. Moreover, the practice tracks are so badly broken that rail companies will probably be unavailable for weeks. 

Royal Caribbean emailed booked passengers and journey brokers on Friday, Nov. 1, saying flash flooding has made it tough to navigate the world. 

“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change – the security and well-being of our visitors, crew, and the communities we go to are at all times our high precedence,” the discover reads. 

As an alternative of calling at Valencia, Odyssey of the Seas will go to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 earlier than resuming its unique itinerary, together with stops in Cartagena and Malaga, Spain, and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal, adopted by six days at sea en path to New Jersey. 

“The Spanish island of Mallorca is ready for you, with its towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water. Its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, and largest metropolis, the place you will discover quaint historic streets, Gothic castles, and gastronomic delights,” the e-mail continues. 

“When you’re feeling adventurous, journey by Palma de Mallorca’s Drach Caves, dwelling to the most important underground lake on the planet. Or hike by the town’s historic fifteenth century royal path to the city of Banyalbufar.”

Friends with shore excursions booked in Valencia will obtain a refund within the type of an onboard credit score on their SeaPass accounts, and so they can be utilized wherever onboard—from the Bionic Bar to one in every of Odyssey’s specialty eating places or one other tour in Palma de Mallorca.  

Any remaining credit not used in the course of the crusing will probably be refunded to the cardboard on file as much as 14 enterprise days after disembarkation. 

The subsequent Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to name at Valencia is Voyager of the Seas on Nov. 12, adopted by Journey of the Seas on the twenty fifth. After that, Valencia will not see one other Royal Caribbean ship till subsequent yr, when Brilliance of the Seas visits in April, marking the start of the cruise line’s European season. 

Learn extra: I stayed in a windowless cabin onboard Odyssey of the Seas that price $2,300

Odyssey of the Seas is repositioning to New Jersey

After she arrives in mid-November, the 1,138-foot-long ship will make common voyages to Florida and The Bahamas. She’ll additionally embark on just a few longer sailings to the Southern Caribbean in January. 

Odyssey will return to Europe in Might 2025, following a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Italy. The vessel will stay homeported in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, by October 2025, providing sailings to the Greek Isles. 

As a Quantum Class ship, Odyssey options revolutionary design and superior know-how, starting from the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose indoor venue that hosts actions reminiscent of bumper automobiles and curler skating, to the North Star, a glass statement capsule that takes passengers excessive above the ship for views of the encircling ocean and ports of name.