The Caribbean is bracing for significant disruption as Hurricane Melissa intensifies, forcing airlines and cruise operators to implement emergency changes to schedules and itineraries across the popular holiday region.
Travel Plans Thrown Into Turmoil
Holidaymakers face widespread chaos as the powerful storm system moves through key tourist destinations. Major airports across the eastern Caribbean have cancelled numerous flights, leaving passengers stranded and desperately seeking alternative arrangements.
"We're seeing unprecedented disruption for this time of year," reported one travel industry insider. "Airlines are prioritising passenger safety, which means complete schedule overhauls until the storm passes."
Cruise Lines Scramble to Reroute
The cruise industry is facing similar challenges, with several major operators confirming significant changes to planned routes:
- Multiple ships being redirected away from affected islands
- Alternative ports of call being arranged at short notice
- Passengers being offered compensation and revised itineraries
- Some shorter cruises potentially being extended to avoid the storm's path
Which Destinations Are Most Affected?
Current meteorological data suggests the storm will impact several popular tourist hotspots over the coming days. Travellers with bookings to the following areas should contact their tour operators immediately:
- The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos
- Eastern Caribbean islands including Barbados and St Lucia
- Parts of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
- Selected Mexican coastal resorts
Meteorologists are warning that the storm could develop into a major hurricane within the next 48 hours, with potential for further travel disruption across a wider area.
What Should Travellers Do?
Experts advise affected passengers to take immediate action:
- Contact your airline or tour operator before heading to the airport
- Check cruise company websites for itinerary updates
- Review travel insurance policies for storm coverage
- Allow significant extra time for any confirmed travel
- Monitor official weather channels for the latest updates
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the region, urging British nationals to follow local authorities' guidance and register with their embassy if concerned.
