The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency chartered the only ship of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Grand Celebration, to house first responders in St Thomas USVI as they help to rebuild the island after Hurricane Irma.
On September 6 and 7, 2017 the storm hit the island as Category 5 hurricane damaging a wealth of buildings and causing power outages. Flights to Saint Thomas Island are currently limited to aircrafts that deliver emergency relief supplies. The cruise port is closed to passengers.
Between September 23 and late December, Grand Celebration will provide meals and housing to first responders and members of U.S. National Guard. Regular cruises are scheduled to resume on December 23.
Affected passengers who booked directly through the line are able to opt for a 100% refund of the cruise price or reschedule the sailings and receive US$100-per-stateroom onboard credit.