Postcard from New York and Caribbean

Breathtaking views as we cruised out of New York City, past the Statue of Liberty as we were about to embark on a cruise of a lifetime, however as travel would have it there can be surprises along the way.

We were confirmed, our flights were booked and we were anticipating our amazing holiday - then Hurricane Irma made landfall across the Caribbean on 6 September 2017. Reported as one of the most powerful storms ever recorded....

Viking Sea, on the 16 October 2017 was the first cruise liner to visit the Caribbean and it was a privilege to be onboard and to reconnect and give hope to the locals, following the devastation of Irma!

Not all islands were affected and we went to every port bar one, taking much needed food / water , generators and resources.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico this was one of the worst affected, large trees pulled from the ground, the city was in disarray but blessed by the locals opened their doors in 45deg heat, with no power for over a month. I could tell that when I brought my panama hat, it meant so much to the business owner and I felt humbled to have been able to experience this cruise, and help in a small way.

Tourism can connect people and help, not only to those travelling but to the destinations visited.