Adam Coulter, Editor Cruise Critic U.K. reports on cruise ships out at sea waiting for Hurricane Sandy hits the Eastern Shores:
The northeastern coast of the United States remains in virtual shutdown with major airports and ports closed “until further notice,” forcing a number of cruise ships to stay out in open sea -- including those that have been caught up in the storm. As Superstorm Sandy continues to batter an area stretching from Pennsylvania to Maine, three ships -- Norwegian Gem, Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas and AIDALuna -- have been forced to delay their returns to port.
New York's three major airports -- JFK, Newark and La Guardia -- also remain closed with nearly 5,000 flights canceled in the affected area today. Nearby Atlantic City International Airport also was closed. Around 15,000 flights have been canceled since the storm hit. The Port of New York, where Norwegian Gem was scheduled to return two days' ago, also remains closed.
The captain of Gem has posted the following update on Norwegian's Facebook page:
“Greetings from Captain Roger Gustavsen on board the beautiful Norwegian Gem. Hurricane Sandy has started to impact the east coast; but we remain safely at sea, out of the storm's path, 400 nautical miles off the south east coast of New York City. The Port of New York remains closed due to safety; therefore, we will hold our current position until we receive word that it safe to sail back into port. The latest forecast shows us being able to dock tomorrow evening and until then we will keep everyone on board safe, comfortable and entertained.”
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