HAMILTON, Bermuda—Although Hurricane Fabian`s unwelcome Sept. 5 visit to Bermuda resulted in the closure of three properties, damage to the island`s golf courses, roads, businesses and private homes, and the temporary rerouting of cruise ships, the island moved quickly to remove debris, reconnect power and reopen transportation lines.

The island`s south coast, which sustained the brunt of the storm and more than three hours of 120-mph-plus winds and rain last Friday, had the heaviest damage, according to initial estimates.
Hotel Closures
The 400-room Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda in Southampton Parish, on a 25-acre peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, sustained heavy damage and will be closed through April, reopening May 1. Prior to Fabian`s arrival, 150 guests were evacuated to the Fairmont Southampton; guests with future bookings will be relocated to other properties, rebooked at a later date or given full refunds, a spokesman said.
The 94-room Pink Beach Club & Cottages in Tucker`s Town, which received extensive water damage, will be closed through March 14. Guests have the option to reschedule their trip for up to one year from the scheduled date of departure.
The 593-room Fairmont Southampton Princess, the largest resort on Bermuda, is closed through Sept. 22 while damage assessments to the roof area, indoor pool and spa are under way.
The 43-unit Ariel Sands Beach Club in Devonshire Parish is closed through Sept. 21 to assess damage to the roof and guest rooms.
Elbow Beach in Paget Parish is open, despite extensive damage to Cafe Lido and Mickey`s on the Beach.

Transportation
Bermuda International Airport reopened Sept. 7, but carriers have not resumed normal schedules. The causeway connecting the airport and St. George`s to the rest of the island was damaged, but one traffic lane is back in service.
Island bus service is operating on a limited basis. Most of the major roads are passable but many secondary roads still have downed trees and power lines.
New England is seeing a lot more cruise traffic this week, as lines revised the itineraries of their Bermuda-bound ships in the wake of Hurricane Fabian.
Celebrity Cruises` Horizon departed Philadelphia Sept. 7 for Bar Harbour and Portland, Maine; Boston; and St. John, New Brunswick. The Zenith, sailing out of New York on a similar itinerary, is calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia, instead of Boston.
Royal Caribbean`s Nordic Empress left New York Sept. 7 and is calling in Boston, Halifax, Portland.
Norwegian Cruise Line`s Norwegian Sea departed New York Sept. 7 forBar Harbor; Boston; Halifax; Newport, R.I.; and St. John. The Norwegian Majesty is calling in Bar Harbor; Halifax; Newport; St. John; and Sydney, Nova Scotia, before returning to Boston.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises` ship the Seven Seas Navigator, normally departing for Bermuda on Wednesdays, revised its upcoming Sept. 10 cruise to head to Bar Harbour, Boston and Halifax, (as well as its regular call in Norfolk Va.). The line substituted the Canada/New England schedule last week, as well. Radisson Seven Seas is offering guests a $750 future cruise credit.

Updates on Bermuda`s status will be posted once a day at the official Bermuda Web site at www.bermudatourism.com.

 

 

 

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