Frankenstorm’s Halloween visit. Image: Guardian UK

The wrath of Hurricane Sandy may be over but the damage she has left in her wake was evident for all to see this morning in the worst hit cities of New Jersey and New York, where the cruise port remains closed.

At least 48 people lost their lives during the storm, with 18 of those recorded in New York City and hundreds remain missing as the extent of the damage is assessed.

The power of social media has been proven once again in a crisis situation, with cruise lines keeping passengers up to date and fielding questions through Facebook and Twitter along with their websites.

Updated cruise diversions are as follows:

Caribbean Princess

The Brooklyn port will remain closed until the weekend, meaning that Caribbean Princess is unable to sail out of Boston and into New York as planned on 30 October.

Princess Cruises is researching alternative port options and the line remains hopeful that the ship will be able to call into Manhattan on Friday.

Caribbean Princess will remain in Boston overnight and guests will have the option to disembark in Boston on 31 October.

Complimentary phone and internet services have been provided for all passengers requiring changes to their independent travel plans.

Future cruise credits will be supplied to all passengers as a gesture of goodwill by Princess Cruises.

All passengers booked on voyage B238 have been advised of the late departure and will receive a per diem for any cruise days missed.

Those guests who have booked Princess Air or transfers will be contacted regarding the changes to their specific travel plans.

Crystal Symphony

The Port of New York closure has caused the diversion of Crystal Symphony’s Voyage 2226.

She will now sail directly to Charleston, South Carolina, arriving on 1 November and allowing guests to disembark on either 1 or 2 November.

Those selecting to disembark on 1 November will be able to do so between 11:30am and 2:00pm with disembarkation between 7:00am and 9:00am required on 2 November.

Complimentary shuttles to the airport will be available on both 1 November and 2 November during disembarkation hours and complimentary internet will be available on board to assist passengers requiring changes to their travel arrangements.

Norwegian Gem

The ship will call into Boston on 31 October at 9:30am to take on provisions and fuel.

Guests will have the option to go ashore in Boston with a scheduled departure of 3:00pm when she will sail towards New York and remain at sea until the Port of New York reopens.

Those who wish to disembark in Boston are free to do so.

Click here for more updates to cruise itineraries.