What's HAL's Policy in Case of Hurricane

[gooselace]

With the possibility of hurricanes moving along the eastern US coast, I'm curious. We're booked on the Sept 16 Eurodam Quebec to New York - what happens in case a hurricane prevents the ship from proceeding along the coast? Do passengers have to disembark, say in Halaifax, and try to find flights to get home? Or does the ship just stay in the safest port until the hurricane moves on? Is there any compensation from HAL for trip interruption? We have trip insurance, but I'm not sure it covers a disruption of service.

Of course I'm hoping this won't happen, but I like to be prepared, at least in my mind, for such eventualities. I'm sure some of you have had experience with this situation. What did HAL do?

[Copper10-8]

With the possibility of hurricanes moving along the eastern US coasts, I'm curious. We're booked on the Sept 16 Eurodam Quebec to New York - what happens in case a hurricane prevents the ship from proceeding along the coast? Do passengers have to disembark, say in Halaifax, and try to find flights to get home? Or does the ship just stay in the safest port until the hurricane moves on?

Of course I'm hoping this won't happen, but I like to be prepared, at least in my mind, for such eventualities. I'm sure some of you have had experience with this situation. What did HAL do?

Hard to tell at this time. It all depends on the track prospective hurricane(s) will take and what the available options are as far as alternate routes. The safety of the passengers, crew and ship always comes first. With that in mind, the ship's captain will sail the safest course as is possible and will go around a hurricane when able. If that means missing certain ports of call, that decision will be made.

One of the least safe spots for a ship to be when a hurricane hits a certain port is being tied up in that same port. In that case, the ship runs a real chance of sustaining damage. A good example of that is HAL Captain Mercer who was ordered by the port authority of Acapulco to stay in port with Veendam when hurricane Henriette hit that port city in the fall of 1997. He basically got them to agree to let him anchor his ship in the Bay but, once underway, kept on chugging and outflanked the approaching hurricane. We missed a port because of that but everyone aboard Veendam on that cruise was a happy camper. Acapulco, unfortunately, sustained heavy damage + deaths and injuries to its population.

Disembarking pax and finding air transportation home for them would be a last resort. I can't remember that sorta thing occuring recently as the result of a hurricane in the ship's path. It has happened in the case of accidents (non hurricane-related) involving the ship, i.e. running aground, sustaining damage, etc.

[sapper1]

Last August on the Eurodam TA we were headed for St. John's, Newfoundland when Hurricane Bill came up the coast. We skipped St. John's and were diverted to the other side of the island to Cornerbrook, and then the next day we sat out the hurricane in Gaspe. When it passed by we then ventured out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, skipped Sydney and went on to Halifax. Aside from a little roughness of the sea we experienced no discomfort.

We were disappointed about missing St. John's as I love it there, but "them's the breaks" when you cruise during hurricane season.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I truely doubt if you have to worry about the ship having to disembark the passengers in an unscheduled port to make their way home just because of a hurricane.

But do expect that you may have itinerary changes -- different ports -- insurance does not cover this.

[jhannah]

I'll let you know. We board the Maasdam in Boston this Saturday, practically ground zero for Earl. Sail7seas is disembarking that day from her B2B, so it will be "interesting" to see what happens.

[peaches from georgia]

I'll let you know. We board the Maasdam in Boston this Saturday, practically ground zero for Earl. Sail7seas is disembarking that day from her B2B, so it will be "interesting" to see what happens.
Let us know when you hear something, Jim. Looking at this morninng's hurricane map it doesn't look possible for Maasdam to come in or out of Boston on Sat.

[E~Reflections]

I'll be on the Eurodam Sept 6th:) headed north to Quebec. Looks like we will be training behind Earl:rolleyes: (should be fun). My real question is what itinerary is the Eurodam on now and how she will get into New York :confused:.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have wondered why there hasn't been more concern for the CC'ers onboard Maasdam and Veendam right now. We've got 3 (now 2) hurricanes barrelling up the Eastern seaboard with Earl sure to stir the waters for both ships and I've seen no real concern here.

Seems very strange. It really could present a problem for both ships itineraries over the next several days.

[Himself]

It looks to me like the Eurodam is currently on a voyage from Europe and is making various ports of call as she heads to the American port she will operate out of until she heads down to Florida in October.

[realnurse2]

I am also on the Eurodam as of Sept 6 (check roll call board if you wish) I have done most of this itinerary brfore. The last time we had to miss Charlettown:( and they stayed out at sea until they could proceed. If you had shore excursions booked you got an onboard credit as well as any per capita port charges you have already paid for. I also think we got 1\2 glass of complimentary champagne at dinner that evening:eek: We might divert to another port instead or not depending on the weather and the captain's decision. Bring your rain gear and don't worry. We will have a good time one way or the other.

[mudscraper]

I have wondered why there hasn't been more concern for the CC'ers onboard Maasdam and Veendam right now. We've got 3 (now 2) hurricanes barrelling up the Eastern seaboard with Earl sure to stir the waters for both ships and I've seen no real concern here.

Seems very strange. It really could present a problem for both ships itineraries over the next several days.
There are no hurricanes barrelling up the eastern seaboard. Yes Earl is on its way but its location is just north of PR. A bumpy ride awaits those ships.

[navybankerteacher]

Given the advance notice of anticipated hurricane paths, it is not that difficult for a ship to avoid a storm. Certainly they would not stay in port -that is where the real damage can happen. Because hurricanes move at a fairly steady clip, the greatest likely delay for entering a particular port would be less than 24 hours. That said, the necessity of course/itinerary modification is a real prospect; and, since if anything is an "act of God", it would be a hurricane -- why would anyone think a cruise line would assume responsibility for reimbursing passengers?

You go to sea, you take your chances (within reason, of course).

[baggal]

With the possibility of hurricanes moving along the eastern US coast, I'm curious. We're booked on the Sept 16 Eurodam Quebec to New York - what happens in case a hurricane prevents the ship from proceeding along the coast? Do passengers have to disembark, say in Halaifax, and try to find flights to get home? Or does the ship just stay in the safest port until the hurricane moves on? Is there any compensation from HAL for trip interruption? We have trip insurance, but I'm not sure it covers a disruption of service.

Of course I'm hoping this won't happen, but I like to be prepared, at least in my mind, for such eventualities. I'm sure some of you have had experience with this situation. What did HAL do?

There is no financial compensation for missed ports other than a refund of port charges which are part of your fare.

Several years ago a RCI ship scheduled to travel to Bermuda diverted to Nova Scotia. Passengers on that ship were in an uproar because the storm never made it to Bermuda; they weren't told prior to boarding that they were going to Nova Scotia; and passengers were never given the opportunity to opt out and activate their insurance, if they had it. I think lawsuits were involved. Months later, RCI offered passengers on that ship 50% off a future cruise. Usual practice is for the cruise lines to offer nothing other than a glass of wine at dinner.

[dtiger]

We're on the 9/5 to Bermuda and it looks like a bumpy ride leaving New York.

[mamaofami]

I have wondered why there hasn't been more concern for the CC'ers onboard Maasdam and Veendam right now. We've got 3 (now 2) hurricanes barrelling up the Eastern seaboard with Earl sure to stir the waters for both ships and I've seen no real concern here.

Seems very strange. It really could present a problem for both ships itineraries over the next several days.

I have been concerned that after all the worry there was about the present Veendam cruise, and our requests that someone let us know how things were, no one from that cruise has posted yet. Maybe they have no internet service.

I didn't really think that the Maasdam was in the path of the storm yet. Later this week, however, we do expect that Earl will be coming up the east coast and that might be a problem then, both for embarking and disembarking passengers on Saturday.

Everyone keep safe.

[Oceanwench]

There are no hurricanes barrelling up the eastern seaboard. Yes Earl is on its way but its location is just north of PR. A bumpy ride awaits those ships.

Tough crowd.
I guess she should have said "toward," the way the AP did in its story!

"Hurricane Earl, now a powerful Category 4 storm, barreled toward the U.S. coast early Tuesday after battering tiny islands across the northeastern Caribbean with heavy rain and winds that damaged homes and toppled power lines."

Forgive us Floridians for having a heightened sense of urgency when it comes to these storms. :rolleyes:

[Oceanwench]

I have been concerned that after all the worry there was about the present Veendam cruise, and our requests that someone let us know how things were, no one from that cruise has posted yet. Maybe they have no internet service.

I didn't really think that the Maasdam was in the path of the storm yet. Later this week, however, we do expect that Earl will be coming up the east coast and that might be a problem then, both for embarking and disembarking passengers on Saturday.

Everyone keep safe.


I think the present Veedam cruise is out of harm's way and they're all too busy having fun to post!
The concern is for their voyage back to port - same with the Maasdam.
Veendam should be following Earl's path.
Maasdam would be sailing into it.

[peaches from georgia]

I think the present Veedam cruise is out of harm's way and they're all too busy having fun to post!
The concern is for their voyage back to port - same with the Maasdam.
Veendam should be following Earl's path.
Maasdam would be sailing into it.
Right, Oceanwench. Any concern about both ships has been for this weekend and their trips back to port Friday-Sunday. It doesn't look like the Maasdam's disembarking and embarking pax can miss being affected in some way in Boston according to all reports.

[PaulMCO]

Tough crowd.


Forgive us Floridians for having a heightened sense of urgency when it comes to these storms. :rolleyes:

+1 Exactly. We know what these beasts can do -- we just have to look the price for our homeowner's insurance policies (if you can get one)

[RedmondCruiser]

Sometimes you just have to make the best of it. We went through the leading edge of hurricane Noel on the Maasdam. Leaving FLL there was no way to avoid the storm. We missed St Marteen due to slow speed but we had a good time. The first day at sea was sporty. Big waves and the rain was blowing horizontally - could not go out on deck. Went to the crows nest - got a front row seat and ordered bloody marys. I had a good time. The bags were out but we did'nt notice many people missing at dinner.


For going through a hurricane, the Maasadam road very well. Some have questioned if the S class ships handled rough weather very well. The ship did just fine. We did'nt let it spoil our cruise - we had a great cruise.

[sapper1]

We're absolutely dying up here from all the heat being pushed north by these storms. 85 today and tomorrow as well. The storm is supposed to hit here over Friday night and into Saturday so we should return to normal temps in the high 60's by the first of the week.

I'll be watching to see if we get any ships other than those scheduled in the port over the next few days. The Summit is due on Thursday, the Glory on Saturday and the Explorer of the Seas on Labour Day. We'll see how they make out getting here----or leaving.

[peaches from georgia]

Ok. Then I'll forget about those who will be sailing in a hurricane and go back to worrying whether someone with an inside guarantee gets upgraded to the Penthouse. Now there's something that was worthy of posting about on 3 threads last week. :rolleyes:

[fridayeyes]

It is also possible for ships to stay at sea to wait out a hurricane. If this happens, the pax onboard get a longer cruise, and the next group of pax out get a shorter one. This happened to us in 2005 on Carnival. We flew into New Orleans, the cruise before us stayed at sea an extra day due to Dennis and we lost a day. We rec'd OBC (can't remember the amount) to compensate for the lost port and some other compensation for the lost day (small partial refund?). We did not receive (or expect) compensation for the extra hotel night in NO. Trip insurance covered that.

[TracieABD]

Crazy weather events are so stressful... For some of us it is a matter of our vacation plans, for others it is our home and security.

I hope that (against the odds) Earl sputters out prior to reaching ANY land or cruise ship...:)

[tranquility]

I'll let you know. We board the Maasdam in Boston this Saturday, practically ground zero for Earl. Sail7seas is disembarking that day from her B2B, so it will be "interesting" to see what happens.
Hey, jhannah. We too are watching Earl with some anxiety. We will be on your cruise, assuming we can land in Boston on Friday.

[RetiredMustang]

Looking at the National Hurricane Center site and the projected paths of Earl and Fiona, and at the published ship itineraries, I think the most affected HAL ship would be Veendam, followed by Eurodam and Maasdam.

It appears that Fiona will certainly threaten Bermuda, but should curve before really affecting the eastern U.S./Canada, and it is not expected to strenghten to hurricane force -- bad weather, no doubt, but not as dangerous.

The critical days for Earl appear to be Friday, when it is expected off (over?) New England, Saturday when it passes or crosses Nova Scotia, and Sunday when it passes closest to Newfoundland. There is quite a wide swath of where it might go, so things could change. If it goes to the westernmost path, it could hit the Gaspe peninsula; if it went eastermost, it would pass over St. John's.

Maasdam is scheduled to be in Bar Harbor, Boston and Bar Harbor respectively those three days -- definitely a potential problem there.

Eurodam is scheduled in St. Anthony Newfoundland today and is to be in St. John's tomorrow, and likely will keep to that schedule. But, I don't think the captain or HAL headquarters will risk Friday in Sydney or Saturday in Halifax. I was on Eurodam with sapper last year when we cut to the lee side of Newfoundland, and it's likely that Eurodam will do the same this time to ride out the storm if the path is easternmost, but they may make for open sea if it is due to cross the Gulf of St. Lawrence or more west, trying to find the best weather between Earl and Fiona. I'm just glad it's not me making the decision!

I would understand replacing Bermuda with a Canada itinerary, but with Fiona threatening Bermuda and Earl being on a potential line to Nova Scotia, I really don't know what HAL would do with Veendam.

Dave

[donaldsc]

They aim for the eye of the hurricane and stay there for the entire cruise.

Seriously - it is a ship, not a hotel. If they can get out of port, they will. If it is not safe to get out, they will stay there.

Once out of port, a ship can go anywhere that it is safe so I doubt that they captain will aim for the storm area. This may mean that you will miss ports but that can happen. Hope that you enjoy sea days. On the positive side, rough seas can be sort of fun if you enjoy that sort of thing as i do. Also, you will get a refund on your port fees and save money on excursions you do not take and souvenirs that you do not buy.

DON

[peaches from georgia]

Looking at the National Hurricane Center site and the projected paths of Earl and Fiona, and at the published ship itineraries, I think the most affected HAL ship would be Veendam, followed by Eurodam and Maasdam.


The critical days for Earl appear to be Friday, when it is expected off (over?) New England, Saturday when it passes or crosses Nova Scotia, and Sunday when it passes closest to Newfoundland.

Maasdam is scheduled to be in Quebec, Montreal and Quebec respectively those three days -- possibly some rain and some wind, but not hurricane force storm winds I would guess, because if the eye came close, the storm will have passed a lot of land and the winds would diminish.


Dave
No, Dave. Maasdam is in Bar Harbor ME on Friday and sailing down the ME/MA coast to Boston Friday night and docking in Boston on Sat. Directly in line with the projected cone of Earl.

EDIT: Post I quote above is before Retired Mustang edited his original post which has now been corrected. If you just read what he has now it makes my post look crazy.

[CowPrincess]

I have CC friends who live in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico. The pictures on the news of the destruction there are heart breaking. The husband of my CC friend in St. Thomas is in Madison, Wisconsin right now trying to get back to his wife. Her phone worked last night and she was able to tell him she's in a pitch dark house with only a lantern to see by.

These storms are deadly. We should all be worried about the people living and traveling in the storm's path.

Earl is certainly" barreling" his way up the east coast and we're all concerned here about where it will make landfall and what damage it will make.

This is serious stuff and we don't need name calling. Mudscrapper, perhaps you can temper your comments on this one.

Thank you for this post, mamaofami!

[lorekauf]

I certainly see why people are stressed about the hurricanes headed into their area. I really feel bad for anyone affected by them and I never have to worry about it where I live. I remember the terrible snowstorms last winter that we and many other posters experienced and one poster who lives in Florida was complaining because it was 60 degrees. I wonder if the people that aren't being overly sympathetic are remembering that. Still I'm not excusing it.

[realnurse2]

No one is making light of the fact that there are cruise ships out in bad weather . There is a hurricane season this time every year and no one has been lost at sea yet. The Captain and crew are used to this and go around the hurricane or circle until it is safe to proceed. Safety is the utmost concern and I have every confidence that this time will be no different. We've come a long way since the Titanic.
Sure I would like it to be nice when I leave NY on Sunday but that probably won't happen and I intend to enjoy my time on the Eurodam. I have no control over the weather only my reaction to it.

[RetiredMustang]

No, Dave. Maasdam is in Bar Harbor ME on Friday and sailing down the ME/MA coast to Boston Friday night and docking in Boston on Sat. Directly in line with the projected cone of Earl.

Yeah, I caught that and was able to make an edit -- d'oh! I hope Jim (jhannah) and tranquility and everyone on her makes it!

[sapper1]

No, Dave. Maasdam is in Bar Harbor ME on Friday and sailing down the ME/MA coast to Boston Friday night and docking in Boston on Sat. Directly in line with the projected cone of Earl.

EDIT: Post I quote above is before Retired Mustang edited his original post which has now been corrected. If you just read what he has now it makes my post look crazy.
I wonder if the Maasdam will stay in Halifax or come to Saint John to ride it out because it certainly can't go to Boston on schedule and Bar Harbor, lovely as it is, offers no shelter and there is no dock.

[geocruiser]

sapper1,

Do you know the history of St John being a cruise port? The reason why I ask is because when we were on a Canada New England cruise we were told that the first cruise ship went into St Johns to get away from a storm. And that your town sent people down to the pier with flowers for the ladies. Is this true?

Thanks

PS I love your town.

Maria

[MS MIZZOU]

Our poor captain on a western bound trans-Atlantic Princess ship got caught between two hurricanes! It blew out 7 of the windows on Promenage deck. But with all that, except for the noisy banging of the elevators and life boats, the ship was very stable. And this was the Golden, a fairly old ship by today's standards.

[sapper1]

sapper1,

Do you know the history of St John being a cruise port? The reason why I ask is because when we were on a Canada New England cruise we were told that the first cruise ship went into St Johns to get away from a storm. And that your town sent people down to the pier with flowers for the ladies. Is this true?

Thanks

PS I love your town.

Maria
Yes that is true---Our first cruise ship was here by accident---diverted from Bermuda due to a hurricane. The cruiseline was so impressed at how everyone mobilized to welcome these unexpected visitors that they decided to make us a regular stop. Next year we will welcome over 200,000 cruise ship visitors.
The volunteers carry on the welcoming tradition to this day---every lady gets a rose, the gentlemen get lapel pins and the children get small Canadian flags.
Last year we just opened a beautiful new multi-million dollar cruise terminal. It is one of the only ones anywhere that was purpose built and not just a converted shed. The port is now looking for federal money to lengthen Long Wharf by putting in mooring dolphins so we can accept the mega ships that are now being built.
My husband and I have a tradition of taking a drive-by whenever there is a ship in port---and we dream about our next cruise.:)

[TracieABD]

Yes that is true---Our first cruise ship was here by accident---diverted from Bermuda due to a hurricane. The cruiseline was so impressed at how everyone mobilized to welcome these unexpected visitors that they decided to make us a regular stop. Next year we will welcome over 200,000 cruise ship visitors.
The volunteers carry on the welcoming tradition to this day---every lady gets a rose, the gentlemen get lapel pins and the children get small Canadian flags.
Last year we just opened a beautiful new multi-million dollar cruise terminal. It is one of the only ones anywhere that was purpose built and not just a converted shed. The port is now looking for federal money to lengthen Long Wharf by putting in mooring dolphins so we can accept the mega ships that are now being built.
My husband and I have a tradition of taking a drive-by whenever there is a ship in port---and we dream about our next cruise.:)
That is so sweet. We will go there in October, and now I am really excited!

[sapper1]

That is so sweet. We will go there in October, and now I am really excited!
Let's hope we have a nice sunny day for you.

[TracieABD]

Let's hope we have a nice sunny day for you.
Fingers crossed! Thanks. :)

[Copper10-8]

Yes that is true---Our first cruise ship was here by accident---diverted from Bermuda due to a hurricane. The cruiseline was so impressed at how everyone mobilized to welcome these unexpected visitors that they decided to make us a regular stop. Next year we will welcome over 200,000 cruise ship visitors.
The volunteers carry on the welcoming tradition to this day---every lady gets a rose, the gentlemen get lapel pins and the children get small Canadian flags.
Last year we just opened a beautiful new multi-million dollar cruise terminal. It is one of the only ones anywhere that was purpose built and not just a converted shed. The port is now looking for federal money to lengthen Long Wharf by putting in mooring dolphins so we can accept the mega ships that are now being built.
My husband and I have a tradition of taking a drive-by whenever there is a ship in port---and we dream about our next cruise.:)

Great stuff!:) Gotta make it to Saint John one of these yrs. In Charlottetown last year, there was a guy waiting for Maasdam's pax in the terminal, dressed up in full RCMP uniform handing out little metal Canadian flag pins on Canada Day. Gotta love the Maritimes and its people!

[geocruiser]

Yes that is true---Our first cruise ship was here by accident---diverted from Bermuda due to a hurricane. The cruiseline was so impressed at how everyone mobilized to welcome these unexpected visitors that they decided to make us a regular stop. Next year we will welcome over 200,000 cruise ship visitors.
The volunteers carry on the welcoming tradition to this day---every lady gets a rose, the gentlemen get lapel pins and the children get small Canadian flags.
Last year we just opened a beautiful new multi-million dollar cruise terminal. It is one of the only ones anywhere that was purpose built and not just a converted shed. The port is now looking for federal money to lengthen Long Wharf by putting in mooring dolphins so we can accept the mega ships that are now being built.
My husband and I have a tradition of taking a drive-by whenever there is a ship in port---and we dream about our next cruise.:)

Thank you. It was so nice to get the rose when I got off the ship. My husband used the pin on that cruise for a tie pin and I believe he still has it. Every one that we met in your town was so nice and helpped us find our way.

Do you happen to know what cruise ship it was that came to safe harbor in St John?

Maria

[Oceanwench]

I certainly see why people are stressed about the hurricanes headed into their area. I really feel bad for anyone affected by them and I never have to worry about it where I live. I remember the terrible snowstorms last winter that we and many other posters experienced and one poster who lives in Florida was complaining because it was 60 degrees. I wonder if the people that aren't being overly sympathetic are remembering that. Still I'm not excusing it.

I am not sure I understand this ...
The hurricane isn't affecting Florida at all!

As far as the Floridian complaining about 60-degree weather ... well, it is a little *cool* for us in South Florida, but some of us ex-Northerners welcome the lower temps! However, it can hurt our economy if the temps dip too low, as many hotel owners and tiki bar bartenders will tell you! :) The people I hear complain the most about our (sometimes) unusual low temps are the tourists!

[sapper1]

Thank you. It was so nice to get the rose when I got off the ship. My husband used the pin on that cruise for a tie pin and I believe he still has it. Every one that we met in your town was so nice and helpped us find our way.

Do you happen to know what cruise ship it was that came to safe harbor in St John?

Maria

It was the Cunard Princess in 1989 as a result of Hurricane Gabrielle. The reason I know this is as a result of a recent newspaper piece. I don't want to pretend I have such a razor sharp memory. :D

[Copper10-8]

Great stuff!:) Gotta make it to Saint John one of these yrs. In Charlottetown last year, there was a guy waiting for Maasdam's pax in the terminal, dressed up in full RCMP uniform handing out little metal Canadian flag pins on Canada Day. Gotta love the Maritimes and its people!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs414.snc4/47770_479201410728_551215728_6979403_424643_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6931321&id=551215728)

Very cool!:)

[lorekauf]

I am not sure I understand this ...
The hurricane isn't affecting Florida at all!

As far as the Floridian complaining about 60-degree weather ... well, it is a little *cool* for us in South Florida, but some of us ex-Northerners welcome the lower temps! However, it can hurt our economy if the temps dip too low, as many hotel owners and tiki bar bartenders will tell you! :) The people I hear complain the most about our (sometimes) unusual low temps are the tourists!
I didn't say it was hitting Florida. I'm just saying last winter when many of us were digging out from 10 feet of snow one poster was complaining about 60 degree weather and suggesting that our weather was no big deal. That was more then irritating.

[innlady1]

Our inn is on Nantucket Island , and we're expecting Earl to visit us over the weekend...same as in Boston Harbor.

Labor Day Weekend has become a "last minute booking" weekend in recent years...so our phone has gone dead. A few prelimiary bookings, but since the hurricane warnings, nada. :(

[Oceanwench]

I didn't say it was hitting Florida. I'm just saying last winter when many of us were digging out from 10 feet of snow one poster was complaining about 60 degree weather and suggesting that our weather was no big deal. That was more then irritating.

OK ... it's just that you implied it was a kind of payback for the comment from the Floridian.
And since it very well could be the people who get blizzards ALSO getting the hurricane, I could not understand the connection with the Floridian. :(

[Oceanwench]

Our inn is on Nantucket Island , and we're expecting Earl to visit us over the weekend...same as in Boston Harbor.

Labor Day Weekend has become a "last minute booking" weekend in recent years...so our phone has gone dead. A few prelimiary bookings, but since the hurricane warnings, nada. :(

I hope Earl veers out to sea and heads into the hurricane graveyard!

My sister is on the Cape, and she said it is very quiet there this week. This is the first summer for her in her new summer home, and she was expecting Labor Day weekend to be busy! She hopes to ride out the storm there. Fingers crossed for all of you -- as well as the cruisers on the Maasdam and Veendam!

[jhannah]

I wonder if the Maasdam will stay in Halifax or come to Saint John to ride it out because it certainly can't go to Boston on schedule and Bar Harbor, lovely as it is, offers no shelter and there is no dock. This is a real possibility. We fly into Boston Friday, so should get there before the real mess. Saturday will just have to be a day of patience. :) If pax on Maasdam now are watching the news, I'm sure they're wondering if they'll have an extra day on the ship.

We loved visiting St. John several years ago. Lovely town. I'm glad we were there then because it's not part of this itinerary we're on.

[lorekauf]

OK ... it's just that you implied it was a kind of payback for the comment from the Floridian.
And since it very well could be the people who get blizzards ALSO getting the hurricane, I could not understand the connection with the Floridian. :(
No I meant the person from Florida was being totally insensitive to folks that were digging out from a ton of snow saying they had to deal with 60F in the winter and somehow that was the same. Yeah....not quite. I'm just saying that for some folks unless it's happening to them personally it's no big deal. I don't quite see it that way. It's painful for me to see people suffering in weather even if I don't have to deal with it. It's like folks from Florida saying "we've been hit with this terrible hurricane" and me saying " I know how you feel, we got 10 drops of rain today". Yeah....that's the same:rolleyes:.

[Linda&Vern]

Yes that is true---Our first cruise ship was here by accident---diverted from Bermuda due to a hurricane. The cruiseline was so impressed at how everyone mobilized to welcome these unexpected visitors that they decided to make us a regular stop. Next year we will welcome over 200,000 cruise ship visitors.
The volunteers carry on the welcoming tradition to this day---every lady gets a rose, the gentlemen get lapel pins and the children get small Canadian flags.
Last year we just opened a beautiful new multi-million dollar cruise terminal. It is one of the only ones anywhere that was purpose built and not just a converted shed. The port is now looking for federal money to lengthen Long Wharf by putting in mooring dolphins so we can accept the mega ships that are now being built.
My husband and I have a tradition of taking a drive-by whenever there is a ship in port---and we dream about our next cruise.:)
Thank you for the great "history" lesson!

[jetwet1]

Firstly, a very big thumbs up for the people of St Johns.

We were on the Zuiderdam Sept '04 for our honeymoon, we were supposed to do a couple of days in the Keys then take a cruise, Hurricane Ivan was playing silly games and the keys were evacuated.

Our cruise ended up being extended 3 days because Ivan hooked around to hit Florida closing all the ports. We ended up spending 4 days sailing around Cuba, while it was nice to have 4 sea days and we were in an SA suite so laundry wasn't an issue, the ship did run out of lettuce :rolleyes: and Jack Daniels :eek:

HAL handled the whole situation very well, when he was able the captain had us close enough to the Keys so we could use cellphones to contact work etc (hey boss, won't be in on Monday, stuck in my suite because of a hurricane) but always keeping us on the very edge of the storm, there were a couple of rough days, but nothing really bad.

[maxout]

Kudos also to the welcome in Gander for the redirected 9/11 flights. Big Hearts & Open Arms, thank you Newfoundland and Labrador. :D

[flowerbuyer]

Yup, I'm concerned about Earl and his friend Fiona!
As I posted previously, I book cruises for their ports of call, and not for the on-board experience. I've been looking forward to this itinerary for three years. If we have booked shore excursions, and they cannot be met, do we get a refund for that?

I knew about hurricanes in the caribbean, but never thought about them affecting New England/Canada. (silly me).

[RuthC]

If we have booked shore excursions, and they cannot be met, do we get a refund for that?
Yes, and it's processed automatically. That's true whenever, and for whatever reason, a shore excursion is canceled.

btw---check the new thread re: HAL advisory on Hurricane Earl. It lists out the plans for all three ships that are in the possible path.

[Copper10-8]

Kudos also to the welcome in Gander for the redirected 9/11 flights. Big Hearts & Open Arms, thank you Newfoundland and Labrador. :D

Big Time!!!!!:)

[wilsonqbc]

We get remains of hurricanes usually, in the Gulf of St Lawrence. or yhey have downgraded to cat 1 but it still does get very rough,
Now and the they head straight up towards Nova Scotia like Earl is doing.

St Johns is in Newfoundland

St John is in New Brunswick, where Cunard sent their vessel back in the 90's where they are well sheltered from big surf
however it still gets windy and choppy but much safer than the coast.

[HeatherInFlorida]

No I meant the person from Florida was being totally insensitive to folks that were digging out from a ton of snow saying they had to deal with 60F in the winter and somehow that was the same. Yeah....not quite. I'm just saying that for some folks unless it's happening to them personally it's no big deal. I don't quite see it that way. It's painful for me to see people suffering in weather even if I don't have to deal with it. It's like folks from Florida saying "we've been hit with this terrible hurricane" and me saying " I know how you feel, we got 10 drops of rain today". Yeah....that's the same:rolleyes:.

This really worries me and I hope it wasn't me!!! I was upset about the very cold temps down here last winter (30's at night) and may have posted about it just to point out that it was cold everywhere, but I would never equate it to digging out from a blizzard! I'm from New England and have dug out of many a blizzard in my lifetime! A chilly Florida is a far cry from the bitter cold of the north.

Still, just as this storm is having an effect on the livelihoods of people who make a living from the tourist business (my nephew has a fishing charter business on Martha's Vineyard), the same happens here in the winter when it's as cold as it was last winter.

So whether the storm hits Cape Cod and the islands or not the damage is already done for people who depend on the last minute tourist business over Labor Day ... especially in this economy. Not a whole lot we can do about nature having its way with us, but it sure can wreak havoc!

I have confidence that HAL has its finger on the pulse of the forecasts and hopefully everyone's voyage home will be as calm as it can be.

[lorekauf]

This really worries me and I hope it wasn't me!!! I was upset about the very cold temps down here last winter (30's at night) and may have posted about it just to point out that it was cold everywhere, but I would never equate it to digging out from a blizzard! I'm from New England and have dug out of many a blizzard in my lifetime! A chilly Florida is a far cry from the bitter cold of the north.

Still, just as this storm is having an effect on the livelihoods of people who make a living from the tourist business (my nephew has a fishing charter business on Martha's Vineyard), the same happens here in the winter when it's as cold as it was last winter.

So whether the storm hits Cape Cod and the islands or not the damage is already done for people who depend on the last minute tourist business over Labor Day ... especially in this economy. Not a whole lot we can do about nature having its way with us, but it sure can wreak havoc!

I have confidence that HAL has its finger on the pulse of the forecasts and hopefully everyone's voyage home will be as calm as it can be.
No worries.....it wasn't you:). Even after I mentioned to this person that I felt they were being insensitive they continued to go on and on about the Florida cold and how it was as bad as all the snow we were dealing with. It's was tiresome to say the least. I'm sure HAL has this situation all under control. I really feel for anyone that is going to suffer because of the multiple hurricanes. I just hope all of them are gone by Oct. when it's my turn to cruise. Then it will be all about me ;):D. Please Heather, don't let anyone deter you from posting. I enjoy your posts.

[HeatherInFlorida]

............... I just hope all of them are gone by Oct. when it's my turn to cruise. Then it will be all about me ;):D. Please Heather, don't let anyone deter you from posting. I enjoy your posts.

Thanks, Lorekauf:). And in October it will be all about me, too!!!! When our cruises are just weeks away, it's pretty easy to get just a little bit selfish! Fingers crossed for everyone!!!

[sapper1]

Yup, I'm concerned about Earl and his friend Fiona!
As I posted previously, I book cruises for their ports of call, and not for the on-board experience. I've been looking forward to this itinerary for three years. If we have booked shore excursions, and they cannot be met, do we get a refund for that?

I knew about hurricanes in the caribbean, but never thought about them affecting New England/Canada. (silly me).
Halifax was devastated by Hurricane Juan a few years ago---the kind of damage that leaves sailboats hurled up on lawns and trees down everywhere. The price tag was in the millions and everyone was caught off guard because hurricanes are not that fierce by the time they get here, as a rule. We get a lot of rain and local flooding as a result of these storms.

Yes your shore excursions will be credited to your onboard account.

[annierie]

No one is making light of the fact that there are cruise ships out in bad weather . There is a hurricane season this time every year and no one has been lost at sea yet. The Captain and crew are used to this and go around the hurricane or circle until it is safe to proceed. Safety is the utmost concern and I have every confidence that this time will be no different. We've come a long way since the Titanic.
Sure I would like it to be nice when I leave NY on Sunday but that probably won't happen and I intend to enjoy my time on the Eurodam. I have no control over the weather only my reaction to it.

You may want to amend your earlier statements as they are incorrect.

Read this --

http://www.fortogden.com/fantommiamiherald.html

I sailed on Maasdam the day that article was published. We did not know if we would make all our ports as some in Central America were still recovering.

It was less than two weeks after the ship was lost. Friends were very close to the Captain and crew of Fantome. Hurricanes are dangerous unpredictable storms, and no one knows with certainty if a decision made is the correct one.

We know they will do all they can to never put passengers in harm's way, but saying blithely that we have "come a long way since the Titanic" is just not correct. Mother Nature is a five letter word, rhyming with the name of the hurricane that devastated parts of Central America in 1998. Many of us who live in areas affected by hurricanes have lost friends and relatives over the years, and in many cases, those lost did not understand the tremendous powers of wind, rain and floods.

I feel for those on Veendam. Earl is a large storm with far reaching winds. They are probably in for a very bumpy ride home.

[geocruiser]

It was the Cunard Princess in 1989 as a result of Hurricane Gabrielle. The reason I know this is as a result of a recent newspaper piece. I don't want to pretend I have such a razor sharp memory. :D

Thank you for telling me the name of the ship. It was so very nice to have a warm welcome by by your town and its people. I hope to come back again .

Maria

[navybankerteacher]

You may want to amend your earlier statements as they are incorrect.

Read this --

http://www.fortogden.com/fantommiamiherald.html

I sailed on Maasdam the day that article was published. We did not know if we would make all our ports as some in Central America were still recovering.

It was less than two weeks after the ship was lost. Friends were very close to the Captain and crew of Fantome. Hurricanes are dangerous unpredictable storms, and no one knows with certainty if a decision made is the correct one.

We know they will do all they can to never put passengers in harm's way, but saying blithely that we have "come a long way since the Titanic" is just not correct. Mother Nature is a five letter word, rhyming with the name of the hurricane that devastated parts of Central America in 1998. Many of us who live in areas affected by hurricanes have lost friends and relatives over the years, and in many cases, those lost did not understand the tremendous powers of wind, rain and floods.

I feel for those on Veendam. Earl is a large storm with far reaching winds. They are probably in for a very bumpy ride home.

This is a discussion about cruise ships, which can easily outsail hurricanes. To inject a story about a " nine mile per hour" windjammer is simply irrelevant. The skipper made some bad choices - probably based, at least in part, on the lack of the sophisticated instrumentation and experienced back-up deck officers found on cruise ships.