storm and curious

[tammar]

I am so curious about what the Zuiderdam is doing this week because of the tropical storm warnings all over their island stops. I wish someone from the Z would post.

We are going on the Z leaving Aug. 14th. I know their are a lot of people going on the Z on the 21st. I will post from the ship during my cruise, while my DH takes a nap. I am hopeing we do not have any bad weather, but whatever, I will post for all of you leaving on the 21st. Please don't push me out of the way while you board. I will be clinging to every railing I can find so I don't have to leave. lol

[spcl4cs_gal]

I hope to be posting during the sailing that leaves on the 21st so those on the 28th will have an idea what's up down in the Caribbean. Thanks for the offer of keeping us up to date, Tammar. :)

[seaventurer]

This is the time of the year for storms in the Caribbean and Atlantic. First, cruise ships travel faster than storms so they can outrun them (in most cases). Second, for example, if a storm is threatening an itinerary to the Eastern Caribbean, the Captain and Headquarters may opt to switch to a Western Caribbean itinerary. They may also "run for it" and go to unannounced ports or just poke around in calm(er) seas.

Based on weather intelligence and technology, it is highly unlikely you will every sail through a hurricane. I have and it is an experience (I actually love it)...but the safety of the passengers and security of the ship is primary. Weather conditions and forecasts will have to stray far outside the predictions for a cruise ship to ever have to sail through a storm. If so, expect 20-40 foot seas, force 10 gale, 60+ mile an hour winds, etc.

This will not happen on your Caribbean cruise rest assured. You may end up spending a week in Nassau, or Key West...and as previously mentioned, these storms either go north or south so there are routine options...and after the storm, the seas are flat - like a mill pond...amazing as it is, you used to be able to get deals on cruises beyond belief this time of year. Also, remember too that storms move fast - 10-30 miles an hour, so conditions change rapidly and make course changes less noticable.

Have fun and I will as I am sailing on the Z on August 14th...

[spcl4cs_gal]

A week in Key West or Nassau?? How about a week at Half Moon Cay?? ;) Of course tendering might be a bit tricky at times.

[Ziggy7]

We are sailing this Saturday western caribbean, then the 14th eastern caribbean, if I post the first week, it will pertain to the western caribbean as we will be in the oppisite direction, but if we hear anything I will post :)

[Ziggy7]

WTNT22 KNHC 042033
TCMAT2
TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 6
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL022004
2100Z WED AUG 04 2004


REPEAT...CENTER LOCATED NEAR 13.5N 63.5W AT 04/2100Z
AT 04/1800Z CENTER WAS LOCATED NEAR 13.5N 63.5W

FORECAST VALID 05/0600Z...DISSIPATED

THIS IS THE LAST FORECAST/ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM UNLESS REGENERATION OCCURS.

FORECASTER FRANKLIN

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Captains stay advised of all storms in their area at all times. Rest assured, if there are any major storms in the path of a cruise ship, the captain will alter his course to protect the passengers and his ship.

:)

[sail7seas]

NO HAL Captain will ever endanger his passengers, his crew, his ship. You will never be at risk on an HAL ship if it is within the Captain's power to avoid that.


He will change course; he will skip (or add) ports; he will change an entire itinerary; he will stay at sea and stop nowhere....he will keep all safe if it is within his power.

And, I believe he receives more than a little direction from Seattle (and their information gatherers) in making the decisions.

Last word comes from the Captain. He rules.

[the2ofus]

Have been to the Western Caribbean and Panama Canal a week after a major hurricane hit Nicaragua and Honduras. We were on the Regal Princess and she bounced around a lot. The sea was not exactly calm as a millpond that week. Waves were around 12-18 feet for a couple of days. However, I have been on HAL ships in 12-18 foot waves and they seemed to handle the sea conditions better than that Princess ship.

Just take your Bonine along, and don't plan any independent shore excursions that you can't cancel if weather changes your itinerary.