Do you think of the current Zuiderdam pax ........

[sail7seas]

There are a bunch who are ranting and raving they need to get off the 'dam' ship and get back home? Think there are some percentage who have figured out all the ways the Captain should be doing things and if he had done as they suggested, no one would be in the 'fix' they are currently in? You know the type..........they'll 'hold court' at the pool and lecture about everything HAL and the Captain did wrong so that it is their fault the ship could not return and disembark?

[Krazy Kruizers]

kyros checked in late last night from the Zuiderdam - she seem to be doing well and enjoying herself - but she didn't mention anything about the other passengers - their feelings, etc.

Yes, some will be complaining - the usual crowd - the ones who complain about everything.

[Lois R]

7, I would hope people would just watch the news....then maybe they would be able to see the Captain cannot do anything:eek: .........are those particular people really so self-centered?.....Don't they realize he (Captain) CANNOT put them in danger and that is what would be happening if he tried to come into port?

I am usually a very non-confrontational person...but if they think the Captain has done something wrong, I would just have to bite the bullet and tell them if they don't like how he is handling it, they can just jump off the F***** ship.

[sail7seas]

Hi Lois.......So glad you have power and are able to post. Hope it stays this way!!!


IF they have seen much news on CNN about the realities, I suppose they will be more reasonable. Depends how much coverage they have been able to see/hear.

[Nliedel]

There are some in every crowd. I would have a great time, but I tend to go with the flow in bad situations.. If no one is having a party I would start one.. except I tend to not speak up as much as others and never seem to make friends on my cruises like I have read some people on the board do.

[Roadwork]

7, I would hope people would just watch the news....then maybe they would be able to see the Captain cannot do anything:eek: .........are those particular people really so self-centered?.....Don't they realize he (Captain) CANNOT put them in danger and that is what would be happening if he tried to come into port?

I am usually a very non-confrontational person...but if they think the Captain has done something wrong, I would just have to bite the bullet and tell them if they don't like how he is handling it, they can just jump off the F***** ship.
What people? I thought this was a hypothetical type question. I haven't read where anyone was complaining. Granted, there are usually a few that complain about anything so I would assume there are a handful on board full of complaints.

The news is not very easy to get on board. I don't think that CNN International would have the type of hurricane coverage that CNN has in the US. I believe the poster who is currently on the Zuiderdam said they were not getting much from CNN Internationl.

[AV8OR]

kyros checked in late last night from the Zuiderdam - she seem to be doing well and enjoying herself - but she didn't mention anything about the other passengers - their feelings, etc.

Yes, some will be complaining - the usual crowd - the ones who complain about everything.


I've seen Rita's (Kryos) post as well...sounds like the passengers are taking it quite well. S7S, are you hearing from someone else?

[Esme]

I don't know where you heard about a bunch of people ranting and raving that they need to get off the ship, but my friend has said absolutely nothing about it. He said that everyone was taking it in their stride and had every confidence that Captain Biljouw would do the right thing - the paxs safety comes first.

As of 4:14pm yesterday he said ]"We might have to wait an extra day which will make it Monday. . Right now the weather is sunny with smooth seas. Capt. Hans will try to stay in protected waters as long as he can."

[jhannah]

I think Sail was simply curious as to what we felt was happening with the extended cruise pax. Notice that her post is in the form of a question. "Do you think ..." Group dynamics as they are, I'm sure some are fuming and about to bust a blood vessel. I'm also reasonably sure some folks are concerned because they're away from their aging parents or some such longer than they had planned. The holiday notwithstanding, there are probably some who are overdue back at work and are losing income by still being away. As wonderful as an extended cruise could be, it's likely that it is a huge inconvenience for some people. For those who can go with the flow, what a great deal!

[Krazy Kruizers]

And there are several other cruise ships out there besides the Zuiderdam experienceing the same thing.

There will be a lot of passengers getting off ships on Monday who have to make other arrangments to get home.

[Lois R]

Roadwork, I never said anyone was complaining....I was answering a question posted by 7..., which was a "What If" so I answered with my thoughts.....sorry if you think my reply was out of line.

[Lois R]

Hi 7:)...yep you asked, and I got quoted for a bad reply:eek: , and you got quoted for your question:rolleyes:

Seems we can't win today:cool:

[gliles]

I wouldn't be mad but I would be concerned since my employer and family would expect me back on Monday, I could only afford to make so many calls from the ship but that said, I would face the facts and try to enjoy myself. I would get over the concern quickly!

Now if I had a home in South Florida, I would be concerned for more reasons.

[gliles]

S7S and Lois -

I understood it was just a question and I would be willing to guarantee that there are at least a few irates on the ship. We have all seen people get irate for far less reasons than that...because the elevator isn't fast enough, the lobster tail was too small, etc.

[sail7seas]

Ahhh, Gretchen.....You Get It!!! Thank You.


We all know someone will be carrying on no matter what!!! They seem to thrive on it. And delight in trying to ruin everyone else's pleasure and fun.....even here on the Board let alone on the ships.

There are folks who are always sour and negative and have very little pleasant to say to anyone but are always grumbling, nit picking and criticizing others.

And there are others who are always smiling and happy and enjoying and try to take the roadblocks in stride.

I think it's an easy choice which folks I want to cruise with :)

[Jacqueline]

I can tell you that i would be making the most of it. Cant change anything so would enjoy the day as much as possible.
BTW since we were coming into Athens during the Olympics and there were many security concerns I brought an extra week of medications for the family. One person takes 4 meds three times a day and there is no way to get these in Europe (I know this from experience).

[Vicar]

I read S7S OP and its pretty clear to me she was "juust wondering" not actually stating an actual event.

I certainly can see people being anxious about being on the ship the extra day. People need to get flights home, they may have to work in the morning, they have children at home staying with friends and relatives . They may even live in the areas that Frances is hitting and they are worried. They haven't been home all week to batten down the hatches and buy supplies.

If they don't have the extensive news coverage we are all seeing. Who knows what is going through their minds. Whats going on with their homes and loved ones at home.

Granted none of this is the Captains or HALs or any cruise lines fault, but i can see the pax anxiety.

[gliles]

Then we would cruise well together. I would be concerned until I made a phone call or 2 then I would be fine, taking it in stride and enjoying the extra days. And appreciating that the Captain was taking good care of us.


It sounds as if they are getting pretty good information on the ship too.

I wonder if they are allowing passengers a free phone call or 2? My family is pretty savvy though, they would know what is going on anyway.

[sail7seas]

Yes, of course, I am sure the vast majority of us would have initial concerns and we would tend to doing whatever we were able to do from aboard the ship. We would make whatever phone call we felt appropriate, send e-mails, faxes.

Presumably, any Floridian who cruises this time of year knows to have made arrangements with a neighbor, a family member, a trusted workman they hire reqularly to see to securing their home.

Then.......most of us would get on with enjoying eachother and the ship.

[sail7seas]

Jacqueline.........VERY wise thing to do.

If DH and I plan to be away for 18 days, I always go to the pharmacy before we travel and get additional refill so that we travel with no less than an extra week's worth of meds. (When we recently went on Maasdam, I actually went with an extra two weeks worth as I had in the back of my mind we might try to stay aboard for an extra week.....we live thirty minutes from the port and no air was necessary) . WE have to take meds and I don't want to add a needless stress to our vacation.........Why stress over running out when proper prior planning would provide us with what we need?

[Roadwork]

Hi 7:)...yep you asked, and I got quoted for a bad reply:eek: , and you got quoted for your question:rolleyes:

Seems we can't win today:cool:Lois,

I am sorry about that, your post read as though you had knowledge of people complaining. End of message to Lois.........


I am also sorry to see this thread turn into nastiness, name calling, and rude insinuations, because another poster may have not interpreted it as hypothetical. I see absolutley no need for this. The attitude and tone was uncalled for.

[Vicar]

S7S

Not much you really can do other than that. Whether you are ranting like a maniac to the captain, or sitting around the pool enjoying an drink. You are still not getting off that ship until it is officially safe.

Remember the Z is on calm waters and its supposedly a beautiful day from what I have read in the post. So what can you do?

[sail7seas]

I could not agree more, Vicar. So long as the pool is open, the bar stewards are bringing umbrella drinks and Lido's salad bar is stocked..........I should always suffer so badly!!! :)

[lipoppop]

Hi 7:)...yep you asked, and I got quoted for a bad reply:eek: , and you got quoted for your question:rolleyes:

Seems we can't win today:cool:

For punishment only one dessert at dinner! That is on the first day, after that anything goes.

Enjoy the Z next week.

[Vicar]

S7S

if you gotta suffer thats the way to do it *LOL*

This storm is hurting so many people in so many ways , from destroying homes and lives to screwing up travel plans. And I comiserate with all.

I have to admit I would be a wreck myself if my Mom was at home in Boca right now. Thank God she is here in CT right now for an upcoming wedding.

Now I am just a wreck because my mother is in town driving me crazy *LOL*

"Just kidding Ma , I love you :)"

[Lois R]

7, hi:) its raining and windy here......and it should be that way all day:eek: ....I guess I should be glad tomorrow is a holiday...no need to worry about driving to work......hoping Tues morning I will be able to get to the office.

Question for you, (sort of hypothetical;) )....I sail on Saturday....even though Ivan is out there.....and I am guessing by Friday, FLL will have the power back on...(hopefully) do you think the 9-11 sailing will go on as scheduled? (Just asking your opinion...THANK YOU:) )

[bill4r]

People should be happy that they are out of harm's way and can enjoy an extended holiday.

[sail7seas]

Lois....I so much want to say to you, Don't Worry, You'll go just fine......But, unfortunately, looking at the map that Lithium just posted, it is impossible to know. IF it tracks the way it possibly could, it is horrifying to think that Florida could once again be facing a hurricane nightmare.

I don't know how people dig deep enough inside themselves to find the strength to cope but....Ivan is not looking good. It is already classified a Level One....has graduated from Tropical Storm. He's out there and moving.

Of course, Frances is all the talk on the news stations and weather station and because Frances is the here and now it should be, but very soon they are going to have to start talking about Ivan.

If ever prayers were needed for the people of Florida, now is a REAL GOOD Time to start praying. IMO

I fear, Lois, those on the September 11 are in a wait and see situation.
God Bless you All.

[Lois R]

hmmm....maybe I should talk to my Travel Agent.....? See what her opinion is....
I see where the Maasdam sails on 9-11 too...from Boston to Montreal...

[FlorenceItaly]

hmmm....maybe I should talk to my Travel Agent.....? See what her opinion is....
I see where the Maasdam sails on 9-11 too...from Boston to Montreal...



Lois - That is a FABULOUS itinerary....You could do the Caribbean ANYTIME...just a thought :). Although, I think the airfare would be $$$.
I was fortunate to use a FF ticket when I flew to Boston, for the Maasdam.

Marie

[sail7seas]

I just heard a report on Fox News. Their reporter is at the NHC and one of the reasons NHC has not turned over the release of info to FEMA (Homeland Security) re: Frances is because Ivan is moving at an incredible 21 mph and could be at Puerto Rico by Wednesday and......without a change in course, onto the Bahamas and then South Florida faces it Friday or Saturday.

Of course, anything can happen between now and then and the course can change and it can weaken......but it has to be watched.

I so hate writing this!

[sail7seas]

Lois.....DO IT.....DO IT!!!! That's a great cruise.

And, of course, that's "MY" Maasdam we are talking about!!!! :) Love that 'dam' ship!!


Unfortunately, I think the ship could be sold out.

[Lois R]

Hi again:) I just emailed my TA...Marie, you know her;) ....lets see what her reply is......
Will keep you posted.

[FlorenceItaly]

I adore her! She is handling my Horizon cruise. I almost emailed her today for a quote for the Dec 11, 2005 South Caribbean(Panama Canal) on the Zaandam, but I am showing some self restraint :).

Marie

[Lois R]

hi Marie...Amber says hi:)

I am staying with this cruise to the Caribbean....Frances shouldn't have an effect on the 9-11 sailing.....IF..IF Ivan does...well, I am just going to play it by ear. But I cannot just "change sailings".....even with the unsteady Caribbean. I knew it was hurricane season when I booked....
I will just have a good attitude and hope things go smoothly;) ....If they have to change itinerary so be it....but, she said she feels like the Z should leave Saturday as scheduled.

[gliles]

Lois -
Don't worry, anticipation of the cruise is almost as good as the cruise itself. Don't let some a**h*le named Ivan mess it up!

You packing or still in the list making mode?

[sail7seas]

[QUOTE=Lois R]hi Marie...Amber says hi:)

[/QUOTE




How comes we never 'see' her anymore? I miss her here.

Hope she's okay....send my best wishes, please.

[Lois R]

Hi Gretchen:) too funny...IVAN the a*****e LOL.....

No, haven't started packing yet...but I am way passed the list mode too. I was going to start this weekend but my mind has been wandering...with Frances and everything:eek: ........The clothes are out on the bed in the 2nd bedroom though.....it won't take me much time to pack....

Thanks for making me smile:)

[superstein61]

Ahhh, the old complainer syndrome.

Would I care if people were complaining on board that ship - no, its their right to.

now, I am not saying HAL should put anyone in harms way by heading back to FLL to early. BUT, HAL could have - for those pax who really needed to depart for whatever reason - made a quick port stop on Saturday at somewhere safe (ie New Orleans or Galveston) and let whomever wanted to get off, disembark.

Would HAL have to do some extra work to do so - YES. but no one should sit there in the comfort of your home and criticize pax on board who you know nothing about and who may have reasons why they need to disembark.

Me - I would be happy with the extra few days cruising. But thats just me. No one know the circumstances of other folks lives. So don't criticize them - even hypothetically.

[elmorejj]

:Keep thinking positive thoughts, maybe Ivan will blow himself out....jean :cool:

[Jean&Gene]

- for those pax who really needed to depart for whatever reason - made a quick port stop on Saturday at somewhere safe (ie New Orleans or Galveston) and let whomever wanted to get off, disembark.I'm sure that if they knew the hurricane would put on the breaks and creep across Florida, they could have considered alternate ports. But, with the information they had, a decision to divert to a port that could be in the path of the storm was unlikely. I think what they did was the safest thing to do. Hurricanes are powerful and often unpredictible. You take a risk when you book a cruise during hurricane season & I'm praying that the storms are all gone when we sail Oct 2. :) I'll take the risk and I'm with you - make a couple of quick phone calls then relax and enjoy your extended vacation.

[FlorenceItaly]

[QUOTE=Lois R]hi Marie...Amber says hi:)

[/QUOTE




How comes we never 'see' her anymore? I miss her here.

Hope she's okay....send my best wishes, please.

Hi Sail - I suspect it is because she is very busy with her business. She's a neat lady, isn't she?

Marie

[sail7seas]

I'm sure that if they knew the hurricane would put on the breaks and creep across Florida, they could have considered alternate ports. But, with the information they had, a decision to divert to a port that could be in the path of the storm was unlikely. I think what they did was the safest thing to do. Hurricanes are powerful and often unpredictible. You take a risk when you book a cruise during hurricane season & I'm praying that the storms are all gone when we sail Oct 2. :) I'll take the risk and I'm with you - make a couple of quick phone calls then relax and enjoy your extended vacation.

I'm sure hoping we get to HMC....that we get to cruise at all!!! I am already mentally preparing myself that the way this Hurricane Season is going.....Our good luck of never having any storm interference may come to an end. As it is, we are looking forward to boarding with you and hope all goes smoothly.

[Lois R]

7, I will be speaking with her again before I leave on Friday...I will definitely send her your best wishes:)

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Lois. We have never 'spoken' but I always enjoy her posts and she has contributed so much here. I look forward to when she has time to come back and join in again.

Fingers crossed all goes smoothly for you this week. :)

[Lois R]

7:) thanks.......

I know I booked this cruise during hurricane season...the chance I took~.....who woulda thunk we would have a back to back:confused: ......(possibly to back)....

[Golfgrl1911]

I'm no dummy but it seems as is some one is trying to to embellish a non existing situation. (in the origional posting)......Am I crazy or what??????

Read back and you will see .......I did three times, and the first time I was wondering who the people were that were upset, because I never read a thread that was expressing their displeasure!

[FlorenceItaly]

I'm no dummy but it seems as is some one is trying to to embellish a non existing situation. (in the origional posting)......Am I crazy or what??????

Read back and you will see .......I did three times, and the first time I was wondering who the people were that were upset, because I never read a thread that was expressing their displeasure!


Since YOU ASKED....and I say this in the nicest way, you're crazy or what :).
I don't believe the original posting was trying to embellish anything....it was just a WHAT IF question, nothing more, nothing less :). Have a great evening.

Marie

[Golfgrl1911]

Hey S7S, Who is this "bunch" of people that are "ranting an raving " that they want to get off the "dam" ship????? I never read of any group of people who were this upset about being on a ship for an extra couple of days. :confused:

[sail7seas]

:D Hey, Back At 'YA.......

Either have I, golfgrl........ ;)

[jima53]

Right now I'm sitting in my living room down in Jacksonville Florida about 150 miles from the worst of the hurricane winds, it's 10:30pm. and we've lost electricity twice for about 4 hours total today. Winds have snapped two trees off next door and I have watched our pecan trees really scare me all day. Can't imagine what person would want the captain to bring the cruise ship in closer to the storm area.

Jim

[FlorenceItaly]

Jim - Good to hear from you. Glad to hear you and yours are okay.

I heard that Port Canaveral sustained some damage, and the Mariner of the Seas will be coming into Miami instead of PC on Tuesday. I am not aware of what other ships may be effected. I sail the Mariner on the 19th of this month, that is why I keep an eye on what is happening with her.

Marie

[Nasmas]

To Lois, I really feel for what you're going thru this week. We did the same last week. One minute, we're going, the next minute its iffy at best. Thursday morning, we decided there was no way we'd be able to cruise Sat., then HAL announced delay until Sun. We got our air arrangements changed we were leaving Friday and staying at the Pier 66, but they cancelled our reservation before we could call them. So, we decided to wait and fly out Sunday morning early. We're about 50 miles from the airport and with the flight leaving at 6:55 we decided to spend the night Sat. night in Little Rock. Friday afternoon, HAL called and said the boarding was delayed until 11:30. We were supposed to be in FLL at 12:30. Long day. But, as the day wore on, it didnt' look like we were going to have any luck with Sun. so we cancelled Little Rock, and decided we might need to be close to the phone in case they called again with changes. Well, of course our flight for Sun. was cancelled, and we were both nervous wrecks by this time. So, we decided rather than take the 5 day cruise we'd cancel. So, today we're crying in our beer. But, as it turns out, we couldn't get a flight into FLL today from LR, so we couldn't have gone anyway. Your idea of the Maasdam was a good one, but the prices were awful. We're going to wait and go later in the year. We just don't have the energy to do it right now. I spent many, many hours researching this cruise & the Z. We were so excited. I feel like someone stole my favorite toy. I hope yours turns out better.

[Lois R]

Nasmas, I am so sorry to read your story:( .....I asked my TA about the Maasdam cruise, and actually I cannot change(it would have to be the cruise line cancelling, not me).
Anyway, maybe its because I live close enough to drive but my mind is sort of wishy washy......like I am preparing myself NOT TO SAIL:eek: ....and so, if something happens I won't be so disappointed. And if it goes through, all the better.
I really have no idea what the status of IVAN will be by Friday. I wouldn't mind going to FLL for a couple of days but I only have one night booked at the hotel...so lets say things were postponed for one night...not sure where I would stay the 2nd night....I guess I would be able to find a room.......
But I do understand your disappointment.....and I hope you will be able to do another cruise soon!

[gliles]

I really have no idea what the status of IVAN will be by Friday. I wouldn't mind going to FLL for a couple of days but I only have one night booked at the hotel...
Lois, maybe you should book another couple nights, directly with the hotel that way you have until 6pm day of to cancel. Just to be on the safe side should Ivan rear his ugly head.

[Lois R]

Hi Gretchen...not a bad idea...oops we are under a tornado watch...need to scoot...and get off this PC

[sail7seas]

OhkLois........you poor lady. You have been through so much. Now a tornado watch. Be careful.

[gliles]

Oh no, take cover and report back when all is well. You know we are like a bunch of mothers here, worrying.

[Lois R]

Ok..am back...it was one of those weird things...the after affects of Frances...bringing swirling winds with rain tonite......and doppler keeps showing these watches.....it has passed my area now......geeezzzzzz.......

[gliles]

WHEW...I want to make sure the lights are on as you pack so you don't end up with a brown and a black shoe!

[Cameron-by-the-Sea]

I'm so very curious about the travel agent "Marie." Everybody has spoken so highly of her; would it be ethical to ask how I could get in touch with her? Thank you!

[Lois R]

Gretchen...too funny:D ...but its really weird..the weather guy is putting up when it shows the tornado force winds are going over each neighborhood...(the THREAT of tornados).....he said my area was showing up...and to get to a safe area...(the bathroom with NO WINDOWS).

Cameron, Marie is one of the posters on here:) ....she and I use the same TA.
The rules on CC state advertising of TA's are prohibited...email me at
lo1958@hotmail.com if you want.....I will reply.

[Cruising Jake]

Lois, after all the hurricanes the tornado watch is just an insult. My brother lives near Fort Lauderdale. I live in Michigan. When I called him before and after Frances to commiserate and inquire as to his welfare, he said, "well at least we don't get tornadoes down here like you do in Michigan". I guess you never know, do you?

[Lois R]

Hi Jake:)...nope, you just never know:eek: ...California has earthquakes....Michigan has snowstorms....we have Hurricanes...(with the xtra Tornado for good measure:confused: )

[Cameron-by-the-Sea]

Hi Lois,
I will email you right away. Thanks for your help.

[Jewelfine]

Hi all
This is an interesting post as I was on the 8/28 - 9/4 I mean 9/6 cruise. Yes there were moaning minnies on board and I felt for some of them. However we were kept really safe and in wonderful waters for the most part.
Some people from Florida were worried about their homes - rightly so - and their families - i understand where they were coming from.
Coming from Toronto, I must say that we had it pretty good. Our other alternative would have been to wait out the storm in a shelter or a hotel with no power. hmmmmm Yep I think we had it pretty good.
HAL didn't have much of a choice. This was a hurricane. Noone could control it and noone could truly predict what it was going to do. When we were in Tortola we were in the tail end of Frances. I will never forget what it was like to stand on the dock and feel the strength of the winds and horizontal rain. Let me tell you we had it good sitting in warm sunny weather and calm seas.

The only issue I had was that HAL kept changing what the plan was - first we were getting to FLL Sun - then sun night - then monday - 4 sea days in a row was a little much. It would have been nice to stop at some port some where.

At least we are home safe and sound! - full report soon!

[Cruising Jake]

Jewelfine, glad you are home and safe. Can't wait to read your report.

[JohnR49er]

Back to the original post. I'm sure there will be second guessing and complaints. There are when its a cruise with no major problems. Lemons or lemonade????

[sail7seas]

Jewelfine....Welcome Back. So happy that the Captain was able to find (and bring you to) calm, pretty weather. Sure does beat being in a dark, steamy hot, miserable shelter fearing for your safey......

[Vicar]

Jewelfine

Glad that you are home safe

Happy to see you were able to keep a positive attitude through it all.

Looking foward to your review :)

[ualtim]

Hmmm....2 extra days aboard and 4 straight at sea days? Where do I sign up? I have never understood how people could be upset at getting extra days aboard a cruise ship at the cruise line's expense. The wife and I were on a transatlantic back in '02 that had to divert 200 miles toward Halifax so that a helicopter could medically evacuate a sick passenger. The diversion added 24 hours to the cruise. The crew was so apologetic, and of course there was a small group of people compalaining of the extra day. To us, it was a bonus. One more day aboard a cruise ship without having to pay for it. Can we turn around one more time? The cruise was on Princess, and they allowed pax free internet time for e-mailing and up to 15 mins of free sat phone time to change their travel arangements. We were booked through Princess's Air-Sea and they took care of the travel changes (they balled that up pretty bad, but at least we got home. Long story, long day.) I am all for more free days at sea!

I understand those aboard worring about their loved ones and property in Florida. Living in Orlando and going through the process it seems like every week now can be a bit trying, but there is not a lot you can do about it. As long as I know my family is safe, we can deal with property damage if and when the time comes. So far, we have been very lucky getting through Chuck and Frances with only minimal damage. More importantly, my wife and I and our pets have gotten through without any physical damage (with the possible exception of my wife's blood pressure shooting through the roof.) We are looking forward to our Mighty Zuidy cruise on the 25th from wherever they decide to leave from. Nassau may still be underwater, but it will not dampen our spirit for cruising.

[kryos]

kyros checked in late last night from the Zuiderdam - she seem to be doing well and enjoying herself - but she didn't mention anything about the other passengers - their feelings, etc.]
I only encountered one passenger who said she was having "the worst cruise of my life." This was a passenger, by the way, who had gotten on the ship with the 8/6 group. I wanted to say to her "why did you bother?" but didn't want to fuel her dissatisfaction any further.

Everyone I encountered seemed very positive with the exception of their dissatisfaction over HAL's handling of internet and phone charges. Apparently, HAL was selling these phone cards for $25 that were good for a 12-minute call anywhere in the world. The rub was that you could never get through using the phone card. If you used your room phone, however ... at the price of $8.95 a minute ... wala! You magically got a connection. When people were relegated to doing this, and attempted to return the unused phone cards, HAL refused to take them back. This really pissed off some people. They became even more pissed when they found out that other lines were giving their passengers free internet and phone calls so that they could make contact with their families, change flight times, reserve motel rooms, etc.

To add insult to injury, HAL then decided to offer a "deal" near the end of the cruise. $2.95 a minute for calls from the room during one 24-hour period. Many passengers had already made their necessary calls at the $8.95 rate. Man, were some people torqued over that.

Other than these communications issues, though, most of the passengers were just relaxing and enjoying themselves. And why shouldn't they? They were getting two additional days on a beautiful ship and were not being charged one damned cent for it. The cruise director's staff were breaking their backs arranging all sorts of special activities to keep those sea days interesting, and even the headline entertainers were pitching in to do special events to keep the afternoon entertainment humming.

My take on it is this. You cruise during hurricane season, you get some nice rates. But with those nice rates always comes the chance that your itinerary will get shot to hell. You know that going in, and therefore shouldn't be too disappointed when it happens.

All in all, I feel I certainly got my money's worth out of this cruise even though I actually didn't get any "extra" time onboard since I was booked for 8-28 through 9-11 anyway.

Blue skies ...

--rita