Sailing Out of a Cold Climate into A Warm Climate...a few questions.

[JanAndJeremy]

Hi All,

I am on the October 30th Maasdam sailing out of Norfolk. I live in Virginia Beach so I am well aware that the temps could be pretty chilly 3 weeks from now. I am curious to know though, about where in location should the ship be the first and last days at sea? Will I still need warm clothing? Trying to sort through my packing list and those two days at sea are throwing me for a loop!

Any thoughts?

Jan

[Krazy Kruizers]

It all depends upon the weather - hurricanes - hopefully none - rain, etc.

You could have beautiful weather on those sea days.

But take a jacket along just in case.

Always be prepared.

Since you live right there - an extra bag with jackets shouldn't be a problem.

[karbar]

Hi J&J,
We sailed out of Norfolk last March...lots of snow on the ground and it was cold as...But the next morning even though we were off the coast of Ga. we were in our bathing suits :p
I have been in Mexico in the late 80's and it was so cold even the locals had down jackets!
You really wont be sorry packing a light jacket.

... you will love the Maasdam and the fact she is soooo close to home to sail out on...We live on the OBX.

Have a wonderful cruise! :)

[Linda&Vern]

JanAndJeremy - We have been wondering the same thing. Sailing on the Maasdam beginning Dec. 22 out of Norfolk. Feel like I might need two different (climate) wardrobes for this trip! Will be driving up from NC.

[Cruiseoften]

Leaving home (in cold Canada!)for a cruise in winter we always wear warm slacks, shirts,light sweater and a hooded windbreaker. Chances are you're going from home to the airport and will not, for very long, be exposed to the elements. It may be chilly at your departure port so the sweater or windbreaker could come in handy. Tuck you slacks and sweater away until the last night of the trip - if you're on a HAL ship you'll be at HMC - it will be warm - even hot - pack those lightweight duds before you put yout bags out and you're left with going home clothes! :D

[Orcrone]

JanandJeremy,

I've been wondering the same about our cruise. I figure that by the time we hit the ocean it will be 7 in the evening. From there, if we average about 20 miles per hour (a little under 20 knots) that will put us 280 miles south by 9 the next morning. That should put us somewhere off of southern SC or northern GA. I could still be cool on deck, especially with a 20 knot breeze, but I would think that it should be a lot different than Virginia by mid-day. Of course, keep in mind, that's just my very uneducated guess.

See you on the Maasdam in last than 3 weeks.

[CaptData]

Thanks for discussion. I'll be on Massdam in Feb. I know it is cold here so I always bring some winter clothes. (Manitoba, Canada) There is going to be 146 of us.

[Orcrone]

CaptData,

Our winter weather in southeast VA, will feel like spring to you. I moved to this area from Massachusetts 10 years ago. As we got closer, and eventually into winter, I kept waiting for the winter weather to arrive. I figured it would get as cold as I was used to, however, the season would just be a lot shorter. Well after months of high temps in the lower 40s and lows around 30 I went into a friend's office in March and asked when winter was going to start.:confused:

That was a mild winter, but it's very rare for temps to get much below 20.

[CaptData]

You are right, that is spring (which we did not have this year).

[gwilli]

We were on the Maasdam last Feb. With the high glass walls around the pool area, it should be pretty warm on the first day out to sit by the pool as long as the sun is shinning! The only time I can remember wearing my jacket (and scarf!) was during the mustar drill. Have a wonderful trip!

gwilli

[ekerr19]

We did this cruise last 4/3/04 - it was COLD in Norfolk, but we were prepared. In fact, it was colder in Norfolk than in Denver...

We encountered some very warm days once we passed Cape Hatteras and got close to Florida. In the Caribbean, we had some of the nicest weather I can remember. Our day at HMC was beautiful, sunny and warm.

By all means, I think you should pack for both warm and sunny and wet and cold.

I envy those of you not having to fly to the cruise port. :)