Voyager back home, stuck in Galveston

[nurseone]

and I will start this with everyone has their own opinion which is valid to them. Here is mine

Both ships refunded small amount for missed ports - Nothing additional from Carnival. Royal Caribbean gave those who wanted to leave the opportunity to do so with full $$ refund. You had a choice. Won't get on my soap box of thoses wanting something when things happen - all out of company control (WEATHER). They are trying to make a profit just like everyone else in this ecomony and know this cost them but you don't hear them complaining.

 

Enough - been on cruises when impacted by hurricans - yes at times communication was bad but just go with the flow.

[caribill]

I'll now check on laws about not serving certain brands when a ship is in port, which seemed strange. I could have Budweiser, but not Miller !?! There was no Wild Turkey or Branchwater to be had.

 

There is no law restricting what brands can be served while docked in a Texas prt.

 

What the Texas law restricts is to only serving alcoholic beverages that have been purchased from a Texas distributer. The cruise line chooses which few brands to purchase locally.

[CarolSW]

811 Voayger passengers left the ship yesterday while we were stuck in port. Got this number from the CD Mike. For us, we decided to stay. This morning when I looked out, it was apparent the fog had lifted as you could now see the buildings of Galveston. The passengers remaining on board (about 2500 now) cheered when the ship’s horn gave a blast that indicated we would be sailing soon. So now we have 2 sea days ahead of us, the casinos and shops are finally open, and we can play bingo and buy drinks at all the bars. I have made it a point to thank each crew member I come upon because I know the past 2 days have been challenging for them. They have done their best to stay positive and make things fun for their guests and I appreciate it.

 

FINALLY – BON VOYAGE! Costa Maya here we come!

[firebound82]

811 Voayger passengers left the ship yesterday while we were stuck in port. Got this number from the CD Mike. For us, we decided to stay. This morning when I looked out, it was apparent the fog had lifted as you could now see the buildings of Galveston. The passengers remaining on board (about 2500 now) cheered when the ship’s horn gave a blast that indicated we would be sailing soon. So now we have 2 sea days ahead of us, the casinos and shops are finally open, and we can play bingo and buy drinks at all the bars. I have made it a point to thank each crew member I come upon because I know the past 2 days have been challenging for them. They have done their best to stay positive and make things fun for their guests and I appreciate it.

 

FINALLY – BON VOYAGE! Costa Maya here we come!

 

 

My DH and I were one of the 811 - The choice to take the voucher worked better for us since the Honduras port was the sell point for this trip. We've been to Cozumel and Costa Maya before. Hope you guys have a great sailing! I'm missing the ship already, but we made the right choice for us and can't wait to set up our next cruise!

[BecciBoo]

Carol: your attitude is priceless! Bless you. Ya'll have a real good time won't you! I know you will. Sometimes life gives us adventures.

Firebound: I would've also opted out just from missing Roatan, one of my faves. But I would be excited to be planning another. Better luck next time. As usual, there are some that are ticked off at RCCL, but what're they gonna do. As Carol said, she felt they tried.

[ThreePutt316]

This past Jan/09 my wife and I sailed out of Galv. on Voyager. This was our first cruise for the both of us. We too were delayed by about 6-7 hours leaving port due to fog. We made up most of the time before our first stop in Cozumel, and arrived only 2-3 hours behind schedule. Not bad I thought.

One night after dinner in the main dinning room we sat and enjoyed some cordials, and just soaked in the atmosphere. We talked with the crew/wait staff, who were cleaning and prepping for tomorrows breakfast. While sitting the main dinning room captain (not sure of the true title of his occupation, but he did not take an order nor carry a tray of food, this was HIS dinning room) He joined us for a few minutes and talked. Then he asked if we would like to sit at the captains table for dinner the following night! Oh yeah I DO! I’m an engineer by occupation and I have more questions about the ship than a kid on Christmas asking when we open presents!

Capt Patrick looks like he is about 23 years old, but is more than willing to talk to me about the ship. I asked him about the fog delay and he perked up and said that our delay was strictly cause by the port being closed by the port Capt. And that the electronics and navigation is more advanced on Voyager than most coast guard vessels depending upon the age and size. His comments to me were “if I can see the full length of the ship from the bridge, I can put this ship into any port in the world.”

He was half heartedly mocking the pilots and Coast Guard for their lack of technology on the older ships.

On a side note, I did weasel my way to a tour of the engine room. This struck the Capt as odd since most people want to see the bridge. The next day I got a call from the chief engineer to go and was amazed at the powerplant. I was not allowed to take pictures but still amazing.

Not bad for a first cruise that started waiting outside the terminal for 4-5 hours in the fog!

[aprilivy]

We never did find any of you CC's - didn't get on the ship on Sunday until about 5:00 although we were at the dock at around 1:00 and once we made our way up to the meeting point - couldn't find anyone. Our luggage was misdirected and didn't get it until nearly midnight - just another in a "comedy" of errors.

Just had a bad vibe about the whole experience...

Sad today that we are home and not on the sea, but didn't want to gamble on the all or nothing option offered by RCCL.

Just seemed to us they could have done something to make our time on board a little more enjoyalbe while we were held in the captive limbo on board.

Even no charge for a pay per view movie would have helped! Instead we felt very nickle and dimed - and not well informed. No shopping, no casino, no bingo, no Miller Lite, no margaritas....no TV signal for the most part...and really no activities to compensate for it all.

 

 

As I've stated in another post - we even called the 1800 number to try to get some information about the weather forecast for the next day - or anything!

[terri23]

No margaritas in a TX port? That's just wrong!!

[firebound82]

Well, the puzzlement as to why Conquest got out and Voyager didn't we have come to believe is this. If you read Bobstack's and Vauxhallgirl's posts, Carnival did not let folks off the ship during the fog time so her manifest was complete when that small window appeared and she took it and got out. Vger had let off passies with shore leave to eat/shop in Galveston, so they could not leave during the small clearing. That's got to be it.

 

The current situation is the ship just does not have enough revenue aboard to make it worth while to sail, I bet she does not go anywhere until Sunday. Everyone is saying more than half the passies got off and went home with their vouchers. We'll wait and see...a sad end to a cruise I'm sure some had planned for well over a year, but that's the breaks when you cruise, you can't mess with mother nature. Sorry pals...but start planning that next cruise...IN THE SPRING!:)

 

In fact, that's probably why she isn't gone now. Weather is fine to leave as I see it. But they were talking about letting people go into hotels for the night last night and maybe that again is why she is still here, they are trying to get those who want to go and those who don't taken care of...a mess, but o well.

 

BTW I've heard from our pier co-ordinator and she is thoroughly exhausted, was in at 4:00 am and home at 11:00pm, but she didn't tell me any details! I feel for the whole pier staff, they're probably all waxed and then have to come in again today!

 

 

Just for your curiosity, in case no one has clarified, we were told that the Conquest was facing in the correct direction to take advantage of the small window of clear skies. The Voyager on the other hand was facing in the wrong direction and they were going to have to turn it around before heading out - something was said about a 30 yard space to make the turnaround and that with the fog it was too risky.

[bobstack]

Hi CarolSW and fellow cruisers on Voyager:

 

Thank you for the updates, and congrats on entering the Gulf of Mexico! YEAH! We are so happy for you. We all wanted for all cruisers a good vacation and a time to find some peace. Calm waters and warm temps to all of you. Return safe with your stories. Sail on!

 

Bob and Donna from Dallas / Ft. Worth

Carnival Conquest, 600+ miles ESE of Galveston, heading to the Straits of FLA

[wolfganghowell]

They must have run out of Miller Lite - I believe the law is it must have a bottling plant or something in Texas. I know I have had Miller Lites before in port on Sunday. It is a goofy law but that would have been the least of the problems. Unfortunately, communication is often bad in these situations - when we were fogged in, we had no idea when we would be allowed back into port. We were driving so our issues were minor but I know people with flights had major problems. Weather happens. Let's all wish for blue skies and calm seas for the next 4 months!

[bobstack]

Hi CarolSW and fellow cruisers on Voyager:

 

Please post updates on your cruise when you can. All is normal now on Conquest, and we really enjoyed a first day at sea with the sun. Hope your more southerly journey brings you lots of sun. We'll keep everyone posted on the CCL thread. Enjoy your vacations!

 

Bob and Donna from Dallas/Ft. Worth

Carnival Conquest, 800 miles SE of Galveston

[cruiseknots]

and I will start this with everyone has their own opinion which is valid to them. Here is mine

Both ships refunded small amount for missed ports - Nothing additional from Carnival. Royal Caribbean gave those who wanted to leave the opportunity to do so with full $$ refund. You had a choice. Won't get on my soap box of thoses wanting something when things happen - all out of company control (WEATHER). They are trying to make a profit just like everyone else in this ecomony and know this cost them but you don't hear them complaining.

 

Enough - been on cruises when impacted by hurricans - yes at times communication was bad but just go with the flow.

 

They aren't complaining???????

I've been listening to RCI complain for the last year with all their cut backs.

 

I agree that you can't control the weather. However, the weather is part of their business environment. If they don't want to deal with the weather, then they should get out of the cruise business. The weather and losses associated with it, is part of the cost of doing business in this industry. To suggest that because they are taking a loss, you should too is a lousy arguement. For years the cruise lines made hundreds of millions of dollars. I didn't see them sharing the wealth then, so why should we be expected to share in their losses.

 

I've had numerous cruises disrupted by weather and the swine flu. My favorite cruise of all time was one on which we only visited 2 ports instead of the original 3 and none of them were ports we were supposed to visit. We didn't get one dime for it and I didn't expect it either.

 

However, when Joe Public books a 7 day cruise to the caribbean he is going to have certain expectations. Sitting in Galveston for 2 days in the fog is not one of them. Did RCI fulfill its obligations to its customers? Sure they did. They still had a room, food, some entertainment etc for 7 nights. Does RCI owe them anything? No. But how many of those people will choose a cruise for their next vacation? How many will choose RCI for their next cruise. If the customer is left feeling cheated or ripped off, they aren't going to come back. They will go home to anxious friends and family and tell them what a lousy time they had and how they would never do it again.

 

I know there are a lot of cheerleaders here who think their cruise line can do no wrong. But I wonder how many of those same people would be so understanding of similar circumstances in other businesses.

[bobstack]

Fellow cruisers on Voyager:

 

Conquest is now about 50 miles due east of Marathan Key, heading due NE, making almost 24 knots. Where are you guys? How's the feelings on the ship? You are now starting your first full day at sea, and are getting closer to the Caribbean. What are people telling you at the shows and during the public announcements?

 

Back here on Conquest, we are now just planning our first overnight in a port (Nassau), and will have just 1/2 day on Thursday in Nassau. We are still planning on going to the Breezes resort on Cable Beach, for some AI fun on the beach. Tonight we might grab a cab for some 'pops at Atlantis. The next day, Friday, is a full port day in Key West. Can't wait to enjoy some Margaritaville hospitality up and down Duval Street!

 

I guess I can tell you now that it was me on the aft of Conquest that was sending you a semaphore when Conquest was pulling away from the pier in Galveston (BRAVO - YANKEE, BRAVO YANKEE ((BY-BY!). I thought you would be right behind us. Sorry. But you are off for some vacation, and I hope you all can enjoy it.

 

Glad to know you and the crew are well underway.

 

Bob and Donna from Dallas / Ft. Worth

Carnival Conquest, in the FLA STAITS!

[bhughey]

They aren't complaining???????

I've been listening to RCI complain for the last year with all their cut backs.

 

I agree that you can't control the weather. However, the weather is part of their business environment. If they don't want to deal with the weather, then they should get out of the cruise business. The weather and losses associated with it, is part of the cost of doing business in this industry. To suggest that because they are taking a loss, you should too is a lousy arguement. For years the cruise lines made hundreds of millions of dollars. I didn't see them sharing the wealth then, so why should we be expected to share in their losses.

 

I've had numerous cruises disrupted by weather and the swine flu. My favorite cruise of all time was one on which we only visited 2 ports instead of the original 3 and none of them were ports we were supposed to visit. We didn't get one dime for it and I didn't expect it either.

 

However, when Joe Public books a 7 day cruise to the caribbean he is going to have certain expectations. Sitting in Galveston for 2 days in the fog is not one of them. Did RCI fulfill its obligations to its customers? Sure they did. They still had a room, food, some entertainment etc for 7 nights. Does RCI owe them anything? No. But how many of those people will choose a cruise for their next vacation? How many will choose RCI for their next cruise. If the customer is left feeling cheated or ripped off, they aren't going to come back. They will go home to anxious friends and family and tell them what a lousy time they had and how they would never do it again.

 

I know there are a lot of cheerleaders here who think their cruise line can do no wrong. But I wonder how many of those same people would be so understanding of similar circumstances in other businesses.

 

This is a tough one - weather is of course, uncontrollable. HOWEVER; to offer a voucher for a future cruise (let's not confuse that with a REFUND!) or deal with it, is not really customer service IMO. I am a RCI fan and had just departed the VOS on Sunday after the TA back to Galveston. The crew & staff on the VOS were the best we have ever encountered and I imagine they deserve serious KUDOS for handling a tough situation because unfortunately, they are the ones who have to FACE the unhappy passengers - not the suits in Miami who make decisions like "deal with it or go home." RCI should have at the very least, offered some sort of peace offering - BOGO on drinks, $10 internet credit, a free in cabin movie - SOMETHING. Again - weather is out of their control - BUT these people paid for a CRUISE which is by definition: "To sail or travel about, as for pleasure or reconnaissance." To be stuck in port is NOT a cruise and those who opted to debark, well... RCI still has *their* money in the bank.

 

So cruiseknots - I agree!

[mustangjoe]

I agree somewhat that maybe there should been a small reciprocation. However, this is no different than if I had plan a vacation at say Myrtle Beach and it rained all week. Do you think think people I rented Condo from would give me a refund? No way.

[bhughey]

I agree somewhat that maybe there should been a small reciprocation. However, this is no different than if I had plan a vacation at say Myrtle Beach and it rained all week. Do you think think people I rented Condo from would give me a refund? No way.

 

RCI did not offer a refund - from what I understand, they offered a voucher toward a future cruise, which are two different things entirely. I'm not saying RCI OWED passengers a thing - I am saying they SHOULD have offered something. On my first RCI cruise back in 2003, we were not able to stop in Key West because of crazy fog and RCI offered FREE bloody mary's and screw driver's for an hour. People quickly forgot about missing the port and more so, appreciated the gesture of goodwill & customer service.

[iceshots]

I agree somewhat that maybe there should been a small reciprocation. However, this is no different than if I had plan a vacation at say Myrtle Beach and it rained all week. Do you think think people I rented Condo from would give me a refund? No way.

 

But, lets assume you booked a vacation at an all inclusive resort, with many indoor and outdoor activities. It rains all week so the many of the outdoor activities cannot be held. You have to grin and bear it because you can't control weather. This is the same thing as being on a ship, at sea, in lousy weather. I don't think anyone would argue that.

 

But if the resort also had 1/2 the indoor activities cancelled for some reason or another, I don't think you would be so understanding. And you would definately not feel that you were getting full value for your money. This is akin to the ship sitting in port as opposed to being out at sea.

 

I agree that the fog was an act of God and both RCCL and CCL could not change that in any way shape or form. But, there should have been SOME acknowledgement on behalf of the cruise lines that sitting in port with activities closed down for legal reasons is reducing the value of the vacation that the passengers paid for, as opposed to being at sea in whatever weather.

 

I agree with you and other posters that said some token such as a free drink, or free movie should have been made. The tough part for the cruise lines is that they were also losing money from drink, shop and casino sales while stuck in port. But that is the risk they take for being in business.

 

I wonder if they had to pay extended port dues? I hope not! :eek:

[bhughey]

With the ship docked - I would imagine money would be saved as well, fuel, etc.

 

Marketing 101: a special, a sale, an offer ENCOURAGES spending. Why do you think casinos in Vegas offer free drinks to those gambling!? It entices them to SPEND MORE MONEY!

So - give these bored passengers a drink, heck - make it two. Once they get their drink on - they may be a little less ticked and a little more willing to pay $5.75 for a bud light!

[bobstack]

Fellow cruisers on Voyager:

 

Conquest is about 100 miles NW of Nassau, going through very calm, mirror blue waters right now. I suspect the temp is approaching the mid 80s. Are you getting good, sunny weather, too? How's the vibe on the ship during this first full sea day? I hope it's turning into a good vacation for you cruisers.

 

The weather's perfect in the Bahamas, and we're now planning something we didn't expect: A night in Nassau town! OK, we'll exchange more stories on the boards soon. Safe cruising, and good times to y'all.

 

Bob and Donna from Dallas / Ft. Worth

Carnival Conquest, 100 miles NW of Nassau

[Loyal2RCCL]

I think RCCL did the right thing in people the option of leaving the ship for the future cruise voucher. They didn't have to do this, and to my knowledge Carnival didn't provide this option to their passengers, nor did they allow any of their people to go ashore in Galveston as did RCCL.

 

The lines can't control the weather and to expect them to do anything because of foul weather is unreasonable. What do the airlines do for you if they cancel your flight? NOTHING!

 

It's unfortunate the cruise was delayed, but to expect any more than what was offered isn't warranted. (IMHO)

[bhughey]

Actually - our flight was canceled due to fog on our return from the VOS Westbound TA this past Sunday and the airline gave us vouchers for discounted hotel rooms & 2 $10 food vouchers for the airport.

[gtalum]

I think RCCL did the right thing in people the option of leaving the ship for the future cruise voucher. They didn't have to do this, and to my knowledge Carnival didn't provide this option to their passengers, nor did they allow any of their people to go ashore in Galveston as did RCCL.

 

To be fair, this is precisely why Carnival Conquest had a 1-day delay instead of a 2-day delay.

[CGBCruiser]

Actually - our flight was canceled due to fog on our return from the VOS Westbound TA this past Sunday and the airline gave us vouchers for discounted hotel rooms & 2 $10 food vouchers for the airport.

 

You got very lucky...most airlines give you nothing for bad weather! They'll tell you that's out of their control and give you directions to the closest hotel! Guess you had made your reservations with the right airline...

[wolfganghowell]

this is precisely why Carnival Conquest had a 1-day delay instead of a 2-day delay.

 

Umm, not exactly. Voyager has to turn around in the harbor, an impossible feat in heavy fog. There was not enough time to get both ships out.