Just off Freedom caught in storm October 9th

[MollyBasset]

Hi Debbie - wish we got a chance to meet on the cruise. Keep in mind that was highly unusual - the worst the crew had ever encountered. Sorry it was so traumatic for y'all. I would say just avoid cruising during hurricane season again and you should be fine. Dan and I were glad our girls didn't come - they would not have liked it either. We are planning to take them with us to Alaska next summer.

 

Nat[/QUote

 

 

Hi Nat,

I did not get to meet anyone so bummed about that we did not even get the meet and mingle invitation, yes it was so scary we were praying, we had first seating also so we were in the dining room also, they did a great job,

I think an Alaska cruise sounds nice, I think that sounds safer calmer seas,we might do that,the funny thing was at a restaurant we were eating at the night before they were playing the titanic movie, and the was our thought during all this and I knew if we had to board life boats we for sure would not survive in those.

Debbie

[travage]

This website is called Cruise Critic right? For people who like taking to the sea on ocean-going vessels? For a minute I thought this was a website for people who liked land-based resorts as some seem to have Freedom of the Seas confused with a Las Vegas casino that is bolted to the desert floor.

 

Royal Caribbean shouldn't have given "severe ship movement" compensation to passengers on this cruise. It sets a bad example. So next time I'm on a cruise and we hit a swell should I just run to the purser's office and demand compensation because the floating vessel I am on had the audacity to move on the open ocean.

 

If anything, this should be an example as to why cruise liners should still be built with proper seakeeping abilities in mind. They, like their passengers, should be able to weather a storm.

 

So to those of you still confused by the whole floating aspect of taking a cruise, may I recommend Hotels.com for your next vacation. Be sure to ask the front dresk what their policy is concerning "severe hotel movement."

[travelin_nat]

This website is called Cruise Critic right? For people who like taking to the sea on ocean-going vessels? For a minute I thought this was a website for people who liked land-based resorts as some seem to have Freedom of the Seas confused with a Las Vegas casino that is bolted to the desert floor.

 

Royal Caribbean shouldn't have given "severe ship movement" compensation to passengers on this cruise. It sets a bad example. So next time I'm on a cruise and we hit a swell should I just run to the purser's office and demand compensation because the floating vessel I am on had the audacity to move on the open ocean.

 

If anything, this should be an example as to why cruise liners should still be built with proper seakeeping abilities in mind. They, like their passengers, should be able to weather a storm.

 

So to those of you still confused by the whole floating aspect of taking a cruise, may I recommend Hotels.com for your next vacation. Be sure to ask the front dresk what their policy is concerning "severe hotel movement."

 

Ummm, I think this website is for people to share their cruise experiences. This particular sailing was, according to the crew, their worst experience in up to 13 years of sailing. Yes, one should expect to run in to rough waters, especially when one chooses to sail in the height of hurricane season.

 

I applaud RCI for compensating people on this particular sailing. Some people were injured, second seating dinner was canceled, and people could not get food for a few hours (not a problem for most, but definitely a problem for some). We walked on wet carpet in our room for most of the cruise, and put up with a very bad smell from that same wet carpeting. These circumstances were definitely extraordinary, and RCI did the right thing.

 

I will sail with them again. I will also give serious thought to whether I want to sail this time of year - knowing that the ship may rock a little, or more.:rolleyes:

[pstone1]

Ummm, I think this website is for people to share their cruise experiences. This particular sailing was, according to the crew, their worst experience in up to 13 years of sailing. Yes, one should expect to run in to rough waters, especially when one chooses to sail in the height of hurricane season.

 

I applaud RCI for compensating people on this particular sailing. Some people were injured, second seating dinner was canceled, and people could not get food for a few hours (not a problem for most, but definitely a problem for some). We walked on wet carpet in our room for most of the cruise, and put up with a very bad smell from that same wet carpeting. These circumstances were definitely extraordinary, and RCI did the right thing.

 

I will sail with them again. I will also give serious thought to whether I want to sail this time of year - knowing that the ship may rock a little, or more.:rolleyes:

 

Hi Nat:

 

Well said - another case of someone speaking without any knowledge of the actual situation. We had a blast on this cruise. The worst thing was as you said, the wet carpet smell until the carpet was finally changed on Thursday. I don't think you can plan for that!

 

I did feel bad for those first time cruisers and those traveling with small children. It was also difficult for people that had to take medicine with food when there was no food available for several hours. I think Capt Rob did a fantastic job, especially since the other two ships used RC and the pilot's information to make their decision not to sail.

 

We had two future cruises booked with RC and just booked another. Hope to meet you on a future sailing!

 

Paula

[MollyBasset]

Hi Debbie - wish we got a chance to meet on the cruise. Keep in mind that was highly unusual - the worst the crew had ever encountered. Sorry it was so traumatic for y'all. I would say just avoid cruising during hurricane season again and you should be fine. Dan and I were glad our girls didn't come - they would not have liked it either. We are planning to take them with us to Alaska next summer.

 

Nat

 

Hi Nat,

 

Iwish we could have met you you sound like such a neat person, we had a mix up with the meet and mingle so we did not get to meet anyone:(

Yes if we cruise again it will be not during that time for sure, Now Alaska sounds like my kind of cruise though beautiful and calm seas, we did have a good time on the rest of the cruise that night was just so scary though, and I knew if we had to board those life boats we were not going to make it for sure, we were really praying, we had first dinner also so that was an experiance at first it was funny, but then we saw the water rushing in and we knew it was serious, we were at table 400 by the kitchen, the waiters and servers did an outstanding job though.

Debbie

[LisaGoeke]

It was certainly quite an experience and nothing I've ever gone through. We were at table # 500 which is right by the kitchen and wow, I was surprised at what was going on back there. This huge rack fell down, things were broken everywhere, and crew members were crying because they were so scared. They had to walk my parents out of the dining room because they probably would have fallen if they didn't. Oh, and things were falling in our cabin too and water from our across-the-hall neighbor ended up leaking into one of our cabins. I'm just glad we didn't have any damage to our cabin and have to have wet floors/stink for most of the cruise. I understand why those passengers were compensated.

 

We love RCI and will definitely be back onboard in the near future, and during hurricane season because that's when the kids and I have fall break and the prices are more reasonable!! I can certainly understand the fear that so many passengers had because of what the ship encountered.....

[MollyBasset]

Hi Nat,

 

Iwish we could have met you you sound like such a neat person, we had a mix up with the meet and mingle so we did not get to meet anyone:(

Yes if we cruise again it will be not during that time for sure, Now Alaska sounds like my kind of cruise though beautiful and calm seas, we did have a good time on the rest of the cruise that night was just so scary though, and I knew if we had to board those life boats we were not going to make it for sure, we were really praying, we had first dinner also so that was an experiance at first it was funny, but then we saw the water rushing in and we knew it was serious, we were at table 400 by the kitchen, the waiters and servers did an outstanding job though.

Debbie

 

Sorry did not think my other post went through, I did not see it when I checked, and I just saw that I had 2 for the same comment:confused:

debbie

[travelin_nat]

This was definitely something you had to experience to appreciate. It's funny - when we first learned about our compensation, I thought they were more generous than they needed to be. Then we spent a few days with wet, stinky carpet and realized they knew what they were doing. Our carpet didn't get replaced until Friday night. But, that was better than not at all...

[PNW Traveler]

Hi Nat,

 

Iwish we could have met you you sound like such a neat person, we had a mix up with the meet and mingle so we did not get to meet anyone:(

Yes if we cruise again it will be not during that time for sure, Now Alaska sounds like my kind of cruise though beautiful and calm seas, we did have a good time on the rest of the cruise that night was just so scary though, and I knew if we had to board those life boats we were not going to make it for sure, we were really praying, we had first dinner also so that was an experiance at first it was funny, but then we saw the water rushing in and we knew it was serious, we were at table 400 by the kitchen, the waiters and servers did an outstanding job though.

Debbie

 

Regarding Alaska "beautiful and calm seas" - if you view the itinerary map for RCI's Alaska cruises you will find that the ship sails on the outside of Vancouver Island. These waters can be a little rough from the Pacific storms that frequent the Pacific Northwest. There is no guarantee of calm waters. I've sailed these waters many times in all sizes of watercraft, from cruise ships to small boats and can truthfully say that there is no season guaranteed to have "flat water." That said, the waves are not close to what you experienced on the Freedom's wild ride. By the way, if you sail from Seattle there are some lovely day cruises exploring Puget Sound that you might enjoy. We also have ferries that offer sightseeing at low cost to "walk on" passengers.

[travelin_nat]

Thanks for the info, we'll have to check that out. I had read about the potential for rough seas elsewhere on the boards. We actually enjoy the movement of the ship, just not to the extent of this storm. ;) I'd hate to jinx myself, but I doubt we will ever encounter what we did on the Freedom again. It was a fluke - seen confirmation that the conditions were three times as intense as forecast. We'll chalk it up as an experience and continue to enjoy cruising. :D

[horsefeathers75]

Paula,

 

I agree with you, traveling Nat handled Travage very well. They were not on the ship, they did not experience what we did, the swells Travage is talking about is nothing like what we experienced. I did not expect $300.00 obc or a 1/2 future cruise but it was a nicety for the fear we went through. Due to work restraints, unfortunately, some people have no choice as to when they take vacations and because some schools are out during October parents also have no choose but to take their vacation at that time.

 

So Travage you stay on dry ground, I will keep cruising (perhaps even in October) and if you haven't experienced something, don't stomp on others that have and lived to tell about it:p

[travelin_nat]

Paula,

 

I agree with you, traveling Nat handled Travage very well. They were not on the ship, they did not experience what we did, the swells Travage is talking about is nothing like what we experienced. I did not expect $300.00 obc or a 1/2 future cruise but it was a nicety for the fear we went through. Due to work restraints, unfortunately, some people have no choice as to when they take vacations and because some schools are out during October parents also have no choose but to take their vacation at that time.

 

So Travage you stay on dry ground, I will keep cruising (perhaps even in October) and if you haven't experienced something, don't stomp on others that have and lived to tell about it:p

 

If my super-stealth research skills :rolleyes: are correct, they hadn't posted since 2008, and haven't posted since. I'm with you - if you don't know what you are talking about, keep your comments to yourself. :D Happy sailing...

[horsefeathers75]

Hi All,

 

I was one of the forunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, water in my cabin from the storm of 10/09/11.

 

anyway for those fo you that got a 1/2 price letter, have you gotten the certificate through the mail yet?

 

Also if you needed to write a letter to RCCL, does anyone have a contact name and address.

 

Thanks so much.

 

Debi

[travelin_nat]

Hi All,

 

I was one of the forunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, water in my cabin from the storm of 10/09/11.

 

anyway for those fo you that got a 1/2 price letter, have you gotten the certificate through the mail yet?

 

Also if you needed to write a letter to RCCL, does anyone have a contact name and address.

 

Thanks so much.

 

Debi

Hi Debi -

 

I seem to remember it was supposed to take about six weeks. We have not gotten ours yet, but we were part of a group, so our credit may be mailed to our TA.

 

Nat

[sj25]

Hi All,

 

I was one of the forunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, water in my cabin from the storm of 10/09/11.

 

anyway for those fo you that got a 1/2 price letter, have you gotten the certificate through the mail yet?

 

Also if you needed to write a letter to RCCL, does anyone have a contact name and address.

 

Thanks so much.

 

Debi

 

Just got my certificate yesterday, it was to be half of what you paid. We got a certificate for each of us for the amount of $450. It has to be used by Oct 31st 2012.

 

So was so happy to see it before I booked the cruise today for in Jan. which is $449. pp 7 day cruise we are just going cheap this time for a inside cabin and it is a new departure port for me. So we will not pay for this cruise, cause more less they pay me cause I was able to use my next cruise certificate. So I will get a $100 shipboard credit and then we got friends to go with us they will also get the $100 shipboard credit and did the refer a friend..since this is going to be their first cruise. I just have to wait and see all the credit to be applied like they said will work...will not hold my breath for it all to work yet.

[horsefeathers75]

Hi SJ25,

 

What was your cabin #? Mine was 8636.

 

No letter for us yet?

 

Thanks.

 

Debi

[pstone1]

Hi All,

 

I was one of the forunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, water in my cabin from the storm of 10/09/11.

 

anyway for those fo you that got a 1/2 price letter, have you gotten the certificate through the mail yet?

 

Also if you needed to write a letter to RCCL, does anyone have a contact name and address.

 

Thanks so much.

 

Debi

 

 

Hi Debi:

 

We got our certificate from RCI in the mail on Tuesday, HOWEVER, our T/A had the credit a week earlier. I thought they had just notified our T/A but then we did receive the hard copy of the certificate. We are more than happy with what we received. As I said earlier, we had a great time, met some really nice people, and can't wait to sail again no matter what month!

 

Paula

[pstone1]

Debi:

 

The letter we received is signed by Sebastian Drakalovich, Assoc. Vice President, Guest Relations and Shared Services. The mailing address is:

1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132. I'd give it a few more days though as sometimes things are done alphabetically and all don't go out at once. Hope that info helps!

 

Paula

[travelin_nat]

We got ours, too. Going towards our Alaska cruise next summer - can't wait!

[BND]

We were on the cruise after this one, (16-23 Oct) and there were still areas where carpet was being replaced our first couple of days onboard and you could tell where some had been cleaned and stretched. We were in GS 1582 and there was a water mark/stain on the wall next to the nightstand and we had a message left on our phone, made a few days before that concerned the damage. (I can't remember exactly what it said, but it made me believe our cabin had been damaged).

[pstone1]

We got ours, too. Going towards our Alaska cruise next summer - can't wait!

 

We put ours towards our Hawaii cruise in April. Awesome and like you, can't wait!

 

Paula

[sj25]

We got ours, too. Going towards our Alaska cruise next summer - can't wait!

 

That is where someday I want to go...

 

We put ours towards our Hawaii cruise in April. Awesome and like you, can't wait!

 

Paula

This is also second on my list...I have done a land tour there in April many years ago ...oh my 27 years ago where does the time go!

 

Hi SJ25,

 

What was your cabin #? Mine was 8636.

 

No letter for us yet?

 

Thanks.

 

Debi

 

 

My room was 9704 it was a corner aft cabin and the water came in under the door...was kinda wild but I am not going to complain a story to tell for a long time...and a free cruise ended up being for us. So now I get to cruise 3 times in 3 1/2 mths. Now if we wouldn't of got this certificate I think I would of been upset due to our carpet did stink and made allergies kick up alot!

 

I sure hope everyone got theirs by now and do enjoy the credit how ever you may use it!:D

[Mik789]

We were in 6662. Flooding was extensive,the odor from mold and mildew was overpowering. We got hooked on balcony cabins several cruises back. Really enjoy having coffe out there in the morning and watching while we sail into a port. That was taken away from us until Friday when new carpet was installed. Enjoyed everything else about the cruise(after Sunday night) but coming back to the cabin at night was like an SNL Debbie Downer skit(cue the trombone) Apreciated the shipboard credit and offer of 1/2 off NEXT cruise. We just felt we didn't get the cabin we paid for on this cruise. We understand it was an unusual event,but someone,somewhere,made the decision to sail,which led to the event. We have nothing but praise for the crew,they were caught in the same situation we were and handled it as well as can be expected. The hotel staff did all they could given the circumstances and were as helpful as they could be. I hope "corporate" realizes this and appreciated their actions.

No certificate yet for us,just thought I'd put my two cents in to bump up the thread.

[travage]

Wow travelin_nat those super stealth research skills of yours really are impressive and I, like the other posters here, am grateful that you handled me so well. I sure did get schooled. For the record, I love ships and cruising and reading about them but don't feel the need to post a lot.

 

I have been in very bad storms at sea including a 2005 cruise on Golden Princess where that ship was delayed by a night getting into New York because of severe ship movement-broken windows and all. That crew said that was the worst storm they had ever been in.

 

In reading more about the incident on Freedom of the Seas and how she was unable to protect her guests from the elements, I think it was fair that passengers in cabins with water intrusion were compensated for the uncomfortable situation caused by mildew and damage to their cabin. Call me crazy and uninformed, as I'm sure some of you will, but I think a cruise liner should have doors on its balcony cabins that can withstand a severe storm. Mega ships today offer such amazing amenities but I wonder if all of that comes at a cost-mainly that they can only function completely and protect their passengers and crew if they are sailing on a sheet of glass.

 

I can understand that being in a storm can be a frightening experience, especially considering the slightly hysterial nature of many CC members, but thats the dice you roll when taking to a great ocean in comparitvely small vessel.

[travelin_nat]

Gosh, should I feel honored for drawing you out of your shell? :rolleyes:

 

Not my intention to "handle" or "school" anyone. I can certainly appreciate the sarcasm, being a sarcastic person myself, but not the criticism from someone who wasn't there.

 

I think the ships handle most circumstances well. And you make a good point that it's impossible to engineer a ship for every circumstance.

 

Given the number of first-time cruisers on every cruise, it's inevitable that you will have people who are traumatized by severe conditions. That's why they come to these boards - to find out what to expect, and share their experiences. Most people on that trip would say, "Wow! What a ride!" and a small handful will say they'll never do that again.

 

Have a nice day. :D