Jewel Of the Seas and Hurricane Sandy

[LEtue]

I am onboard too and the notice said eventually we are going to St.Thomas and St.Lucia, a few more sea days and then Aruba and Curacao. We miss St. Kitts and Barbados.

 

In general passengers seem to be taking it well but many are upset. Any excursions booked through RCI will be refunded in on board credit. I don't think they will open the stores or the casino until we are at sea. Bummer! LOL

 

Glad to hear that most are taking the situation well and I hope it continues :)

[Leafpeeper]

I would be upset being stuck at the pier in Boston if I heard the the ships left New York and New Jersey this afternoon. The rain just began here at 7pm. Since Boston is so much further north and east of the storm, I don't understand why they didn't head out ahead of the storm. By morning, they would have been far away.

 

Anxious to read the postings from those onboard the NY ships. They will probably be sitting poolside enjoying beverages as they pass Bermuda tomorrow while Boston passengers are indoors watching the wind and rain thru Tuesday.

 

Weather Channel says it is much more dangerous having a ship banging at the pier going up and down than out at sea. Could damage the ship and the dock.

 

We've sailed thru 20-30 foot seas with no problem on NCL ships. Princess had alot more movement because the ship was so high. We don't get seasick, so we enjoy the movement.

 

For those who are seasick, at least it doesn't usually take long for a ship to pass thru the high seas and get to sunshine.

[Disneycrazymom]

Is there a web cam to see the ship in Boston?

[flhokie]

Is there a web cam to see the ship in Boston?

 

I can't find one for the Jewel, but the Crystal Symphony is docked right there and has web cams (can't really see anything now, but it should be good in the am). Also, the Caribbean Princess is on her way in to Boston now. She should have one as well.

[burnsie]

My supervisor was on the Jewel for the transatlantic last month. He was impressed with the Captain and how he avoided the storms that were out there then. He said the sea across was the smoothest he has ever sailed.

 

Saw on the news that Norwegain sailed today to Bermuda and the anchor was surprised since they were saying the seas were 30'.

 

I would be so sick, if I was sailing in that. I don't think ginger would help.

[Disneycrazymom]

Thanks. I just wanted to see what the weather looked like.

[Langley Cruisers]

Also, the Caribbean Princess is on her way in to Boston now...

 

Yes, we just watched her come in alongside us. She is here in Boston seeking refuge from the storm, as the Captain put it.

 

....the seas were 30'. I would be so sick, if I was sailing in that. I don't think ginger would help.

 

There are a lot of seniors on this cruise. Having said that, I'm not sure it would be fair to subject any of them (or us) to the 30 foot swells Capt. Says are out there right now. So many could fall, it is just not safe. While many wouldn't mind the rough seas, I think more would complain if we sailed smack out into the middle of it all. We trust that the Captain knows his stuff and that he and head office have made the right decision.

 

It's a little boring and strange to say the least... no casino bells ringing, no shops are open. Oh well! At least we're not working!! Haha

[Familygoboston]

If they will let you all off tomorrow, there are some terrific restaurants right In The Seaport Area...Strega on the waterfront ( Italian), one fellow on one of my RCs recommends Temaczal a high end Mexican place. There is a firefighting museum and a gallery run by a local tour company, but sadly, neither is open on Mondays. The ICA is excellent and will also be closed Monday, but will be open at 10 on Tuesday. http://www.icaboston.org/visit/hours-and-admission/

 

Assuming of course anything is open. :rolleyes:

Enjoy your "cruise!" Good luck with the weather.

[Disneycrazymom]

I see the Caribbean Princess web cam. It looks like they are watching a movie on the big screen or maybe the ball game? Too dark to see the Jewel though.

[jascruise]

If the ship had sailed and ran into heavy seas, some people would have complained about the conditions and the resulting discomfort.

 

If she doesn't sail, there are complaints about lack of activities and missing ports.

 

It's a tough call, and the cruise line and captain are going to get roasted either way.

 

Or, as the Pats' coach is fond of saying, "it is what it is."

[tigger-ttfn]

I understand waiting. However, waiting too long for passengers to make an informed decision is not right. Requiring passengers to board the ship to be able to be told what will be happening is not fair. If a passenger is not comfortable with what they hear they may not have the time or option of getting off. Even if they do get off they will then be stranded in Boston with the storm closing in.

 

While many people are excited to "bring it on," keep in mind the many people that, despite medication, etc. will be violently ill for days because of this---it may not be as much fun for them.

Then don't book during Hurricaine season. remenber hurricaine season last through Nov and our bad storms tend to come at the end of the season

[Langley Cruisers]

If the ship had sailed and ran into heavy seas, some people would have complained about the conditions and the resulting discomfort.... If she doesn't sail, there are complaints about lack of activities and missing ports...

 

That is it exactly. No way to make everyone happy.

 

The winds and seas have definitely picked up, even sitting in port here. We feel the ship shudder every so often. The airport is still open. Capt. says we may be able to pull out tomorrow morning but reports he is getting from other ships out there is that the swells are 30 to 45 feet. Ooof! Glad we're still here safe.

 

The ship is not full; we have 1988 on board and only 10 kids. :) We have seen 2 of them.

 

Anyway... Is it lunch time yet? LOL

[sj25]

I wish the best for all of you...sure hope your able to get out tomorrow. But we keep getting told tomorrow is not going to be good...so I do pray that your able to go out in safe traveling.

[bled01]

Or, as the Pats' coach is fond of saying, "it is what it is."

 

Yes, that sums it up perfectly:D

[Leafpeeper]

I do like those outdoor movie screens on Princess & Carnival ships. Doubt anybody is watching them today unless they are in a bar without the sound.

 

No guarantees when planning a vacation. We had 2 weeks of rain in early October that must have upset Leafpeepers visiting New England. I think we had a week of rain in July or August. It's the luck of the draw.

 

I'd rather be crusing during hurricane season than anything else if I want to take a fall vacation because it's better than being stuck on an island getting hit by a storm. At least a ship will try to go around a storm and eventually find the sun. It's to the advantage of the cruise company to find he sun because passengers buy more drinks--EXCEPT IN BOSTON. WE DRINK MORE THAN ANYBODY--ESPECIALLY DURING BAD WEATHER.

 

STAY OFF THE ROADS DURING A STORM--NOT BECAUSE OF FALLING TREES BUT BECAUSE OF ALL THE DRUNKS WHO HAVE TO GO SEE THE OCEAN AND STAND OUT ON THE JETTY DARING THE SEA TO SWEEP THEM AWAY!

 

The Coast Guard should not have to rescue IDIOTS! Love it when their cars are covered in sea spray and they wonder why they have rust next Spring. DAH!

 

Stay safe and enjoy whatever makes you happy. Hubby will be home soon wanting to watch the horseracing channel and place a few bets. Wonder if Foxwoods is open? I wonder if they have cots for displaced Mass residents.

[AmesFL]

That is it exactly. No way to make everyone happy.

 

The winds and seas have definitely picked up, even sitting in port here. We feel the ship shudder every so often. The airport is still open. Capt. says we may be able to pull out tomorrow morning but reports he is getting from other ships out there is that the swells are 30 to 45 feet. Ooof! Glad we're still here safe.

 

The ship is not full; we have 1988 on board and only 10 kids. :) We have seen 2 of them.

 

Anyway... Is it lunch time yet? LOL

 

Take care of her, we'll be on in 17 days! ;)

 

Are they increasing inside activities to keep everyone entertained? It must be strange to be on that long with no shops or casino.

[Langley Cruisers]

There are the usual activities... honestly not that interested, really. There are a few brave souls in the outdoor hot tubs.

 

The ship looks amazing. She has been beautifully maintained and she sparkles. :) I know those with upcoming Jewel cruises will be very pleased. The crew are very friendly and accommodating.

[cinnamon]

We should have been on her! Only cancelled a few weeks ago when my severe back problems deteriorated enough to be awaiting surgery. Very sorry to be missing cruise but happy to be avoiding Sandy.

[misterbuds]

Glad to hear everyone is safe on board in Boston. We got off Jewel a week ago and enjoyed her very much. The Jewel is a wonderful ship with wonderful crew. I'm sure Dennis your cruise director will keep you all entertained! He was great. While disappointing to some not to be sailing, we have sailed in over 30-40 foot seas before and it is not pleasant and can be scary at times. I believe the captain made the right call staying in Boston.

 

In laws of my brotherinlaw's sister were suppose to be on Carnival Miracle sailing out of NY. They chose to cancel instead of sailing a day early. They are elderly and did not want to sail through a hurricane with a ship not fully provisioned and with a completely revised itinerary. They were given the option to cancel and they got a full refund.

[SRQfireman]

For those of you onboard, who is the Maitre D now? You happen to know if "Mark" is still a headwaiter in the MDR? He was on there 10 months ago and could have gone and come back to that ship. He is a young/small indian guy with glasses.....He was such a nice guy. Is the current CD going to be staying on in Tampa?

Thanks for checking on that.....

[medfordgirl]

I have cousins on board. just wondering are they giving you some OBC for the missed ports and losing 2 days of sailing? I am picking up my cousins here in tampa on the 11th. hope everyone has a great trip after getting past Sandy.

[flhokie]

I have cousins on board. just wondering are they giving you some OBC for the missed ports and losing 2 days of sailing? I am picking up my cousins here in tampa on the 11th. hope everyone has a great trip after getting past Sandy.

 

From what my parents said there has been no talk of OBC (except for refunds of cruise line shore excursions for the missed ports). Most people seem happy to just be safe and sound from what they said.

[reallyitsmema]

Jewel of the Seas is leaving Boston right now!

[leekel619]

Yay! Have fun everyone. Sure wish I could come with you.

I wonder if many of those passengers who had their flights cancelled were able to get another one and make it onboard in time for sail away?

I read in another post many were missing.

They must be freaking. At least all of you we're safe and sound with GREAT expectations awaiting!

Bon Voyage!!

[Disneycrazymom]

Just talked to my parents and they are underway. They will be in St Thomas on Nov 3. Mom has been very pleased with the choice the captain made to stay. She gets sea sick pretty easily and was fine with hanging at the dock for a couple days. They had a nice dinner and show with no worry of getting sick! She was taking her ginger this morning in preparation for sailing. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif