Anthem keeps docking us around

[shaun07]

Arrive at 9pm tomorrow night!!. I think he said we could stay the night on the ship if we choose

[BellaSweet]

yup, we won't charge you for almost killing you the first time so we will only charge half to try again .

 

 

 

That was dramatic :)

 

 

Shaun, I feel so badly for you. I hope you're off the ship and on land soon. Just focus on the fact that you're safe and try to be patient. I can't imagine the stress you feel.. I am the worst traveler, I probably would have stroked out at the first big wave!

[AF-1]

I feel sorry for all the passengers on Anthem. It is unfortunate that the bad weather has done damage to this ship, and passengers are somewhat stranded. I assume Royal Caribbean has to deal with a lot of issues now; trying to find alternate means of transportation for people, rebooking flights for those who used the air program; etc. None of us take the time to read through the five or six pages of passenger bill of rights. We all sign off on it before we cruise; but few actually read it. We sign away our rights to almost everything except a death. Again, its unfortunate; but Royal has the upper hand.

This will be a PR nightmare for them; but it isn't their first

Edited February 9, 2016 by AF-1
added txt

[Big_G]

I don't understand all the blind support for rccl. It is quite possible that someone made a huge mistake sailing into that storm. It is quite possible they are doing a poor job handling this with those on the ship in terms of communication. It is quite possible they are responsible for the change in docking times/porting.

 

So, if people want to blame them, so be it. No one's calling your mother names. People are mad AT A COMPANY, for crying out loud. They can take it. It'll be okay.

 

Everyone so far has been sympathetic to passenger's experience. As to your first comment, the way it has been explained is the storm was predicted but there was a sudden change of intensity. Thankfully it's a rare occurrence. As to the latter, I agree Royal probably made a mistake in telling people 6:00am on Wednesday. They should have gotten their ducks in order first. They still may make it right. We'll have to see.

 

This!!!!^^^^^

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

But it didn't. :confused: Edited February 9, 2016 by Big_G

[shaun07]

thanks for support its good to know I am not totally crazy. Knowing an eta finally has releaved some stress.

 

Right now I have no idea who is to blame or even if someone is. I don't know if I want to slap or kiss the captain. While I really don't know if I will ever sail again As far as rccl goes i will never sail with them again.

[jamiebytes]

News from the captain just now: we will arrive in Bayonne at 6pm ET, and get the pilot and ideally be fully docked by 9pm ET. He did mention people can stay on the ship overnight if needed. The cruise director and guest relations might be able to help out with travel, but he didn't give any details. He said Full details will be provided at 10pm tonight on channel 22 in stateroom TVs.

 

This is definitely positive, but I personally plan to wait until tomorrow AM to change my return flight again. Make sure no unexpected weather or other issues pop up.

[MsTabbyKats]

I don't see any blind support of the cruise line in this thread. I thought we were all trying to talk Shaun off the ledge? He seems to be having a panic attack right now and most, not all, are trying to reassure him.

 

Shaun, I know exactly how you feel. About 5 years ago I was on the NCL Dawn to Bermuda, and we hit 50 mph winds and 50ft waves. The captain did not keep us updated. The buffet was empty at breakfast except for me and one man (I don't get seasick). But, I was scared to death. This was going and coming back.

 

I couldn't wait to feel land. And I vowed I'd never sail again. But I did.

 

About 3 years ago we had a Carnival cruise booked...and there was an impeding hurricane. (NY to Canada). According to the charts the ship was blocked in...in every direction. So, we stayed home and lost all the $$$.

 

As it turned out, the captain decided to go full speed and get ahead of the storm (as it seems your captain did). The reports were that it was a very rocky ride, and I'm glad I missed it.

 

So, I know exactly how you feel.

[Tiggercat]

Are the bars open?

[Beachin2]

Why would customs be required? Was a cruise to nowhere - never stopped.

[shiphound]

...and you know this because you read it on the internets? :rolleyes:

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/02/articles/rough-weather-1/master-of-the-anthem-of-the-seas-storm-not-accurately-forecast/

[Jccruiser28]

Shaun07 that was great

[tbill]

You do know that this ship carries 5,000 passengers plus a crew of over 1,600. That is larger than many towns and villages from whence the passengers come from. Moving that many people off the ship through customs (who do not care a whit about circumstances (as they are paid by the government and work by the book) and out to proper transportation does not happen by magic. It is quite possible that the line was given improper information about docking times or possible that one union said ok and the other one said can't get our people there in time for the early docking. There are multiple unions involved in handling any ship in the ports of NY and NJ. This is not Singapore where one person runs everything and their word is law.

 

That is all fine and dandy and it is also their problem, not the passenger's. The passengers deserve the information. They were quick to tell them 6:00 a.m. They can keep them informed if they want to.

[tbill]

Are the bars open?

 

I'm sure the casino is!!!!

[OBX-Cruisers]

Why would customs be required? Was a cruise to nowhere - never stopped.

 

Good question. Wonder what the answer will be

[Ocean Boy]

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/02/articles/rough-weather-1/master-of-the-anthem-of-the-seas-storm-not-accurately-forecast/

 

The sharks are smelling blood in the water. If the ship is docking at 9 PM tomorrow then the feeding frenzy should start about 9:01 PM.

[cheezwiz]

thanks for support its good to know I am not totally crazy. Knowing an eta finally has releaved some stress.

 

Right now I have no idea who is to blame or even if someone is. I don't know if I want to slap or kiss the captain. While I really don't know if I will ever sail again As far as rccl goes i will never sail with them again.

 

Shaun, you are not at all crazy and I'm sure I'm not the only one who is glad that you are doing a bit better. Are you local to North Jersey or do you have to fly? Either way, your own home will never look so good to you as it will after this!

[Winghunter]

Wow! Exactly the type of comment I was referencing in my post. It is so easy for people who aren't even on the ship and didn't go through what those passengers went through to make judgments and snide remarks. Really? Did you not even notice that the OP put a joke about it being a dramatic statement with a smiley face!

 

I really don't think your comment was called for at all. How about having the slightest bit of sympathy for a bunch of people who have been through a rough experience and are now frantically trying to figure out how they are going to manage when the ship docks and basically gives them two hours to get off? Perhaps they would like to know how to plan for that - doesn't seem that unreasonable to me. Also doesn't seem unreasonable that people who have been scared and frustrated need to vent without being subjected to mean responses! :rolleyes:

I just read this site for information, otherwise the overly loyalist will drive you nuts. If the ship had sunk in the storm there would be a group saying it could happen to any ship and how it could never be RCCL's fault, just the lay of the land around these parts I guess. I'm D+ but have scaled my cruising back to every couple years, the hand in my wallet every time I turn around has wore thin. Not everyone thinks that way so I keep my opinion to myself, others use different approaches.

Taking the first hand accounts at face value here, I think RCCL owes it to the passengers to keep them updated on anything and everything. Too much info is not a bad thing after a life threating event. If arrival times change as may happen due to port availability and or manpower then say that, "sorry we have to adjust our schedule, the port can not accept us until 6pm because of XYZ". People as a rule are starving for information when there is change or uncertainty, if the reports are correct RCCL dropped the ball here on a number of levels.

[Heather1972]

Royal Caribbean is damned if they do, damned if they don't. :rolleyes:

[Merion_Mom]

They could be delaying because of the weather near Philadelphia. I know it is snowing lightly in Newark right now, my DH is at the airport there now waiting for a flight home.

 

Hang in there!

 

It's snowing lightly, but no winds.

[Cruise Raider]

This I have little sympathy for to be honest. I have sympathy for the experience they had on board but anyone goes on a vacation without the financial means to get a hotel for a few nights and buy a few meals extra, even if that would be reimbursed later, really shouldn't be going on the trip.

 

If the ship sailed fine and they came back to a cancelled flight they would have the same problem, they would have spent the cruise funds, if they had travel insurance to cover the days until their flight those wouldn't come immediately and would need someway to have a place to stay too.

 

If the refund is coming through putting it on a credit card, even if you don't like being in debt etc is perfectly fine since the refund would come in to pay off the card.

 

What??? Unbelievable statement!!

 

I so feel for everyone onboard....you all must be utterly exhausted! I can only hope and pray this comes to an end for you all very soon -- without any more untoward events. Prayers sent!!

[Kag1526]

That is all fine and dandy and it is also their problem, not the passenger's. The passengers deserve the information. They were quick to tell them 6:00 a.m. They can keep them informed if they want to.

 

This is one thing I will agree with. While i can understand why RCCL may not know when they can dock to give a time they aren't 100% sure they can make is irresponsible. If you don't know stick with you don't know until all arrangements have been made and you have had confirmation that the dock can receive you.

[Arzeena]

thanks for support its good to know I am not totally crazy. Knowing an eta finally has releaved some stress.

 

Right now I have no idea who is to blame or even if someone is. I don't know if I want to slap or kiss the captain. While I really don't know if I will ever sail again As far as rccl goes i will never sail with them again.

 

Better them than Costa :)

.....hope this lightens your worries for a bit.

Edited February 9, 2016 by Arzeena

[Loyal2RCCL]

Dear Travel Partner,

Please note that the Anthem of the Seas arrival time in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, has been modified. Our original update about the revised arrival time was estimated at 6 a.m. EST on February 10, 2016. Due to reduced speeds on the return voyage, the new estimated arrival time will be alongside in Bayonne at 9 pm EST. As this is an evening arrival and we want to ensure the comfort of our guests, we are encouraging guests to remain on board for a normal disembarkation process on Thursday, February 11th starting at 6 a.m. Those guests that choose to disembark on their own once the ship has cleared on Wednesday evening, may chose this option. Any transportation arrangements you may have secured for February 10th, should be reaccommodated to February 11th

We thank you for your understanding, and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and your clients. We appreciated your continued support of Royal Caribbean International.

[Foosguy]

Docking at 9pm tomorrow, guests can stay the night if they want to and leave Thursday in the am

[jamiebytes]

Why would customs be required? Was a cruise to nowhere - never stopped.

I was wondering that too, but I think because people can buy certain items on board (alcohol, cigarettes, jewelry) and/or have casino winnings, don't those things have to be declared to customs? I've never bought any of that so I'm not sure how it works.