Breakaway Leaves Bermuda Early

[johnnypiano]

NCL Breakaway departed Bermuda this morning around 8:00am EDT (instead of its scheduled departure time of 2:00pm EDT) in order to beat Tropical Storm Hermine back to NY.

[ColinIllinois]

Unfortunate to lose shore time but much better for the voyage home.

[csmart1152]

On the breakaway now and it's already getting pretty rocky. They've had to close the outside decks on 6,7 and 8. Captain says today is going to be "smooth" and tomorrow will get rougher. They're already handing out Dramamine. Could be an interesting day at sea. The pic was taken from deck 6.

 

 

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[johnnypiano]

Stay safe! I hope for your sake it doesn't get too much worse and that you'll be able to enjoy yourself over these next two days!

 

According to the forecast, it looks like Hermine is going to hang out off the shore of NJ for a few days. I wonder whether it will have an effect on Sunday's sailing?

 

[zqvol]

Safe journeys to all on board. It looks like that area off the coast is in for 5 or 6 days of rough seas as the storm is supposed to stall off the coast of New Jersey and churn away for a few days.

[FreestyleNovice]

Whoa, did someone say Anthem? ;) Stay safe!

[BrandoMan13]

Well safe travels to all those on the breakaway. Supposed to be embarking this sunday but not sure what may happen. It's been very hard for people to track the storm.

 

My fellow cruisers are confident we'll be cruising, I'm just not sure what type of weather the ship is made to handle, combined with the chance they might call for evacs in LI or NYC.

 

So lots going on haha. good luck to everyone on board currently and those of us hoping to be sunday!

[Harleysparents]

Hopefully- you are all comfortable and you can enjoy the final days of your vacation. I am on the Breakaway Sunday and my travel agent thinks they may delay our cruise for a day or two. She has no confirmed knowledge of this but she has seen it happen before. Honestly- I hope so- I do fully understand what can happen this time of year on any cruise . That being said I am not good with rocky seas so I have purchased every seasickness remedy known to man :) Anyhow- current Breakaway passengers stay safe and please keep us posted on how your journey progresses.

[MrMike45]

Hopefully- you are all comfortable and you can enjoy the final days of your vacation. I am on the Breakaway Sunday and my travel agent thinks they may delay our cruise for a day or two. She has no confirmed knowledge of this but she has seen it happen before. Honestly- I hope so- I do fully understand what can happen this time of year on any cruise . That being said I am not good with rocky seas so I have purchased every seasickness remedy known to man :) Anyhow- current Breakaway passengers stay safe and please keep us posted on how your journey progresses.

 

Am on the cruise leaving Sunday. They won't delay for a day or 2...that would require massive refunds. They might delay for a few hours. But every report now seems to show it really close to the coast come Sunday. We might head a little more out to sea before turning South. Probably very rocky Sunday and Monday, but after that should be ok.

[NLH Arizona]

Stay safe!

[BrandoMan13]

Am on the cruise leaving Sunday. They won't delay for a day or 2...that would require massive refunds. They might delay for a few hours. But every report now seems to show it really close to the coast come Sunday. We might head a little more out to sea before turning South. Probably very rocky Sunday and Monday, but after that should be ok.

 

Worst of the weather might be Sunday night into Monday and so on. A day ago, waiting might have made sense. If they intend to cruise they have to leave around on time or a slight delay, but it seems like earlier might be better.

 

Looks like a very rocky start but once you get past it, smooth sailing.

 

But if they decide to wait, they'd probably have to delay until Monday night or Tuesday maybe. Not sure they'd wanna do that.

 

I'm a little surprised they haven't had any word one way or the other being its only a few days out and people will have started making their way to NY by now.

 

As I've said, its my first cruise, so its gonna be an experience one way or another. I've been looking forward to it for months, so as long as they don't cancel altogether, ill deal with whatever the waves throw at us.

[MrMike45]

Worst of the weather might be Sunday night into Monday and so on. A day ago, waiting might have made sense. If they intend to cruise they have to leave around on time or a slight delay, but it seems like earlier might be better.

 

Looks like a very rocky start but once you get past it, smooth sailing.

 

But if they decide to wait, they'd probably have to delay until Monday night or Tuesday maybe. Not sure they'd wanna do that.

 

I'm a little surprised they haven't had any word one way or the other being its only a few days out and people will have started making their way to NY by now.

 

As I've said, its my first cruise, so its gonna be an experience one way or another. I've been looking forward to it for months, so as long as they don't cancel altogether, ill deal with whatever the waves throw at us.

 

Obviously passenger and crew (and ship itself) safety is #1 concern for NCL. But that being said...a delay of a day or 2 would result in refunds for 4000 some odd passengers PLUS a day or 2 of lost revenue in the bars, specialty dining, casino, etc.

 

We are leaving Sunday. It will be rocky. The route might be altered from the usual one, but we'll be out at sea

[mking8288]

First, safe crossing coming home for those onboard the BA now, oceanwave charts are showing 10' to 15' waves (and likely higher) inbound. Here are 2 snapshots from BDA's portcam this morning as BA left Heritage Wharf - it was windy @ 25mph & cloudy, nothing terrible then.

 

Looking at the latest 2 PM NHC update & assorted charts, graphs, etc. - looking like Hermine will slowly spin & hover northeast of the NY/NJ waters - if the storm doesn't change course and/or weaken - mother nature vs. the "science" of forecasting.

 

Maybe, the BA will sail north & eastward on Sunday to get ahead of the storm - running all 4 engines at top speed of 22 n.m. far into the deeper Atlantic (although sea conditions looked to the rough in that region - but, still better than going south & into the core of this storm) before turning south toward Bermuda. The Dawn is heading out to Bermuda later today ... should be interesting to get a live report or update, if someone on that sailing will post & share.

 

Hold on to the railings while walking and using the stairs - that atrium lobby is going to be pack full. Wondering if the BA will get into NY (or close enough to be just off the shores) late on Saturday for an extra early docking.

 

P.S. Don't worry about the structure of these ships, they are solid - we sailed the GEM in 2012 right after Sandy, against another incoming Nor-Easter (directly into the weakness part of that nasty storm system) doing 24.5+ n.m. full speed) and it was one heck of a ride.

Edited September 2, 2016 by mking8288

[BrandoMan13]

 

Maybe, the BA will sail north & eastward on Sunday to get ahead of the storm - running all 4 engines at top speed of 22 n.m. far into the deeper Atlantic (although sea conditions looked to the rough in that region - but, still better than going south & into the core of this storm) before turning south toward Bermuda. The Dawn is heading out to Bermuda later today ... should be interesting to get a live report or update, if someone on that sailing will post & share.

 

Hold on to the railings while walking and using the stairs - that atrium lobby is going to be pack full. Wondering if the BA will get into NY (or close enough to be just off the shores) late on Saturday for an extra early docking.

 

So you're still confident they'll be able to sail through this stuff sunday afternoon?

 

what would you peg as the chances of a delay? not sure we'd benefit from it, but just figured id ask. I'll be ready to go sunday morning unless ncl tells me otherwise before then.

 

Do they have a usual time frame when they might address any of this?

[njhorseman]

I explained on another thread that in a similar situation last year the ship was held at the pier in NY for 9 hours beyond the scheduled 4 pm Sunday departure.

 

Every storm is different and storms frequently change course so accurate forecasting more than a relatively few hours in advance is difficult at best. That's why NCL is unlikely to make a decision on Sunday's departure until the last minute. As I mentioned on the other thread, we were informed of the delayed departure at check in on Sunday morning. Unless notified to the contrary by NCL or your travel agent, everyone should arrive at Pier 88 on Sunday as originally scheduled.

Edited September 2, 2016 by njhorseman

[Charles4515]

Am on the cruise leaving Sunday. They won't delay for a day or 2...that would require massive refunds. They might delay for a few hours. But every report now seems to show it really close to the coast come Sunday. We might head a little more out to sea before turning South. Probably very rocky Sunday and Monday, but after that should be ok.

 

Don't be to sure about that. I was on a cruise that was delayed 24 hours out of New York. It was not on NCL, it was HAL but a day delay is possible. All we got was a 15% off a future cruise voucher that had to be used in six months. With weather delays they don't really have to offer anything if they have the check in on Sunday.

[chengkp75]

Crossing the Gulf Stream can be choppy at the best of times, which is what you'd do if you sailed north and then east to get around the storm, and you'd have maximum head winds.

 

From the looks of things, I'd say they probably will try to slip down close to shore. This has two advantages: one, the winds are from astern, so assisting the ship to get around the storm (though the stern may lift and shimmy a lot depending on the seas), and two, you are in the counter-current inside the Gulf Stream, so you aren't fighting the Stream, and can make better speed. Once below the storm, they can hang a left towards Bermuda.

 

As for delays, given the current forecast where she will hang down around the Del Capes on Sunday and Monday, its probably best to leave as close to schedule as possible.

Edited September 2, 2016 by chengkp75

[Kosi]

I explained on another thread that in a similar situation last year the ship was held at the pier in NY for 9 hours beyond the scheduled 4 pm Sunday departure.

 

Every storm is different and storms frequently change course so accurate forecasting more than a relatively few hours in advance is difficult at best. That's why NCL is unlikely to make a decision on Sunday's departure until the last minute. As I mentioned on the other thread, we were informed of the delayed departure at check in on Sunday morning. Unless notified to the contrary by NCL or your travel agent, everyone should arrive at Pier 88 on Sunday as originally scheduled.

 

I was on this cruise last year. We were notified once at pier not long after getting there.. they came along with a paper for each person with the info on it. .

Edited September 2, 2016 by Kosi

[BirdTravels]

Hopefully- you are all comfortable and you can enjoy the final days of your vacation. I am on the Breakaway Sunday and my travel agent thinks they may delay our cruise for a day or two. She has no confirmed knowledge of this but she has seen it happen before. Honestly- I hope so- I do fully understand what can happen this time of year on any cruise . That being said I am not good with rocky seas so I have purchased every seasickness remedy known to man :) Anyhow- current Breakaway passengers stay safe and please keep us posted on how your journey progresses.

 

The only reason they would delay a day is if the port were to close and they can't leave (like during Sandy). Otherwise, the ship will leave. The ship may depart early or late a few hours (e.g., the POA is leaving at least 3 hours early tomorrow to avoid the hurricane in Hawaii). NCL has robo callers to notify passengers, sends out emails, and posts changes on NCL.com.

 

During big storms in the mid-Atlantic coastal region, they have changed the Breakaway itinerary to be a New England cruise,,,, but that is highly unlikely unless the storm stalls and you can't get around it.

Edited September 2, 2016 by BirdTravels

[Charles4515]

The only reason they would delay a day is if the port were to close and they can't leave (like during Sandy). Otherwise, the ship will leave. The ship may depart early or late a few hours (e.g., the POA is leaving at least 3 hours early tomorrow to avoid the hurricane in Hawaii). NCL has robo callers to notify passengers, sends out emails, and posts changes on NCL.com.

 

During big storms in the mid-Atlantic coastal region, they have changed the Breakaway itinerary to be a New England cruise,,,, but that is highly unlikely unless the storm stalls and you can't get around it.

 

 

 

Looking at the current track a delay is a very possible. And if it hangs around like it shows it could be a day or two delay. We shall see....

 

 

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[SidneyOfEaston]

Hopefully- you are all comfortable and you can enjoy the final days of your vacation. I am on the Breakaway Sunday and my travel agent thinks they may delay our cruise for a day or two. She has no confirmed knowledge of this but she has seen it happen before. Honestly- I hope so- I do fully understand what can happen this time of year on any cruise . That being said I am not good with rocky seas so I have purchased every seasickness remedy known to man :) Anyhow- current Breakaway passengers stay safe and please keep us posted on how your journey progresses.

 

I don't see the logic behind staying in port for a day or two. The strength of the storm is a day or two to the south. So by staying in port you are just waiting for the weather to get worse? I don't understand that reasoning. The Breakaway just needs to get out of port on time and haul butt, not sit around and wait for it to get worse. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[JAMESCC]

Two summers ago we left Bermuda on an RCCL cruise [Explorer of the seas] and thank God we did. The captain explained in great detail why we left early, where we would be sea height wise if we didn't and the dangers involved. I was actually quite impressed with the way the captain handled the entire situation. If we would have left at the scheduled time we would have been in 30 foot seas. That would NOT have been fun.

Edited September 3, 2016 by JAMESCC

[oceanqueen101]

Am on the cruise leaving Sunday. They won't delay for a day or 2...that would require massive refunds. They might delay for a few hours. But every report now seems to show it really close to the coast come Sunday. We might head a little more out to sea before turning South. Probably very rocky Sunday and Monday, but after that should be ok.

MY family is on this same cruise leaving Sunday don't mind a rocky start but wondering what this means once we get to Bermuda I hear they are still going to have rough waters and rain:(. and will most of the outdoor activities be shut down all week like the waterslides and ropes course. our 6&7 year old will be heart broken

[nyfltraveler]

I wonder if anybody who got off the ship Wednesday or Thursday (for example to stay at a hotel/resort on the island for a night or 2) who was planning on returning to the ship by the regular departure time, was left behind due to the significantly (6hr) earlier departure.....

[mking8288]

A bit of good news - NCL's live webcams are UP ... just checked !! Breakaway and GEM, our favorite ships are on the move for those of you watching & tracking. Bravo for re-establishing the links, whatever the reasons for going offline this week. :cool: Also, watching the webcam on Pride of America, still in port - windy & water is choppy .. there's a storm out there in paradise.

 

The storm's track and forecast model is changing every few hours with each updates - the armchair "experts" with their mainframe computers :D are not going to agree - and it's really up to the pro to make the call & decision on how to plot & sail the best and safest call >>> the Captain & his officers/team on the bridge responsible for running the ship, with as many as 7,000 souls on board ... to put this in perspective, that's about 20 Airbus 380 jumbo jet to sail around turbulence.

 

A simple reminder - and I'm sure 98% of CC'ers know this - pack extra supply of personal medications, including OTC along with your favorite motion meds, just in case. At this moment, it does not look to be a major hurricane and another storm of the decade like Sandy - still, preparedness is the key.

 

Looking at the island's forecast - "Hermine is not a threat to Bermuda at this time, but will produce rough westerly swells on Sunday and possibly beyond" - the prize is getting there. Hopefully, rainbow and sunshine will welcome those sailing on Sunday on arrival - we've sailed a good # of times in September and always recognized that it's the peak period for hurricane & storm. We've been tossed both times sailing Bermuda on the Crown, just 45,000 tons ... like a "boat" compared to the mega-sized Breakaway at 150,000 tons. Trust and have faith the Captain in making plotting the course as they have the latest, up-to-the-minute radar and weather data onboard as they prepare for sail and once underway - and in all the "rough" crossings we had over the years, we're always kept informed and updated as to what to expect.

 

Given the latest info, I will vote for Chengkp75's model, BA would hightail out of NY - timing, we don't yet know - just don't be late for boarding, early if you could. Ship will hug close along the coastal water, finding the best heading to sail thru - might just be like some of the previous sailing - head toward the approaching storm system ... at its "weakness" point (eye of the storm is often "calmer") and go south, get away from the system as it's now forecasted to stall off the NY/NJ area on Sunday & Monday, then turn east for Bermuda. NHC graph has the storm re-gaining strength to become a hurricane at one point - yikes, that's not good for coastal waters & homes/businesses on the shorelines.

 

Anyone wanted to "bet" the odds for her to sail to Florida & Nassau instead ?? A slim chance for that happening as Canada/New England's weather would not be good either from the way it looked - if there are berths for her to dock ... by Monday morning, all of our quarterback efforts should become clear.

 

For those of you sailing this Sunday - "volunteers" to post live updates onboard ... if you have free WiFi or unlimited satellite internet, we will be following closely as cheerleaders ;)

Edited September 3, 2016 by mking8288