Cancelled our 14 day Feb cruise due to Irma

[IrieBajan54]

Me, my wife, our son, and my mother just booked a 14 day Eastern Caribbean cruise about 5 weeks ago. It is set to leave in NY and visit about 8 islands including, St. Thomas, St. Marten, Tortola. Puerto Rico, and others. We were really looking forward to going, but after the images and video of the hurricane, we just don't want to go. It's depressing enough to see on TV and we know that, realistically, those islands wont be close to anywhere near ready and in their normal condition come February.

 

We love cruising, but if we are going to go, it wont be that one. At this point, we're thinking about settling for a 7 day Bermuda.

 

Do what makes you and family happy. It is your money and vacation.

[abe3]

Going in Jan 2018 on a eastern Carib cruise and hope NCL keeps the ports as is when we cruise. I have been to these ports many times and would love to make a return trip this Jan!

 

These islands need these cruise ships to come to their port and help rebuild their economy. It will be a long process but they will rebuild and will rebuild quicker than you think since their economy is based on tourism.

 

 

 

 

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[carol54]

Have you been reading the reports of the extensive damage to these islands? The people living there are begging to be taken off the island due to the shootings, lootings, etc. Do you really believe that in 5 months these island are going to be ready for 2 or 3 cruise ships a day filled with people. The government of these countries needs to consider the needs of their people first. Get them back into homes, get them food, electricity...not worry about someone's dream vacation.

 

Yes, they need tourism but that cannot be anywhere near the top of the list right now. They need to take care of their own first. Put the funds into their own citizens and country. Then they can begin to be tourist islands again.

[ID Cruiser]

The cruise lines bring in billions of tourist dollars to the Caribbean on an annual basis. Infrastructure rebuilding is the responsibility of the countries that these colonies/territories/countries belong to, i.e: the U.K, France, U.S, Netherlands, etc.

 

The cruise lines will continue to bring money in. It's a symbiotic relationship.

This

[Laszlo]

Have you been reading the reports of the extensive damage to these islands? The people living there are begging to be taken off the island due to the shootings, lootings, etc. Do you really believe that in 5 months these island are going to be ready for 2 or 3 cruise ships a day filled with people. The government of these countries needs to consider the needs of their people first. Get them back into homes, get them food, electricity...not worry about someone's dream vacation.

 

Yes, they need tourism but that cannot be anywhere near the top of the list right now. They need to take care of their own first. Put the funds into their own citizens and country. Then they can begin to be tourist islands again.

 

 

My friends daughter is getting married in April in St Thomas. Both the venue were the wedding was to take place and the 8 condos they rented for 5 days have already canceled them out. My guess it will be at least 9-12 months before any cruise ships bring in tourist. I hope I and wrong, they are talking about being without power for months

[Russ Lomas]

If those ports matter to you then it was a very smart thing to do in canceling. St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Tortoal will not be accepting cruise ships for the foreseeable future. It will probably be at least 8 -10 months for St. Thomas, and over a year for the other two. San Juan will be ready sooner, maybe by Christmas. These islands won't be in the "normal" condition for years.

 

I assume your post is purely speculation since I have not seen that information officially anywhere. Your point about San Juan being ready maybe by Christmas seems way off to me since I believe that ships from both Carnival and RCCL sailed out of San Juan last weekend are expected back in this weekend on schedule to pick up a new set of passengers.

 

We have a 10 day cruise booked for New Year sailing from San Juan and I am fully expecting it to sail out of San Juan as planned. I strongly believe that our stops in Tortola, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten will likely not be happening, but I put my faith in NCL that they will alter the itinerary and find a couple of additional ports to replace these for us. It is all part of the adventure. Just being away from work and having my family and friends with me to enjoy the cruise vacation. Visiting beautiful ports is just a bonus.

[riclop]

Me, my wife, our son, and my mother just booked a 14 day Eastern Caribbean cruise about 5 weeks ago. It is set to leave in NY and visit about 8 islands including, St. Thomas, St. Marten, Tortola. Puerto Rico, and others. We were really looking forward to going, but after the images and video of the hurricane, we just don't want to go. It's depressing enough to see on TV and we know that, realistically, those islands wont be close to anywhere near ready and in their normal condition come February.

 

We love cruising, but if we are going to go, it wont be that one. At this point, we're thinking about settling for a 7 day Bermuda.

For Feb you have got to be kidding.

[asubaru]

San Juan will be sooner than Christmas :-)

 

RCCL's Allure is stopping in San Juan on their cruise that leaves FLL on Sunday. They replaced St Martin with St. Kitts.

 

 

If those ports matter to you then it was a very smart thing to do in canceling. St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Tortoal will not be accepting cruise ships for the foreseeable future. It will probably be at least 8 -10 months for St. Thomas, and over a year for the other two. San Juan will be ready sooner, maybe by Christmas. These islands won't be in the "normal" condition for years.

 

 

People that suggest that the islands need the money that the cruise ships bring in have certainly not seen or read about teh utter devastation that Irma inflicted on the islands. What the islands need now is food, water, shelter and electricity. It is going to take months to these basics back, and until that happens they are not even going to consider cruise ship passengers.

[NIATPAC29]

To say tbe OP is timid is as understatement ,big mistake to cancel

 

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[Maverick61]

It is a pity that you have cancelled 4 months out. By then all the places will NEED as much assistance financially as possible and the presence of cruise liners and cruise passengers would be a real boon to their economies.

 

I don't pick a vacation based on what place needs financial assistance, I pick a vacation based on what will provide me enjoyment. It is the OPs money and vacation. People criticizing them for cancelling are way offbase

[MaryZ]

I don't pick a vacation based on what place needs financial assistance, I pick a vacation based on what will provide me enjoyment.

 

I totally agree.

 

If I want to help financially, I'll send a check. I'm not interested in spending my vacation in a place that doesn't make me happy.

[uneamie]

Me, my wife, our son, and my mother just booked a 14 day Eastern Caribbean cruise about 5 weeks ago. It is set to leave in NY and visit about 8 islands including, St. Thomas, St. Marten, Tortola. Puerto Rico, and others. We were really looking forward to going, but after the images and video of the hurricane, we just don't want to go. It's depressing enough to see on TV and we know that, realistically, those islands wont be close to anywhere near ready and in their normal condition come February.

 

We love cruising, but if we are going to go, it wont be that one. At this point, we're thinking about settling for a 7 day Bermuda.

There is a 14 day out of NYC on the Breakaway to the Western Caribbean on Jan 19th. We are booked for it. You might want to consider that one.

[newmexicoNita]

Me, my wife, our son, and my mother just booked a 14 day Eastern Caribbean cruise about 5 weeks ago. It is set to leave in NY and visit about 8 islands including, St. Thomas, St. Marten, Tortola. Puerto Rico, and others. We were really looking forward to going, but after the images and video of the hurricane, we just don't want to go. It's depressing enough to see on TV and we know that, realistically, those islands wont be close to anywhere near ready and in their normal condition come February.

 

We love cruising, but if we are going to go, it wont be that one. At this point, we're thinking about settling for a 7 day Bermuda.

Boy, I hear ya. Just seeing the pics of St Thomas and St Martin is so sad. I would probably done the same thing if i were booked. We have cruised everywhere it seems, but never Bermuda. I am sure the cruise lines are taking a beating right now and well for the next 6 months at least as well as the islands that got hit so hard.

For all those who keep stressing how much the islands need our $$S, We have to remember there is a good chance the islands will not be operating even and when planning a vacation most of us are not going to plan around the islands or the destinations that need our money. That is a totally different situation.

Edited September 14, 2017 by newmexicoNita

[newmexicoNita]

I really would like someone to DEFINE the term "foreseeable future" as I am certain any cruise line would. NOBODY HERE has any idea when any ship is going to call that I am aware of.

You are right, but for those of us, who have followed these disasters in the past, it is realistic to think it will take months for most of the islands to be up to par or anywhere close. Even if the ports are open, the activities will be minimum. If it were me, I don't think I would cancel, but I understand someone who decides to. My concern would be, doing Bermuda compared to a cruise with several ports. That would be a very different experience to say the least.

[ray98]

Probably a good idea especially since you booked a long cruise where a big factor was the itinerary. We are past final payment for our November cruise so I am pretty much stuck waiting for the announcement.

[boscobeans]

I strongly believe that our stops in Tortola, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten will likely not be happening, but I put my faith in NCL that they will alter the itinerary and find a couple of additional ports to replace these for us. It is all part of the adventure. Just being away from work and having my family and friends with me to enjoy the cruise vacation. Visiting beautiful ports is just a bonus.

 

Great Attitude. That is exactly the way we feel. We are booked for a 14 night Southern Caribbean out of New York and know there will be changes. If, and I am sure NCL is trying their best, we must lose a few ports of call and have an altered Itinerary, as long as we are in the Southern Caribbean and out of the cold we will stick with it.

 

Let the dock space in those devastated islands be kept free for the massive humanitarian aid they will need along with the ship loads of fuel, lumber and construction equipment and materials.

 

bosco

[Zenica]

2 Comments:

 

While the port stops will not be as pristine and in a condition as you planned and dreamed about - the resident

folks of those ports need the tourist income to continue to eck out a living.

Please consider visiting and spending some cash to foster the return and restoration of the island ports.

 

If possible consider changing your itinerary to i.e. the western or southern Caribbean - see if NCL will help

you rebook your cruise to a suitable alternative. Wait and see what alternate port calls will be available -

possible for a repositioning cruise - don't give up easy on taking that cruise you set your plans on !

 

I see this posted a few times and each time I ask myself, why would I want to make my vacation less about my stress release and more about their economy?

 

Call me cold, insensitive and what ever else you like but frankly I donate to humanitarian organizations all year but I draw the line at sacrificing my vacations.

[oneplustwins]

I see this posted a few times and each time I ask myself, why would I want to make my vacation less about my stress release and more about their economy? Call me cold, insensitive and what ever else you like but frankly I donate to humanitarian organizations all year but I draw the line at sacrificing my vacations.

I don't see this as cold at all, I actually agree with your post. I too have donated to the relief funds, but I still believe I deserve to be able to enjoy my hard worked for vacation.

[bones774]

I haven't seen this addressed in this thread but from what i've read for years, the ships sail full regardless of cancellations even though they have to drop prices, so this may be an opportunity for many people to afford cruising a bit easier and at the same time visit the distressed ports thereby still helping the economy, a double win. I'm gonna be one of those taking advantage of reduced prices.

[caddykid12]

Im doing the jan itinerary of the same one. 5of the 8 ports will be ready. Still a great cruise

[Laszlo]

Im doing the jan itinerary of the same one. 5of the 8 ports will be ready. Still a great cruise

 

Call me a pessimist, but I don't think those port will be ready for another 6-9 months

[Budget Queen]

The demographics of the Breakaway is the majority the tri state, no fly cruises.

 

With that said, these cruises dump like a rock for late bookings. There are 4 potential on the Breakaway from Dec- Feb 1 12 and 3 14 day cruises. no problem getting a deal if flexible. My sister just moves her vacation requests forward for time off. Of course depends on your job.

 

Last several years, this happens, the winner last year was $399 for the Dec 10 day, 2 later ones dumped around $599 a lot lower than booked ahead rates. Just an option to consider.

 

So, for the OP, being you aren't going to Bermuda in Feb, this may still be an option for you, with updates on Island progress and perhaps schedule changes. I'll be picking up the late bookings, if I'm not cruising elsewhere. :)

[bones774]

The demographics of the Breakaway is the majority the tri state, no fly cruises.

 

With that said, these cruises dump like a rock for late bookings. There are 4 potential on the Breakaway from Dec- Feb 1 12 and 3 14 day cruises. no problem getting a deal if flexible. My sister just moves her vacation requests forward for time off. Of course depends on your job.

 

Last several years, this happens, the winner last year was $399 for the Dec 10 day, 2 later ones dumped around $599 a lot lower than booked ahead rates. Just an option to consider.

 

So, for the OP, being you aren't going to Bermuda in Feb, this may still be an option for you, with updates on Island progress and perhaps schedule changes. I'll be picking up the late bookings, if I'm not cruising elsewhere. :)

 

 

Hey Budget Queen,

I'm in with you. Do you post these deals on CC when you see them? I look often but sometimes i might miss them. Is there a way to "follow" you. Thanks

BTW- was that $399 w/o any single supplement?

Edited September 28, 2017 by bones774

[mommyto2girls]

From a good friend who owns Dazzling Gems in St Marteen..this a a great sign 👍

 

Well done St. Maarten..Yes you can and will bounce back bigger and better than ever.!!!!...... ALL OF THESE BUSINESSES ARE OPEN ON SXM:

Avantika

Banks Bar Pondfill Road

Beirut Simpson

Silver Orient Bay

Boathouse

Oba Oba Bar

Buccaneer BB,

Buffalo Wings,

Cafe Atlantico,

Cafe Rembrandt,

Coloseum Casino,

Corner Grill Bar Cupecoy,

Dominos Pizza Bushroad,

Ernest & Fidel Porto Cupecoy,

Foo Ho Chinese Restaurant Frontstreet,

Fresh Shawarme Man,

Holland House,

Isola

Hollywood Cafe,

Jan's Kitchen,

Jeckle & Hide,

KFC,

Lebanese Cuisine Simpson Bay,

Little Beirut Cupecoy,

Little Mobay Maho,

Mark's Place,

Mo's Snackcorner,

Mr. K's Cigar Lounge,

Pineapple Pete,

Pizza & Co,

Sal e Pepe,

Soggy Dollar Bar,

Sunrise Snackbar,

SXM Yacht Club Bar,

The Corner Bar Cay Bay,

The Greenhouse P'burg,

The Greenhouse S'bay,

Toppers,

Uncle Harry's,

Zee Best S'bay.

 

These are all the restaurants that are open , soon lot more are planning to open so are most of the stores on front street.

[pjo]

I don't pick a vacation based on what place needs financial assistance, I pick a vacation based on what will provide me enjoyment. It is the OPs money and vacation. People criticizing them for cancelling are way offbase

I totally agree. We are on a 10 day Canary Islands cruise in January for a cost less than a 10 day cruise in the Caribbean. Sometimes you need to expand your horizons and look elsewhere. We have airfare on Lufstansa for 474.00 round trip from Chicago per person to Barcelona. Flying to Ft. Lauderdale on Southwest was 575.00 per person. Go figure.

 

Paul