Escape damaged, cruise cancelled, passengers being flown home

[chengkp75]

58 minutes ago, resetjet said:

If i was on the next cruise i would prepare for the possibility of spending the first day or two at the dock while

repairs and certifications are completed. 

Possibility exists, but slight in my opinion.  The types of repairs they are doing can be done at each port of call, or underway with techs riding the ship, and surveys would all be internal, and scheduled for a port of call, days in advance.

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, Montanagirlalways said:

WHAT???? That is crazy! I'm on the 26th and perish that thought!

 

Or have a last minute change in departure date and change in itinerary. That is what happened to us in 2015 when the Epic spent an extra day in dry dock. We were all scrambling to find hotel accommodations in London for a night. 

[PTC DAWG]

5 hours ago, Montanagirlalways said:

WHAT???? That is crazy! I'm on the 26th and perish that thought!

 

My in-laws had that happen on the Jade a few years back…spent one night in Miami…no shops or casino,  bit all else went on as scheduled..

[crow99]

I'm really hoping she's good to sail soon!

 

Flying in for a solo cruise on the 2nd and have non refundable flights, hotels either side etc...

Sure they will want to get the revenue back soon and sounds quite positive from this thread!

[roboref]

11 hours ago, Montanagirlalways said:

WHAT???? That is crazy! I'm on the 26th and perish that thought!

 

I am on the 26th as well. NCL should just cancel now, if they think anyone will be happy sitting on the ship at the dock in Port Canaveral for a day or 2. I am thinking they will cancel by Wednesday if Escape can't sail on Saturday. I hope NCL would have the courtesy to cancel by Wednesday if it is going to be cancelled. Being everyone will be starting to travel and Covid test on Thursday!

[disneywackerdh]

I'm booked on the April 2 sailing.  Hoping that they can get everything fixed prior to the March 26th sailing so I can stop worrying!

[resetjet]

11 hours ago, roboref said:

I am on the 26th as well. NCL should just cancel now, if they think anyone will be happy sitting on the ship at the dock in Port Canaveral for a day or 2. I am thinking they will cancel by Wednesday if Escape can't sail on Saturday. I hope NCL would have the courtesy to cancel by Wednesday if it is going to be cancelled. Being everyone will be starting to travel and Covid test on Thursday!

Typically if it is a day or two,  they wont cancel.  They never know how long it will take.  But its way better for them to do this then cancel.  Some will be mad for sure. But for most its a better option.  They are too vested to change gears.  I would not be suprised to see this go on time. 

[zeroed]

Letters are starting to go out. March 26 is cancelled. Check your email. 
 

 

[Va. girl]

Cruise canceled 😢

Edited March 22, 2022 by Va. girl
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[PTC DAWG]

Some good options there for those who can make it work..

[qdog123]

Somebody just posted this on Reddit. Seems strange that they’d send home the entertainers if they’re only going to be down for another week, no?

[zeroed]

Maybe there is some truth to the story out of DR a few days ago that said there’s a 5 meter dent or gash in the hull that let water in and damaged some things on the first deck. 
 

There’s a video from the piano player’s FB saying they had to go slower on return to PCV because the patch was leaking.  Can that be fixed while parked at terminal 5 in Port Canaveral?
 

 

[JXR]

The Piano Players from Howl at the Moon typically only do 3-4 weeks contract so it might’ve been his last week onboard. 

[misstamster]

4 hours ago, Va. girl said:

Cruise canceled 😢

Wow..aren't you lucky..free cruise for you!!!

[BirdTravels]

5 hours ago, zeroed said:

Maybe there is some truth to the story out of DR a few days ago that said there’s a 5 meter dent or gash in the hull that let water in and damaged some things on the first deck. 
 

There’s a video from the piano player’s FB saying they had to go slower on return to PCV because the patch was leaking.  Can that be fixed while parked at terminal 5 in Port Canaveral?
 

 

The ship did 17+ knots all the way back. Pretty much the speed you would expect. Certainly not slow. Cruising is fun. 

Edited March 23, 2022 by BirdTravels

[chengkp75]

11 hours ago, qdog123 said:

Somebody just posted this on Reddit. Seems strange that they’d send home the entertainers if they’re only going to be down for another week, no?

As noted, the entertainers do shorter tours on the ship, and since they are "contractors" would be the first to be sent off the ship.  From my experience, the entertainers are the tail end of the "telephone chain" of rumors, and probably the least informed onboard.

 

11 hours ago, zeroed said:

Maybe there is some truth to the story out of DR a few days ago that said there’s a 5 meter dent or gash in the hull that let water in and damaged some things on the first deck. 

Questions I have about this report, is that the lowest level in the ship is deck 0, not deck 1.  The waterline is around deck 2, so a dent/breach there would be more indicative of contact with a dock, not the bottom or the side of a channel.

 

11 hours ago, zeroed said:

There’s a video from the piano player’s FB saying they had to go slower on return to PCV because the patch was leaking.

As noted above, the ship did 17 knots getting to PC, not really slow.

 

11 hours ago, zeroed said:

Can that be fixed while parked at terminal 5 in Port Canaveral?

Short answer, maybe.  If it is actually around deck 0, it will be difficult, but possible.  If it is deck 1, then pretty definitely yes.  If there is no breach, then definitely yes, it can be done at the dock in PC.  If there is a breach, at deck 1, then they could heel the ship over to raise the breach above the water.  If it is a breach down at deck 0, then it depends on the location of the breach, and the actual damage, as to whether it could be repaired in the water.  If there is a breach, the repairs would be tested before the ship sails by various means, including a "vacuum box" to test that the welds are actually watertight.  This is typical.  Sometimes breaches like this are repaired using a temporary cofferdam on the outside to keep the water away.  Grand Bahamas dry dock #3 is still home to Serenade of the Seas, which I think is unexpected (but not sure), so no drydock available at this time.

[bigrednole]

Well, those that were on her this weekend just got a heck of a deal. It may not be the exact vacation expected, but there are some great options. Obviously there are some issues with logistics: getting to Miami, Tampa, NOLA. I am sure NCL Air will do what they can for those that want to go to another port. For those that booked separately, just eat the change fees and submit to insurance. The final option for others is take the full refund and 50% FCC. For me, I would take Option 1 and do everything in my power to make it work. Flying into MCO, it is about a 75 minute drive/ride to Tampa. It is about 3 hours to Miami.

 

Even if having to drop to an interior cabin, you basically get the cruise for free anyway. You just have to roll with the punches and see the good in it. I would be thrilled for these options.

[Redsky5292]

I would be all over that Encore cruise!!

[cruiseitjag]

If you can rebook with another cruise line I would do so.  I was on the March 12 sailing and it was a disaster.  They were totally disorganised, there was no communication, the passengers were treated very badly.  It was disgusting and if it was a real emergency they were in no way prepared for it and I'm convinced there would have been many casualties that could have been prevented.  I know I won't go back with NCL, I'm even thinking of not following up on my free cruise.  This was my 15th cruise and the worst.  I still don't have any communication from them and have been home for 3 days.

[GonzoWCS]

Nice options for the cancelled cruise.  GL

 

Cheers

[Montanagirlalways]

10 hours ago, bigrednole said:

Well, those that were on her this weekend just got a heck of a deal. It may not be the exact vacation expected, but there are some great options. Obviously there are some issues with logistics: getting to Miami, Tampa, NOLA. I am sure NCL Air will do what they can for those that want to go to another port. For those that booked separately, just eat the change fees and submit to insurance. The final option for others is take the full refund and 50% FCC. For me, I would take Option 1 and do everything in my power to make it work. Flying into MCO, it is about a 75 minute drive/ride to Tampa. It is about 3 hours to Miami.

 

Even if having to drop to an interior cabin, you basically get the cruise for free anyway. You just have to roll with the punches and see the good in it. I would be thrilled for these options.

with option 1 we only get the cruise fare back. taxes,etc of what we paid are then transferred to the new cruise. Its an ok deal.  

[amy&ryan]

I know stateroom category will depend on occupancy, but what about perks? Does anyone know if free at sea perks will transfer for those choosing a new ship this weekend due to Escape cancellation?  Beverage pkg, internet, dining, etc? 

[Giulia]

All perks transfer.

 

[AtlantaCruiser72]

Given the short notice of cancellation I think it’s pretty crummy of them not to offer to pay airfare difference/change fees up to a certain amount pp for those who choose to switch to a new sailing.  Securing new flights now (during the peak Spring Break travel season)  is going to be difficult and expensive.  It’s also possible that travel insurance may not cover these fees.

Edited March 24, 2022 by AtlantaCruiser72

[amy&ryan]

52 minutes ago, Giulia said:

All perks transfer.

 

Thank you for your reply! Did you move from Escape to another ship this weekend? If so, have a wonderful trip! Were you able to secure a similar cabin? We are booked for 4/2 on Escape and hope we don’t need backup plans but want to be ready in case.