Disney Magic stuck at Castaway Cay due to wind

[Mouse Skywalker]

I know it's a major inconvenience to travelers, but, right now, I wouldn't mind being stuck on Castaway Cay. Would sure beat winter in Rochester.

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/2/13/disney_magic_stuck_in_bahamas.html

PORT CANAVERAL -- News 13 has learned high winds have left the Disney Magic cruise ship stuck in the Bahamas.

The ship was due back at Port Canaveral Saturday morning.

Port security officials confirmed to News 13 that 50 mph winds and high waves have kept the ship from undocking from Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island.

The port said it did not expect the ship to be back in Central Florida until at least 6 or 7 p.m. Saturday, though officials added it may be closer to 8 p.m. before the ship arrives.

The Disney Magic will have to cruise into the northwesterly wind on its journey back to the U.S. It is expected to take 13 hours to reach Port Canaveral.

The delay impacts thousands of people, including those already on the ship, and the thousands more who were set to head out Saturday afternoon on the Disney Magic’s next seven-day cruise.

The delay means the Disney Wonder, due at Port Canaveral Sunday, may have to dock at another location, or wait until the Magic unloads and then reloads passengers and supplies before heading out again.

 

[sshaw10060]

I am sure the stress level on the ship is high with everyone worrying about their flights and travel plans. Imagine what the waiting area is going to look like by the time the ship gets back this evening.

 

[cocowum]

I know it's a major inconvenience to travelers, but, right now, I wouldn't mind being stuck on Castaway Cay. Would sure beat winter in Rochester.

I could not agree with you more Dave! Being stuck at Castaway Cay sounds like heaven right now.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I could not agree with you more Dave! Being stuck at Castaway Cay sounds like heaven right now.

With 50 mph winds?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

With 50 mph winds?

Think of the parasailing opportunity! Besides, what is that a wind chill of 70 degrees?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Think of the parasailing opportunity! Besides, what is that a wind chill of 70 degrees?

The current temperature in the Bahamas is 66 degrees.

With 50 mile per hour winds.

It's currently 41 degrees in Orlando.

 

[zulemara]

as much as everyone will be inconvenienced, kudos to DCL for putting safety over efficiency. I hope the guests, both on board and waiting, are polite with the DCL CMs because they are doing what should be done. The highest wind I've driven in was 28mph at MK(we are supposed to shut down around 21ish...note our lack of safety over efficiency) and it's not something you screw around with.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I am sure the stress level on the ship is high with everyone worrying about their flights and travel plans. Imagine what the waiting area is going to look like by the time the ship gets back this evening.

I know you're absolutely right. Like I said in my original message, I know it's a major inconvenience to people. I think of people trying to make connecting flights, and people wanting to start their cruises. I'm sure none of them think it's too funny. I've certainly been in enough of those situations myself to know how it raises your stress level.

I was just being flippant and making a joke. It's still hard not to look out at the wintry conditions here and think wistfully of being stuck on Castaway Cay.

Seriously, I hope no one is put out too much.

 

[Madi100]

I am a highly stressful traveler UNTIL I have reached my destination. Then I could care less when I get home or what happens. So, I would be loving that situation right now.

 

[cj9200]

Told DD the Magic was stuck due to high winds. Her response, "That's OK I would not mind. Gee, we get to spend more time on the boat." I can understand those with flights out stressing but for us, our car would be waiting in the parking lot.

 

[Renysmom]

This is just why you buy the trip insurance...

 

[Alztybrn]

I got this from WDW Magic. It is obviously affecting many people expecting to board as well. They get a day at Epcot, but no mention of hotel accommodations....

DISNEY INFO RELEASE:

Due to unfavorable weather conditions in the Bahamas, the arrival of the Disney Magic into Port Canaveral has been delayed today. We now do not anticipate boarding today's voyage until tomorrow.

We realize this delay in check-in and boarding is disappointing to you, and hope you understand these current weather conditions could not be helped.

We have arranged complimentary Theme Park admission at Epcot today for our embarking passengers. We invite you to visit the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desk at Epcot to receive admission tickets and meal gift card.

We sincerely regret the delay and appreciate your patience. Please call 1-800-939-2784 after 1 p.m. this afternoon for further updates.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

I think that is more than generous of Disney. If you don't buy trip insurance, it is on you. For them to offer free admission to the park and a meal as well, that is really great customer service. Of course it is terrible for the people that were hoping to get on the ship today but weather cannot be helped. That isn't Disney's fault yet they are doing what they can. Kudos to Disney.

 

[Alztybrn]

I was not knocking Disney at all, more of a "what do we do for accommodations" tonight....I think it was fantastic that Disney gave them a day at Epcot. Do you think they transported folks over...especially those that flew and did not have a car?

 

[WaltD4Me]

This is just why you buy the trip insurance...

Please, not being snarky, but I'm curious. Would trip insurance help in this situation? It wouldn't cover a room for tonight or changing your air travel or anything or would it? If you were supposed to board today and that has been delayed until tomorrow, does trip insurance cover expenses that would be incurred from the delay?

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

If I was on the cruise now, I'd be loving life!

We have friends due to board the cruise tonight, but they were flying down last night and stressing out over having to go through Atlanta and with the weather would they make it on time. So I bet they are very understanding. I wonder though how long it will be delayed. Will they clean over night and leave early tomorrow? I wonder how all that will work. It will be interesting to hear from people on board or from our friends when they get back.

I agree though, much rather be on now or going on then to be here in Rochester.

 

[Halbleib1]

The current temperature in the Bahamas is 66 degrees.

With 50 mile per hour winds.

It's currently 41 degrees in Orlando.

We will take it Kevin considering it has been in the 20s-30s here with over 3 ft of snow and 40 mph winds on two days this past week. LOL And not improving either. We have another snow storm on the way Monday into Tuesday.

 

[Halbleib1]

Please, not being snarky, but I'm curious. Would trip insurance help in this situation? It wouldn't cover a room for tonight or changing your air travel or anything or would it? If you were supposed to board today and that has been delayed until tomorrow, does trip insurance cover expenses that would be incurred from the delay?

Trip insurance would cover your flight and possibly the room for tonight depending on what insurance policy you bought.

We have only purchased trip insurance through AAA and it included delays/interuptions or even cancellations to your trip as well as any extra expenses incured from this. If your bags were lost it included replacement costs of those items up to a certain dollar amount. You would have to pay up front and file a claim when you got home though. So if you did not have the extra cash on you that could be a problem.

 

[MM32830]

Remember that the people stuck on the Magic now have to call their airline and change their flight IF THEY CAN.

And who pays for the schedule change? Unless you booked through Disney, I suspect that the passengers will pay.

The entire airline industry is just beginning to recover from all the Mid-Atlantic storms so the passengers may not be able to rebook for a Sunday flight. Now what do they do? That may mean loss of work if they have to be back to work on Monday.


More on the story at:

http://www.wesh.com/news/22555339/detail.html




__________________
Armand

 

[aspen37]

I would definitely rather be the people stuck in WDW, and not stuck on the boat. It is much harder to rearrange your flights than having Disney get you a hotel room, and entrance to Epcot.