Does this happen often?

[BoardwalkBabe]

DH and I took a ride to the port today so we could see the Magic (we're not too excited about next month's cruise now, are we?).

Later on, we went by on the way home and the ship was still docked. It was 5:40, so we stopped and asked a couple security folks who said a flight from Tampa was delayed and they were still waiting for it. Said the bus would be arriving in about 15 minutes and that it would take about 20 minutes to get those folks on board before departure. There is no place to really sit and wait in that area, so we headed for home, passing the Disney Cruiseline bus not far from the terminal.

Are delays like this common? Are they build into the schedule so you're not late at the next port? Just curious. Thought it was interesting that they held the ship for those folks and felt kind of sad for those who were anxiously waiting to set sail.

 

[Cruisin]

I was on the Wonder once where they held up the ship's departure for a group of people whose plane was late leaving Detroit because of weather. We had been on the morning flight from Detroit and were very thankful to be there on time. It left about an hour late that day too.
You don't have to feel too sad for those on board who are anxiously waiting to sail away. Usually they are all too busy having a great time dancing and partying at the sailaway party to feel sad. It doesn't really matter because at that point you are on the ship and in vacation mode.
I don't think it happens too often that the ship is held up waiting for people to arrive and they can usually just "turn up" the speed and make it to the port on time.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I agree.

Our cruise Magic cruise departure was delayed a few hours for a repair and we were all so busy partying that I'd forgotten that we weren't moving!

DCL takes very good care of their passengers!

 

[yourtravelpro]

If you purchase your air through the cruise line, they are responsible to get you on the ship, therefore, they hold the ship
for you. That's why it is always recommended to purchase your airfare through Disney, even though it may be more expensive.

If you purchased air on your own and your plane was delayed, you would be just that, "on your own".

 

[Verandah Man]

That is also a good idea to arrive a day early if at all possible, it also relieves pre-vacation stress!!!

 

[inkkognito]

Amen, Verandahman! I'm a big fan of day-before arrivals.
In 36 Disney cruises, we've only been delayed in our departures a couple of times, and both times it was due to weather delays that made planes arrive late.
One, a long time ago, we were on the Wonder when all of the lights suddenly went out and the emergency lights came on. We were in the improv comedy club at the time (that will show you how long ago it was), and it was funny to see them finishing the show in near darkness, with no music to accompany them. They really handled it well.
Turns out there was a problem with an engine, and we were late arriving in Nassau the next morning. But it happened so late at night that most people were already in bed and didn't even realize it had happened...they had no clue why we arrived late.
I think that was the very first time we had a verandah, and I was glad because it let a little light in. Hubby had to take his contact lenses out by the emergency light in the hall!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com