Good news from the Magic

[natdencro]

Just had call from DD on the Magic. Arrived safely in Port Canaveral after calm sailing. Did manage to dock eventually at C Cay yesterday, and then diverted to Freeport to re-fuel - in case ship needed to be at sea longer.Thankfully, no problems.

As at 11am, guests were still sitting in A P. restaurant, so disembarkation will be VERY late finishing. The Magic will almost certainly be very late leaving today. Sadly, the crew are well aware that MANY guests will not be able to get on their cruise this week. Our hearts go out to those folk, who have been saving hard for this trip and looking forward to their Magical cruise. I think the ship will be sailing half-full.

Let's hope those poor people will be able to re-schedule their cruise for the near future. How disappointed they all must be, but am sure we all hope that the weather leaves very few casualties, and everyone is safe and sound.

Nat

 

[florida sun]

Nat

Thank you very much for the update. Glad your daughter and all passengers aboard the magic are well.

 

[CM_Mom]

Thanks for the info. I know we're all glad to know the Magic is in port. Hopefully the late sailing will allow more folks to get to the ship.

Did DD say what caused the problem at CC? It didn't look like there were any serious weather issues there but the seas may have been higher than usual.

Still waiting to hear from my DD. She's in BIG trouble if she doesn't call.

 

[natdencro]

Right now, there is pandamonium on board Reine, as they still have many passengers to ofload, and all the luggage - before even trying to board all new passengers. Think Robyn may be tied up with work right now. Gem just had time to call to let us know that all was well before heading off to Rock Bar D to do the Palo Bookings. She said the sailing was fine, and although the seas were a little rougher when docking at CCay yesterday, once docked.............it was hot and sunny and a grand time was had by all! She said she had been on much worse sailings in the last 4 and half years. Thankfully, the news reports seem to be slightly exaggerated. Nat

 

[MarkRG]

The real problem is now peopel getting to/from the ships:

Orlando Sentinel Posted August 14, 2004, 11:08 AM EDT

Thousands of travelers jammed the main terminal of Orlando International Airport today waiting for flights that couldn't take off. Planes scheduled to land at OIA were diverted to other airports.

The airfield suffered serious damage during Charley, with roofs torn off from three of the four airsides and rubble covering the surrounding tarmacs and taxiways.

The first flights were not likely to depart until late afternoon at the earliest.

Airport director William Jennings said flights wouldn't depart until debris was cleared and electronic security equipment tested. He urged travelers to check with airlines before heading to OIA.

 

[SchultzFamily]

We landed in Oakland, Ca at 1am today after a long trip out of Orlando, left Thursday at 5pm. Our delays were all mechanical causing us to miss connections but one of the Delta employees told us winds were up to 110 mph at the Orlando airport yesterday and they did not know when to anticipate reopening of the airport (that was at 2am this morning)

 

[cotomom]

Thanks Nat for the update! We all appreciate the info!

 

[CM_Mom]

Nat, thanks for the info. It occurs to me that R's new position that starts TODAY may have her MUCH busier in this situation than she would have been as a programmer.

Right now I'm much more concerned for the folks trying to get home from the last cruise and get TO Orlando to board for the sailing leaving tonight. I'm afraid Gemma's right and lots of folks may miss the cruise because of travel delays. They're in our thoughts.

 

[lbgraves]

Well, I guess that the bright side of all this is that everyone who does make it onboard should enjoy an upgrade. Will they upgrade after everyone has checked in to move people to outside cabins if they do leave half full?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I think they will keep to assigned rooms, people could arrive late and they will stay as long as they can, then there is a chance they will get people down to key west and see if they can get on there, so again they would have a problem if they upgraded people.

It has been known for DCL to try their best to get everyone on somehow, although some will cancel and claim on insurance.

 

[tvguy]

The airport JUST reopened 30 minutes ago, 4 pm eastern, so it will be an interesting situation for sure. It will take hours to get the system back up and running on schedule.
I bet some CM won't make it to the ship either, and maybe some of the entertainers.

 

[MBFergie]

Hey Nat...

Had the pleasure of introducing myself to Gemma. When I told her I go on the disboard she laughed. At the time she just got done serving brunch to a bunch of dis gals. We ended up having Louise as our server 2X for dinner and once for brunch.

Considering all the bad weather out there our trip had very calm seas with high winds. Especially on CC. Alot of people got very sunburned because they didn't realize how hot it was.

Marie

 

[kcashner]

Thanks for the update. I called a friend who lives North of Orlando today...said her entire area was spared, although not many miles away it was very bad. Glad all our friends on the Magic are safe.

 

[sitchu2]

Glad to hear everyone got home safely.

OT Nat,

I just wanted to tell you that my DH and I had the good fortune to dine with the hospitality of your GEM of a daughter on the Magic this past July 24-31 3 times.

She had mentioned that her parents may be cruising the same time we return next Feb. , so we would possibly see her again.

Then I read your posts here and said "OMG" thats Gemmas Mom.

What a wonderful job you have done to have such a wonderful daughter!!

Sincerely Felicia

 

[natdencro]

Many thanks for your kind words folks. So glad you had the opportunity of meeting Gemma in Palo. We miss her very much and its great to know she is still doing a good job for you all! Thankfully, she will soon be home for her vacation: been a long six months! Yes, we should be cruising again in Feb/March, so would be great to meet up with some of you.

Glad to hear everyone had a great week, and missed the bad weather.

Nat

 

[wendym]

Gemma is wonderful - we had the pleasure of being served by her as well this cruise. The crew handled the delay so well and we felt so safe. We were very lucky to get our flights back to the Uk without any problems yesterday apart from horrendous lines at checkin and security.
Wendy

 

[natdencro]

So glad you home safe and well Wendy, and had a Magical time! I know the crew had to work extra hours this last week, but thank God everyone was safe. Hope you got some great photos from your cruise! Nat

 

[wendym]

My first thoughts were for the crew as they did all this extra work with a smile on their faces. Also I was sure a few were due to sail home and they were still working in the morning - I hope they made their flights ok.
And Nat you made such a wonderful job raising your daughter - her and Louise make a great team at Palo's.
Wendy