Hurricanes and Sept/Oct/Nov bookings- I'm scared

[kkmcan]

Thanks so much everyone! I guess I've decided on a Nov. or early Dec. 2005 cruise. I know it's a little late to be planning a cruise for that soon but we are going to save a bunch . 1) We can count this as part of our Christmas gift to the kids and 2) We get away with not having to get passports.

Now to find the best deal. I've researched at least a dozen different online companies. So far the best deal is $1731 cat 11 (including port charges and taxes and fees) for Nov. 27th. 4 night on the Wonder thru allseas. Haven't called micdan yet or costco travel.

I don't think I could handle the stress of going in Sept. This is the most expensive family vacation we've ever planned and I want it to be perfect! We live in Arizona so I also have to account for airfare for four which is going to run us another $800- $1000!!! If it werent' for that darn airfare!

I am having so much fun planning for this. I spend hours on this forum everyday trying to see what everyone is doing, finding! Can't wait to go!

Happy cruising all!
Kelly

 

[ImNarek]

We were supposed to have been on the September 18th sailing of the Disney Magic last year, that's the 7day cruise that turned 10day because of bookended hurricanes. We'd had to cancel in July due to work conflicts. But in September I was SOOO jealous of the people on that ship! Three extra days of cruise! I don't care where we go. I love the ship. That would have been three extra days of the Rainforest Room, disney dining, hanging out on deck, watching thunderclouds in the distance.

We've cruised 3 times in September, and are booked for this September as well. I have travel insurance in case our flights are canceled/delayed due to storms, but I have no trouble cruising in September. We may be on a mystery cruise, but the captain will NOT sail the boat into a hurricane.

So that's my take.

 

[Briege]

Kelly,

we'll be on the Nov 27th 4 day wonder if you decide to book.

Briege

 

[Jsme]

Good morning there and Happy 4th to each of you.
Now one of the things was those caught in last year's fury of changes due to the hurricanes, we had a number of families that were in a quandry as to what to do, where to go etc - the thing I do suggest is to take my phone number with you and if you run into a problem, just call - last year we picked up a family that was stranded and was able to get them out of there before Frances came through - we had another family that called before they got here and had them turn around before they got here - in fact, I got a total of about 20 phone calls with questions and I believe that we were able to direct each without mass confusion - there are no strings attached - Norm and I are just a safe zone - I know what it is to be out of my safe zone, be lost and scared to death - I wish I would have had a ME to call for reassurance. Anyhow the number is 321-508-2246 ----write it down, put it away and if you need it while down here somewhere, call and Norm and I will do our darnest to help.
Meanwhile HAPPY 4TH and GOD BLESS AMERICA
Love always
Norm and Shirley

Shirley we are coming down for 9/1 cruise. I might just keep your number handy if we did to make a call.

 

[lookingforward]

My family was on the Wonder cruise that was shortened by 1 day and left Miami instead of Cape Canaveral. Shirley was amazing and so patient with my phone calls! She and her husband are so very kind.

That said, I would hesitate to book a September cruise again. If I did (and it is tempting due to the Fl. resident rates) I would book insurance and I think I would cancel if the cruise was altered and I was offered the chance. Last year we had the chance to cancel or get a 40% refund (minus port tax, etc). We chose to sail but it was much too hectic and nerve racking for us. We live in South Florida and it was painful to leave our home during those circumstances. Plus, we missed Castaway Cay and stayed in Nassau for close to 20 hours . DCL was very responsive under the circumstances.