itinerary changes due to Matthew

[travelgalNYC]

First time cruisers traveling on an Eastern 7 day early November. Understood they need to assess damage to port & CC. But help me understand what some changes might be in store for us, and how soon would we know. We really wanted to go to CC and would be disappointed w another sea day (we already have 3). We didn't expect hurricanes in November BUT what we failed to consider was damages from a prior storm.

 

[Dug720]

First time cruisers traveling on an Eastern 7 day early November. Understood they need to assess damage to port & CC. But help me understand what some changes might be in store for us, and how soon would we know. We really wanted to go to CC and would be disappointed w another sea day (we already have 3). We didn't expect hurricanes in November BUT what we failed to consider was damages from a prior storm.

Honestly no one will know anything about November yet.

They don't even truly know what's going on with Castaway NEXT WEEK and won't until they're able to get crew back to assess the damage and see what needs to be done. We're sitting at less than 24 hours since Matthew passed the first time. And they're still predicting a loop, so there may be additional damage on the second pass if that prediction holds. So for November it's WAY too soon to know anything.

They could do another day at sea (more chances for Palo brunch). They could find another port they could visit. Or the damage to Castaway may not be as severe as feared and/or they are able to make the necessary repairs and it's business as usual (keeping in mind that even without a hurricane there are times when the ships are simply unable to dock - even the big ones, as my Fantasy cruise we BARELY made it because of super strong currents).

But they're dealing with the current situation with their ships, crew, and guests right now - keeping them safe and figuring out when and where they're going to be able to port. So November plans are FAR from their minds right now.

 

[Flossbolna]

I understand being worried about the impact on your cruise. I am sure most people with reservations in the next two months or so are thinking the same. But as @Dug720 said it is far too early to think about the what ifs.

I also understand how important CC is, especially for a first time user. DCL really does build it up so much. However, hurricane season or not, docking at CC is never guaranteed. There are regularly (not very often, but it does happen to some cruises every year) weather issues that prevent the ships from docking there. So, you could miss out on CC any month of the year. This is actually the case for any cruise. It is so dependent on weather, there is always the chance of changes. That's why the cruise contract actually does not guarantee you anymore than that you will be able to be on the ship, they can change the itinerary as they see fit.

I am sure you will have a fabulous cruise no matter what. And DCL is great at making the sea days fun! If they know beforehand that CC is not going to happen, they might add on a different port in the Caribbean, but I am sure that this will not be decided until much closer to your cruise.

 

[mhconley]

We didn't expect hurricanes in November...

You do realize hurricane seasons runs through November? It's June 1 to November 30.

Martin