Just back from magical "Fire" cruise LONG

[txtara]

Well....I must say it was interesting....we were in the aft portion of the ship and were one of the first ones evacuated....I was awakened at around 415am announcement to the crew.....I started panicking immediately....my dh looked out on the verandah and saw embers flying off of the ship....so....about that time they came on with the announcement that they would be
evacuating some rooms....we got dressed...very quiclky mind you....got the kids ready and by the time we got out in the hall the smell of smoke was VERY evident.....as we were heading to
our assembly station the blew the general alarm for the entire
ship to head to stations....we were in our stations for about
2 hours.....there were 3 cruise ships staying with us to help out
if need be and have there were 9 more on the way....wow....
We have also heard that we were very close to actually getting
in the life boats....fortunaltely the Magic had pixie dust on it that
morning...they were able to get the fire contained and all was
well....the crew did a FABULOUS job.....my hat goes off to them....
Capt Hans addressed everyone last night at the show and brought some of the fire fighters out on stage with him.....I could
have stood there and applauded all night......we stayed informed
of everything that was going on and personally felt ok as all this
was happening....my kids were also good...there were some older
women who were having trouble with all of the smoke....the smoke on the port side was much worse than the starboard.....the fire was pretty bad and did substantial damage to the funnel....in the light of day we all went to look....the reality
of it is still somewhat frightening and those orange life vests have
taken on a whole new meaning to us....but I will definitely keep
cruising....especially Disney...what a magnificent job they did!!!!

 

[mmouse37]

We were all so worred about everyone onboard. We had minimal information. Not much was said on the news at all....just a small article in the Orlando Sentinel and some Orlando TV stations.

The only info we had was what someone posted from the Veendam (one of the ships by the Disney Magic's side).

So glad you are all OK. I agree that the life vests should take on a whole new meaning. It just goes to prove Disney can handle things so professionally. I could not imagine the panic you must have felt after seeing embers and smelling smoke.

Take care and thanks for posting.

MJ

 

[lUVTOGO]

Glad to hear everyone is o.k. It also goes to show how important those mandatory safety drills really are, they are not an inconvenience as some people might think!

 

[herrmfam24]

i can only imagine what it was like!! my heart would have been out of my chest being so nervous! i am soo glad everything was ok. i just had one quick question though (you will probably think i am stupid for asking)...but were you on the ocean or at port when the fire happened? thanks!

 

[txtara]

we were 200 miles from san juan....dont know if that is the closest island though....but lots of ships in area....

 

[WendyandGoofy]

When the fire was discovered the Captain ordered the ship stopped. So we were sitting in the water. I kept thinking, at least it is relatively warm water! We saw one Carnival(?) ship very close that came and sat very near to us. We heard many others were alerted and in the area. When we got going again we eventually were moving a a good clip to make up some time. Thank goodness things worked out so well!

 

[txtara]

Just to add what my DW said earlier..we watched the Veendam ship by Holland America, at first through the camera lens, and then just a couple hundred feet cruising besides us..but to see that ship coming from such a distance and the wake(waves) that were coming off the ship..they got there in such a hurry and on a heading leading them straight at us..and then to ride along side us..the Maritime Laws have changed soo much..and is a beautiful thing to see.we also saw soo many flash bulbs coming from them..We would bet that they have some pretty good footage of the fire on tape...this was from the port side..the starboard side had a cargo ship type and another cruise ship..and yes the port side deck four..many people passing out and getting sick..just natural from fear and the intense smoke..and being such a tight squeeze...But we all are very thankfull that this did take place in the night..could not imagine have to leave a pool or spa..to go and fetch the kids from the clubs and them have to go back to the state-room and then to the emergency holding area..that would have been like a bad movie..and much like the events we've all seen just six months ago....in NY..that would have been to much for anyone to handle.....on another note..does anyone know if mex..or grand cayman has the same generous allowances on booze like stt and st maarten..we can't wait to do the western...And I DH still want to find a way to get the Red DIS flag that waves soo beautifully on the ship...been asking all over...no one seems to know..the red w/the dis cruise logo..will buy one.or does anyone know how often they change them out..kinda like the WhiteHouse...need it flying over my pool....that will make me happy from the fire..and we will be back on board next 10mar..for springbreak w/our We survived the Magic shirts on...can't wait..c-ya..