Live From 9/7 Magic

[cjsmith]

There's also a great lesson to be learned from this whole situation, when you book a cruise during hurricane season, you have got to be realistic and understand that you travel plans may be changed or cancelled. That is why the rates are so much lower to cruise now, it's hurricane season. I have a cruise booked on Princess for 10/24 and know that this may not happen. Will I be crushed, you bet you, but it's the chance I took when I booked it. As it is, we won't be cruising to Grenada and some of our other ports as they're demolished, oh well, I'll go with the flow. Weather, hurricanes, etc. are unpredictable as is life in general.

To those on the Magic, ENJOY!!!!!!!!!! I hope you have calm seas and nothing but sunshine and magic. I hope that with all that you went through, this is the best cruise and vacation that you've ever had! Please have some fun for all of us and savor every minute on board. HAVE FUN, FUN, FUN....................

 

[markey]

Just want to post one thing about the price I keep hearing. We were caught in Charley, arrived in Florida 8/9, cruising on the Magic 8/14. Had to leave Ft. Myers area and go to WDW and rode out Charley there. There was a tropical depression and we could not tender in GC, which messed up our Cozumel day plans and GC plans. Hotel rooms for both places were $159, cheaper then sometimes but not cheap. Our tickes for Epcot were the same as anyother time. Our cruise cost $4300 for 4 in a CAT9 booking 1 year out. So for hurricane season I don't think we got much of a bargain!

 

[mrsltg]

You know what, I take offense at this and I usually find your posts so supportive. Yes there are worse things that hurricanes, but to capitalize that you're SICK of hearing it is offensive.

You're reading what I am saying wrong, Carolyn. Everytime someone complains about something that DCL has done, someone else chimes in and says, "at least you didn't have to xyz". That's not fair to the person who posted the original complaint. Everyone has the right to vent every now and again. To say that you shouldn't because someone else has it worse is not right. In every situation someone has it worse than you. It's just the way life is. I've never doubted the severity and intensity of the hurricane experience of the past few weeks, just as I've never doubted the sincere disappointment of having a long planned vacation interrupted. Are they the same? Of course not. Do both merit complaining? Of course! But it's a very bad idea to bring out the, "my life is worse than yours," as so many here have.

Erin

 

[cjsmith]

Originally posted by markey
Just want to post one thing about the price I keep hearing. We were caught in Charley, arrived in Florida 8/9, cruising on the Magic 8/14. Had to leave Ft. Myers area and go to WDW and rode out Charley there. There was a tropical depression and we could not tender in GC, which messed up our Cozumel day plans and GC plans. Hotel rooms for both places were $159, cheaper then sometimes but not cheap. Our tickes for Epcot were the same as anyother time. Our cruise cost $4300 for 4 in a CAT9 booking 1 year out. So for hurricane season I don't think we got much of a bargain!

Hotel and theme parks tickets do not go down during hurricane season. Typically it is cheaper to cruise during this time however. If you were to price out your cruise during other times of the year, you may be surprised that it costs less. I know that we got a steal on Princess to cruise during October, much less than outside of the hurricane season. Late August and the month of September are the height of hurricane season, so you usually do find cruises during this time period better than any other time of the year.

 

[Grumbo]

Late August and the month of September are the height of hurricane season, so you usually do find cruises during this time period better than any other time of the year.

I beg to differ with you Carolyn but my take on it is that the cruises that are late August (Really late) and September are cheaper, not because of the Hurricane season at all, but because school is back and families are not able, or willing to take their kids out of classes. The ones at the start of the hurricane season aren't cheaper at all.
Holidays when the kids are out and then when the weather is crap up here (ice storms, blizzards etc) are when more folks go south to getaway.

Carolyn no one I believe is minimizing the terrible effects of the hurricanes, but then again many people save and work years for one family holiday. They TOO have a right to vent. Disney DIDN'T cause it but those that have dealt, and tried to deal with them have found good AND bad and to throw darts or laurels DCLs way is their perogative. The suffering or discomfort of others should not negate their right to give their views.

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

After reading all of the posts that followed mine I realized that I came off rather harsh.

That really wasn't my intention. I wasn't trying to flame CarolRN for venting her frustration. It's just that peoples frustration seems to be directed at the wrong entity.

Believe me when I say, if this was my vacation that was drastically shortened or cancelled I would be royally PO'd, especially with all the planning and $$$ that has gone into it. I would be stomping around and throwing 10 kinds of temper tantrums. (Just ask DH. He knows how I get about complications)

I just wouldn't be blaming DCL for it. The hurricanes that have devistated Florida and could continue to devistate Florida are a horrible tradgety. I feel for the poor people that have lost everything, and that IMHO takes more presidense than having transfer hassels and cruise delays.

I honestly hope that those individuals that are cruising this week can have a MAGICal trip with beautiful, blue, sunny skies, and calm seas, and maybe for just a short while forget about all the chaos that is going on at home. That is what vacations are truely about. Leaving behind all your worries and concerns and making memories with your loved ones.

So CarolRN, if I offended you in any way, for venting your vacation frustrations, I sincerely apologize. I did not intend to belittle your trying and stressful day.

Have a great cruise where ever you end up sailing to and enjoy your time on the Magic to the fullest.

 

[florida sun]

Just my own thoughts...
I never normally get involved with debates as unless I am in the situation of the person involved I dont think I have a right to pass judgement, but try and be suportive, but I think what has happened on this thread is very sad. We practacally beg for these people to let us know what is happening, and how they are feeling or coping, or what is happening around them, and when they do reply and tell us honestly what they are feeling or going through at that precise moment many people have then criticised them.I am sure the original poster only told us what they were going through at that time.
How do any of us know what they have been through themselves before they cruise, they may have taken this holiday to get over a tragic event that has happened to them, we dont know these people, we have no idea what they have been through themselves.
Everybody when frustrated tends to lash out with words, it is only natural and human. After all this is a forum for disscussion on DCL and as we ask for the truth, we should be able to listen to it, and not tell people to think how lucky they are and to stop moaning.

To everybody who is sailing at the moment, relax enjoy yourself, and have a brillant time.

 

[ChrizJen]

Being that I am not scheduled on a cruise at the moment, and I do not currently live in Florida, I am able to see all of this from an outsider's point of view.
That being said, I can see both sides of the argument:

I can understand how things can be frustrating for those who are dealing with the ever-changing itineraries with DCL the past week. Anyone in their situation would be feeling stress and some amount of anger. I also think that some could be a little more understanding of the position DCL is in, and that it is an act of God and they are just trying to do what is right. You cannot make everyone happy all of the time.

And I am also sympathetic for those of you who are dealing directly with the disasterous affects of the storms. I pray that things get back to normal as soon as possible. No one should have to deal with the hardships you have been dealing with.

But all of the flaming going on here is unneccesary. People whose vacations are being changed and cancelled altogether have a right to be upset, and they have a right to vent that frustration. Just as those who are dealing with the storms have the same right to vent.

And while the cruisers who are vacationing this time of year did book knowing that there was a risk of hurricanes involved, there is no need to shove that in their faces either. That's like saying, "You live in Florida, you should know there is a risk of hurricane." No one says it because it's not a fair thing to bring up at a time like this. Yes, these people did get a slight discount for cruising at this time, and they knew the risk involved. But that doesn't make it any easier to deal with the disappointment when something like this happens.

So I just think that everyone should just lighten up on each other, and realize that no matter what side of the spectrum you are on right now, just understand that everyone is entitled to vent their frustrations without being shot down for it.

-Just my two cents...

 

[skyhawk]

I was on the August 14th Magic - the cruise messed up by Charley. We had a stressful trip, itinerary changed, lost time and money because of screwed up excursions. By comparison to Frances, Charley seemed rather tame regarding its impact on DCL. That being said, while I was on board, I was thankful that my inconveniences were just that. I thought to myself, if the worst thing that can happen is that I have to go to Nassau instead of Grand Cayman like I planned, life is not that bad.

IMHO of course.

 

[wnissen]

First, I would like to thank the cruisers who have taken time to post about their experiences on the shortened cruise. I appreciate you taking the time.

For those who don't believe anyone has the right to complain when others are suffering, you are absolutely entitled to your opinion. This is a cruise board, people are here to discuss their cruises and how they feel about them. Please let them do so. For all your admonitions against whining, you seem to be doing a lot of it yourselves.

Walt

 

[kathymike]

I was on the wonder for the 9/2 cruise and this past monday they we were heading towards cape canaveral for a 4 p.m. disemarkment....they had told us that the port needed to be checked by officials first. At 1 pm they were informed that we could not dock at cape c and turned the boat around. I got online and checked the pop up for disney cruise and they had made an update to the website indicating the change in ports....

Folks need to reach out for information and not wait for surprises such as port changes etc.

 

[logan1_2000]

What a hoot this thread is. Now there is nothing funny about all the havoc, destruction and yes, death, that the Hurricanes have brought to Florida. And there is nothing funny about a vacation, perhaps for some a long-saved-for vacation "of a lifetime" being severely hampered, either. The debates about the merits of venting, not venting, getting a life, comparing ourselves to the victims of the school terrorism in Russia, flames and counter-flames, this all really is funny. I just threw out a fridge and freezer full of food spoiled by a longer than expected power outage in Georgia from the remnants of Frances. Not fun, such a waste, rather not have to spend all that money again, but not the worst thing by far that ever happened from a storm to my house. Took a 100 foot tall oak through the house during a storm last year. Cut the house in half. THAT was pretty bad, I thought, and later that night when my neighbor came over and said how sorry he was, I couldn't help but think that my family was unhurt despite having been home when it happened, and this man had lost his 21 year old son to an out of control trucker on a highway months earlier. "Thanks, but we both know there's worse out there" I said, and he nodded.

I won't cruise during hurricane season for fear that things like this will happen. Had to re-do a planned caribbean vacation many times during the '95 hurricane season, and that was enough for me. I am supposed to go to WDW in November, and perhaps that might get disrupted, but I know that going in. And sh#t happens outside of hurricane season, too, I am well aware.

I think everyone is right--DCL is probably doing amazing considering the logistics, and I'll bet there are snafus left and right anyway. And cruisers with homes to go home to should have perspective, but that doesn't change their frustration that their plans have gone awry. And this Saturday is 9/11, so maybe that will lend perspective to everyone, okay?

Sucks if the cruise isnt as you planned. Best wishes to make it the best you can, and for you to have the blessings to hopefully sail again under better circumstances in the future. And since somewhere in the world there is a community suffering every day, lets all agree that we know there are people worse off, and also agree that there are those among us who will bring up the poor kids in those old Sally Struthers feed the children commercials from late night TV to try to get us to stop belly-aching.

Now--play nice, respect the rights over flame throwers, too, isnt that what the 1st amendment is all about? Keep posting info and sharing experience and advice, which is what makes these boards such an obsession for us all, and just remember you saw this smug advice from someone who once thought that the RCCL Nordic Empress was a nice cruiseship, but only because I'd never been on DCL yet at the time!!

Hey, when you're from Bridgeport, CT, everywhere you go is UP from there....

 

[ppiew]

Everyone has the right to express an opinion, whether it be derogatory or not. NO ONE has the right to be rude to anyone else - DCL or those unhappy WITH DCL. Remember, along with 'rights' goes 'responsibilities.'

 

[nobenefit]

I am new to the board. I am considering a Disney cruise because of all of the good things that Disney offers. A friend recommended this board to learn more. I thought it would be good idea to check it out. This is the first post I read. I hope that the tone of this thread is not typical. Nothing useful. Most of the comments would get my children in trouble!

Oh well - I will read on. If this is typical, I certainly need to learn about the Disney Cruise Line elsewhere.

 

[mmouse37]

nobenefit....

This thread IS NOT TYPICAL.....it is just that people are very upset with everything that is going on with the storms right now.

Stick around awhile and you will find fantasic people who really are caring and most informative.

This is the BEST place on the web to learn about DCL.

Please give us another chance!!!

MJ

 

[Mickey02]

Carol- I'm curious have you heard anything about how
CC held up during the hurricane? Are you making an alternate stop or are you able to stop there??

Forgive me if this has already been answered in previous posts. I stopped reading the posts when it got heated.

 

[cjsmith]

I hope that now one thinks that I was in any way shape or form flaming the OP or anyone else complaining about their cruise being changed. I also know what it's like having your looked-forward-to vacation plans changed as my big anniversary trip got cancelled this weekend as we were dealing with another hurricane. My trip to Disney may be cancelled next week due to Ivan as well. The ports for my October cruise is also going to change as Granada suffered horrible damage. The only problem that I had was saying that there are worse things than hurricanes and comparing Russia, etc. to them.

We all have a right to vent, be disappointed, etc. and I never dissed anyone venting about their disappointment, but I honestly feel that Disney and others in the travel industry are doing the best that they can due to these incredibly unusual circumstances. Two major hurricanes within weeks with one potentially following in a week is unheard of and has never happened. The cruise and the hotel industry is reeling from this and honestly don't know what to do. They've lost millions of dollars from these storms. Combine that with the fact that those people who work for these companies may have lost things in their personal life and it's just a mess. My girlfriend who saved for 2 years to take a cruise last week with Princess had thw whole thing messed up. That and she was worried sick about her home, friends, and family while here did not make it a wonderful cruise. However, she really feels that Princess handled it the best they cold and believe me, they were no where near as generous as Disney.

I apolgize if anyone took my post the wrong way and if I took anyone's post the wrong way. LIke I said, I'm a basket of nerves and I'm not dealing very well with another storm looming over my head.

 

[Grumbo]

Understandably you're stressed re the possibility of another hurricane as would I be if I was in Florida Carolyn.
I re-read this thread and I don't think anyone got "nasty" on here. Heck go over to the CB and read "nasty" if you think this was bad. I thought it was discussed and everyone gave their points of view. Those that agreed with me were perfectly correct and those that disagreed you'll have to work on your views
nobenefit read through the different threads. You''ll find lots of helpful info and ask questions if you can't find it. I however do not find this thread bad nor do I feel anyone here needs to apologize (and I KNOW you didn't ask anyone to but the thread was relatively tame imho)

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[Aisling]

nobenefit,

What a funny coincidence that your name reflects your feelings about your Cruise Board experience so far. LOL You must be psychic.

 

[dinnysuw]

I am new to the board. I am considering a Disney cruise because of all of the good things that Disney offers. A friend recommended this board to learn more. I thought it would be good idea to check it out. This is the first post I read. I hope that the tone of this thread is not typical. Nothing useful. Most of the comments would get my children in trouble!

Nobenefit-just picture us as one big happy family having a constructive arguement. you will occassionally find a poster who intentionally tries to be mean or rude-but I think this thread has this certain tone because we are all people who have in one way or another some how been affected by Frances. Read on...we'll play nice soon enough! LOL
darcy