Official Hurricane Frances Thread - Part II

[CM_Mom]

I'm starting a new thread since the original one got so long. To keep this one from getting so long, I'll post links to the Tropical Prediciton center and short summaries of the forecasts.

For all the previous posts check hereOfficial Hurricane Frances Thread

9-1-04 11pm National Hurricane Center Forecast #33

HURRICANE FRANCES DISCUSSION NUMBER 33...11pm 9-1-04

Hurricane Watch for Florida...duh!!!

Frances still 140 MPH, maybe a bitty bit more northwest.

 

[LibertyBelle]

Nothing from DCL yet about the Magic, but here is additional cruise ship info:

Carnival

(4:30 p.m.) -- Carnival Cruise Lines, anticipating not only altered itineraries but also possible port closures in Florida as a result of Hurricane Frances, announced additional changes Wednesday afternoon.

The Fantasy three-night trip, departing tomorrow, will still sail but the port call at Nassau is cancelled and the itinerary will now be a cruise-to-nowhere voyage.

Fascination's three-night Miami-based cruise, to depart on Friday, September 3, has been cancelled. Carnival is offering full refunds or future cruise credits.

Still unresolved: cruises that arrive (and depart) Miami this weekend. Carnival anticipates that some arrivals and/or departures may be delayed and says it will record updates that passengers can listen to by calling 800-CARNIVAL.

Holland America

(5 p.m.) -- Holland America is the second cruise line to report in with changes in anticipation of the Category Four Frances' approach to the Bahamas. Its Zuiderdam, sailing seven night roundtrips from Ft. Lauderdale (and now in St. Thomas where a cruise line spokesman says it's "enjoying a sunny day") will forego Friday's scheduled call at Nassau and spend an extra day at sea.

Zuiderdam is the only Holland America ship that is impacted thus far.

The company says in a statement that, at this point, it expects to go ahead with Saturday's Zuiderdam departure from Ft. Lauderdale as expected. However, passengers booked on the Zuiderdam's September 4 sailing can receive updates by calling 888-624-5788.

Disney

(5:15 p.m.) -- Disney Wonder, slated to depart Port Canaveral tomorrow, will still sail but not as planned. The ship, which embarks on a weekly, three-night Bahamas voyage on Thursdays, will bypass its regular calls at Nassau and at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island.

Royal Caribbean

(6 p.m.) -- Two ships are ending current cruises early. Majesty of the Seas will return to the Port of Miami on Thursday morning instead of Friday. The ship is expected to arrive there at 7 a.m. Sovereign of the Seas will also end its current cruise on Thursday instead of Friday, reaching Port Canaveral at about noon.

There's no word from Royal Caribbean at this point about the status of either Majesty or Sovereign's regular Friday departures. Miami-based Majesty of the Seas is scheduled to embark on a three night Bahamas cruise on Friday, calling at Nassau and Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's private island. Sovereign of the Seas is slated to depart Port Canaveral on Friday for a three night Bahamas cruise, originally intended to call at the same ports.

 

[Kalypso]

God bless Carnival...they are offering options on their website - since the 9/2 cruise is a "cruise to nowhere" now, you can opt to sail with a $100 per person shipboard credit and 50% off your next 3-5 night cruise? Or get a full refund.

 

[CM_Mom]

Here are some of the links from the previous thread:

http://www.accuweather.com http://www.weather.com
http://intellicast.com http://www.weatherunderground.com
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/US...v=none&pid=none
http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/main.htm
News release for Southern Florida ports http://lsta.broward.org/portemrg/vi...sp?MessageID=65

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2004/9/1/53902.html
http://www.snonut.flhurricane.com/index.html

And this crazy one of the tracks of all storms?
http://www.hurricanealley.net/Storms/06LALLMDL.html

Also for non Floridians
Brevard County = Port Canaveral
Broward County = Ft. Lauderdale

Castaway Cay for those of you tracking the path
26.07 N, 77.52 W

To print out a tracking map go to
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml?
and scroll to the bottom. There are PDF files of Western Atlantic that you can print out to track.

OK - I admit it. I'm obsessive about this. I've been tracking it since 8/26.

It's still BAAAAAADDDDDDD.

Turn Frances, Turn A LOT to the NorthEAST

 

[mmouse37]

I am really surprised that DCL has nothing on their website at this time........even just a posted dedicated number to call and listen to a recording would be something.....to help ease some worries.

MJ

 

[Kalypso]

Agreed, MJ -- this is bothering me for folks as well. I don't sail until 9/9 but if I were someone leaving tomorrow? I'd be bummed

And can I just say? That is I hear ONE more meteorologist talking about how "fantastic" this hurricane is -- like they're all KEYED UP about i??? -- my HEAD will explode....clearly they don't have HOMES in its path or cruises booked!!!

 

[CM_Mom]

Well they know that the Wonder is going to sail from Port Canaveral tomorrow and from previous posts they've notified the guests that it will be a relaxing cruise at sea. And they know that the Magic is going to Costa Maya and isn't in any danger.

So my guess is that they're waiting until tomorrow to see if they can get a better idea of whether Frances is going to turn north or head west so they can make a better informed decision about what to do on Saturday. Better to wait and make the right decision than to make a decision and then have to change it because the storm changed it's course.

I don't have any inside info, but that seems to fit the facts as we know them.

 

[Kalypso]

Yes, I agree that Disney will wait until they have definite info as to what to tell people to do....

 

[CM_Mom]

This is another good tracking site for hurricane info and news about Frances.
http://a.www.orlandoweather.com/hurricanes/index.html#

 

[CM_Mom]

Here's the link to another thread about how to get the airlines to work with you during Hurricanes. Thought other people's experiences during Charley might be of some benefit you any of you flying in or out during Frances.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=636675

Turn NORTHEAST Frances, Turn NORTHEAST - NOW

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

Hi CM_Mom!!!
Thank you for taking charge of this thread! Any work from your CM daughter? Which boat is she on? I can feel your worry in your posts. Disney will take good care of your daughter- don't worry. I know that is easier said than done. Once a mom always a mom no matter how old your kids are--they are always part of your heart. I always enjoy reading your posts and look forward to your future posts. Now- step away from the computer and climb under the covers and get some sleep ! I know that is easier said than done too! I am supposed to sail on Sunday and all I want to do is stay up and surf the net. Good Night all. I hope the news is better in the am. Sweat dreams...............

 

[CM_Mom]

OK, I'm still up so here's the 2 am advisory link
HURRICANE FRANCES INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 33A - 9/2/04 2 AM

Short version:
REPEATING THE 2 AM AST POSITION...22.7 N... 72.5 W. MOVEMENT
TOWARD...WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...145 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 937 MB.

It's stronger. YIKES.

 

[Krystina'sMommy]

Just a friendly bump to keep this (part II) at the top. Thanks, CM_MOM for keeping us updated. Let us know if you hear from your DD. We are at opposite ends of the state (TX), but both seem to be keeping an eye on this one. Worried about my sister who lives in Palm Beach County and also wondering what will be in store for our own cruise in two weeks (selfish, I know, but can't help it). Take care everyone & be safe!

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by Krystina'sMommy
Worried about my sister who lives in Palm Beach County and also wondering what will be in store for our own cruise in two weeks (selfish, I know, but can't help it). Take care everyone & be safe!

I'm worried too about our cruise as well, and I am also feeling selfish. I am mostly worried because I talked several people into joining us this year (the first time we are cruising with others we know) and this will probably be their one and only time on the Disney Cruise. I really wanted it to be a good experience for them (I feel somewhat responsible because I picked the date of Sept. 18th).

I am also worried about the people in Florida. My DH's aunt and uncle were hit by Charlie; they are older and not in great health. So we are worried about them also.

CM_Mom, thanks for keeping us posted. I'm sure Disney will look after everyone on the ship (but it is hard not to worry with all the reports of news coming in).

DJ

 

[MoranClan]

Good Morning Everyone..

Captain Tom, Announced yesterday that they are seeking alternate Ports to dock...We had to fill out paper work on how we arrived to the Port..

He also said it would not be out of the question to stay out at sea for another day..

Wouldnt that Be great?..

So far the weather has been awesome...Flat Seas...Great Service onBoard the Magic..

When we hear more about the storm and our course I will let everyone know..

TTFN

 

[CRSNDSNY]

MoranClan:
I wish you safe travels! Please let us know as soon as you can where you will be docking at on Saturday! Us 9/4 Magic cruisers are holding onto our seats with white knuckles!!!

 

[spankey1473]

Please no disrespect twards those cruising now and in the next week.. I feel for everyone as on the 19th this is our first cruise ever.. So we are totally freaking out, that for one .. Castaway Cay might not even be an option.. But what about other bahemian islands? Has the wonder ever docked at other islands besides Nassau and CC? I mean aren't there other ports of call to go to? From what I was told by a friend of mine, that the bahama's have alot of ports of call? What I mean is, after the hurricane is completely thru?

Where did the Wonder go when Floyd took CC to its knees? Just a cruise at sea? I know while the storm is going on the safest place is at sea.. Trust me there is NO place I would rather be.. But what about the future cruises? Will they be sea cruises? Has Disney ever done what Carnival has done? Offered room credits or such? Just a shame and I know NO one can control the weather. Just a shame that you look forward to something for SO long and whammo.. Weather wipes it out...

I feel for these poor people that are cruising this week? Good luck and god bless all of you!

Spankey

 

[ganurse]

for experienced cruisers, what do you think is more likely? cancelling the cruise or sailing onsunday?

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I just called DCL and the automated message said we'll hear about the changes at 1pm today (Thursday). This is for the Sept. 4 & 5th cruises.

 

[mmouse37]

This one is throwing everyone for a loop....I would think that DCL would try every other option there might be instead of cancelling but who knows at this point. It is anyone's guess.

MJ