PrincessLuvers
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2005
- Messages
- 56
Great, our cruise date is finally coming and along comes Tropical Storm Ophelia due to hit Port Canaveral the same date. We keep close check on the weather report and DCL's website. The website informed us that we might be diverted to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale but to keep checking back for the latest information. The afternoon before our departure, the final decision was made.
Luckily for us, the change of ports really didn't impact us too much, however those flying in had to make major, last minute changes. We didn't actually sail away until 8ish at night, people were still just arriving at 7:30PM. I'm sure they felt like they missed out on a portion of their cruise. In case this might happen to any future cruisers, here was our experience however keep in mind we live 2.5 hours away from Port Canaveral so we weren't inconvenienced at all: Once the final call to change ports was made, we got a call from our TA. We already knew from the website but it was still nice. We were able to get more info from Disney's toll free number (and from some DISers... thanks!). We learned that the buses would start leaving from Canaveral around 10ish so we were there by then and quickly got on a bus and on the road. About a 3 hour trip... we were given a bottle of water and a bag of Cheezits, told we would get a box lunch. About 1/2 way, we made a stop and were asked if we wanted a 45 minute lunch break or a 15 minute stretch and on our way. It was a unanamous (however you spell it!) decision to keep going. We were on the boat about 2ish. I was thankful for Disney's safety concerns, glad we outran the weather, and thrilled that it really didn't alter our plans at all but I sure felt sorry for the folks who had problems with travel arrangements and arriving so late, etc. The only thing I was truly surprised at is that at Port Canaveral, we dropped off all our luggage as DH parked the car... and there were NO porters. None. They were all at Port Everglades. NO carts either. I felt bad for the poor CM there having to tell everyone that they were expected to carry their own luggage over to the buses. Now, granted, it was not a long distance and it was all covered from the rain however we were standing with a disabled couple who were just absolutely bewildered on what to do. The youngest of kids were having to pull luggage (thank goodness for luggage on wheels!) and nerves were a bit frayed by this oversight. Other than that one complaintand our ominous start, everything was great, had a wonderful time and despite Ophelia, we had great weather and an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day at CC!!
Luckily for us, the change of ports really didn't impact us too much, however those flying in had to make major, last minute changes. We didn't actually sail away until 8ish at night, people were still just arriving at 7:30PM. I'm sure they felt like they missed out on a portion of their cruise. In case this might happen to any future cruisers, here was our experience however keep in mind we live 2.5 hours away from Port Canaveral so we weren't inconvenienced at all: Once the final call to change ports was made, we got a call from our TA. We already knew from the website but it was still nice. We were able to get more info from Disney's toll free number (and from some DISers... thanks!). We learned that the buses would start leaving from Canaveral around 10ish so we were there by then and quickly got on a bus and on the road. About a 3 hour trip... we were given a bottle of water and a bag of Cheezits, told we would get a box lunch. About 1/2 way, we made a stop and were asked if we wanted a 45 minute lunch break or a 15 minute stretch and on our way. It was a unanamous (however you spell it!) decision to keep going. We were on the boat about 2ish. I was thankful for Disney's safety concerns, glad we outran the weather, and thrilled that it really didn't alter our plans at all but I sure felt sorry for the folks who had problems with travel arrangements and arriving so late, etc. The only thing I was truly surprised at is that at Port Canaveral, we dropped off all our luggage as DH parked the car... and there were NO porters. None. They were all at Port Everglades. NO carts either. I felt bad for the poor CM there having to tell everyone that they were expected to carry their own luggage over to the buses. Now, granted, it was not a long distance and it was all covered from the rain however we were standing with a disabled couple who were just absolutely bewildered on what to do. The youngest of kids were having to pull luggage (thank goodness for luggage on wheels!) and nerves were a bit frayed by this oversight. Other than that one complaintand our ominous start, everything was great, had a wonderful time and despite Ophelia, we had great weather and an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day at CC!!
