So about this Hurricane - 10/7 Dream cancelled, 10/7 Magic Canadian, 10/8 now 10/9 Fantasy 6-night

[iZon]

The Fantasy is just pulling close to Falmouth as of 6:40am EST.

 

[SillyInventor]

And the Dream is about to arrive for her maiden call to Cozumel!

 

[redsonja76]

I am disgusted that Disney hasn't updated any information on their website at this time. People are going to start flying today and tomorrow. What are they thinking sending people INTO a storm of this magnitude????? Very irresponsible in my opinion. (Says the best friend of someone on the Oct 7 Dream).

 

[Trera]

The last time a hurricane of this magnitude hit Orlando in 2004, there were mass power outages for days and sometimes weeks, water supplies got contaminated, gasoline shortages, downed trees blocking roadways, major flooding, etc.

If I didn't live here already, I sure wouldn't be traveling here to take a vacation!!!!

 

[hubbard53]

Would they, perhaps, keep the 3 night the same, only a day later and make the 4 night on 10/10 become a 3 night leaving 10/11? Is there any precedent for it?

so if a specific sailing cannot leave on its departure date due to a storm, why would they pass that lost day to the following cruise?!

I'm on the 10/10 cruise and while I feel bad for those affected by this hurricane, i cant think of any scenario where it makes sense to make the affected sailing 'whole' at the expense of another...

 

[Neptune's Fork]

Could be New Orleans, also.

More likely, if the Dream can't get into port on Friday, they would stay out at sea for another day. Arriving back at Port Canaveral Saturday.

Not sure how large a ship Galveston (or New Orleans) can handle, though.

That would be interesting to see if it happens. You'd have the Dream and the Fantasy both in the same port at the same time. Would be interesting to see the 'parking' arrangement.

 

[Buzzsawelp]

I am disgusted that Disney hasn't updated any information on their website at this time. People are going to start flying today and tomorrow. What are they thinking sending people INTO a storm of this magnitude????? Very irresponsible in my opinion. (Says the best friend of someone on the Oct 7 Dream).

It isn't just DCl. RCCL, NCL and Carnival have not posted any updates to cruise itemaries this morning. RCCL only talks about a Thursday sailing out of Miami which was already posted yesterday and Carnival talks about a shift in the forecast and that they are updating contingency plans, but no notification of specifically what changes are being made to which cruises. Right or wrong, is seems to be industry wide.

 

[PlanoNana]

It isn't just DCl. RCCL, NCL and Carnival have not posted any updates to cruise itemaries this morning. RCCL only talks about a Thursday sailing out of Miami which was already posted yesterday and Carnival talks about a shift in the forecast and that they are updating contingency plans, but no notification of specifically what changes are being made to which cruises. Right or wrong, is seems to be industry wide.

And RCCL's notification of the changes to the Thursday sailing were posted at 6:00 EST yesterday. That's less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure. I doubt DCL will post until they have firm plans about what they're going to do. I can't see them posting that the Dream won't be in PC without stating where she will be. And that could well be the hang up.

 

[MCO737FO]

The last time a hurricane of this magnitude hit Orlando in 2004, there were mass power outages for days and sometimes weeks, water supplies got contaminated, gasoline shortages, downed trees blocking roadways, major flooding, etc.

If I didn't live here already, I sure wouldn't be traveling here to take a vacation!!!!

DCL's failure to announce changes is tantamount to encouraging passengers to travel into the danger zone. DCL has displayed a total lack of regard for well being of life and property, and has been leaving thousands of passengers in limbo all week in their greed-fueled arrogant and stubborn position. I am disgusted in their total lack of empathy, and not that they care in any way, but they have lost this Platinum family for life. (no this is not about losing cruise fare. I didn't purchase insurance, and if the risk of losing cruise fare was so critical, I would have purchased insurance. This is solely about doing the right thing, and DCL has totally failed!).

• Port Canaveral Evacuated? Check.
• Canaveral harbor closed by the US Coast Guard? Check.
• State of Emergency in Florida declared? Check.
• Travel advisories into Central Florida posted? Check.
• Schools cancelled along eastern and central Florida Thursday and Friday? Check.
• Airlines have waived change fees for flights into Orlando over a several day stretch? Check.
• Carnival Cruise Line permitting cancellations and changes without penalty and offering re-book 25% discounts? Check.
• Over 1 million people ordered evacuated in South Carolina? Check.
• Walt Disney World resort permitting trip cancellations without penalty? Check.
• Store shelves in Florida? Empty.
• Gas stations in affected areas in Florida? Dry.
• Major Category 4 hurricane hitting Florida on Friday? Real.
• Strongest Atlantic storm in 13 years? Yes.
• DCL 10/7 Dream departure from Port Canaveral? "10/5 Update - No changes to the itinerary at this time"

Worst display of arrogance, greed, and corporate irresponsibility I have seen.

 

[jahber]

Well, the entire forecast appears to have shifted about 12 hours later. It now looks like the storm will be right at PC when the ships would have been docking on Friday, instead of being up by Jacksonville by then.
Storms are so unpredictable, but at this point it is 100% clear that there will be no cruise ships leaving the east coast of Florida this Friday. I wonder why DCL is waiting. I get that they want to be able to tell guests what they will be doing instead of sailing on Friday, but a storm this slow will continue to be unpredictable. Friday could be here before anyone has any idea what this storm will actually be doing during the time when the ships will be at sea. We can't say where the storm will be on Saturday and Sunday now... But we may not even be able to say tomorrow. This storm is playing with us.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Um, Disney not coming out with their change plans is not putting anyone in danger. It's up to each person to use their head and not put themselves in danger. If I was scheduled on the 10/7 Dream I'd be planning to stay put at home.

Disney cannot announce a new schedule of changes when they simply don't know what they are yet. They don't even know if they'll be able to get back into PC next week. If you read previous posts, the last time a storm of magnitude hit PC the port was closed *****for 11 days*****. I think what's more important today is the safety of passengers & crew onboard. You know, all those people with cars parked at the port who aren't likely to have cars to retrieve????? And how about not depositing thousands of humans in a place that will have no water, electricity, gas, basic services, etc.

I get people are upset about their trips. I would be, too. But seriously, there's bigger issues right now so use common sense, stay home, and be patient. Disney will do what they can when they can make solid decisions that are appropriately prioritized.

 

[jahber]

Um, Disney not coming out with their change plans is not putting anyone in danger. It's up to each person to use their head and not put themselves in danger. If I was scheduled on the 10/7 Dream I'd be planning to stay put at home.

Disney cannot announce a new schedule of changes when they simply don't know what they are yet. They don't even know if they'll be able to get back into PC next week. If you read previous posts, the last time a storm of magnitude hit PC the port was closed *****for 11 days*****. I think what's more important today is the safety of passengers & crew onboard. You know, all those people with cars parked at the port who aren't likely to have cars to retrieve????? And how about not depositing thousands of humans in a place that will have no water, electricity, gas, basic services, etc.

I get people are upset about their trips. I would be, too. But seriously, there's bigger issues right now so use common sense, stay home, and be patient. Disney will do what they can when they can make solid decisions that are appropriately prioritized.

I think they should at least be telling people they won't be sailing on Friday, though. That way they can get trip insurance going or make alternate plans for hotels or whatever. They can't give a detailed plan of what's going to happen this weekend, but they *could* start issuing refunds or letting people reschedule.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Well, the entire forecast appears to have shifted about 12 hours later. It now looks like the storm will be right at PC when the ships would have been docking on Friday, instead of being up by Jacksonville by then.
Storms are so unpredictable, but at this point it is 100% clear that there will be no cruise ships leaving the east coast of Florida this Friday. I wonder why DCL is waiting. I get that they want to be able to tell guests what they will be doing instead of sailing on Friday, but a storm this slow will continue to be unpredictable. Friday could be here before anyone has any idea what this storm will actually be doing during the time when the ships will be at sea. We can't say where the storm will be on Saturday and Sunday now... But we may not even be able to say tomorrow. This storm is playing with us.

You said exactly what the problem is. This storm is unusually unpredictable. Newest models are showing more & more it hooking around & doing loops. They don't have any clue when the ships can get back into PC. They can't set new schedules when they literally do not have them.

 

[crazy4wdw]

I just saw this info: Port Canaveral closing to ships, business on Wednesday

http://www.floridatoday.com/story/n...al-closing-ships-business-wednesday/91568292/

So what happens to cruise ships that are out on their itineraries? Wait until the storm passes. People on the Dream and Fantasy may have extended cruises.

 

[NS8VN]

Would they, perhaps, keep the 3 night the same, only a day later and make the 4 night on 10/10 become a 3 night leaving 10/11? Is there any precedent for it?

I agree with hubbard53, all that would accomplish is messing up twice as many travel plans for twice as many people.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I think they should at least be telling people they won't be sailing on Friday, though. That way they can get trip insurance going or make alternate plans for hotels or whatever. They can't give a detailed plan of what's going to happen this weekend, but they *could* start issuing refunds or letting people reschedule.

I agree. I think at best the 3-night is gone. Maybe more depending on when the port can reopen. But to say Disney is putting someone in harm's way because they haven't come out and stated the cruise won't sail Friday? Duh. It's not. And if the area is unsafe, don't go there. Common sense.

 

[jahber]

You said exactly what the problem is. This storm is unusually unpredictable. Newest models are showing more & more it hooking around & doing loops. They don't have any clue when the ships can get back into PC. They can't set new schedules when they literally do not have them.

Absolutely, which is why I said they can't say what the new plan for the ships this coming week will be. But they do know with 100% certainty that no ships will sail on Friday. They CAN tell people that much and allow people to cancel our reschedule. That's all I'm saying. I live 45 minutes due east of PC. DCL isn't fooling anyone. The cruises this weekend may not even happen at all if this storm is as bad as expected. Encouraging people to fly into a hurricane for a cruise that isn't even going to happen is...well. Not good.

 

[ilovetexas]

It's a bad situation for a lot of people and a lot of reasons. Let me defend DCL for a minute (those of you who remember me know I'm a fan of all cruise lines and DCL is NOT my first choice so listen up! ) while some of you are pointing out that Carnival, NCL and RCCL are handling this better. Let's take Carnival for example since I do cruise with them often. They've re-routed, kept people uber-informed, refunded, etc. They also have TONS of experience dealing with these situations. They have about 20 ships that said in the Bahamas and Caribbean during hurricane season every year. Disney typically has two. If memory serves, one of their ships is usually in AK and one in Europe during summer. The logistics involved in re-routing, finding appropriate alternative ports, changing flight schedules (for those booked with them) etc., etc. is a daunting task that would take dozens of people experienced in doing exactly that. I seriously doubt DCL has that. They're probably doing the best they can with the resources and experience they have.

As for trip insurance - I'm not going to point out the obvious right now. I will, however, remind some of you that this type of insurance covers MUCH more than bad weather. The ONLY reason I get trip insurance is because of the possibility of someone getting seriously hurt while on our trip. Most of you traveling with DCL have young children and/or teens in your party. Statistically, the chances of anything serious happening to anyone in that age group (whether at home or on vacation) point to an accident of some sort. Usually a fall. If one of my traveling companions gets seriously hurt on a cruise, I certainly don't want them treated in Mexico or the Bahamas!! Medical evacuation is extremely expensive (tens of THOUSANDS of dollars) and regardless of what coverage you think you have through your credit card, you should get an outside policy.

Well wishes to those of you traveling this week. Prayers for those impacted by the storm.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Absolutely, which is why I said they can't say what the new plan for the ships this coming week will be. But they do know with 100% certainty that no ships will sail on Friday. They CAN tell people that much and allow people to cancel our reschedule. That's all I'm saying. I live 45 minutes due east of PC. DCL isn't fooling anyone. The cruises this weekend may not even happen at all if this storm is as bad as expected. Encouraging people to fly into a hurricane for a cruise that isn't even going to happen is...well. Not good.

Has Disney sent notification to guests to still come to Florida? Unless they have, I don't call that encouraging.

They definitely need to call the cancel on the 3-night. Definitely. I'm highly doubtful of the cruises next week. If she comes in a strong 3 or better they'll need to find alternative ports of embarkation or cancel even more. If it loops around the way the morning models on Wunderground are showing....I don't even want to know. It's insane.

Ps. Be safe. Take care. I've lived along the gulf coast my whole life. Done a lot of storms (including Katrina & Ike). I'm thinking of everyone over there hoping she makes a better shift for y'all.

 

[Ofinn]

Important Contact Numbers[/QUOTE]

Absolutely, which is why I said they can't say what the new plan for the ships this coming week will be. But they do know with 100% certainty that no ships will sail on Friday. They CAN tell people that much and allow people to cancel our reschedule. That's all I'm saying. I live 45 minutes due east of PC. DCL isn't fooling anyone. The cruises this weekend may not even happen at all if this storm is as bad as expected. Encouraging people to fly into a hurricane for a cruise that isn't even going to happen is...well. Not good.

They should just cancel the cruise and offer refunds. DCL can certainly afford to do this. I can't imagine the angry phone calls they are getting. They are going to lose customers over this you can't expect people to fly or drive into a hurricane. A three day cruise on DCL is not cheap. 2-3k for a family of four. About the cost of a 7 day cruise on another cruise line. I would be upset to be out the money.