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

[delo4]

In the situations I have been in, the decision was made by the Captain at the last minute. It was announced at the sail away party that we would go to San Juan instead of St Maarten (it was our first stop) and the time we swapped our sea day/CC day we didn't know if we would even make it there until the night before.




We have had the 2 instances above, and also had a sea day/CC day swapped another time, and once went to Nassau instead of CC. There has been no compensation. I would not expect anything in a situation like that as Disney cannot control the weather.

I agree. We sailed on the Magic one time during a huge cold front and missed Key West, missed Grand Cayman, and went to Costa Maya, (the first time Disney ever went there) and then Castaway Cay. We had 50 mph winds and 25 foot seas. No compensation, but we did not expect any. We still had a great time.

 

[AquaDame]

Well, if the cruise is not as perfect, I am sure Disney will refund your fare. /s

However, has Disney ever been known to give future cruise discounts if the itinerary is significantly changed or affected by weather or other issues. Just wondering.

I believe they did offer some compensation to the cruisers that were aboard during Sandy as it was quite bad. Not 'we altered the itinerary bad' but 'things are breaking all over the ship and we are recommending you stay in your cabin' bad.

http://disneycruiselineblog.com/2012/10/sandy-is-gone-and-the-dream-returns/

http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...the-dream-and-fantasy-during-hurricane-sandy/

I doubt they will do anything for this storm unless something similar happens.

 

[plethera1]

As others have said, they will do their best to steer clear of it. There may well be rough seas though.

It's a trade-off for cruising at a cheaper time of year. Yes the rates are lower, but it's in hurricane season and lately things do tend to pick up in the latter part of the season, so it's always going to be a risk.

I'm well aware of the risk of storms as I've lived in Florida for over 35 years. We chose this time as it is closer to my daughter's birthday as it is a birthday cruise for her not necessarily because it is cheaper. That was an added bonus and I was always aware a storm could happen. I am in no way blaming Disney for this unfortunate situation as I knew what I was getting into.

I'm really not trying to be rude here but for the most part most of the people going on the Monday cruise have just had questions about how Disney would handle it and haven't really complained but there are multiple posts stating "this is what we get for cruising during a cheaper part of the year." Really, we get it. No need to rub it in.

 

[RedSox68]

I wouldn't worry. I'm sure NCL is more experienced than DCL at this kind of stuff. They have been doing it longer and have more ships. Every cruise lines goal is the safety of the ship and passengers. I don't think DCL has a patent on that. It might not be a pleasant ride though.

Thinking about that RCCL ship that went through the hurricane instead around it, causing massive damage and injuries.

I'm well aware of the risk of storms as I've lived in Florida for over 35 years. We chose this time as it is closer to my daughter's birthday as it is a birthday cruise for her not necessarily because it is cheaper. That was an added bonus and I was always aware a storm could happen. I am in no way blaming Disney for this unfortunate situation as I knew what I was getting into.

I'm really not trying to be rude here but for the most part most of the people going on the Monday cruise have just had questions about how Disney would handle it and haven't really complained but there are multiple posts stating "this is what we get for cruising during a cheaper part of the year." Really, we get it. No need to rub it in.

I'd rather take the risks of going during the cheap season and enjoy the cheap pricing! In all the cruises we have done during hurricane season, none have been cancelled or caused tremendous discomfort. The ones that had to deviate from our original itinerary were replaced with other ports. No compensation or future cruise discounts, but we didn't feel we needed any as we were well served and taken care of. The one port we missed that I wish we had gotten to was Key West -- but we were trying to outrun Hurricane Frances so went to CC first and then sailed toward Western Caribbean. It was all good and we had a great time.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

the thing about cruises is that as far as refunds or compensation, cruise lines are notorious for giving the bare minimum, if that. You do sign a contract stating that you realize the Captain can skip or reroute ports if he deems it necessary for the safety of the ship, passengers and crew, and you're not entitled to compensation if that happens.

I don't recall if the Sandy cruisers were given refunds or compensation. They did get 25% off a future cruise.

 

[kpm76]

I'm well aware of the risk of storms as I've lived in Florida for over 35 years. We chose this time as it is closer to my daughter's birthday as it is a birthday cruise for her not necessarily because it is cheaper. That was an added bonus and I was always aware a storm could happen. I am in no way blaming Disney for this unfortunate situation as I knew what I was getting into.

I'm really not trying to be rude here but for the most part most of the people going on the Monday cruise have just had questions about how Disney would handle it and haven't really complained but there are multiple posts stating "this is what we get for cruising during a cheaper part of the year." Really, we get it. No need to rub it in.

Yes! I was going to say the same thing. Our cruise on 10/7 is for my 40th birthday - just so happens my birthday is in October, during hurricane season. That's why we're sailing next week, not because it's cheap (er) - though I suppose that's a nice bonus.

 

[Flossbolna]

DCL has started to put out a weather notice:



(Please ignore the tim stamp on top, I am in Germany, so 6 hours ahead of EST)

 

[NeverSayNever]

Last year we had to sail around a hurricane and missed our stop at Castaway. We were kept well informed, the decision was made at the safety of all the passengers etc. Yes, we missed our favorite stop but the cruise was great and we had one rough night of seas, and we were never concerned and were confident that the "right" thing was being done. Sometimes it is just hard for them to tell you in advance, especially 3 days in advance. The red ship was our planned course ... .the yellow became our altered course - as you can see if we didn't change paths we would have been in the eye of the hurricane. Interestingly, it was the exact dates last year... October 2....

 

[Ofinn]

Thinking about that RCCL ship that went through the hurricane instead around it, causing massive damage and injuries.


I'd rather take the risks of going during the cheap season and enjoy the cheap pricing! In all the cruises we have done during hurricane season, none have been cancelled or caused tremendous discomfort. The ones that had to deviate from our original itinerary were replaced with other ports. No compensation or future cruise discounts, but we didn't feel we needed any as we were well served and taken care of. The one port we missed that I wish we had gotten to was Key West -- but we were trying to outrun Hurricane Frances so went to CC first and then sailed toward Western Caribbean. It was all good and we had a great time.

So did the Fantasy. I think both ships were caught by surprise.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Its now a Cat 4 hurricane. Its the strongest hurricane the Caribbean has seen in 8 yrs according to the weather channel. They said they rarely see a storm go this strong so fast. Not looking good.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I'm well aware of the risk of storms as I've lived in Florida for over 35 years. We chose this time as it is closer to my daughter's birthday as it is a birthday cruise for her not necessarily because it is cheaper. That was an added bonus and I was always aware a storm could happen. I am in no way blaming Disney for this unfortunate situation as I knew what I was getting into.

I'm really not trying to be rude here but for the most part most of the people going on the Monday cruise have just had questions about how Disney would handle it and haven't really complained but there are multiple posts stating "this is what we get for cruising during a cheaper part of the year." Really, we get it. No need to rub it in.

I found December and January cruises to be cheaper than October. Probably because Florida/ Bahamas is much cooler then.
We got our best deals during those 2 winter months. October is hurricane month yes but if you don't encounter one I think weather is better than other months.
Now... Having said that I am a teeny bit nervous about weather for our upcoming cruise mid October.
But not because the cruise was cheap so I should expect a hurricane. It wasnt cheap at all. Since when is DCL cheap? At anytime? Lol
I wish everyone sailing tomorrow and next week a safe voyage. I'm sure it's nerve wracking but I'm sure things will be ok.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

The hurricane has just be upgrade to a high end Cat 4 as of 7:45 p.m today and is expected to reach a Cat5 with winds speeds of 175 tomorrow. Not looking good.

 

[PlanoNana]

The hurricane has just be upgrade to a high end Cat 4 as of 7:45 p.m today and is expected to reach a Cat5 with winds speeds of 175 tomorrow. Not looking good.

But unless the track changes significantly it has to cross Cuba which can weaken it. Still dangerous but we'll know more about how it will affect next week's cruises tomorrow and Sunday. Just pack your patience and flexibility and you'll be fine.

 

[NDFAN89]

Just upgraded to cat 5

 

[xiphoid76]

Just upgraded to cat 5

Wow, this storm has upgraded quickly! I am following closely and hope it does not do any damage along the way. We are not on a cruise for a few weeks, so we will not be affected by this hurricane, but there always is the chance for more.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

First Cat 5 hurricane in the Caribbean basin since 2007.

This one is def one to watch...

Orlando's WESH-TV has a hurricane tracker app available for both iOS & Android phones.

They have the threat index for Orlando at a 2 right now.

 

[snoopy5386]

:-( landed in Orlando tonight and trying to enjoy two days at WDW before we are supposed to board the Dream on Monday, but it is so hard with everything so up in the air. This storm has gotten so powerful so fast.

 

[hmkenn0]

Okay so I am a little frustrated that Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean have ALL announced itinerary changes for their cruises next week but Disney has not. (All of these are basically doing Cozumel/Costa Maya instead.) Most frustrating to me is that Enchantment of the Seas was basically doing the same itinerary as the Dream- leave Monday- Nassau, private island, sea- back Friday, has been rescheduled.
To me (especially as a former CM) it would seem more Disney to lead this pack rather than to follow. Also, given the size of the Dream I would think they would want another plan quickly to ensure they were able to get dock space/shore excursions. The track and forecast of this hurricane hasn't changed (significantly) in the past three days. I can't imagine making it to anywhere in the Bahamas and then getting out of the way of the storm before hitting rough seas (although I would probably give anything to go to CC).
I fully understand they can't control the weather and I choose to travel in hurricane season, but they do control how they react to it- more communication would be better than what appears to be a "oh well/wait and see" attitude.
Still can't wait to get on the ship, just sad about the actions of a company I love!

 

[snoopy5386]

So do you think we might hear something tomorrow? Or not till we get to port or on the ship on Monday?

Going to Mexico maybe? Wonder if there are any berths left.....

 

[PlanoNana]

Considering the changes that have happened over the past two or three days in the expected speed of Matthew (it's slowed down considerably), DCL may be waiting to see what really happens. They probably have alternatives mapped out, just not announced. Just a thought.