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

[Tim Heaslip]

I'm sure it is frustrating, but the tracks have been off enough in the past that no one is willing to really commit to anything until they absolutely have to (cruise lines, airlines, schools, government). Even within 8 hours of projected landfall, these things can turn and be 100 miles off in a different direction. We have had storms that were going to impact the state that turned at the last second after everything was closed (looking at you Lloyd) and those that evacuation orders were set (move everyone from Tampa/St. Pete to Orlando) and it makes landfall 100 miles south and 5 hours early and goes right through Orlando (thanks Charley). It could pick up speed and clear out 4 hours earlier (again, thanks Charley) or slow way down and hang out for 2 days just soaking everything (Frances and Jeanne). I feel your pain and hope for the best for everyone who is traveling..

 

[peter11435]

No argument Mr. D. Just wish DCL would do what RCCL, Carnival, and Delta have already done. Let people make a change. Would it really kill them? #greed

Aren't those other cruise lines only allowing people to change/cancel if their itineraries have been altered?

 

[Mr. Drauer]

Aren't those other cruise lines only allowing people to change/cancel if their itineraries have been altered?

Carnival Cruise Line has canceled all ports of call in Half Moon Cay and Nassau and replaced them with a visit to Key West and Freeport. The changes will affect at least six ships sailing this week, reports Cruise Critic. The cruise line is giving passengers a 25 percent future cruise discount and $100 voucher to use onboard. Carnival is also offering full refunds to those whose original itineraries have been changed and wish to cancel.

Those airlines are allowing changes only, not cancellations..

RCCL has changed itineraries but not cancelled anything..

 

[PlanoNana]

The Carnival website says the following:
"Weather Update – 10/04/16 – 1:00PM (EST)
We are very closely monitoring the storm system and projected path. The forecast track has been shifting which is typical with hurricanes and why it is difficult to make adjustments several days in advance. We will make adjustments to homeport turnaround operations and itineraries as needed to ensure we are not putting our guests, crew and vessels in harm’s way. We will continue to provide updates to our guests and post here as any changes are made . We do not anticipate making any additional changes until Tuesday after 8:00PM. "

 

[kaykels]

No argument Mr. D. Just wish DCL would do what RCCL, Carnival, and Delta have already done. Let people make a change. Would it really kill them? #greed

Not Rccl ! They are the worst. I sailed directly through Hurricane Sandy from
NJ to Bermuda right through the eye. No options from them. I have also been on dozens of itinerary changes due to hurricanes. Last one was August, about 6 weeks ago. You sign up for it.
I feel blessed do you have itinerary changes. I would rather go to the sunshine than an island with pouring rain and high winds. That is why I prefer cruising over land-based vacations. Cruise ships can get us out of the way! While annoying to change course, it enables a better vacation.

 

[jahber]

Normally I'm telling everyone not to get too worked up about hurricanes and tropical storms (Hermine was supposed to nail Florida...yeah. No. Then it was supposed to ruin our cruise... Nope. The world didn't end, surprise surprise). Things are rarely as bad as predicted in Florida or they don't behave at all as predicted or whatever. So it's generally not worth getting worked up about. But this situation is different and if it were me, I'd be upset, too. No matter what the hurricane does, it will severely impact Friday's sailings. While I know the reality is that the cruise ships will wait until the last minute to make changes (in their best financial interests), I can still completely empathize with everyone staring down a hurricane on their vacation. Who would actually WANT to fly into a hurricane so they can sail into the tail end of the hurricane for an abbreviated or altered itinerary when they could change their vacation plans? Not most people. DCL needs to make a decision, fast, before they make more people upset. Hurricanes scare people who aren't used to them. That said, I just dragged a toddler and a baby or for hurricane supplies, so if things follow the pattern of the past 11 years or so, we'll be fine here in central Florida now.

 

[steves100]

Looks like Castaway might get hit bad : (

 

[Neptune's Fork]

I'm thinking of all those poor people I saw on the deck of the Dream yesterday sailing off, their 4 night cruise could turn into a week or more.

 

[mevelandry]

Air Canada is also waiving fees until Saturday October 8 (for now):

https://beta.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates.html#/accordion_2010_title_0

 

[KristiMc]

I'm thinking of all those poor people I saw on the deck of the Dream yesterday sailing off, their 4 night cruise could turn into a week or more.

I'm thinking of all those poor people in Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas that are affected by this storm in their real world not vacation.

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

I'm thinking of all those poor people I saw on the deck of the Dream yesterday sailing off, their 4 night cruise could turn into a week or more.

I can't speak for those aboard but I would love every minute of that.

 

[Ofinn]

It seems like the track so far has been pretty spot on. I wouldn't expect it to be off enough that it wouldn't have some impact on cruises out of Florida.

 

[Bree]

They just canceled school for Thursday and Friday in Palm Beach County.

 

[hubbard53]

I can't speak for those aboard but I would love every minute of that.

i would too... but you know there would be complainers like 'OMG we had to eat escargot as an appetizer TWO nights and the movies were repeats!"

 

[mevelandry]

I'm thinking of all those poor people in Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas that are affected by this storm in their real world not vacation.

Exactly what I have been thinking. Who cares if I have to change all my vacation plans at the last minute... I still get to have a house and eat at the end of the day. I still get to hug my husband and my family. Some people won't even have that after Matthew is gone.

 

[PlanoNana]

I'm thinking of all those poor people I saw on the deck of the Dream yesterday sailing off, their 4 night cruise could turn into a week or more.

I really doubt that the Dream will be kept from port for that long. My GUESS is that the Dream makes port in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami on Friday with guests bused up to PC, MCO or Orlando. Everyone will have a better idea of what's going to really happen tomorrow and Thursday but it's tough for the folks trying to figure out what to do.

 

[mmouse37]

Might as well start something interesting. Where will Magic go? Back to Canada? Bermuda? Not sure if we got to the Bahamas any ports would be open due to the massive storm. Cruise to nowhere, 8 sea days? Love to hear ideas since I'm guessing we won't hear anything till Thursday.

JetBlue has started taking preparations...

Hurricane Matthew Southeast Fee Waiver
Last Updated: 10/4/2016 12:00 PM ET
Travel Agent Waiver Code: Click Here

Due to impending weather forecasted to impact the Southeast, we will waive change/cancel fees and fare differences for customers traveling on Thursday, October 6, 2016 through Sunday, October 9, 2016 to/from the following cities:

• Charleston, SC (CHS)
• Daytona Beach, FL (DAB)
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
• Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
• Orlando, FL (MCO)
• Raleigh/Durham, NC (RDU)
• Savannah/Hilton Head, GA (SAV)
• West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)

Customers may rebook their flights for travel Tuesday, October 4, 2016 through Sunday, October 16, 2016 prior to the departure of their originally scheduled flight. Customers with cancelled flights may opt for a refund. Original travel must have been booked on or before Tuesday, October 4, 2016.

To rebook travel or request a refund online, click here. If you are already checked in for your flight, please call us at 1-800-JETBLUE(538-2583) for assistance with rebooking or a credit.

Customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight online prior to leaving for the airport. Customers with web-enabled mobile devices may check the status of their flight at mobile.jetblue.com.

We are on the October 7th Disney Magic out of NYC and I am 99% sure that we will hit some rough weather on the way down South (wherever we may wind up is anybody's guess). I doubt we will get to Nassau or Castaway Cay. Many years ago when another hurricane hit CC the island was closed for a few weeks for repairs. Looks like it will get a direct hit tomorrow so not hopeful we will get there early next week.

As far as Jet Blue, my friend who is going on the cruise with us is from Orlando, flying to NY to take the Magic. She was due to fly on Thursday afternoon and just let me know she was able to change her flight to Wed afternoon with no fee (this morning when she checked they were not waiving fees yet) so at least she can get out of Florida before the storm hits there (if it does). I honestly would not care if we had 8 sea days but I know many would not be happy with that. We will wait and see.

MJ

 

[mmouse37]

I really doubt that the Dream will be kept from port for that long. My GUESS is that the Dream makes port in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami on Friday with guests bused up to PC, MCO or Orlando. Everyone will have a better idea of what's going to really happen tomorrow and Thursday but it's tough for the folks trying to figure out what to do.

That's what happened with Hurricane Jeanne. Magic and Wonder both docked at Ft. Lauderdale and we were bused down there to meet the ship. Our bus was not a lucky bus...we broke down on the turnpike and had to wait for another bus to come to get us making us delayed even longer in getting to the ship. DCL packed a box lunch for everyone onboard at WDW for the ride down.

We had insurance and our insurance paid us for our 2 extra hotel nights, all extra meals, 2 extra days of car rental. This all fell under Trip Interruption clause of the policy. Our cruise was shortened from a 7 day to a 5 day.

MJ

 

[puffkin]

Following this thread more for interest....but I really do feel for the people on the 3 night Dream sailing mainly because for that short of a cruise and with the size of the Dream not being able to get into many ports, there just doesn't seem to be many feasible options for that particular cruise even if the Hurricane turns out to sea. The other itineraries and ships I can see many more options and contingencies, but this one really is a tough one!

 

[Noparking]

We are on the October 7th Disney Magic out of NYC and I am 99% sure that we will hit some rough weather on the way down South (wherever we may wind up is anybody's guess). I doubt we will get to Nassau or Castaway Cay. Many years ago when another hurricane hit CC the island was closed for a few weeks for repairs. Looks like it will get a direct hit tomorrow so not hopeful we will get there early next week.

As far as Jet Blue, my friend who is going on the cruise with us is from Orlando, flying to NY to take the Magic. She was due to fly on Thursday afternoon and just let me know she was able to change her flight to Wed afternoon with no fee (this morning when she checked they were not waiving fees yet) so at least she can get out of Florida before the storm hits there (if it does). I honestly would not care if we had 8 sea days but I know many would not be happy with that. We will wait and see.

MJ

You aren't allowed to cruise with just sea days. Someone posted a link before. And if they plan on that they better let me know so I can take my $$$$$ or I'll take a raft and jump ship