Stormy Seas

[billylen]

A question that keeps popping up in my mind is what does the ship do in the event of a storm in the ocean. We will cruise in late August (7 day eastern) and I know that is hurricane season.

Disney said they have never had to cancel a cruise, but what Do they do?

Does anyone have experience with this. If so share with us. Not worried about having a GREAT time, but I am a little curious.

 

[Pugdog007]

Well, I'm no expert and someone may have a more solid answer, but what I've heard is that storms are monitored very early on (via doppler weather no doubt and the ship is re-routed to "alternate ports" as needed. I've heard of the Magic going to PR before, and even Charleston SC on another occasion. I don't think you'd ever be put in harm's way.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Yes, they have access to high-tech weather info and they go to great lengths to maintain the comfort and safety of the passengers. One lucky Magic cruise got to go to Castaway Cay <i><b>twice</b></i> this last season while they were waiting to see what one storm was going to do. In other years the Magic has gone to Key West, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel!

 

[scottie]

We will be sailing for the first time in late September on the 4 day Wonder. Could we expect the same possibilities for an alternative port if something nasty kicked up in the open seas? (However, I am sure we will have an abundance of pixie dust protecting our course)

 

[billylen]

Grand Cayman or Cozumel! Now that would be an unexpected surprise!!

Sounds like you win no matter what

 

[appink]

billylen

Sounds like you are on the same cruise we are 8/24. How many of you are there and what ages?

It's myself, DH and Ds9.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Key West is always a possibility on a 4-day cruise, but probably not as far as Grand Cayman. Charleston was about the only direction they could go in the case of the cruise that went there last year, but I'm sure they'd rather go south than north.

 

[billylen]

Just me and my son (age 14) Tell me, what does (and i know i will sound like a complete idiot here) DH & Ds stand for? I assume that the H = husband and the s = son, but what about the "D".

Yes we will be on the Aug 24th sailing.

Wooo Hoooooo!!!

 

[donald@home]

Yes, Disney monitors storms at sea and will re-route the ship if they can. On a past cruise we had a VERY rocky night due to heavy winds and 18 foot waves. I asked one of the waiters if it was the roughest seas they had ever had. He said that they sailed through a hurricane once with 40 foor waves. I can't even imagine what that would be like. I remember people on this board posting about that cruise and telling about water flooding hallways, etc.

So, Disney does try to keep everyone dry and the ship sailing smoothly, but it doesn't always work out that way.

 

[Pugdog007]

To preface your family member with "D" typically means "darling" but some on this board would argue that it stands for "disney."

 

[billylen]

Since I am originally from SE Texas I know what a hurricane can do! I have cruised a time or two (usually on Royal Caribbean), but never in an intense storm. Although I would prefer to avoid the experience, I'll bet it would make for one heck of a whale tale!

The phrase, "no worries" comes to mind...

So, the "D" stands for darling? Well, what would that mean for my son? Hmmmm. I don't believe in calling kids "dummy", but darling seems a little intense a word to use for my 14 year old...

I got it! How about DETERMINED? That's it! My DS (DETERMINED SON) is DETERMINED to drive me crazy as he goes through puberty!

but that's another story...

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

Hi. I was that lucky one ( unless there are more..) who got to go to Castaway Cay twice on the 7 day, AND we went to Puerto Rico instead of St. Maarten. It was ideal.. With the exception of the VERY rough seas we had due to that tropical storm/hurricane. I was scared.. But was assured it was "no big deal, they've seen worse.." Needless to say, we traveled in October last time to save money and got a hurricane. Or next cruise is booked for NEXT summer 2003 in JUNE. Hopfully the seas will be smooth as glass...