The Dream in Nassau and backing in

[Neptune's Fork]

I know we have quite a few nautical people here that could probably answer this so I'll give it a shot. I've noticed in checking portcams a few times that most ships dock at Nassau bow first, while the Dreams always 'backs in' so bow is seaward. Does anyone know if there's a reason for this?

(this is not intended to start a debate on backing in or pulling in when parking)

 

[DizneyNutz]

Double post.

 

[DizneyNutz]

I've noticed in checking portcams a few times that most ships dock at Nassau bow first

We have been there many times onboard a Disney ship and cannot recall any ship pulled into port Bow first? You say most ships dock Bow first but I would say that is not what we have witnessed at all.

 

[mum2fourkids]

Has it got anything to do with where the 'door' to let u off is allocated? If it parked straight in, it might not match up to the pier...Sorry not up with all the nautical names/words lol

 

[DisneyWonder'09]

Ships are more manouverable sailing forward than reversing. Like your car. They have better control on steering going forwards.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

I've noticed in checking portcams a few times that most ships dock at Nassau bow first

We have been there many times onboard a Disney ship and cannot recall any ship pulled into port Bow first? You say most ships dock Bow first but I would say that is not what we have witnessed at all.

You can check the Nassau port cam just about any day and see ships there. Do that for a few days and I'm sure you'll see bow first on most. That's been my observation. Not saying all, but most seem to dock bow first.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

Double post.

Was there another post on this topic? If so, never saw it. I would love to be directed there though to read it. Thanks.

 

[lanejudy]

If I recall, several years ago DCL had an issue when they couldn't back out of port (I want to say it was the Magic at CC). Since that time, DCL has preferred to dock stern-first; as DisneyWonder09 mentions, the ship is easier to pull straight out forward when leaving port. DCL does occasionally pull in bow-first if more appropriate for maintenance or onloading supplies.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

Today seems to be the exception, as three of the four ships in port are stern first. It also appears that the Dream always gets the same docking spot. Are all these arrangements made well in advance, or does the harbormaster sort of assign the docking location as the ship comes into port?

 

[bumbershoot]

Was there another post on this topic? If so, never saw it. I would love to be directed there though to read it. Thanks.

"Double post" means that disneynutz posted twice in a row accidentally with the same content. Then DN went back in to edit. You can see the post times then the edit times. In this case DN edited their first post to erase the duplicated content and to write "double post" (and then edited the second post to add or subtract something).

 

[jdb in AZ]

Has it got anything to do with where the 'door' to let u off is allocated? If it parked straight in, it might not match up to the pier...Sorry not up with all the nautical names/words lol

Cruise ships can embark/disembark from either side, and change decks to accommodate the tide.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

Today must be reverse day or something, the Magic is docked in Nassau (12/21/16) bow first, whereas, all other ships today have backed in. More often than not it's usually the other way around.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Today must be reverse day or something, the Magic is docked in Nassau (12/21/16) bow first, whereas, all other ships today have backed in. More often than not it's usually the other way around.

Sometimes they need to go bow in in order to access the "other" side of the ship for repair work. Or to run a lifeboat drill.

 

[Winston Wolf]

Quicker getaway. They leave the engine running too

 

[limabeanies]

Quicker getaway. They leave the engine running too

Love it!!

 

[Neptune's Fork]

I've noticed the last couple times in Nassau the Dream has not been backing in but docking bow first. I was wondering who makes the call on that, is the ship's captain or the pilot?

 

[carolinagirl121]

It is most likely dependent on port loading. Ships aren't always the same on on both sides with regard to deck equipment (i.e. where lines hook up to on the ship), so it could be that certain ships need to go certain places for that reason. Additionally, it could be related to currents around the pier or bottom shifts in the area. I would guess it's probably the pilot/port ops who suggests a certain line up on the pier, but as with most things, it's ultimately the Captain's decision.