KmomChicago

Well I thought the same, and over on the Carnival thread someone from Colorado pointed out they are flying to Baltimore for an upcoming voyage. I still think that’s a small % of Baltimore cruisers for most sailings. Carnival has a transatlantic in mid April which I of course realize is a unique situation that could and no doubt did attract a different clientele than typical including far flung passengers. For the routine 7 day routes it’s gotta be largely semi locals choosing it specifically to avoid the hassle and expense of flights.

They are lucky to get all this free advice, aren’t they? 😂🚢🎓

Understood! We can have a lot of fun speculating/ aka making up wild theories but of course it’s nothing until Carnival says so. I likewise wouldn’t change plans without actual decisions in place. As for the homeport problem I feel you. We tried Baltimore just the once to see if the drive (closest / shortest drive time of any large ship port) was worth it over flying. It wasn’t. It was a miserable drive, and we have accepted we will fly to any future cruises unless we move somewhere coastal. However, that being the case, I would probably not bother flying for those older ships, just me. We had a lovely Christmas cruise on Legend but a one and done for us. I can just go to Miami and have practically every cruise line and shiny new megaship option to choose from if I am already accepting that I’m flying no matter what. So I am going on that assumption, that the convenience of a same day, half day drive is a major draw for these Baltimore departures. Obviously there are exceptions.

Oh good!! That makes me feel relieved for all the impacted travelers! I am glad the adjustment info was provided by Carnival same day as the incident and that you’re able to get all reset. Surely hundreds of others are doing the same. Enjoy the cruise.

right. I’m interested what % of Baltimore passengers typically fly anyway. I’m in Chicago and we drove.

Supposedly crew members on VOS are circulating a rumor that it will be Bayonne. They could work with 3rd party parking providers.

If it were me making the decision I would simply tell Carnival guests we’ll bus you if you fly into Baltimore until we return to Baltimore. If you prefer to change your flight feel free. Since no one knows how long until a shipping lane is open, it’s impossible to advise flight passengers in, for example, May, what to do. It might be less hassle and risk to ensure passengers know they will be accommodated without changing flights so everyone can just still come to Baltimore. A lot of people will prefer to change their flight anyway to avoid the bus. A lot will likewise prefer not to mess with the stress of changing plans and maybe taking on more expenses. Carnival will probably ask passengers to pre book a bus ride if needed via the shore excursions for their sailing so they can plan bus demand.

Seems likely they will for at least the next few weeks.

My guess is they will let people cancel without penalty and that maybe 10% or less will do so. They will likely provide free busses for a while and possibly a $200 pp assistance credit for flight changes. Hotels, no.

Right, it’s gonna be a mess plus the bus ride times. I wonder if they’ll come into port early as well.

Right, call everyone who was working previously and then fill in by bussing down Baltimore workers for the rest.

Totally agree!! But some old grumpos will complain anyway.

It’s an excellent solution. And honestly for the immediate situation it’s really the only solution. After the current cruise, the drivers will just park in Norfolk so perhaps half the buses or perhaps far fewer taking people to the airports. I feel like Baltimore is likely a driving heavy and flying light port anyway.

Right, this is hugely helpful for anyone on these ships to know what’s going on and get working on adjustments. Ease the troubled minds to have something solid. Anyone planning to drive obviously has the easiest situation. I’m Assuming they will provide bus service for at least a month for those who prefer not to change flights. Very happy that they aren’t planning to cancel any sailings.

Others have said the construction doesn’t seem to have actually started yet, and that the port is not entirely closed with a small schedule of cruises still operating this year.

I thought they do have a spirit class full time in Tampa now. Is it just seasonal?

Honestly most of the money comes from sailing. Grats help pay the crew, drink packages and a lot of other add ons and discretionary purchases are the key.They will do better with guests onboard than canceling and giving future cruises for free will still mostly be paid for by that sailing’s add ons.

I can’t even guess how much the total loss related to this would ring up. Obviously billions, not just the cleanup and rebuilding but lost revenue.

Yes I have thought they are old as well compared to Destiny class. However they have a lot going for them. Soooooo many balconies and few inside cabins. Cool interior promenade passageway thingamabob. Cool basement lounge. Cool Steakhouse open to the unique funnel. With a serious update to the decor and condition they could serve small ports for a long time.

Personally I think we’re not close to anything like that. I think they will Sunshine the spirit class ships first. Carnival’s ability to serve so many ports is a brand differentiator and bigger ships will take that away.

Good luck; hope you get to sail.

Well, keep in mind cruise ships built before 1990 were often 50,000 tons or smaller. So, it’s completely possible Philly was in the game even with those that held in the neighborhood of a thousand. Sovereign class and Fantasy class were game changers but the smaller ships were still around for a while.

Ugh, sounds like a nightmare. At least it’s daylight out later now. I guess the guest routines could move forward as though we’re underway while all that’s happening but it definitely makes turn day seem a herculean challenge.

I hope not. We’re in spring break and then entering shoulder season. Would be willing if it were me, with my little schoolchildren, to cooperate with whatever hoops (ie boring bus rides) to get on the ship.

If it’s accurate, the NYC cruise port schedule shows no more than 3 in port most days and usually far less.