Hurricanes

[portlandgreg]

I am a first time cruiser coming up next month. I am taking Carnival to Canada . Now that we are in the hurricane season and they are sporadicaly popping up, what does Carnival do if there is a hurricane? Do they cancel the cruise or take an alternate course? Are the seas really bad and you'll be bouncing off the walls? Anyone have experiences to share?

[*Mach*]

Typically, they will change the ports of call should a storm make the normal itinerary impossible. On very rare occasions they'll merely sail about 'til they can return to port.

I've never been in a hurricane but I did experience Cat 2 hurricane winds and seas... 96 knots and 30 + foot seas. It was a rocky ride and many folks were ill but we weathered it quite well...

:)

[gail811]

My first cruise was out of Newport News VA and we skirted a tropical wave on our way to the Bahamas. Seas were HIGH and rough, but it was actually very beautiful! We were not bouncing off the walls, but we all looked very drunk just walking down the halls. "Barf" bags were taped along the way and at every elevator in the event someone needed them. Trust me, our safety is first and foremost and the captain will do all he can to get you safely to your scheduled destination. BUT if that is not possible he will stay at sea or try for an alternate port. We missed Costa Maya on my last cruise because seas were high and docking would have been very dangerous; it happens even when there is not a hurricane involved.

[blindrid]

I am a first time cruiser coming up next month. I am taking Carnival to Canada . Now that we are in the hurricane season and they are sporadicaly popping up, what does Carnival do if there is a hurricane? Do they cancel the cruise or take an alternate course? Are the seas really bad and you'll be bouncing off the walls? Anyone have experiences to share?

 

First of all, don't worry. I've dodged hurricanes plenty on my cruises and have had no issues (and we're a bunch of woosies).

 

At sea, they will avoid the storm as a measure to protect the ship and it's passengers. If they are at port, it would be possible to delay the departure but rarely occurs. You may miss ports and have additional sea day or two. Again not a big deal as sea days are good also.

 

I've been on rough seas and one does not "bounce of the walls". The PP's comment like you were drunk walking down the hall is a great analogy. It's not that big of a deal so don't worry about it.

[topspin1267]

We were on Legend last October and had some pretty rough seas coming back to Tampa. If you've ever been in a fun house with the moving floor thats what is was like. No bouncing off walls but did look like we were all drunk (of course we may have been :D )

 

Pic from our balcony

 

[going to see the world]

I am a first time cruiser coming up next month. I am taking Carnival to Canada . Now that we are in the hurricane season and they are sporadicaly popping up, what does Carnival do if there is a hurricane? Do they cancel the cruise or take an alternate course? Are the seas really bad and you'll be bouncing off the walls? Anyone have experiences to share?

 

The first one we went on to Halifax, we just went right through it. We were later told that our Captain was more familiar with southern storms (apparently they are quicker). It was definitely an interesting first cruise :) As I've mentioned in previous threads, the crew started putting bags all around the ship because everyone was getting sick, even them. Luckily my group was fine as we have a boat and spend a lot of time on the water. :D

 

The second one to the Bahamas, we had to skip Freeport (from reviews I'm not sure that's a horrible thing anymore? :)) We were given $20 each back from port fees that obviously weren't used. We ended up using it for another night in the steakhouse.

[LorrieB]

My first cruise was on the Carnival Conquest and was effected by Hurricane Ike. The seas were rough but we had a blast. We were unable to enjoy Grand Cayman due to the rough seas but we got an extra day in Cozumel which made up for it plus an OBC of $25. We were unable to return to Galveston due to the devastation but we did port into New Orleans and were given the options of debarking in New Orleans on Monday, using the Conquest as a free hotel while in New Orleans, or continuing on to Houston. We chose using the Conquest as a free hotel and debarked on Tuesday in New Orleans. Those who stayed and continued on to Houston debarked on Thursday. All-in-all, it was an incredible cruise, we got an extra two days on the Conquest, two days in Cozumel and got to go into New Orleans in the evening and enjoy Bourbon Street at night.

The only downside was that we had to rent a car to get home (Oklahoma) because our vehicle was in Galveston and we ended up losing our vehicle to the Hurricane. We were parked in Lot B of the Port of Galveston which we were told was under 8 feet of water. Our vehicle was totaled by our insurance company and we were able to replace it.

This was our first cruise and I can't imagine it will ever be topped by another cruise. We had the best time of our lives and believe it or not, once we found out the Hurricane was going to hit full force in Galveston, we were able to come to terms with the probable loss of our vehicle and HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!!

Being on a cruise that is effected by a Hurricane can be a blast.... if you allow it!!!

Oh, and just so you know, our second cruise was effected by Hurricane Ida.... we are batting 1,000 with Hurricanes that begin with "I". We cruise in November on the Freedom out of Florida so, crossing our fingers we make it through another hurricane season. Let's see:

2008 - Hurricane Ike

2009 - Hurricane Ida

2010 - ????

Who wants to bet there is a Hurricane with an "I" in November of 2010....

[Yazoo cruiser]

We have been on 4 or 5 affected by hurricane. They will travel far around any danger, they are NOT going to put the passengers or the ship in harms way. They ussually just change the ports of call, one time we changed from Cozumel to Vera Cruz, which we loved. One time we got two extra days at sea because the mouth of the Mississippi was closed to traffic. We were actually booked out of Mobile the day Katrina hit, Carnival was in contact us days ahead of time and eventually cancelled it. But rest assured, they will do everything to keep you safe. HAVE A GREAT CRUISE.

[viaggi_per_mare]

Yep....we do it on purpose.

 

We book at least 1 cruise during hurricane season to benefit us:

1 - Low fares and under early saver, OBC if we have a bad hurricane season and people don't make the final payment out of worry and they have to fill the ship.

2 - We hope for changes in itineraries that have given us more OBC and if they change enough % of money off your next cruise.

We have been in 30 ft seas as we skirted a bad storm once and yes you could feel it some and people did get sick but it was not bad at all if you are not prone to seasickness. (My husband was fine as long as he laid down and watched movies in the cabin.) I ran upstairs to see how great that quarter machine in the casino was paying out with all the movement....as expected, it wasn't - the quarters are glued there I think)

 

IF you want hurricane season for the low fares, you can expect missed ports and itinerary changes as the Captain reroutes the ship around problem seas to prevent a rough ride, and damage to the ship. If it is your one "cruise of a lifetime" and the ports are very important, pay more and don't cruise during hurricane season. That is not to say things can't happen other times (think H1N1 and closing Mexico)

 

We fully expect the possibility of a 7 day cruise to nowhere during the times we choose to book - and in some ways look forward to it;)

[DancingDuo]

I have heard of cruises that were going to Bermuda being sent to Canada/New England instead during the hurricane season.

 

If you are going north and wind up in the Carribean instead there may be a problem with your clothes.....so you buy a pair of shorts and short sleeved tops......and stash your sweaters and jackets!

 

I also am a bit concerned as I see a hurricane developing and it should be through by the time of my cruise but the seas may be choppy.

[blondie49]

Being on a cruise that is effected by a Hurricane can be a blast.... if you allow it!!!

 

Oh, and just so you know, our second cruise was effected by Hurricane Ida.... we are batting 1,000 with Hurricanes that begin with "I". We cruise in November on the Freedom out of Florida so, crossing our fingers we make it through another hurricane season. Let's see:

 

2008 - Hurricane Ike

2009 - Hurricane Ida

2010 - ????

 

Who wants to bet there is a Hurricane with an "I" in November of 2010....

__________________

 

What date in November? I might want to move our dates!! BTW, it will be "Igor" in 2010. :eek:

[nybumpkin]

I have heard of cruises that were going to Bermuda being sent to Canada/New England instead during the hurricane season.

 

If you are going north and wind up in the Carribean instead there may be a problem with your clothes.....so you buy a pair of shorts and short sleeved tops......and stash your sweaters and jackets!

 

I also am a bit concerned as I see a hurricane developing and it should be through by the time of my cruise but the seas may be choppy.

I'm on the cruise before you and I'm watching the hurricane forecast too. Four years ago we did the four-day out of NYC to Canada (port was Halifax, then) - we had a great day in port, but we ended up sailing through the remnants of TS Eduardo on the way back. The ship was rocking, but it was tolerable (at least for me - the year before we rode our Hurricane Dennis in the Gulf).

 

My concern - and it's obviously way too early to tell - is that if the ship cannot sail north to Canada, we'll likely have a four-day cruise to nowhere, since there are no other foreign ports they can reach (like Bermuda) on a four-day out of NYC. I'm happy with sea days, but I'll miss Saint John even though I've been there three times.

[BoooBooKitEFk]

My first cruise was on the Carnival Conquest and was effected by Hurricane Ike. The seas were rough but we had a blast. We were unable to enjoy Grand Cayman due to the rough seas but we got an extra day in Cozumel which made up for it plus an OBC of $25. We were unable to return to Galveston due to the devastation but we did port into New Orleans and were given the options of debarking in New Orleans on Monday, using the Conquest as a free hotel while in New Orleans, or continuing on to Houston. We chose using the Conquest as a free hotel and debarked on Tuesday in New Orleans. Those who stayed and continued on to Houston debarked on Thursday. All-in-all, it was an incredible cruise, we got an extra two days on the Conquest, two days in Cozumel and got to go into New Orleans in the evening and enjoy Bourbon Street at night.

 

The only downside was that we had to rent a car to get home (Oklahoma) because our vehicle was in Galveston and we ended up losing our vehicle to the Hurricane. We were parked in Lot B of the Port of Galveston which we were told was under 8 feet of water. Our vehicle was totaled by our insurance company and we were able to replace it.

 

This was our first cruise and I can't imagine it will ever be topped by another cruise. We had the best time of our lives and believe it or not, once we found out the Hurricane was going to hit full force in Galveston, we were able to come to terms with the probable loss of our vehicle and HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!!

 

Being on a cruise that is effected by a Hurricane can be a blast.... if you allow it!!!

 

Oh, and just so you know, our second cruise was effected by Hurricane Ida.... we are batting 1,000 with Hurricanes that begin with "I". We cruise in November on the Freedom out of Florida so, crossing our fingers we make it through another hurricane season. Let's see:

 

2008 - Hurricane Ike

2009 - Hurricane Ida

2010 - ????

 

Who wants to bet there is a Hurricane with an "I" in November of 2010....

 

Igor will be the name IF one hits... good luck! :D

[lillian marie]

We also always book a cruise during the fall to early Dec. Prices are great. We have been in a hurricane and a tropical depression on cruises. The ship goes around it as much as possible but there is lots of grey rain, like sheets of rain, howling wind and rough seas. You rock and roll on the ship but the ship is made to go through these storms and you are safe. We do not get seasick so it was fine for us. Walking is interesting though when the ship is rolling. Lots of people just stay in their rooms so we had incredible service in the MDR and on the Lido.

[DancingDuo]

I'm on the cruise before you and I'm watching the hurricane forecast too. Four years ago we did the four-day out of NYC to Canada (port was Halifax, then) - we had a great day in port, but we ended up sailing through the remnants of TS Eduardo on the way back. The ship was rocking, but it was tolerable (at least for me - the year before we rode our Hurricane Dennis in the Gulf).

 

My concern - and it's obviously way too early to tell - is that if the ship cannot sail north to Canada, we'll likely have a four-day cruise to nowhere, since there are no other foreign ports they can reach (like Bermuda) on a four-day out of NYC. I'm happy with sea days, but I'll miss Saint John even though I've been there three times.

 

Off topic: Since you have been to St. John a few times, can you tell us what we should do as a 1st timer there?

[Megan_Strick]

Just wondering if mine was to change I wonder where we would go? We are leaving Monday and going to Key West and Nassau. ANy ideas?

 

 

oops meant to start a new thread.

[grammax3]

DancingDuo and Portlandgreg, we have done this cruise quite a few times and have never had a hurricane affect us, and if the seas are rough, be sure to bring some seasick meds with you, or they can be purchased in one of the shops on board. You guys will be fine. Just leave the "driving" to the Captain, he will definitely stay clear of any storms. Biggest threat to us, imho, is the fog in both Halifax and St John.

 

See you on Tuesday 9/7 at the M & G, around 10:30, Deck 9.;)

[nybumpkin]

Off topic: Since you have been to St. John a few times, can you tell us what we should do as a 1st timer there?

The first time we went, we did one of the hour-long city tours (the horse-drawn trolley) and walked around downtown - City Market is not to be missed. There are also some nice shops and museums. I found that the hour tour gives you a good overview of the city and it's pretty reasonably priced.

 

We've also walked the Harbour Passage (nice views of the port area) and also walked up to Reversing Rapids. This time we're doing the "Fundy Coastal Tour" since we've never actually been out of downtown Saint John.

 

Hope this helps! BTW, the computer models all seem to indicate than Danielle is going to swing out to sea early next week and miss the eastern seaboard.