NCL Sun Cozumel Call Canceled

[newmexicoNita]

So NCL Finally got to updating there November itinerary for this cruise from Houston. They just dropped Cozumel without comment. The other port stays have not been extended at all. Does NCL just get to cruise slow, save gas and increase profit or will they do something to make up for Cozumel???

I haven't read the other comments yet, but do want to try and answer yours. First of all, NCL may not know what they are going to do; better give 1/2 answer than none at all. Now if they do decide not to add a port it will be not much different than other lines as most of them do not offer the port intensive itineraries that NCL offers. Let's all try and wait this out. The situation in Miami alone is not pleasant. We just learned our offices in Ft Lauderdale have no electricity, no water and not much else. Our email is up but that is about it. According to them very few have any electricity anywhere in Southern Fl whether on the gulf side or east side. NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

I feel terrible about what is happening in the region hit by the hurricane, but I am scheduled to be on the sun on December 4th and am VERY disappointed we will only be having 2 days at port. The whole reason we chose this ship was because originally it had 4 port days. One of the reasons I love cruising so much is because you get to see so many different places. I was okay with taking one of the stops out, but now two of them? This is our honeymoon, it isn't like we can just cancel and go another time. I don't understand whey they can't have us stop somewhere else to replace Cozumel? Does anyone else know?

I know this is a disappointment. We choose the Jewel in Sept for a couple of reasons, one being a stop in NewFoundland: winds kept us away so we spent 4 days in a row at sea instead. There is just not much that can be done. At least the ship is still sailing. NMnita

[newmexicoNita]

...How much do you want to bet we end up with a one port cruise when we can't tender into Belieze? True, ports are booked months in advance but this is the easy out for NCL, no talk of adding Vera Cruz, Costa Maya, etc. Oh well, maybe I'll meet someone onboard to keep myself occupied ;-)

Why do you think you can not tender into Belize, what am I missing here? NMnitad

[cougar2001]

Have read the string above and can see the strength of both sides of the argument about cancelled port days. However it is clear that NCL do not appear to be either actively seeking an additional port call, considering additional days at the two ports remaining or, most importantly, communicating with their customers.

 

If you consider that these comments are unfair, do as I have just done and look at the Carnival web site where you will see the following posted today.

 

"Western Caribbean / Key West Cruises This Weekend

We will be modifying the itineraries for cruises that were scheduled to visit Cozumel and Key West on cruises departing this weekend. We are in the process of securing alternative ports and will confirm the changes on Thursday."

 

Wingers and NCLites alike please comment.

[Don Haynes]

Costa Maya is owned by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, it doesn't have any room for any more ships, especially from another cruise line. So forget Costa Maya. Carnival has been using Progresso for years, any space left there will be occupied by Carnival ships. So forget Progresso. The Cayman Islands appear to be out best bet, but its full too with ships from Miami, Tampa, and Houston....

 

The Mexican government worked with NCL to change its Sun's intinerary by combining Calico with Cozumel, it was not a decision made only by NCL. Notice that the Dream's intinerary next fall is this same revised Sun intinerary this fall. Many of these countries are concerned about the number of tourists and cruise ships calling at their ports. Its their ports, not ours.

 

At least we'll be able to snorkle at both of these ports of call, and visit Mayan ruins in Belize. Too bad there won't be any glass bottom boat rides or submarine rides. I believe Rooatan has a dolphin encounter, but I'm not sure. I am booked for the Sun in December. Hopefully Cozumel will be open but I am not going to let Wilma ruin my cruise.

[AztecCraig]

Just because they print an out does not make it good policy. Legally I am certain that they are covered. I have never read the fine print on an airline ticket either, I'm sure it gives them the same "out" however they still make an attempt at customer service and fixing the inconvenience.

 

I bought package X at a fair market price, NCL is now only able to offer me a significantly less desireable package - is it really too much to ask NCL to allow me to wait until they are able to provide the original package vs. accept delivery of a far lesser product?

 

I am sure there are examples of other companies that would also tell their customers tough sh** - but none come to mind right away.

[newmexicoNita]

Have read the string above and can see the strength of both sides of the argument about cancelled port days. However it is clear that NCL do not appear to be either actively seeking an additional port call, considering additional days at the two ports remaining or, most importantly, communicating with their customers.

 

If you consider that these comments are unfair, do as I have just done and look at the Carnival web site where you will see the following posted today.

 

"Western Caribbean / Key West Cruises This Weekend

We will be modifying the itineraries for cruises that were scheduled to visit Cozumel and Key West on cruises departing this weekend. We are in the process of securing alternative ports and will confirm the changes on Thursday."

 

Wingers and NCLites alike please comment.

what is it some of you are not getting? The offices are only running with skeliton crews, most of Miami has no power and you want answers yesterday. We do not know exactly what NCL is going to do. Maybe, for all we know Carnival has more satelite offices as they are about 100 times larger than NCL. NMNita

[cougar2001]

Thanks for this info - this was news to me. But it rather confirms what I said just now. NCL clearly can post news so they could also advise \ that they are doing their best in difficult circumstances \ have tried but cannot contract additional ports \ etc. etc.

 

Improved communication will silence idle speculation.

[tray]

I just found this thread and have spent the last few minutes reading the comments with amazement. I think there is probably a difference in cruisers thus the difference in comments. Our family goes on one cruise a year (and BOY do we look forward to them AND the fun places we'll get to visit and explore). This is our 3rd cruise and our 1st on NCL, so I am very excited about our trip. I feel deeply for those affected by this HORRIFIC storm that sat over those poor people for 60 plus hours, ripping apart everything they have worked so hard to build. Although I had yet to have met PB Tom---I felt like I already knew him from all the posts. We were planning a trip to PB and I was really looking forward to that specific day. I am now just happy for him and his family that they are safe and have a sweet little baby boy to love and take care of!!!

Having said all of those things, I can certainly say I feel the same disappointment as a lot of these people on this thread. We, too, were originally scheduled to go out of New Orleans over Thanksgiving, got rerouted to Houston and lost a port day. That was actually good for us b/c we are from Houston---although we sure miss New Orleans---love those cajuns!!!!---and can't wait for a visit in the near future as they rebuild!! I wasn't really too phased at that point. Now we see on this recent NCL post that the Sun will have 4 sea days and 2 port days plus embarkation & debarkation. There is no mention of a 3rd port. Maybe they are still trying to figure out where they can go, so they just left that unprinted at this time. I understand that the weather is totally out of all of our control, as many people have pointed out (some nicely, some quite rudely---may I add?), and I also understand that the cruise lines plan these port calls in advance. But I do believe, as another poster pointed out, that there should be some other options for ports for us to visit. I don't know the logistics, and maybe it's much more complicated than I realize! I think that most people understand that this is a tragedy that was a natural disaster, out of our control, but that it is also human nature to feel disappointment when you don't get something you've paid/planned for. And to the one very curt poster who clearly stated her opinion "What did you expect---it's hurricane season'---or something to that affect---I'd just like to point out that for some of us who are relatively new to cruising, we've never been faced with a situation like this before. The storms have been plentiful and monstrous this season, and I just didn't think things through when booking a Thanksgiving cruise. I have certainly learned my lesson and will book outside of hurricane season next time. So for those of us who booked our cruises with the itinerary being an important part of the cruise, please understand that it is a let down, that's all. And whatever happened to customer service? So many posters have said 'What do you want NCL to do----it's not their fault'. Of course it's not their fault. And I haven't had any personal dealings with NCL's customer service. But I'd like to believe in the goodness of our society and the ways of respect and courtesy that we've tried to uphold in our daily lives. Businesses thrive when they treat their customers with respect. I think that most people are just asking for NCL to indicate that they realize that people are disappointed and will try to keep customer satisfaction high. I realize some are asking for monetary compensation, but I think this is a side effect of their frustration feeling like there's been no thought put into other options. This is probably not the case, but to some it may seem that way. I think the attitude of 'If you don't like it, don't cruise' stinks---and I hope that those who post those kinds of responses don't work with the public in their area. Well--so much for my two cents! Thanks for listening!

[toysrme]

Disappointed? You betcha!! I cruised around this time last year with Carnival after Grand Caymen was hit. I called Carnival a few days before departure and was told another port had been substituted. Upon arrival at the terminal, we were told there would be an added day at sea with only 2 ports on a seven day cruise. Very boring cruise.

I chose this cruise because of 4 chances to get off the ship and "explore". This has now been reduced to 2 ports. It galls me that the people who were on the Sun the week of the hurricane actually had 3 days (albeit only 2 ports) where they could get off the ship. Adding another boring, bogus sea day just doesn't cut it!!! I freely admit that I use cruising as a less expensive way of getting from place to place in order to be able to see and sample more. I'll also bet there are others like me. When given an ample number of ports, I really enjoy the sea days as a way to R&R and get ready for all that the next stop offers. Type A? Maybe, but I just can't enjoy putt-putting around at sea just for the sake of it, with little to do but drink (read as SPEND).

I don't see fixing things in "a few days" as being the same as 3 weeks. Things can indeed be substituted in that amount of time. I couldn't help but notice that Carnival has already substituted Veracruz and Progreso for Cozumel and Calica. Are they great ports? Probably not, or they would already be on itineraries, but at least they are substituting something this time instead of sea days. And their food is better. And so is their customer service. And your mama wears combat boots!

 

(Venting is now complete).

[pgm2786]

Has anybody heard about itineraries changes on other Cruise Lines, I would really like to know how other companies are handling this situation.

Carnival had 11 different Cruise Ships scheduled for port of calls at the island. Royal Caribbean also had 11 Ships scheduled, Princess had 3, Holland America 2, Celebrity 2 and misc Lines 6.

 

The Island would have had over 115 port of calls for the month of December or an average of almost 30 Cruise Ships per week. Listening to this board all the Cruise Lines except NCL has allready re-positioned/re-scheduled to other ports simply by calling ahead and reserving a berth. May they can double or triple berth next to each other, the Cruise Ship that was already scheduled as a port of call wouldn't mind. The Island and the Ports in the Caribbean must be like a marina, you just call ahead and reserve a berth.

 

Think about it for a minute, you have at least 30 Cruise Ships all looking for replacement ports within a certain distance to keep on their weekly cruise schedule. It will take time and hopefully make everybody happy. Just give them time and keep the faith. :)

[Don Haynes]

Without Calico and Cozumel, there are too many ships for the number of ports and anchorages. At least NCL is still doing two Caribbean ports, it appears Carnival is doing two Gulf of Mexico ports instead.

 

Same number of port days and sea days too. If you don't like Cozumel being closed by Wilma, switch to Carnival..... But please, stop whining.....

[Checkmate1955]

I think the attitude of 'If you don't like it, don't cruise' stinks---and I hope that those who post those kinds of responses don't work with the public in their area. Well--so much for my two cents! Thanks for listening!

Well said and Amen to that....:)

[newmexicoNita]

Has anybody heard about itineraries changes on other Cruise Lines, I would really like to know how other companies are handling this situation.

Carnival had 11 different Cruise Ships scheduled for port of calls at the island. Royal Caribbean also had 11 Ships scheduled, Princess had 3, Holland America 2, Celebrity 2 and misc Lines 6.

 

The Island would have had over 115 port of calls for the month of December or an average of almost 30 Cruise Ships per week. Listening to this board all the Cruise Lines except NCL has allready re-positioned/re-scheduled to other ports simply by calling ahead and reserving a berth. May they can double or triple berth next to each other, the Cruise Ship that was already scheduled as a port of call wouldn't mind. The Island and the Ports in the Caribbean must be like a marina, you just call ahead and reserve a berth.

 

Think about it for a minute, you have at least 30 Cruise Ships all looking for replacement ports within a certain distance to keep on their weekly cruise schedule. It will take time and hopefully make everybody happy. Just give them time and keep the faith. :)

We all have to start thinking about what the cruise lines are going through right now; whether their offices are even open what alternatives are available. For those of you who are unhappy cause you may not be able to see the ports you had hoped to, please think about the islanders, the loss of money to the cruise lines (yes, they will loose money) and the crew who will have to put up with the whiners for a couple of extra days. Go on your cruise, relax, hit the bars or the casino; take a couple great books to read, take part in the trevia games, watch a movie, enjoy eating in Le Bistro, take part in the mystery theater if they offer it and have a fun experience. NMNita

[Host Caroline]

Having been a TA when Hurr. Gilbert hit Cozumel area and other hurricanes that did lots of damage and when there were many less ships in the Caribbean (and no one went to Belize or Honduras and Costa Maya wasn't built), it is nigh on impossible to fit all these ships into the ports since the Alaska season AND the Europe season are basically over.... It's like trying to fit your size 8 foot into a size 6 shoe.. all the toes are there but you just can't do it without making something uncomfy.

I personally like sea days and so two ports in a week would be okay with me under the circumstances but I can tell you that last year at last one RCI ship did only 2 ports in 9 days in good weather when they were just stuck in the Caribbean due to hurricane in FL..

I really raelly hope they can get back to Coz or even Playa del Carmen but even if they DO, remember that the docks there are trashed and you may well tender in... so be prepared to be glad to be there and not fuss to much about the tendering...

NCL may have offices up and running full steam soon, more port damages will be assessed accurately as debris is cleaned up and they can get power on to begin work... so in the meantime

patience and civility rule.. right??????

[deborahdarling]

Well said, Caroline.

[VoodooDali]

I don't understand the people who defend NCL no matter what.

I love NCL, and there's no other cruise line I'd rather sail with. The freestyle way is the way for me. So, I'm not out to bash NCL, but I'm also not going to apologize for appalling customer service either. Even if NCL doesn't know what is going to happen, they could let us know that, and let us know the next time they will be updating their website with new info.

 

As far as alternate ports go, there's more for NCL to consider than just Costa Maya and Progreso.

How about Montego Bay Jamaica, Freeport Bahamas, Labadee Haiti, Santo Tomas de Castilla Guatemala, Majahual Mexico, Turks & Caicos, San Andres Island, or even a stop in Florida?

Better yet would be 2 days in one of the ports still on the itinerary.

[newmexicoNita]

Having been a TA when Hurr. Gilbert hit Cozumel area and other hurricanes that did lots of damage and when there were many less ships in the Caribbean (and no one went to Belize or Honduras and Costa Maya wasn't built), it is nigh on impossible to fit all these ships into the ports since the Alaska season AND the Europe season are basically over.... It's like trying to fit your size 8 foot into a size 6 shoe.. all the toes are there but you just can't do it without making something uncomfy.

I personally like sea days and so two ports in a week would be okay with me under the circumstances but I can tell you that last year at last one RCI ship did only 2 ports in 9 days in good weather when they were just stuck in the Caribbean due to hurricane in FL..

I really raelly hope they can get back to Coz or even Playa del Carmen but even if they DO, remember that the docks there are trashed and you may well tender in... so be prepared to be glad to be there and not fuss to much about the tendering...

NCL may have offices up and running full steam soon, more port damages will be assessed accurately as debris is cleaned up and they can get power on to begin work... so in the meantime

patience and civility rule.. right??????

Thanks Caroline, we needed your positive words. Now go tell the RCI board the same thing: they are griping as bad as we are. LOL NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

I don't understand the people who defend NCL no matter what.

I love NCL, and there's no other cruise line I'd rather sail with. The freestyle way is the way for me. So, I'm not out to bash NCL, but I'm also not going to apologize for appalling customer service either. Even if NCL doesn't know what is going to happen, they could let us know that, and let us know the next time they will be updating their website with new info.

 

As far as alternate ports go, there's more for NCL to consider than just Costa Maya and Progreso.

How about Montego Bay Jamaica, Freeport Bahamas, Labadee Haiti, Santo Tomas de Castilla Guatemala, Majahual Mexico, Turks & Caicos, San Andres Island, or even a stop in Florida?

Better yet would be 2 days in one of the ports still on the itinerary.

I might agree with you if I hadn't gone to other boards:RCI board is griping about poor communications. Let's just wait til the offices are back up and running before we start judging. As I have said on other postings our company headquarters in Ft Lauderdale are down; no running water, no electricity, no nothing. The same is pretty much true thoughout So Florida. All the lines unless they have several satalite offices are going throug H3** right now. I am defending NCL but will not if things don't improve in a couple of days. NMNita

[tidecruiser]

Voodoodali,

 

Some of the ports you mentioned aren't feasible geographically, for example, Freeport is on the other side of Florida from the Gulf, can't make that and still visit Belize and Roatan. The Turks and Cacios are south of the Bahamas and well out of sailing range to make the other port calls, Labadee is a private island for Royal Caribbean only and etc. . . . I think the only options would be Progresso or most likely Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala, which if my memory serves me correctly is between Belize and Hondorus which would put the ship right in the right area and should still be able to make the sail. The port stay might have to be a morning call only with an early afternoon departure.

 

I am disappointed, I understand why, but when I began looking at the NCL Sun, it was in the New Orleans Days and 4 ports and driving distance (no airfare) was the reason. I didn't book the ship until it had moved to Houston and bless my heart (meaning call me stupid) I see Playa still listed and didn't really pay attention to the days when I booked not realizing I had already lost a day, so I went from a 5 hour drive to the port to a 10 hour drive and lost a port, boy did I feel foolish, I knew about the drive, but the port miss got me. That was my fault and no fault of NCL. Dropping to 2 ports is disappointing, but since I leave on the cruise this Sunday, I really didn't expect anything else. I was crossing my fingers hoping and looking for a unique port I hadn't visited like Vera Cruz, but looking at the map, that would pull us very much west and I am not sure could be done and still make all the ports. So . . . . .

 

But, the intersting thing that I haven't seen, is that there is no mention of the refund of the port charge for the call at Playa and Cozumel. So . . . . is NCL keeping that? Or to help the ports are they going to pay it even if they don't stop? I was just expecting a modest refund (meaning $15 to $ pp) of the port charge as an onboard credit.

 

Oh well, this will not ruin the cruise at all, just means I better take more books :-)

 

Maybe some of you with cruises later in November or December, will be able to get port replacements or have Coz or Playa reopened.

[electricron]

What Carnival is doing

Tropical Weather Update – October 26, 2005 4:00 PM

The Port of Miami opened today (Wednesday, October 26) and we will operate the following three cruises from Miami:

Fascination - This is now a 2 day cruise visiting Nassau. Guests that were booked on the original 4 day cruise and sail on the new 2 day cruise will receive a 50% refund of cruise fare and a $50 per person onboard credit. Departure will be at 4:00 PM. Guests that elect to cancel will receive a full cruise fare refund. If guests elect to cancel, we request that you call Carnival (1-800-327-9501) and cancel your booking.

Imagination - This is now a 3 day cruise to Freeport and Nassau. Guests that were booked on the original 5 day cruise and sail on the new 3 day cruise will receive a 40% refund of cruise fare and a $50 per person onboard credit. Departure will be at 4:00 PM. Guests that elect to cancel will receive a full cruise fare refund. If guests elect to cancel, we request that you call Carnival (1-800-327-9501) and cancel your booking.

Carnival Legend – This is now a 6 day cruise to San Juan, St. Maarten and Nassau. Guests that were booked on the original 8 day cruise and sail on the new 6 day cruise will receive a 25% refund of cruise fare and a $50 per person onboard credit.

Special note: This cruise will depart from Miami and return to Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades). Complimentary motorcoach transportation will be provided to the Port of Miami at debarkation for all guests that parked there at embarkation.

Guests that elect to cancel will receive a full cruise fare refund. If guests elect to cancel, we request that you call Carnival (1-800-327-9501) and cancel your booking.

We sincerely apologize to our guests sailing on these cruises. We want to thank you for your patience and understanding related to the significant changes that were required. Hurricane Wilma has caused extensive problems for the port and shoreside infrastructure in Miami. The local officials and Government agencies worked very hard to open the port as soon as possible.

Western Caribbean / Key West Cruises This Weekend

We will be modifying the itineraries for cruises that were scheduled to visit Cozumel and Key West on cruises departing this weekend. We are in the process of securing alternative ports and will confirm the changes on Thursday.

Early reports from Key West are favorable that we will be able to resume calls there in the near future. However, the damage from Hurricane Wilma in Cozumel and other nearby areas on the mainland of Mexico was extensive.

Our thoughts are with the people of Mexico in the impacted areas. We will be providing as much assistance as possible in the relief efforts.

Other Itinerary Changes

We also made the following storm-related itinerary changes:

Inspiration October 25 from Tampa - The 5 day cruise scheduled to depart on Monday, October 24 was changed to a 4 day cruise to Progreso departing on Tuesday, October 25.

Celebration October 22 from Jacksonville - This cruise will visit Freeport (Sun.) and Nassau (Tue.)

Carnival Glory October 22 from Port Canaveral - This cruise will visit Nassau (Sun.), St. Thomas (Tue.) and San Juan (Wed.)

Elation October 22 from Galveston - This cruise will visit Veracruz (Mon.) and Progreso (Tue.)

Carnival Victory October 23 from Miami - This cruise will visit San Juan (Tue.), St. Maarten (Wed.) and St. Thomas (Thur.)

Carnival Miracle October 23 from Tampa - This cruise will visit Belize (Tue.), Ocho Rios (Thur.) and Grand Cayman (Fri.).

Fantasy October 23 from Port Canaveral - This cruise will visit Nassau (Tue.) and Freeport (Wed.)

Carnival Conquest October 23 from Galveston – The scheduled Cozumel call will be cancelled.

 

What Royal Caribbean is doing

Tropical Weather Update October 26, 2005 6:30 p.m.

 

Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma to ensure our guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises.

The safety of our guests and crew is always the foremost concern of Royal Caribbean International.

Given Hurricane Wilma's aftermath, Royal Caribbean is currently modifying the itineraries of four ships:

Ships sailing from the Port of Miami

Majesty of the Seas is sailing a modified two-night itinerary, with a port call in Nassau, Bahamas, Thursday, and returning to the Port of Miami Friday.

Ships sailing from Port Canaveral

Mariner of the Seas is sailing a modified itinerary with port calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, today; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Thursday; and returning to Port Canaveral Sunday.

Sovereign of the Seas is sailing a modified itinerary, with port calls in Nassau, Bahamas, today; Coco Cay, Bahamas, Thursday; and return to Port Canaveral Friday.

Ships sailing from the Port of Galveston

Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing a modified itinerary with port calls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, today; Key West, Florida, Thursday evening and Friday; and returning to the Port of Galveston Sunday.

At this time, no other Royal Caribbean International ships are being adversely impacted by the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma or tropical weather. Royal Caribbean will continue to closely monitor these situations and update this information at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

 

What Princess is doing

10/26/2005

Tropical Weather Update -- Coral Princess Now Departing Thursday, October 27 from Miami

Due to the effects of Hurricane Wilma, and the current closures of Port Everglades and the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Princess will now turnaround at the Port of Miami on Thursday, October 27, 2005. Miami International Airport is now operational with limited inbound and outbound flights, and the Fort Lauderdale airport is expected to be open tomorrow as well.

Information for Passengers Embarking Coral Princess Voyage 6537:

Because Port Everglades remains closed, this cruise will depart from the Port of Miami on Thursday, October 27, 2005. This sailing will conclude as scheduled in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 4, 2005.

Complimentary shuttles will be available tomorrow to transfer embarking passengers from the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. A shuttle will also run from Port Everglades.

Coral Princess Voyage 6537 has been modified to an eight-day itinerary as follows:

Thursday, October 27: Arrive Miami 8:30 am; Depart 5 pm

Friday, October 28: At sea

Saturday, October 29: Arrive Ocho Rios 10 am; Depart 5 pm

Sunday, October 30: At sea

Monday, October 31: Cruise Panama Canal 7 am to 3:30 pm

Monday, October 31: Arrive Cristobal 4 pm: Depart 8 pm

Tuesday, November 1: Arrive Limon 6 am; Depart 5 pm

Wednesday, November 2: At sea

Thursday, November 3: At sea

Friday, November 4: Arrive Fort Lauderdale 7 am

Passengers must be at the pier for check-in no later than 4:30 pm.

Because of the shortened itinerary, passengers on this sailing will receive a refund of one-third of their cruise fare.

Passengers who booked Princess Air will be automatically rescheduled on alternate flights. Passengers with independent air arrangements should contact the airline as soon as possible to reschedule their flights in accordance with the following times:

Flights arriving no later than 3:00 pm into Ft. Lauderdale

Flights arriving no later than 3:30 pm into Miami

At the conclusion of the cruise on November 4, complimentary shuttles will also be available to transfer passengers from Port Everglades to the Port of Miami.

Information for Passengers Disembarking Coral Princess Voyage 6536:

Passengers currently onboard Coral Princess and scheduled to disembark the ship yesterday, will instead disembark tomorrow morning, October 27, 2005 at the Port of Miami, Terminal C.

Complimentary shuttle service will be available to transfer disembarking passengers from the Port of Miami to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and to area airports.

Passengers who booked Princess Air will be automatically rescheduled on alternate flights. Passengers with independent air arrangements should contact the airline as soon as possible to reschedule their flights in accordance with the following times:

Flights after 12:00 noon from Miami

Flights after 12:30 pm from Fort Lauderdale

Flights after 6:00 pm from Orlando

Tropical Weather Update -- Star Princess Itinerary Changes October 30 and November 6

The port of Cozumel sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Wilma, and it is therefore necessary to suspend our calls there for the next two sailings. The itineraries for these modified Star Princess cruises are below:

Voyage 9537 Departing October 30, 2005

The call in Cozumel has been cancelled, however the ship will drop anchor in Cozumel to deliver relief supplies to assist victims of the storm. Additionally, the port order has been revised. The new itinerary is:

Sunday, October 30: Depart Port Everglades 10 pm

Monday, October 31: At sea

Tuesday, November 1: Anchor at Cozumel to deliver relief supplies

Wednesday, November 2: Arrive Grand Cayman 12 pm; Depart 7 pm

Thursday, November 3: Arrive Ocho Rios 9 am; Depart 4 pm

Friday, November 4: At sea

Saturday, November 5: Arrive Princess Cays 9 am; Depart 4 pm

Sunday, November 6: Arrive Port Everglades 7 am

** Please be advised that although the ship is planning to depart at 10 pm, the authorities could request a departure as early as 7 pm. We therefore request that you make every attempt to be onboard by 5 pm.**

Voyage 9538 Departing November 6, 2005

The call in Cozumel has been cancelled and replaced with a call to Mahahual, Costa Maya. Additionally, the port order has been revised. The new itinerary is:

Sunday, November 6: Depart Port Everglades 5 pm

Monday, November 7: At sea

Tuesday, November 8: Arrive Mahahual, Costa Maya 7 am; Depart 4 pm

Wednesday, November 9: Arrive Grand Cayman 12 pm; Depart 7 pm

Thursday, November 10: Arrive Montego Bay 8 am: Depart 6 pm

Friday, November 11: At sea

Saturday, November 12: Arrive Princess Cays 9 am: Depart 4 pm

Sunday, November 13: Arrive Port Everglades 7 am

Updated October 26, 2005 6:00 pm PDT

 

NOTE: Not one of the cruise lines are refunding passengers with less ports.

Only those ships with shorter cruises are getting refunds.

NCL is still sailing for seven days, and has not shorten any of their cruises.

[VoodooDali]

@Tidecruiser - For the Sun cruise - you're right. I'm actually booked on the Dawn's western caribbean cruise and the Bahamas, etc. are possible, since the boat goes up that way anyway. If I were on the Sun, I'd hope for a stop in Veracruz - even though it's not set up for cruises. What a fabulous city.

 

@newmexico: My mom is booked on a cruise on RCCL leaving on the same date, similar itinerary. RCCL hasn't announced what will happen to the 11/20 itinerary, but I appreciate that at least when you visit their website, they let you know when they will be updating info. That's all I want. I don't need answers right away, but I'd like to know when they are going to make more announcements. It makes me think of commuting here in NYC, where sometimes a train just won't show up or will stop in the middle of a tunnel for like an hour, and there's never an announcement on the intercom to tell the straphangers what's going on. I think it would be okay for NCL to say something like: We're working on it, and at this point we honestly don't know, but we'll update you on such and such date.

[newmexicoNita]

@Tidecruiser - For the Sun cruise - you're right. I'm actually booked on the Dawn's western caribbean cruise and the Bahamas, etc. are possible, since the boat goes up that way anyway. If I were on the Sun, I'd hope for a stop in Veracruz - even though it's not set up for cruises. What a fabulous city.

 

@newmexico: My mom is booked on a cruise on RCCL leaving on the same date, similar itinerary. RCCL hasn't announced what will happen to the 11/20 itinerary, but I appreciate that at least when you visit their website, they let you know when they will be updating info. That's all I want. I don't need answers right away, but I'd like to know when they are going to make more announcements. It makes me think of commuting here in NYC, where sometimes a train just won't show up or will stop in the middle of a tunnel for like an hour, and there's never an announcement on the intercom to tell the straphangers what's going on. I think it would be okay for NCL to say something like: We're working on it, and at this point we honestly don't know, but we'll update you on such and such date.

you are right about that and I know you are not picking on NCL. I am just as frustrated as anyone as I have clients cruising on the Sun both early and late November. I just think everyone needs to realize NCL isn't the only line that has no answers at this time. I have told my clients pretty much what you wish NCL would say: each day I touch base, explaining I can not get though and NCL has no answers at this time. NMNita

[electricron]

@Tidecruiser - For the Sun cruise - you're right. I'm actually booked on the Dawn's western caribbean cruise and the Bahamas, etc. are possible, since the boat goes up that way anyway. If I were on the Sun, I'd hope for a stop in Veracruz - even though it's not set up for cruises. What a fabulous city.

 

If the ports were reversed, NCL could probably add a port. But, that's not the case. As the itineraries were prior to Wilma, it's two days from Houston to either Belize or Roatan. Cancun and Cozumel were one days sailing from Houston. That's why NCL could have four ports in seven days.

H to C (2 nights and 1 day), C to B (1 night), B to R (1 night), R to C (1 night), C to H (2 nights and 1 day). That's a 7 night cruise.

 

Cruise ships at top speed, let's keep it simple at 20 knots, can only travel 480 nautical miles in 24 hours (approximately 500 statue miles). Those of you with a globe at home, measure out 500 miles with a piece of string and try to find another Caribbean port you can reach in 7 nights and days with Roatan and Belize, and still get back to Houston on time.

 

Grand Cayman with Belize and Roatan, from Houston is impossible. Which means Jamaica is too. But, if Roatan and Belize were destroyed instead of Cancun and Cosumel, Grand Cayman could have been added to the revised itinerary.

 

Vera Cruz worked last week only because the two ships, Dream and Sun, did not sail to Belize and Roatan. It can be reached easily from Houston in two nights and one day. But you can't reach Belize or Roatan from Vera Cruz overnight.

[Seattle Sal]

Disappointed? You betcha!! I cruised around this time last year with Carnival after Grand Caymen was hit. I called Carnival a few days before departure and was told another port had been substituted. Upon arrival at the terminal, we were told there would be an added day at sea with only 2 ports on a seven day cruise. Very boring cruise.

I chose this cruise because of 4 chances to get off the ship and "explore". This has now been reduced to 2 ports. It galls me that the people who were on the Sun the week of the hurricane actually had 3 days (albeit only 2 ports) where they could get off the ship. Adding another boring, bogus sea day just doesn't cut it!!! I freely admit that I use cruising as a less expensive way of getting from place to place in order to be able to see and sample more. I'll also bet there are others like me. When given an ample number of ports, I really enjoy the sea days as a way to R&R and get ready for all that the next stop offers. Type A? Maybe, but I just can't enjoy putt-putting around at sea just for the sake of it, with little to do but drink (read as SPEND).

I don't see fixing things in "a few days" as being the same as 3 weeks. Things can indeed be substituted in that amount of time. I couldn't help but notice that Carnival has already substituted Veracruz and Progreso for Cozumel and Calica. Are they great ports? Probably not, or they would already be on itineraries, but at least they are substituting something this time instead of sea days. And their food is better. And so is their customer service. And your mama wears combat boots!

 

(Venting is now complete).

 

I love venting -- sometimes it is exactly what you need!

 

Yes it sucks....I guess the only way to avoid this is to book three weeks in advance in March~