Technical issues on Caribbean Princess

[Bonniesjourneys]

Thank you for reply on T.A cruise.i thought was because technical issues.best regards

Bonnie

[jovisoul]

Did everyone get the Itinerary change email?

 

No longer stopping in St Maarten - going to St Thomas instead

 

Aruba times have changed - leaving at 5:00pm now instead of 10:00 pm

 

Antigua and St Kitts have been switched - St Kitts will be 10/11 and Antigua will be 10/12

[Bababooey Land]

This may not ease things. But I took a bridge tour yesterday. I specifically asked the first officer about the engines and speed etc. I asked: Are all engines working? Answer. YES. I asked her why we couldn't make up a couple hours after guernsey delay and she said water was too rough, ship couldn't travel faster. Explanation to me was depending on ocean temperature and current. Ship speed can be affected. Ship usually travels at about 16 knots. Can go up to about 21 knots in good conditions. And up to 23 knots if pushed hard but not for extended time.

 

So according to the bridge on the ship, all engines are working.

 

Either they are hiding something or this is specific to a transatlantic sailing due to water temp and currents etc.

 

Hope this helps

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[saltypeer]

Did everyone get the Itinerary change email?

 

No longer stopping in St Maarten - going to St Thomas instead

 

Aruba times have changed - leaving at 5:00pm now instead of 10:00 pm

 

Antigua and St Kitts have been switched - St Kitts will be 10/11 and Antigua will be 10/12

 

 

Ruth Ann.....

 

The roll call thread for 7th October 2017 sees many now receiving the itinerary changes via email, etc.

 

Received our notification today from our agent.

 

Changes aren't too bad for us.

 

cheers

 

Pete

[Pzazzz]

We received itinerary changes to the October 7, Caribbean Princess cruise. As stated above, 5 changes, all ok w us. ;p

[chengkp75]

This may not ease things. But I took a bridge tour yesterday. I specifically asked the first officer about the engines and speed etc. I asked: Are all engines working? Answer. YES. I asked her why we couldn't make up a couple hours after guernsey delay and she said water was too rough, ship couldn't travel faster. Explanation to me was depending on ocean temperature and current. Ship speed can be affected. Ship usually travels at about 16 knots. Can go up to about 21 knots in good conditions. And up to 23 knots if pushed hard but not for extended time.

 

So according to the bridge on the ship, all engines are working.

 

Either they are hiding something or this is specific to a transatlantic sailing due to water temp and currents etc.

 

Hope this helps

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Unfortunately, many officers are not allowed to give out accurate statements about problems on the ship, and many deck officers don't understand the workings of the engineering side. While wind (and consequently waves) and current will adversely affect the speed of the ship, the water temperature has nothing to do with it until you get into areas like the Gulf of Aden where the sea temperature is around 30-35*C (86-95*F). The ship is designed to go full design speed (22 knots) all day, every day. That is speed through the water, but as I said, adverse wind, waves, and current can reduce the speed "over the ground", or how fast you get from point A to point B.

 

Ships will sometimes slow down due to the "period" or interval between waves to keep from slamming into them, but this would have nothing to do with the future cruises.

[Grego]

The understanding we heard from Santa Clarita was that one of the engine propulsion systems was not technically able to achieve the normal top speed and could only do "19knots". The others are capable of doing 21 - 22knots, however, they can't run one at 19 and the others at 21 - 22 because it would cause vibration and discomfort for the passengers. The result is to run all at a reduced speed which challenges the itinerary timing, hence the changes in ports and their timing to provide a timely arrival back to Port Everglades.

 

Itinerary changes, along with port times have also been changed on the next voyage which circles the Caribbean. We happen to be on both the TA and Circle Tour so we are going to experience a "slower" ship until she gets a good opportunity to dry dock for the fix.

[chengkp75]

The understanding we heard from Santa Clarita was that one of the engine propulsion systems was not technically able to achieve the normal top speed and could only do "19knots". The others are capable of doing 21 - 22knots, however, they can't run one at 19 and the others at 21 - 22 because it would cause vibration and discomfort for the passengers. The result is to run all at a reduced speed which challenges the itinerary timing, hence the changes in ports and their timing to provide a timely arrival back to Port Everglades.

 

Itinerary changes, along with port times have also been changed on the next voyage which circles the Caribbean. We happen to be on both the TA and Circle Tour so we are going to experience a "slower" ship until she gets a good opportunity to dry dock for the fix.

 

This is the best information I've seen, and it makes total sense, pretty much what I've been saying. The only thing is that if might not need a drydocking to repair, it just might need a few weeks to manufacture the parts required. These ships with shafts and propellers have nearly all of the system inboard, so docking is not required unless they have to cut an access hole.

[beg3yrs]

This is the best information I've seen, and it makes total sense, pretty much what I've been saying. The only thing is that if might not need a drydocking to repair, it just might need a few weeks to manufacture the parts required. These ships with shafts and propellers have nearly all of the system inboard, so docking is not required unless they have to cut an access hole.

 

Although it might not require a drydock to effect repairs, wouldn't a repair of this magnitude still require some time in a yard, taking the ship out of service for a length of time that would effectively cancel one or more planned cruises? Would it make more sense to attempt to keep the ship operating at reduced capacity until the next scheduled drydock when the out of service time is already planned?

[chengkp75]

Although it might not require a drydock to effect repairs, wouldn't a repair of this magnitude still require some time in a yard, taking the ship out of service for a length of time that would effectively cancel one or more planned cruises? Would it make more sense to attempt to keep the ship operating at reduced capacity until the next scheduled drydock when the out of service time is already planned?

 

Again, it all depends on what the repair is. If it is only awaiting parts to be made, it could possibly be repaired either underway, or during port calls, depending on whether it is a control problem or a motor problem. Many, many repairs are done with the ship remaining in service, like the diesel engine overhauls that I mentioned earlier. If they can adjust itineraries, and the work needs lengthy time at a dock, then yes, they will most likely wait until the next scheduled drydock, but for the Carib Princess, that would not be until 2019. It then becomes a bean counter question of whether to cancel one cruise or adjust a bunch and possibly reduce the demand price for those adjusted cruises.

[tjwa]

Warsila technicians are on the ship.

[chengkp75]

Warsila technicians are on the ship.

 

That points to an engine problem or an engine overhaul, as the Sulzer engines are now produced by Wartsila. Woops, just remembered that Wartsila obtained an electric propulsion division as well, so back to a problem with the propulsion motor or its control system.

[canadarocks]

Doesn't anyone else find it strange that it's the Caribbean Princess that's having all the problems right now, right after the supposed 7million dollar refurbishment?:confused:

[pegpowell]

Right now, she is headed back to Southampton for the end/start of the next cruise. She is outside the main approach to the pier and the status on marinetraffic.com is listed as "Constrained By Her Draught"

What does that mean? Too many ships in the approach to the pier, waiting her turn?

[Colo Cruiser]

Right now, she is headed back to Southampton for the end/start of the next cruise. She is outside the main approach to the pier and the status on marinetraffic.com is listed as "Constrained By Her Draught"

What does that mean? Too many ships in the approach to the pier, waiting her turn?

 

Draught (draft).....How deep she sits in the water.........

Vessel constrained by her draught. A power-driven vessel which, because of her draught in relation to the available depth and width of the navigable water, is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following,

[Grego]

Again, it all depends on what the repair is. If it is only awaiting parts to be made, it could possibly be repaired either underway, or during port calls, depending on whether it is a control problem or a motor problem. Many, many repairs are done with the ship remaining in service, like the diesel engine overhauls that I mentioned earlier. If they can adjust itineraries, and the work needs lengthy time at a dock, then yes, they will most likely wait until the next scheduled drydock, but for the Carib Princess, that would not be until 2019. It then becomes a bean counter question of whether to cancel one cruise or adjust a bunch and possibly reduce the demand price for those adjusted cruises.

This is how we view the situation as well. There was concern that the issue was impacting new bookings as well as existing bookings.

A few bookings were canceled because of the itinerary changes or the fear the ship couldn't get out of the way of a storm. I can understand the first but the second reason doesn't make sense seeing that Princess would not compromise the safety of the passengers and crew by sending out a ship that wasn't fit to sail.

For quite a while there was a real lack of new bookings before the "speed" issue was announced. We counted over 50 unsold balcony cabins on deck 14 alone. There had been a series of fare reductions, but it didn't impact the bookings to any great extent. After the announcement, there still was the same level of unsold cabins which I'm sure prompted the creation of special pricing promotion for the "Casino Whales". This promo pricing for inside and balcony cabins approached "almost free" levels and the ship now show a sold out level in the forward and aft sections.

Your comment about keeping the ship in operation as much as possible to complete the profitable Caribbean season is appropriate. If the fix can be made online when the solution is available, that's great. If the fix requires taking the ship offline then it might create a cancellation of a voyage or two.

Getting the ship to the Caribbean was important because she can operate at reduced speed with the right itinerary that includes shorter distances between ports. Our October 7th voyage has some changes in the itinerary to accommodate the issue. So far, we haven't seen much in the way of cancellations because of this, but it's early yet.

When all is said and done, it's the money managers that control the action. As a stockholder, I can go with this as long as it doesn't impact brand loyalty.

[pablo222]

Right now, she is headed back to Southampton for the end/start of the next cruise. She is outside the main approach to the pier and the status on marinetraffic.com is listed as "Constrained By Her Draught"

What does that mean? Too many ships in the approach to the pier, waiting her turn?

 

Vessels follow regulations called "COLREGS" to prevent collisions.

It is a scheme that says who has to give way to whom, to avoid collision.

 

Constrained by Draft is one condition in the scheme, indication that the vessel cannot maneuver normally

to avoid a collosion, because it is restricted by draft.

 

This is what marine traffic says about AIS messages:

 

https://help.marinetraffic.com/hc/en-us/articles/203990998-What-is-the-significance-of-the-AIS-Navigational-Status-Values-

[chengkp75]

Vessels follow regulations called "COLREGS" to prevent collisions.

It is a scheme that says who has to give way to whom, to avoid collision.

 

Constrained by Draft is one condition in the scheme, indication that the vessel cannot maneuver normally

to avoid a collosion, because it is restricted by draft.

 

This is what marine traffic says about AIS messages:

 

https://help.marinetraffic.com/hc/en-us/articles/203990998-What-is-the-significance-of-the-AIS-Navigational-Status-Values-

 

The AIS system used by sites like Marinetraffic, is really not primarily so you can track your upcoming cruise. It is to provide vessel name, speed, course, and status (the link above) to other ships within radar range, so this information can be displayed on the electronic charts and radar displays. So, the "constrained by draft" message is for all the ships in the vicinity of the CB to tell them that they, and not the CB, are the burdened vessels, and must give way regardless of whatever other rules of the road apply.

[GonzoWCS]

Well our cruise is now a small casualty of whatever is the technical problem on the CB. Our "Circle the Caribbean 14 day cruise 7/7/2017 - 7/21/2017 has just had a change of ports on 10/10/2017 from St Maarten to St Thomas. Not a show stopper but we really like St Maarten much better!

 

Cheers

Steve & Vicky

[shackpacker]

I'm with you, there is no need for the nastiness that this site continually has.

 

People have legitimate concerns about their upcoming cruises. I am also on the Oct 7th cruise and am wondering how all of this will affect us. We booked this cruise because it was 14 straight days and not returning to FLL in between. I don't mind sea days, but I sure do not want 1/2 of the cruise to be sea days and I surely do not want to sit at the dock for days either.

 

We did a TA on a different cruise line on a ship with propulsion problems and it made no difference to the cruise at all. We were perfectly safe, the crossing was so smooth it was like being on a lake, and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

[jovisoul]

Well our cruise is now a small casualty of whatever is the technical problem on the CB. Our "Circle the Caribbean 14 day cruise 7/7/2017 - 7/21/2017 has just had a change of ports on 10/10/2017 from St Maarten to St Thomas. Not a show stopper but we really like St Maarten much better!

 

Cheers

Steve & Vicky

 

Not much of a St Thomas fan myself, but will go over to St John, which is absolutely beautiful.

 

Just happy the cruise is still on!!

[pablo222]

Well our cruise is now a small casualty of whatever is the technical problem on the CB. Our "Circle the Caribbean 14 day cruise 7/7/2017 - 7/21/2017 has just had a change of ports on 10/10/2017 from St Maarten to St Thomas. Not a show stopper but we really like St Maarten much better!

 

 

I don't see your conclusion. That there was an itinerary change doesn't necessarily mean it was caused by the ship operating

at a slower speed.

 

Original was:

St. Thomas 01:30pm to 10:00pm

St Kitts 09:00AM to 6:00PM

 

If speed was a problem, they could have simply left St. Thomas earlier.

 

http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=B729

[Bucket List Bohemians]

Someone was kind enough to take the time to share and post this today, about what Princess told him:

 

" the email I sent them. You are correct, Seems one of the propeller electric drives need to be replaced, no quick fix, she must go into dry dock. Expect continued itinerary changes because of this issue. Other than that, they aren't offering anything except on a case by case sailing. They told me if I want to cancel, go ahead!"

[maz48]

We were told they were not going to offer any more compensation other than the $100 OBC pp already offered on the TA. But of course, since final payment, they have been selling rooms much cheaper and/or with more OBC. Normally you just accept the selling of rooms cheaper closer to sail date, name of the game and sometimes you get the deal, but it just seems a bit more annoying this time.

[cruzrbachoua]

Someone was kind enough to take the time to share and post this today, about what Princess told him:

 

" the email I sent them. You are correct, Seems one of the propeller electric drives need to be replaced, no quick fix, she must go into dry dock. Expect continued itinerary changes because of this issue. Other than that, they aren't offering anything except on a case by case sailing. They told me if I want to cancel, go ahead!"

 

 

Do they know when she will go into dry dock? We are on her..granted not until August 2018...but the dry dock can cause a ripple affect and affect cruises further down the line..just curious as this is a b2b bday bash for a friend and myself and our significant others. We have been planning for quite some time and have already had several changes to the itinerary would hate to see it go away completely!