Is it true there's a good chance we'll miss the Victoria stop??

[jimbug]

Hi,
DH & I are scheduled to leave on the 6/20 Sapphire sailing. I hate to buy into all of the recent negative posts, specifically regarding the Diamond, but I'm kind of worried we'll miss one or more ports, most likely Victoria.

I saw a lot of posts indicating this port is frequently missed due to high winds or bad weather, and there are also relatively good chances we'll miss the other more popular ports, as well.

I actually read (on a post, so I don't know how much truth is in it) that ships only make their scheduled stop in Victoria 40% of the time.

Does anyone know if it does happen that frequently? I'm kind of anxious as it's our honeymoon, and though I realize weather is unpredictable, I am hoping to at least make all the ports!

Sapphire Princess 6/20/04 (honeymoon)

[Lynda90]

I was on the 5/29 Diamond sailing and we made every port.

Lynda

[srphnx]

Normal wind conditions in Victoria are suitable for docking. It wouldn't be a port otherwise. Predicting the weather isn't even close to an exact science. Right now today, the extended forecast in Victoria BC show very light winds till June 17th.

Don't get overly concerned about the hyperbole you see on these boards, common sense says they wouldn't be docking 3/4 Billion dollar ships in a hazardous port.

[B] Life is at it's best when your address floats [/B]
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[Pam in CA]

Jim... I don't know about Victoria but it's not at all unusual for a ship to miss a port due to weather. It's just one of those things and is left to the captain to decide what's best for the safety of the ship and the passengers. (The Diamond wouldn't have attempted it except they had a medical emergency and passengers that needed needed to be taken off the ship.)

I've been on several cruises that have had to miss ports, including Grand Cayman and Rhodes. Our recent Hawaiian cruise made all the ports but for several cruises before us, at least one port was missed.

I can understand your disappointment if you do miss a port, but weather and circumstances "happen."

Song of Norway & Song of America, 1986-88; Royal Princess 2/99; Sun Princess 1/00; Ocean Princess 12/00; Royal Princess 4/01; Grand Princess 12/23/01; Sea Princess 2/9/02; Explorer of the Seas 12/21/02; Coral Princess 8/9/03; Nordic Empress 12/27/03; Regal Princess (4/20/04)

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[cruznliz]

We did the same Alaska itinerary last summer on the Star and missed no ports. Had a wonderful evening in Victoria. Out of 11 cruises (covering a good portion of the planet) have only had one port cancelled - Princess Cays in January of this year.

If you miss a port you can always cuddle with your honey and enjoy the scenery!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

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[bcs819]

missing a port is a disappointment but it will not ruin your cruise unless you let it. We have missed ports (every private island)on every cruise and still had a great time...

Bernie


"so many cruises, so little vacation time"
Diamond Princess - September 2004
Grand Princess - March 2003
Carnival Pride - June 2002
Carnival Victory - June 2001

[paulli]

The captain of the Sapphire Princess will get to preview Victoria on the two night pre inaugural sailing leaving tomorrow. It would be a bummer if they missed that port due to wind since it will be the only stop of the short trip. The ship is scheduled to depart Seattle at 4:00 pm and arrive in Victoria at 8:00 am. Considering it is only 70 nautical miles from Seattle to Victoria, they are probably going to go real slow since they have 16 hours to do that trip and the ship could easily do it in 5 hours. But then again, they will probably just take it out to sea just for fun.