Hurricane Irma Watch

[Milwaukee Eight]

We are scheduled to fly out of Daytona Beach Tuesday afternoon the 12th for our Freedom cruise (Barcelona) on the 17. We are expecting effects of Irma, just hope it takes it easy on us.

 

 

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[Trainman-2]

Does Florida have laws related to Gouging to cover that situation? . If they don't they should!:rolleyes:

 

We do but they are poorly written and often cause problems.

[MrsKC08]

I have sailed 7 times in the last 12 years in SEPTEMBER and have never had bad weather.....at all, ever....as a matter of fact, last years Anthem sailing was the smoothest the Captain said they had all season....

 

and being from the East Coast, I know the "hurricane" season inside and out...just a very active period this year....and I feel for ya....I am due to go out on 9/9 myself.....

 

I lived 27 years in central Florida and I too know the ins and outs of hurricane season. Of course there are times that you won't have ANY issues with hurricane's...and then there are times like this! Again, I see all the stress and worry that people are having and I choose not to cruise during this time (we cruise twice a year) mainly to avoid having this type of stress to start a vacation. I realize that many people cruise during this time because of the great deals they can get...but, when you end up not being able to cruise at all, or are stuck on a ship in rough waters for longer than expected...why put yourself through that?

 

In the 27 years that I lived in Florida, I never had any problems with hurricanes...that is until 2004 when we were hit four times in a row with Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. All of use in central Florida never thought we would have a problem because we never had one before...with the exception of Donna in 1960 (before my time). However, there is always the chance. And this particular storm is being compared to Donna. It is catastrophic for sure.

 

My thoughts are with everyone who is going to miss out on their cruise, but my prayers and heart go out to those in the path who will suffer greater devastation and loss.

[Trainman-2]

We are suffering from information overload on Irma. but there is one little tidbit that I always keep track of:

 

Probability of 39 mph winds in Flagler (My) County: 5 - 10 percent

[Luv2Cruiise]

I have sailed 7 times in the last 12 years in SEPTEMBER and have never had bad weather.....at all, ever....as a matter of fact, last years Anthem sailing was the smoothest the Captain said they had all season....

 

and being from the East Coast, I know the "hurricane" season inside and out...just a very active period this year....and I feel for ya....I am due to go out on 9/9 myself.....

 

Have been on 3 in September with perfect weather, this will be the 1st sept upset (Hurricane) issue :o

[brookie848]

If that's true, that's awesome.

 

Trying to book for another sailing at a good rate is going to be a challenge. Any idea if the 25% credit Royal is offering can be combined with the employee discount?

 

I just checked and NCL is offering 50% future credit for anyone on the cancelled cruises. If you are on a cruise now that is going to be cut short, they are offering 25% and refunding the lost days of the cruise.

 

I also found it interesting that the Escape is going to port on Thursday and allow people off if they are local or can get a flight. But they are encouraging all others to stay on the ship. They are leaving port Thursday night and aren't sure when they will return.

 

 

Carnival hasn't announced any changes yet that I can see on their site.

 

 

While it wouldn't be fun to have your trip cancelled, I would rather know sooner than later.

[put me on a ship]

Miami-Dade County will begin evacuations for Zones A and B, beginning Wednesday. The Keys have started evacuations. I assure you, NO cruises will be leaving Florida this weekend. NCL has already cancelled all cruises this weekend. I don't know if Carnival or Disney has cancelled or changed anything yet.

 

I know it sucks when your vacation plans go awry, but please, keep in mind there are quite a few Floridians on this board, myself included, that are pretty darn nervous and scared right now. You think you want answers about what to do? Trust me, I would LOVE to know what to do, and where Irma is going for sure.

 

 

Just try to keep it in perspective, please. ;)

[helen haywood]

Thanks for the updates.

 

 

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[sea shepherd]

Hi all, First-time curiser! following very closely with Hurricane Irma as well. trying not to panic but I am leaving on the Sept 15th from FLL ( Harmony of the sea ) .. should I be concerned? Will there be any trouble flying in / out of FLL ? thanks !

 

 

 

We are on the same cruise and flying in on Friday also. I am all ready planning for a cancelled something. [emoji848]

 

 

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[cruzer_3]

I just checked and NCL is offering 50% future credit for anyone on the cancelled cruises. If you are on a cruise now that is going to be cut short, they are offering 25% and refunding the lost days of the cruise.

 

I also found it interesting that the Escape is going to port on Thursday and allow people off if they are local or can get a flight. But they are encouraging all others to stay on the ship. They are leaving port Thursday night and aren't sure when they will return.

 

 

Carnival hasn't announced any changes yet that I can see on their site.

 

 

While it wouldn't be fun to have your trip cancelled, I would rather know sooner than later.

 

That's interesting that the Escape is going to port Thursday and leaving again...

 

And definitely, the sooner the better. That way arrangements could be made for those flying in, etc. Hopefully we get word from RCI tonight.

[Misplaced Texan]

Hi all, First-time curiser! following very closely with Hurricane Irma as well. trying not to panic but I am leaving on the Sept 15th from FLL ( Harmony of the sea ) .. should I be concerned? Will there be any trouble flying in / out of FLL ? thanks !

 

This storm will be well gone by the time the 15th rolls around. Your only concern is damage to infrastructure (airports and port) and no one will know what that looks like until after the weekend.

[KuffMUp]

I don't think anyone is going anywhere Saturday. NOAA is predicting earliest arrival of tropical storm force winds at 8 pm in Miami Friday night and most probable arrival at 8 am Saturday.

[Btank]

As a Houston-area resident (and native Floridian), I can highly recommend Space City Weather and their "Hype-Free Forecasts":

 

https://spacecityweather.com/three-scenarios-for-hurricane-irma-and-the-united-states/

 

 

--bruce T.

[jakeconmag]

Currently on the Harmony of the Seas enjoying the beautiful weather in Falmouth Jamaica. I understand that we will not be coming into Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as scheduled but am becoming increasingly concerned that we will not be able to make it on Friday either. It's my understanding from reading these threads that there will be an announcement at 6 PM. I am concerned that the ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale will close on Thursday due to lack of personnel who have been evacuated. Any thoughts?

[dreadpirate3]

5:00 PM EST update

[Clarea]

Currently on the Harmony of the Seas enjoying the beautiful weather in Falmouth Jamaica. I understand that we will not be coming into Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as scheduled but am becoming increasingly concerned that we will not be able to make it on Friday either. It's my understanding from reading these threads that there will be an announcement at 6 PM. I am concerned that the ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale will close on Thursday due to lack of personnel who have been evacuated. Any thoughts?

Nothing to do but wait for the announcements.

[spleenstomper]

Currently on the Harmony of the Seas enjoying the beautiful weather in Falmouth Jamaica. I understand that we will not be coming into Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as scheduled but am becoming increasingly concerned that we will not be able to make it on Friday either. It's my understanding from reading these threads that there will be an announcement at 6 PM. I am concerned that the ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale will close on Thursday due to lack of personnel who have been evacuated. Any thoughts?

 

Tropical storm force winds will close the port. You don't want to be dropped off at the port in the middle of a mandatory evacuation either. There is already a run on gas, water, batteries and supplies.

[sandebeach]

The mayor of Miami Beach has requested that all tourists cut short their vacation and leave the area. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and we have decided to go to Orlando on Thursday and monitor the situation from there. Just want people to know that inexpensive hotel rooms in Orlando are selling out, our friends called 90 minutes after we made a reservation near Sea World and the hotel was already sold out. The 5 PM advisory was still too early to know if Irma will go to East Coast or up the West Coast, so it is very much a watch-and-wait-to-see-what-happens type of situation for all.

 

 

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[rkr]

Currently on the Harmony of the Seas enjoying the beautiful weather in Falmouth Jamaica. I understand that we will not be coming into Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as scheduled but am becoming increasingly concerned that we will not be able to make it on Friday either. It's my understanding from reading these threads that there will be an announcement at 6 PM. I am concerned that the ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale will close on Thursday due to lack of personnel who have been evacuated. Any thoughts?

 

We have friends on this cruise...veteran cruisers, but first-time Royal cruisers.

Has RCCL told you that you won't be coming in on Saturday? but Friday?

I think that this is one case where you have to take a breath and hope that RCCL makes the best decision for your safety.

Friends just got off of the Liberty (Harvey) and they ended up staying on the ship an extra week with Royal making sure everyone was safe, had their meds, etc. (no cost) I am hopeful for everyone aboard and wish you an enjoyable cruise....even with all of this stress. Believe what the captain tells you and NOT the ship gossip and guessing.

Best to you.

Kathy

[jakeconmag]

Tropical storm force winds will close the port. You don't want to be dropped off at the port in the middle of a mandatory evacuation either. There is already a run on gas, water, batteries and supplies.

 

I definitely don't want to go into port with tropical storm force winds. I'm from Orlando so I would like to get home to secure my own property. I did stock up on hurricane supplies previously so I feel pretty good about that.

[spleenstomper]

I definitely don't want to go into port with tropical storm force winds. I'm from Orlando so I would like to get home to secure my own property. I did stock up on hurricane supplies previously so I feel pretty good about that.

 

I feel for you. I hope it works out...

[put me on a ship]

That's interesting that the Escape is going to port Thursday and leaving again...

 

And definitely, the sooner the better. That way arrangements could be made for those flying in, etc. Hopefully we get word from RCI tonight.

 

Not really. When ports close, ships must be removed. And I truly hope Royal updates tonight for those of you sailing this weekend. Hopefully, they learned from Harvey fiasco.

[spleenstomper]

 

Damn

 

 

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[Misplaced Texan]

1800Z GFS model is yet again further east. Looks like it might predict no FL landfall for the eye at all.

 

No guarantee that holds, but it would be a very good outcome if other models and forecasts started to converge. We could see a lot of one-day delays as the thing runs by and then business-as-usual.

 

Usual caveats: too early to be sure, NHC forecast is the best gauge, etc.

[minnie00]

American Airlines has travel alerts up already and Florida is in the change list....for those flying on them you can change