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Old Jul 11th, 2005, 11:39 AM
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Will hurricanes change cruise?

We have booked the Caribbean Princess cruise for Aug 6-15 for the Eastern Caribbean. Now hurricanes seem to be really heating up the area. What will Princess do if a new hurricane develops in the eastern portion of the Caribbean? Do they divert to Bermuda or what? Will they even sail?

We will be in Ft. Lauderdale a day early so we are sure to get our luggage.

Thanks!
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Old Jul 11th, 2005, 12:59 PM
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I have never heard of a cruise line canceling a sailing. They might add days until the port reopens or have less days in order to return to a safe port. I have been on cruises where the eastern would become a western cruise to get out of the way of the hurricane, etc.

I would so much rather be on a ship (which can move) than a hotel in the hurricane's path.

Also I doubt very much if an Eastern itinerary would go as far north as to Bermuda.

Good idea that you are flying in a day early in case the FLL airport would close, etc.

Just don't panic. Take out travel insurance and just wait and see.

Enjoy your cruise!
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Old Jul 11th, 2005, 01:58 PM
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If there is a hurricane or major tropical storm that affects one or more of your planned ports of call during your cruise, the cruise line will simply go to a different island. Which island will depend on where the storm is tracking in relation to where your ship is at that point in time. Cruises are rearly cancelled because of the weather and as Cruiser said it is doubtful a Caribbean cruise would be diverted to Bermuda.
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Old Jul 11th, 2005, 02:08 PM
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I was once delayed by one day on a 7 night cruise due to weather.

I have had multiple experiences where the ports were changed, or simply eliminated.

They will divert to wherever is a safe port and route.
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Old Jul 12th, 2005, 11:17 AM
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We have cruise insurance. I am just starting to be concerned that so many tropical depressions are lined up in the Atlantic. I have been watching the Weather Channel, and they are giving hints that this may be one of the most active hurricane seasons yet.

Thanks for the encouragent though. This is only our second cruise, our first being to Alaska which was terrific!
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Old Jul 12th, 2005, 12:18 PM
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We returned on Saturday from our first cruise, to the Western Caribbean. Our last port was to have been Key West on Friday. An announcement was made on Wednesday that Hurricane Dennis was being tracked. On Thursday, we were told that the port in KW was closed, and we were at sea both on Thursday & Friday. It was disappointing, but better safe than sorry!
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Old Jul 16th, 2005, 01:03 PM
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Some time ago a lady in my office took a cruise with her family. They were supposed to stop in Cozumel, but due to a hurricane they went to the Bahamas instead. This family had already been to Cozumel, so they were thrilled to see the Bahamas for the first time. But as stated above, even if the detour is a disappointment, it's best to be safe.
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Old Jul 17th, 2005, 08:21 AM
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Hurricane Emily has already changed some itineraries. They don't stop at Cancun. But no calcellations or delays so far.
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Old Jul 18th, 2005, 07:24 PM
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Just be prepared for changes.

I once took a summer New England / Canada cruise from NYC and sailing to Quebec. Weather was horrible the entire week. We could not stop in Newport because of the heavy fog and the next day, we were unable to take the canal thru Cape Cod, ending up sailing around it. What are you going to do? Get a good place at one of the bars and enjoy yourself. There is always BINGO.
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Old Jul 20th, 2005, 04:22 AM
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Check your INS, if it's Princess Travel Care or other and read the fine print about "acts of God", etc...most is a medical INS, not cancel for any reason...you probably already have, just a friendly reminder
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Old Jul 20th, 2005, 05:10 AM
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I read an interesting article in the paper this a.m. A couple & their 3 children went to Cozumel last Tuesday & they thought their kids would be too frightened to handle a hurricane. They were only able to get 4 tickets out on Sunday, so the husband stayed behind. They paid $5,000 for the 4 new tickets & want to be reimbursed by the airline! When they boarded the plane they saw 2 empty seats, so the husband could have gone too (don't know why he didn't accompany them to the airport. Apparently they were amongst the minority who bailed.) And today, they are returning to finish out their vacation.
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Old Jul 20th, 2005, 10:45 AM
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Well, we are keeping our fingers crossed! I have read the fine print in the Travel Care brochure, that is why I was so concerned about the weather.

The next tropical depression behind Emily has dispersed, so that is encouraging. All we can do is hope for the best.
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