That would be my attitude also. I figure they will have to pay to get people on flights back home, so what would I care when we docked.

I bet I would have a hard time explaining to my boss how I could be marooned on a cruise ship. But I would not mind trying.

Jim C.:

If I could have my choice of places to be marooned on, a cruise ship would probably be my first choice. And I wouldn't mind explaining to my boss why I am late gettting back.


Sonny V.:

Despite of the circumstances, I hope you still have a great time on your cruise. I bet you will have an interesting story to tell when you get back.

Several years ago, a problem on the SS Norway kept it in port at Miami. NCL refunded the total cruise price and also allowed all the passengers to stay aboard and they had everything they could running, just like the ship had left on the cruise. So for free, the passengers got to stay on the ship, eat, see the shows, etc. I think they even comp'd the bar fees. They also set up tours in and around south Florida. Still, people griped and moaned and stormed off the ship. Man, how stupid can people be! I would have stayed gladly! It was a free week of vacation with good food, fine service, everything! The cruise line even paid the crew tips.

That's right, Dave. I was on the Norway during that time in 2001. The two first days were quite rough with moaning guests, but later on the ones who remained onboard had a great time (and so did the crew ).

It was open bar, excursions etc. The only thing that was closed was the casino.

quote:

It was open bar, excursions etc. The only thing that was closed was the casino.

I had a hunch you were aboard at that time. Thanks for confirming things. As for the casino...I rarely gamble so the casino being closed wouldn't have bothered me a bit. I can't believe people left the ship.

This sounds like a really "tough" situation! "Honey, a little more lotion on my back and how about another drink!"

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:

quote:

It was open bar, excursions etc. The only thing that was closed was the casino.

I had a hunch you were aboard at that time. Thanks for confirming things. As for the casino...I rarely gamble so the casino being closed wouldn't have bothered me a bit. I can't believe people left the ship.

If I remember correctly there were some 40 guests left the last day of the "cruise". Our beautiful "Norway" was renamed "Nowhere" that week

I wouldn't mind being "stuck" on a cruise ship either.

I sure hope they can get it fixed though. Hopefully Sonny will post an inside update soon.

Dwayne

I'd be constantly fascinated with the repair. I'm just a geek on ship operations. I'd be hanging over the side all day trying to see what they were doing. Would love details/pics.

Hello everybody,

the ship is underway and is expected to arrive in Barcelona on time.

No word yet as to whether it needs to be drydocked in the near future.

Thanks for the update.

Thanks Raoul for the update!

Dwayne

Hello!
I'll give you some details when I get home Saturday night. We'll be getting into Barcelona around 9 pm Friday night. We missed Cadiz and Malaga and there are a lot of upset people on board. The Port of Lisbon wouldn't let us set sail until the aft port stabilizer was repaired…ended up having to cut if off. We just anchored of the shores of Lisbon for another day and 1/2. The Navigator couldn't open the casino or shops because we weren't out far enough. I'm disappointed we missed those ports, but I'm not angry with RCCL because not they're fault. Now I have an excuse to do another transatlantic cruise. Don't expect too many pictures…I didn't visit many ports. Tomorrow is ANOTHER day at sea! I'll be glad to get home Saturday night. Oh yeah, we had six time changes since we left the U.S.…it kind of screws you up a bit.

Sonny

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:
I see divers and a plasma arc torch in the Navigator's immediate future!

Good call, Dave!!
Sonny, I am sorry that you didn't make all of the ports. Like you said, it just gives you an excuse to book another one. What will the next one be on RCCL?? 45??

Thanks for checking in, Sonny. Yes, those time zone changes are tough, especially going eastbound, as you are. But at least they're gradual, unlike when flying transatlantic.

I'm glad you'll be getting into Barcelona on time. That was my main concern.

Glad to hear from you Sonny! I am anxiously awaiting a detailed account of the cruise and the problems. Have a safe flight home.

Sonny, I am glad to hear from you as well. Sorry you missed the ports. It is good to hear the ship is underway now. I echo Dave in wishing you a safe flight home, and look forward to the details. After that many time changes and the flights, you may need a re-adjustment period though.

Dwayne

Sonny, I think you need a 7 day Caribbean, just to get the time zones worked out Enjoy the remainder of your cruise, we'll see you soon!

Hello again!
It's 10 pm here in Barcelona—we pulled into port an hour ago. They are giving free shuttle service into the downtown area all night long. I'm just too tired to take advantage of their offer. This cruise has really been an adventure, to say the least. We all received some on board credit ($200 for each cabin and $500 for all the suites) which made me more than happy! We will all get another 20% of what we paid for this cruise in a certificate toward another cruise. I guess no one should have anything to complain about. I'll do another cruise to see the ports I missed. Esther and I are suppose to be in Chicago by 4:30 Saturday afternoon. We are ready to come home!

Sonny

That is great to hear, Sonny. It's great that RCCL has stepped up to try and help everyone to leave the ship with a smile on their face. I hope your return trip to the U.S. is relatively uneventful. We still look forward to a full report upon your arrival (allowing plenty of time for reverse time zone jet lag of course).