Conference abbott::cruise_travel

    Unless the docking facilities are damaged there shouldn't be any
    problem. They could use tenders to get us to shore in that case and in
    some ports they do that anyhow. The stores may a wreck though. I just
    hope there aren't any more storms comming down the pike that week!!!!!
    
    Len

    I am wondering about this myself.  I did hear that the RCCL had
    $800,000 worth of cancellations right now.  I also saw pictures
    on the news of both San Juan and St. Thomas and neither of them
    look very good right now.  Maybe they will just re-route us???
    
    

    I too am very interested in hearing other people's experience with
    cruising either during or shortly after a hurricane.  My husband
    and I are booked on the S.S. NORWAY for the October 7, 1989 sailing,
    and I'm wondering if the itinerary will be changed either because
    of destruction to St. Thomas or the affect of possible hurricane
    IRIS.
    
    Should we consider canceling our cruise?
    

    
    I ended up in a situation on the QEII with near hurricane conditions.
    Actually it had just passed by. We were not allowed off the boat,
    as there were large mud slides in St. Thomas, and they announced
    that there was the threat of typhoid fever on the island. I remember
    that around 3 p.m. the ship crew said that you could take the shuttles
    into St Thomas, but at our own risk. Natually, I went. No fooling
    guys. I walked down the main street in ankle deep mud! And I mean
    mud. Some people will do anything to get a bottle of rum!
    
    Jeannie
    
    

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Note 51.1                    HUGO related problems?                       1 of 3
GNOGPX::NELSON "Richard Nelson @ GNO"                 6 lines  18-SEP-1989 15:33
              -< That's how the streets get cleaned in San Juan >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My parents were living in San Juan last time a hurricane went through. Apart
from being "captive" in their beachfront apartment for a day (with the glass 
balcony doors open to stop them from bursting) it was business as usual
the day after.  Since the structures in Old San Juan are pretty sturdy,
and since the ship is only in port there for a very short period of time,
a doubt if there'll be any impact on the cruise.
================================================================================
Note 51.2                    HUGO related problems?                       2 of 3
MAIL::DUNCANG "Gerry Duncan @KCO"                    23 lines  18-SEP-1989 18:17
                           -< They're On Top of It >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I just talked to Sande Jones a few minutes ago on another issue
    and asked about Hugo.  She told me she had talked to the captain
    today and he told her we wouldn't go anywhere near ANY hurricane
    (Hugh, Moe, Larry, or Curly).  
    
    After that I called Royal Caribbean in Miami. The reservation person
    told me that by this Wednesday, they should know if there are any
    changes to the routes and ports.  Essentially, they have to wait till
    Hugo passes and then check with each of the ports to determine if
    conditions are suitable to dock. (ie is the dock/pier still there after
    the storm)  If, for example, we cannot dock at San Juan, we would call
    for port somewhere else AFTER gaining approval from the alternate
    location.  All of this is subject to available dock time, other ships
    schedules etc. 

    I have been to several islands including St Croix, Grand Cayman
    and the Bahamas.  It is incredible how storms move through these
    islands.  One morning it will be raining and blowing like crazy.
    Then, just a few hours later it will be bright, not a cloud in the sky,
    and a gentle breeze.

        
    
================================================================================
Note 51.3                    HUGO related problems?                       3 of 3
BUFFER::FLEISCHMANN                                  17 lines  20-SEP-1989 18:43
                              -< ports & weather >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1. cruise itinerary variance due to damage at normal ports.
      This will not be determined until a day or two before 30SEP.
      We will attempt to keep to our planned itinerary as long at it is 
      prudent. Otherwise we will divert to other Carribbean ports-of-call.
    
    2. In the event of additional severe weather.
    
      Severe weather is reasonably predictable within 48-72 hours. For
      example, the continuing track of this storm since its birth has been
      has not surprised anyone. In the event of a new storm the ship can
      divert away from the storm. In 48 hours the Sovereign of the Seas can
      cover 1000 nautical miles.
    
    
    regards,
    
    Tom

    I was just watching the news at home on my lunch hour.  They're having 
    very serious looting problems on St. Thomas, with people shooting guns
    randomly at anybody.  Scary!             

    re .6
    
    My apologies to St. Thomas.  I just heard a more thorough news report. 
    St. Thomas is pulling together and making an effort to get things back
    to normal.  It is St. Croix where the trouble is.

    I talked to Kim from South Florida Cruises this morning, and she
    said the NORWAY is currently traveling the WESTERN Carribbean instead
    of their normal Eastern route.   She said NCL will decide approximately
    a week before our October 7 sailing whether or not our itinerary
    will be changed.  If it is changed, we will be contacted and given
    an opportunity to take the cruise, cancel with a full refund, or
    schedule another cruise within a year.   I'll keep you posted.
                                             
    					Nancy
    					Greenville, SC
    

    
    A Friend and her (new) husband (honeymoon couple) are going on RCCL
    the week of 10-3-89 and they where informed that there ship will
    be changing the schedule due to the situation on the scheduled islands.
    
    George C.
    

    I just talked to my travel agent, and the SS NORWAY will be traveling
    the Eastern Caribbean for the October 7, 1989 sailing.  She said
    the side of the St. Thomas where the ships dock didn't get hit too bad.  
    
    						Nancy