Epic Late leaving Cozumel Nov 4

[jahhnet]

I was on Epic this last trip and you really had to be there to understand how windy it was in Cozumel. I was glad the Captain decided to leave later or it would've been a very very rough night. I don't think he was using the wind as an excuse for any mechanical problems at all. Not to mention I was surprised to wake up at 8am and seeing us docked in Miami without much delay.

[keeponcruising]

We arrived home yesterday and were on the Starboard side of the ship in a deluxe spa balcony cabin. It seemed like everyone was out on their balconies watching the ship try to leave the dock. I overheard the man in the room next to us tell his wife to hurry and put her face on. She said she wanted to wait because she didn't want to miss out on anything. My brother in law, who had a stern balcony, came to our room to watch the “excitement.”

 

I could tell we were in trouble leaving the dock because I could look forward and see the front of the ship was not pulling away from the dock as the back was and even told my sister that we were going to hit the dock. I felt the thug but couldn't see what was happening because of the life boats below, but it did look like the bow was over the dock area where the back of the ship was pulled away more. They tried and tried to get the front of the ship off after backing up and going forward a few times to no avail as the front of the ship was turned inward towards the dock. Finally they backed up, tied the ship and made the announcement that the ship would delay sailing for the next few hours until the weather changed. We didn't leave until Friday morning.

 

I went to the ship's Behind the Scenes Tour on Friday and asked about the ship hitting the dock and was told that the ship hit the bumpers only, but they were afraid of more damage to the dock or ship because the 50 mph winds were hitting the ship at 90 degree angle and pushed the ship back towards the dock. They were concerned that if the bumpers came off, more damage would occur. Someone asked about a tug boat to help us off. The navigation officer said that would have helped, but there are no tugs in the area. They looked for a tug and called for one, but the closest tug would have to come out of Texas and they calculated at 12 knots, that would take too long. They decided to wait for a break in the weather and that occurred Friday morning. He said the winds shifted enough to allow as the captain said, "The Big Baby" to leave the dock.

 

Friday the ship booked it back. I must say the ship handled the high seas and winds well. I was surprised we made it back so early as we were told the ship was expected back at 10 AM.

 

I am taking the transatlantic next May and have no qualms how the ship will handle high winds and seas.

 

Ellen

[Endaar]

As has been mentioned, there are a couple of different piers in Cozumel. The wind was hitting Epic dead broadsides at 50MPH, pushing the ship into the pier. The ship simply didn't have enough thrust to overcome the wind. No mysteries here.

 

Think about it...in order to get off the pier, Epic would needed to have enough side-thrust so that in calm water the ship could do 50MPH sideways. Not happening...

 

I thought NCL handled the whole situation pretty well, however I would have liked them to allow passengers to disembark since we weren't going anywhere. It would have given those who needed it some time off of a bouncing ship and given the rest of us something else to do, especially since the casino was closed.

 

Also, Friday morning they announced that anyone with a flight before 3PM needed to change their travel arrangements. We had a 12:40 flight and were fortunately able to change with no cost, but other people undoubtably paid quite a lot for those changes. Then to add insult to injury we ended up in port only around an hour late and in our case, being one of the first off the ship, were at the airport and through security by 11AM. I guess NCL was being cautious, but I would have preferred they hedged their bets a bit by saying you might not make your flight rather than give the impression that there was no possible way you'd make a flight before 3PM.

 

Endaar

 

P.S. If anyone wants a mechanical mystery to figure out, explain why we spent the entire sea day between Roaatan and Cozumel doing maneuvers to supposedly 'test' a new navagation system on a six month old ship.

[keeponcruising]

One interesting thing is that the ship spent Wednesday (sea day) performing navigation tests. The captain came on the speaker to inform guests that during the first 6 months in service, the ship must perform these tests and to expect vibrations and for the ship to make several 360 degree turns. We spent the day basically in the same spot perfoming the tests. The day was beautiful unlike the next day in Cozumel.

[coka]

I filled out a STYLE card for Captain Vorren. He kept me safe on the Sun from Hurricane Wilma years ago and he kept me safe on the Epic this week from the winds of Tomas. Both times we overnighted in Cozumel. I watched everything from cabin 8213 (at the stern). The Captain gave us updates on the situation. I agree with the poster who said you really had to be there to understand the winds and the ship position at pier. No getting off the ship while docked as we would leave as soon as it was safe to do so. In my opinion, it was not even safe to walk the pier as the winds and waves crashing over the pier surely would have taken out the returning Carlos and Charlies revelers! They almost took out the sober dock workers dealing with the Epic ropes/lines.

The following morning they had phones all set up in Le Bistro for anyone who had to make calls to change their travel arrangements. Plenty of officers and staff visible to assist us. I changed my flight to a later one and when debarkation began, I realized I could have made my noon FLL flight. To me, it was not worth the stress of "wondering if" on the last day of the cruise. The Epic is a beautiful monster and she has the fiery power of a Drakkar Viking ship! She hauled-you-know-what all the way back to port. Quite impressive.

 

coka

[GigCrusier]

The more we read and here from the passengers here, it seems like I don't need to "wonder" anymore. The Epic just could not get off the dock in the high wind despite continued attempts. Being at sea must be the first chioce since every other ship in port left. Imagine if the the winds got even stronger and the dock pilings failed. The nice thing is that Epic did make a safe journey home and back at work this week. PLease be sure to see post #83 that will add clarity to my positon on "wondering" and "assuming".

[dznymom]

The more we read and here from the passengers here, it seems like I don't need to "wonder" anymore. The Epic just could not get off the dock in the high wind despite continued attempts. Being at sea must be the first chioce since every other ship in port left. Imagine if the the winds got even stronger and the dock pilings failed. The nice thing is that Epic did make a safe journey home and back at work this week. PLease be sure to see post #83 that will add clarity to my positon on "wondering" and "assuming".

 

Clearly, the direction of the wind and the pier placement made a huge difference in which ships could safely leave the docks in Cozumel. There is a huge difference in being hit broadside vs from the rear by 50 knot winds. If you look in the CC archives you will find several instances of ships hitting piers due to strong winds. In some of those instances, I'll bet the captain wishes he made a different decision. Looks like the EPIC captain won't have to second guess himself as the ship and passengers are all safe and sound. I'll sail with this Captain anytime and anywhere!

 

I wonder why you assume you know more than the Captain?

[Cruiser33713]

I luv the rumor mill. I was waiting to see if someone posted that everyone drank the water in town and they all got sick and that's why the Epic was late leaving Cozumel.

 

There were 50 mph winds that pinned the ship to the dock. The Epic didn't have enough power to get loose so she spent the night in Cozumel and left at 7:00 a.m. We had a rough day at sea since the ship isn't too stable in the high seas.

 

I give NCL at lot of credit for all the new innovative things that they put on the Epic. Some work and some don't. Workpersons are still on the ship installing equipment.

[carwvu80]

I too just wanted to add my two cents' worth. We just returned from the Epic as well. We were on the dock side of the ship in a balcony (pardon my lack of nautical language : ) ) cabin and watched as the Epic tried and tried to get out of the port. It simply couldn't do it. We were experiencing some serious wind, so windy, in fact, that while docked - we were shaking and rattling about so much, you'd have thought you were sailing. It was really crazy. I was not mad about our delay, and thankful the captain put our safety and the safety of the Epic before time-deadlines.

 

We actually had dinner at the Brazilian steakhouse that night, and our glasses were shaking with water almost splashing out. It was that windy. I do think you had to be there to understand, it was quite impressive. And as others have explained, it was hitting us directly on the side - pushing us against the pier.

 

I don't wonder if it was mechanical - but I do wonder about NCL's insistence we all change our flights. . . we did - and we could have made our noon flight. That is the only gripe I have with them - but I will never complain about how the Captain kept us all safely docked in Cozumel.

[scfa99]

The more we read and here from the passengers here, it seems like I don't need to "wonder" anymore. The Epic just could not get off the dock in the high wind despite continued attempts. Being at sea must be the first chioce since every other ship in port left. Imagine if the the winds got even stronger and the dock pilings failed. The nice thing is that Epic did make a safe journey home and back at work this week. PLease be sure to see post #83 that will add clarity to my positon on "wondering" and "assuming".

 

I don't completely buy it, I and few others I talked to think the EPIC has a mechanical issue. the week before it was reported that it had a bearing issue. the day before Cozumel they spent hours doing "navigational tests" with a lot of zig zagging, circling and lot using the bow thrusters. During the "tests" there was lots of heavy vibration felt throughout the ship.

 

Now what happened in Cozumel might have been a combination of things. Yes it was very windy, the ship was in a prone position but should have been able to make it out even with the wind. However due to the side position and the unique bread truck design of the ship plus an issue with the bow thruster the captain made the right move. ships don't rattle like that if there isn't an issue.

 

now as far as handling the wind and seas back to miami, the EPIC handled it like a champ. If we were on a 70,000 ton ship we would have been getting smashed around, instead she powered through like it was nothing. I would not be concerned about anything under 35 footers on the EPIC except for the shower/bathroom doors killing me or breaking (they would not stay closed during the high seas).

 

As far as how NCL handled it. I thought they did ok. They offered free wifi, phone calls, snacks and stuff. The area they failed is that they did not update people at all that we would or did make it in earlier than they had announced. The only message was that if your flight was before 3pm you needed to make other arrangements. Luckily I didn't change my 1:30 flight out of Ft Ldl at the cost of $1100 as I made it with 2+ hours to spare.

[JustCruizeIt59]

I was on the 10/23 sailing. Imagine my surprise, after a day of bar hopping, passed out in my room until 10:30 pm, woke up and we were still in port. I thought for a moment I slept 40 hours and we were in Miami already.

[MMastell]

I love this thread. The rumor mill and speculation is fun to read and then when actual facts are presented the rumor and speculation continue.

 

I was also on board and witnessed the problems from my balcony on the starboard side of the ship. They tried for over two hours to "safely" move the ship away from the dock. They could have got her out but they would have damaged the vessel in the process.

 

The Epic has a large profile and 50 mph winds pinned it to the dock. Once the wind shifted the Epic was able to safely move away from the pier and proceed at 25 KNTS to Miami. There was no mechanical problem and those that say so are purely blowing smoke and probably love conspiracy theories.

 

They did a good job of keeping people safe, the vessel intact and adhering as close to the schedule as possible.

 

BTW: I did see Bigfoot in Roatan. :D

 

Take care,

Mike

[sdmike]

 

BTW: I did see Bigfoot in Roatan. :D

 

I saw a miniature "BigFoot". Well, at least he was human-like and hairy.

 

[Dadmech]

I was on the 10/23 sailing. Imagine my surprise, after a day of bar hopping, passed out in my room until 10:30 pm, woke up and we were still in port. I thought for a moment I slept 40 hours and we were in Miami already.

 

 

LMAO!!! Now, that, is the kind of cruising I like!

Well put JustCruiseIt59! :cool:

[db1234db1234]

Well let me add my experience as I was on board in Cozumel this past Thursday/Friday morning. While the windy weather conditions are surely the reason for the delay in Cozumel, what added fuel to the speculation going around on board was that during the sailaway at 6pm in Cozumel, everyone who was on the starboard side on the balcony heard a loud BANG or THUD as we were trying to leave port. Now we got the explanation from posters above that it was the ship being slammed into the bumpers which was true. But many on board thought it was something else and possibly damage to the ship. There were shipworkers on the dock and on the ship on the other side of the pier (Trans Caribe for those that remember). Once that thud was heard, everyone rushed to look over the balcony to see all the dockworkers looking at one specific spot of the ship. Their keen interest in one particular spot of the hull caused many to believe there may have been damage. The captain then came on the pa and said we'd be staying put and many thought the real reason was to do some repair work. But that was all speculation. No one on board really thought too much of it aside from the odd comment here and there from people in the elevators. But the real surprise was when we woke up the next morning and we were still in Cozumel. That was around 6 or 7am. I looked out the window, saw the port, and went wow, we're still in port, then went back to sleep. I woke up again at 9am and by this time, the ship was rocking back and forth and I could feel it just laying in bed. It was going full steam ahead in very windy conditions. The salt left behind by the water blowing up on top was tremendous. All the exterior surfaces were covered with salt, from railings to windows to lounge chairs. Wonder how fast they can clean all that up for the next sailing.

 

The only beef I had is when the captain announced anyone with a flight past 3pm should make alternate arrangements. I had a 1pm flight and had to spring into action to call the airlines. They set up satellite phones to use free of charge in Le Bistro, plus set up laptops in the meeting rooms to use the internet. The phones were extremely frustrating. It would cut in and out and you could barely hear anything. Plus everyone was shouting trying to hear themselves over everyone else. Don't know if the fuzzy connection was caused by the bad weather or if there were so many phones being used. I went back later in the afternoon once the lineups went away and I had perfect connections then. I easily could have made a 1pm flight and in fact, was at MIA at 10:15am. But I made the most of another night in Miami so all is well I guess. I overheard some people were being charged up to $750 dollars to rebook their flight.

[sjbdtz]

I don't completely buy it, I and few others I talked to think the EPIC has a mechanical issue.

 

 

 

....but should have been able to make it out even with the wind.

 

 

Can you share your credentials, so that others can understand the authority with which you make assertions like this?

 

Put another way, "how do you know that the ship should have been able to move sideways against 50 mph winds"?

[time2cruise1]

Can you share your credentials, so that others can understand the authority with which you make assertions like this?

 

Put another way, "how do you know that the ship should have been able to move sideways against 50 mph winds"?

 

I do know for a fact it took 4 tugs working very hard to get the Dream off the pier in Bermuda in only 40 mph winds years ago with 1/2 the sail of the Epic. I almost wished she had stayed at the pier. We left 5 hours early and still were 14 hours late into NYC as we pounded thru 35' + seas all the way north. The plus we were the only folks in the Bistro :D

 

All I can say is I am glad the delay was not mechanical this time.

[scottyo72]

Can you share your credentials, so that others can understand the authority with which you make assertions like this?

 

Put another way, "how do you know that the ship should have been able to move sideways against 50 mph winds"?

 

Agreed! Don't forget what happened to Carnival Legend at Cozumel:

 

[disneyden]

I was on the Carnival Freedom that was docked in Cozumel that day. I don't know if the Epic's issue was wind or mechanical, but I will say this, it was extremely windy when we left the port. Her pier was quite a ways away from us, but I could that she was facing a different direction on her pier than we were on ours. I feel that it is entirely possible that wind could have been the factor here, but I am NOT an expert. It was a very windy ride back for us, but the Freedom cut through those waves like they were nothing.

[maja]

Attached is a photo taken late on Friday. As you can see just looking at the sky, it was still pretty stormy.

We were in an aft cabin on the 12th deck. Let me tell you, I've sailed quite a few times & our trip back to Miami was the roughest ride I've ever encountered. I don't know anything about building ships or the speciific mechanics, but, I couldn't help but wonder how bad the ride could have been on a smaller ship. The Epic handled it well as far as being out & about on the ship, but forget about being in the cabin. Seriously, I almost injured myself trying to brush my teeth. We tried to pack & stuff was flying all over the place. We decided to hold off on the packing & waited till late in the evening to finish when things calmed down.

I have to add that I get panic attacks & even with the rough seas & not really knowing what was going on, I felt completely safe. Whatever the captain decided, I knew it was for our well-being.

We were driving home after the cruise so had no worries as far as what time we were getting off the ship. I couldn't help but listen to many many passengers complaining about how the delay was all NCL's fault & it was going to cost them x $ to change their flights.

I am a firm believer of purchasing trip insurance. For those that decided to cut back their vacation costs when it came to this small price for peace of mind, I'm hoping that they learned from their mistake.

[JustCruizeIt59]

Maja--I'll have to agree, we were much better off sitting at the dock than sailing in rough seas. I also agree it was probably the roughest seas I've ever encountered. Didn't help that I was hungover from the Beach Bar Hop either!

[nansi]

So was the Epic the only ship in port? OR the only ship that either could not leave the dock safely. if there were other ships in port that left without issue, then do we assume the Epic does not have sufficent power to match her size and profile. Just wondering...

 

Obviously the person informing you doesn't know much about shipping. first of all there were 50 mile winds at the time of departure, secondly she was parked broadside opposed to the two Carnival vessels on the other dock which were parked so they actually just backed up and left. Considering the size and height of the Epic she did not have a chance without a few" TUG BOATS TO ASSIST HER"and these were not available!

As for "SUFFICIENT POWER" she made up about 14 hrs to arrive just short of her normal arrival time in Miami.

The Captain put safety of his ship and passengers first and arrival became secondary " GOD BLESS HIM"

FROM AN OLD Holland.America .Line SEAMAN,Hope this suffice your question?

[maja]

Maja--I'll have to agree, we were much better off sitting at the dock than sailing in rough seas. I also agree it was probably the roughest seas I've ever encountered. Didn't help that I was hungover from the Beach Bar Hop either!

 

You're like the 4th person on this cruise that told me she was suffering from a hangover that day. Gosh, I missed a good party the night before didn't I!!!

[nansi]

Obviously the person informing you doesn't know much about shipping. first of all there were 50 mile winds at the time of departure, secondly she was parked broadside opposed to the two Carnival vessels on the other dock which were parked so they actually just backed up and left. Considering the size and height of the Epic she did not have a chance without a few" TUG BOATS TO ASSIST HER"and these were not available!

As for "SUFFICIENT POWER" she made up about 14 hrs to arrive just short of her normal arrival time in Miami.

The Captain put safety of his ship and passengers first and arrival became secondary " GOD BLESS HIM"

FROM AN OLD Holland.America .Line SEAMAN,Hope this suffice your question?

 

This was my Henry putting his 2 cents in LOL. When the cat's away.....

[GigCrusier]

Obviously the person informing you doesn't know much about shipping. first of all there were 50 mile winds at the time of departure, secondly she was parked broadside opposed to the two Carnival vessels on the other dock which were parked so they actually just backed up and left. Considering the size and height of the Epic she did not have a chance without a few" TUG BOATS TO ASSIST HER"and these were not available!

As for "SUFFICIENT POWER" she made up about 14 hrs to arrive just short of her normal arrival time in Miami.

The Captain put safety of his ship and passengers first and arrival became secondary " GOD BLESS HIM"

FROM AN OLD Holland.America .Line SEAMAN,Hope this suffice your question?

Henry,

 

I have never doubted that the Epic could not move forward with sufficeint power.

 

Let me try this a with a little different choice of words: The Epic does not appear to have sufficent thrusters to move off a dock in windy conditions.I hope this is a clearer.