FLL tragedy - sailed Conquest NYE 2016

[jimbo5544]

We had flown into Fort Lauderdale and were at the airport. We witnessed the shooter from a cab at the curb outside Terminal 2. Thankfully, we were able to pull into traffic and leave the airport before it was shut down. I can't begin to describe the scene at that time. Chaos doesn't come close. By the time we reached the airport exit (a matter of a couple minutes at most) the Emergency Personnel were responding in a steady stream. When we reached our hotel, about 10 minutes later, it was already on CNN. We were frantically trying to contact our families to let them know we were safe in case they saw a news bulletin. The point I am trying to make is that NOBODY knew what was going on! We were glued to the tv for most of the evening, trying to find out just what we had seen. There was no way that anyone could have given answers or warnings any earlier than they did. As it should be, the main concern was for the injured and the safety of those at risk. In that evening alone, the information given was constantly changing and as it turned out, often inaccurate. Personally, I think Carnival or whoever, was wise in not passing on information until there was some degree of certainty. I think they went out of their way to help make the best of a terrible situation. Our ship (as well as other lines) delayed departure on Saturday by 4 hours to allow passengers who had been held up to be able to board. On the evening before we returned to port, a letter was placed in everyone's cabin with information about retrieving lost items at the airport. The whole situation was a tragedy but I have only compliments for the way the whole Fort Lauderdale community handled the situation.

 

 

Interesting post, thanks for doing it. Sometimes people only report the negatives, it is refreshing hear another side.

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

Interesting post, thanks for doing it. Sometimes people only report the negatives, it is refreshing hear another side.

 

 

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Guess only some opinions are allowed here in that case.

[jimbo5544]

Guess only some opinions are allowed here in that case.

 

 

Always look forward to yours....

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

Always look forward to yours....

 

 

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So you can tell me it's wrong? Already have a wife Jimbo ;)

[jimbo5544]

So you can tell me it's wrong? Already have a wife Jimbo ;)

 

 

HA, and I thought we were really communicating, I don't disagree with all your comments, there were at least 5 I can remember I sort of agree with....kind of.

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

there were at least 5 I can remember I sort of agree with....kind of.

 

 

That's like 2 more than her. You've got the job!

 

In all seriousness, on topic, I think Carnival could / should have been a bit more forthcoming with guests about a developing situation potentially impacting travel plans. And I think they could have done so in a responsible way so as not to draw hysterical reactions. Just one persons opinion.

[All-ready2cruise]

Hi everyone, Just wanted to post here regarding the horrible circumstances of the FLL incident. We'd just disembarked the MSC Divina and were at FLL awaiting out flight. We were in Terminal 3, one over from the terminal where the shooting took place.

 

I can safely say that no one, not even those watching the TVs had any idea what would transpire over the next 40 hours. People stampeding over chairs, other people in those chairs, screaming to get down, then screaming to get out, the chaos was palpable and very scary.

 

I doubt if anyone was giving accurate information to those outside law inforcemant. We were kept in the dark except for a very limited amount of trickle down info. I wouldn't blame any of the cruise lines for not sharing info since they wouldn't have had any idea of which info was accurate and which was not.

 

It was so sad that so many people were put in harms way, some killed and some seriously injured, but, no one is to blame but the shooter.

[Aquahound]

I'm not sure what was expected of the Conquest crew. Accurate information was slow to be released and in the early stages, a lot of false information was passed by the media. From what I read on these boards, the satellite feed for news channels completely went down on at least 1 Celebrity ship, so the Conquest was better of than them.

[jimbo5544]

That's like 2 more than her. You've got the job!

 

 

 

In all seriousness, on topic, I think Carnival could / should have been a bit more forthcoming with guests about a developing situation potentially impacting travel plans. And I think they could have done so in a responsible way so as not to draw hysterical reactions. Just one persons opinion.

 

 

Who knows, I think if they announced there could have easily been bedlam. The situation was still pretty volatile and I can only guess they did what they thought was best at the time. Certainly they did what they thought was best at the time.

Edited January 20, 2017 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

Hi everyone, Just wanted to post here regarding the horrible circumstances of the FLL incident. We'd just disembarked the MSC Divina and were at FLL awaiting out flight. We were in Terminal 3, one over from the terminal where the shooting took place.

 

 

 

I can safely say that no one, not even those watching the TVs had any idea what would transpire over the next 40 hours. People stampeding over chairs, other people in those chairs, screaming to get down, then screaming to get out, the chaos was palpable and very scary.

 

 

 

I doubt if anyone was giving accurate information to those outside law inforcemant. We were kept in the dark except for a very limited amount of trickle down info. I wouldn't blame any of the cruise lines for not sharing info since they wouldn't have had any idea of which info was accurate and which was not.

 

 

 

It was so sad that so many people were put in harms way, some killed and some seriously injured, but, no one is to blame but the shooter.

 

 

Our world is in a pretty weird place, of that there is no doubt. Happy to hear everything worked out for you.

[jimbo5544]

I'm not sure what was expected of the Conquest crew. Accurate information was slow to be released and in the early stages, a lot of false information was passed by the media. From what I read on these boards, the satellite feed for news channels completely went down on at least 1 Celebrity ship, so the Conquest was better of than them.

 

 

I have wondered if they contact Miami for advice and counsel during some of these situations

[All-ready2cruise]

Thank you, yes, we and many others were lucky that day. It could have been much worse.

 

The authorities, and perhaps rightly so, didn't share much info and it made it very difficult for some. We were herded out to the tarmac, left there for over 6 hours, shuffled back into the airport, only to sit without any food and very little drink for another 4-5 hours... then shuffled outside to wait again... so tiring and stressful.

 

Anyway, for us it turned out to be inspiring, having met some young people, sharing comforting hugs and thankfulness that we were, after all, safe.

 

We made some good friends that day, I'm happy to say.

 

RIP to those who died and condolences to the families who lost their loved ones that day, perhaps because someone didn't want to be bothered offering to help a man in distress by assigning him date for a psych eval. So very sad for the families who are still suffering.

[canadian85]

I was also on this sailing and agree there should have been some communication. I agree with commenters that some people don't want their cruise "ruined" from hearing news. We don't keep in touch with anyone back home and don't watch news. But this was not in the middle of the cruise it was the last day... I went to bed the last night of cruise thinking that the cruise port was closed because that's what the rumour was. I turned on the tv to watch the cruise disembarkation info from cruise director, expecting her to address the situation. I didn't expect the crew to go around causing mass hysteria knocking on cabin doors, but the cruise director was giving instructions about leaving the ship at the same time we're hearing that the port was closed. She could've added a simple note that there was an incident, they don't have further info but the ship was going to dock.

 

All that being said, I'm not mad at all and a minor inconvenience for us doesn't compare to what the families of those involved are going through.

 

 

Exactly. We were on the cruise as well and every network and CNN had it on television. The staff mentioned it at the past guest party and the final show that night.

 

The situation was unfolding well past midnight as to the airport re-opening and it differed by airline. By the time Carnival disseminated news it would have changed and people would be just more frustrated.

 

We were delayed about an hour flying that afternoon of arrival back in port.

 

Fun cruise; the Conquest needs some refresh, but she's also in her fifteenth year at sea.

 

Here's a few from the GoPro during the cruise:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskLxwkkU

 

 

.

 

Great pics. I spotted my wife and I in a couple!

 

Even saying "something" happened is going to cause a panic amongst passengers. Better to remain silent than to upset thousands of people with information that was terrible, but not final in its interpretation of what was to happen. Can you imagine the stampede at the guest services?

 

I was in line at guest services (just to add cash to account) when another passenger told me about the shooting. Many people were in line only to ask about the cruise port being closed and what's going on with their flights. So there was a stampede anyway.

[canadian85]

I am sure they told the guests that booked their flights with them. Why would anyone expect them to announce something that has nothing to do with them? It is your responsibility to keep track of your own flights. This is also what insurance was invented for. If it was fog or medical issue on ship then sure as it is something they control. With the regular internet package the speed is more than fast! I could watch videos on it with out buffering. If it was something you were that concerned about and went to guest services they would have bent over backwards to give you access to what you need to check or change flights. I mean why does everyone but so much on Carnival? Would a hotel your staying at send you a note letting you know about it- no.

 

Actually the hotel we stayed at did send a note..

[Elaine5715]

We had flown into Fort Lauderdale and were at the airport. We witnessed the shooter from a cab at the curb outside Terminal 2. Thankfully, we were able to pull into traffic and leave the airport before it was shut down. I can't begin to describe the scene at that time. Chaos doesn't come close. By the time we reached the airport exit (a matter of a couple minutes at most) the Emergency Personnel were responding in a steady stream. When we reached our hotel, about 10 minutes later, it was already on CNN. We were frantically trying to contact our families to let them know we were safe in case they saw a news bulletin. The point I am trying to make is that NOBODY knew what was going on! We were glued to the tv for most of the evening, trying to find out just what we had seen. There was no way that anyone could have given answers or warnings any earlier than they did. As it should be, the main concern was for the injured and the safety of those at risk. In that evening alone, the information given was constantly changing and as it turned out, often inaccurate. Personally, I think Carnival or whoever, was wise in not passing on information until there was some degree of certainty. I think they went out of their way to help make the best of a terrible situation. Our ship (as well as other lines) delayed departure on Saturday by 4 hours to allow passengers who had been held up to be able to board. On the evening before we returned to port, a letter was placed in everyone's cabin with information about retrieving lost items at the airport. The whole situation was a tragedy but I have only compliments for the way the whole Fort Lauderdale community handled the situation.

 

Hi everyone, Just wanted to post here regarding the horrible circumstances of the FLL incident. We'd just disembarked the MSC Divina and were at FLL awaiting out flight. We were in Terminal 3, one over from the terminal where the shooting took place.

 

I can safely say that no one, not even those watching the TVs had any idea what would transpire over the next 40 hours. People stampeding over chairs, other people in those chairs, screaming to get down, then screaming to get out, the chaos was palpable and very scary.

 

I doubt if anyone was giving accurate information to those outside law inforcemant. We were kept in the dark except for a very limited amount of trickle down info. I wouldn't blame any of the cruise lines for not sharing info since they wouldn't have had any idea of which info was accurate and which was not.

 

It was so sad that so many people were put in harms way, some killed and some seriously injured, but, no one is to blame but the shooter.

 

To both of you, please know there were thousands of us at home watching the terror unfolding, knowing we have been and will be at the same terminal. I can only hope my mind, feet and God (not in that order) keep me and mine safe in the same situation. While just watching it 1000 miles away made me want to hug my family (and luggage to be honest), I can't begin to imagine your sheer horror.

[All-ready2cruise]

To both of you, please know there were thousands of us at home watching the terror unfolding, knowing we have been and will be at the same terminal. I can only hope my mind, feet and God (not in that order) keep me and mine safe in the same situation. While just watching it 1000 miles away made me want to hug my family (and luggage to be honest), I can't begin to imagine your sheer horror.

 

Thank you, your positive outlook will be what keeps your feet steady and you'll be fine. This was a sad situation, but after all the many trips, many flights, many people we've had the pleasure of meeting, this is a once in a lifetime event.

 

We had a wonderful cruise, so when we arrived at the airport, we were so relaxed, and happy that we thoroughly enjoyed our first few hours. We sat at a bar/restaurant (mostly bar) so we could get something to eat before our flight and there was a young man there. He was from Brazil and having a bit of trouble (but trying very hard) to explain what he wanted from the lady, Melissa, at the bar. We started chatting and I gave him a few tips with his English. Anyway, long story short, we became friends, and when the horror began, we stuck together like glue. We (DH & I) and John from Brazil, managed to get our stuff out of the airport and then we met a lovely, but very frightened, young lady, outside. I could see she was alone and very frightened. Anyway, we adopted these two, adding another couple of kids to our family that day.

 

All this to say... we believe, things happen for a reason, in mysterious ways and we have to accept our role and do the best we can to fulfill whatever we need to in order to make it right for those around us. We can't change what happened so we have to make it better going forward. JMHO

 

Please don't be afraid of the future ... it's unlikely this event will repeat itself anytime soon.

 

Take care,

[Ddbraxt]

I just sailed the Conquest on 12/31/16 - 1/7/17 out of FLL (8th cruise). First let me say my heart goes out to the families impacted in the FLL tragedy.

 

I'm literally shocked how Carnival handled the situation RATHER the lack of. We were at sea on Fri and learned of this tragedy when I went back to the room around 5pm to shower. Saw everything unfolding unaware of where this was happening. Quickly learned it was FLL airport which most of the boat was flying out of next morning. Learned via news they closed Port Everglades and didn't know how we would be impacted in the morning.

 

What blows my mind is CARNIVAL NEVER ONCE ACKNOWLEDGED THIS TRAGEDY OR HOW WE MAY BE IMPACTED IN THE MORNING. DON'T THEY HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY WHEN IT COMES TO A DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS WHEN A SHIP IS DOCKING IN A PORT THAT IS HEAVILY IMPACTED?

 

WiFi was beyond snails pace to try and check flight info. It wasn't until 5:30 am when we got data service back did we learn about our flight cancelation. Ultimately we couldn't fly out until Tuesday and was stuck in FL.

 

We talked with passengers in casino throughout the evening who didn't know this tragedy even unfolded and is around 2am. Many don't sit in their rooms watching news while on vacation and had no idea what had transpired.

 

I would love to hear your feedback.

 

 

 

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Thanks for sharing your story, some people on here can be super rude. I was on the Glory for my wedding/honeymoon that left the day after the shooting and I had about 7 family members that had their flights re-routed and didn't make it in time to cruise with us. They could've found a way to communicate what had happened to you guys without everyone freaking out. It might just be me, but carnival employees just don't seem as friendly and hospitable as I remember... idk, could've just been a fluke.

[jh2360]

I flew in from Madrid about 6 hours after the shooting happened. My Saturday flight wasn't cancelled until about ten hours prior. Found a cheap flight out of Orlando and made the trip up. Bad things happen OP. There were plenty of options for you, unlike the people who never left FLL alive.

 

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[jimbo5544]

I flew in from Madrid about 6 hours after the shooting happened. My Saturday flight wasn't cancelled until about ten hours prior. Found a cheap flight out of Orlando and made the trip up. Bad things happen OP. There were plenty of options for you, unlike the people who never left FLL alive.

 

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Truer words have never been said.

 

 

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