Where is Liberty and How are Things On board?

[luvtoocruz]

They certainly did say that to me more than once and as late as Saturday afternoon. You can call me a liar at your risk.

 

Just to change the subject. What a beautiful family you have. And now when I'm not cruising I will remember I'm just on one long excursion. :cool:

[Milwaukee Eight]

They certainly did say that to me more than once and as late as Saturday afternoon. You can call me a liar at your risk.

 

 

 

I wouldn't. I think all the harm was on those scheduled to leave on Liberty Sunday. Don't understand what Royal did bad for those on Liberty. Not much they could have done, but for you guys, it was terrible.

 

 

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[EBFURR]

Just to change the subject. What a beautiful family you have. And now when I'm not cruising I will remember I'm just on one long excursion. :cool:

 

Thank you! We are very proud parents. My wife is still beautiful but I am not nearly that skinny any more.

[Aquahound]

Thank you! We are very proud parents. My wife is still beautiful but I am not nearly that skinny any more.

 

Please tell your son we thank him for his service. Enjoy your future cruises, regardless of what line they're on. :)

[EBFURR]

Guys, I have said all this before, but one more time as clearly as I can make it.

 

Friday PM. My first call was to confirm if there was any change to the notice on the web site "All go for Sunday" There was not. Asked about possibly transferring booking to another ship. No. Second call after Carnival had announced to not go to Galveston and offered credits. My first flight was canceled at this time and I had booked another flight. First, they denied that Carnival had offered credits for Sunday - they had. I begged for a credit or transfer of booking to any ship in FLA for Sunday and I would get to the port. Would not even discuss it. This was a "resolution" specialist. He was very condescending. Told me that the hurricane was "just a prediction" a that point and that anything could happen. I reiterated the many predictions and models, all of which even at the time indicated that Harvey would make landfall, stall, dump rain, and cause severe flooding. He asked me if I could prove that conditions would be dangerous on Sunday. Of course not. I asked what happens if we fly in and the storm gets worse, flooding starts, etc. "I refuse to discuss hypotheticals." What if my flights get cancelled but you do manage to get the ship out? "I refuse to discuss hypotheticals". If I am not at the port and the ship sails without me will I get a refund or credit? According to policy you will not.

 

Saturday - Website still says Sunday is go. Update to be release Noon CST (1 PM my time) My second flight was canceled and I rescheduled a 4:15 flight through Chicago. At Noon CST (1 PM my time). I called and was told that there was no update and to call back in 30 min. I had to leave home by 2 PM to get to the airport, park, shuttle, check bags, go through TSA. Called back and there was no update but one did come to the agent (not to me) while I was still on the phone with exact same wording as previous ones "Ship Sails on Sunday - no schedule changes." Again I get a resolution specialist and go over the whole situation again. Pointed out that there were tornadoes in the area, a federal disaster had been declared, forecast was for it to get worse. Was assured that RCI had good information and that they would be able to turn the ship on Sunday. What if I cannot make it? They were not authorized to offer any credits. So if I am not in Galveston, in the hurricane, and they somehow manage to sail they will sail without me and I will lose my money. At this time, yes. Do you think requiring us to travel into a hurricane and declared disaster area to get to a cruise is putting the safety and welfare of passengers first? No answer.

 

We left for the airport a little past 2 PM EDT and about halfway there got a text that flight from Chicago to HOU was canceled. Returned home and called airline since my CLT flight was still active. Long wait on hold because of call volume. Got agent on the line and confirmed cancellation of flight. Was discussing any remaining flights, Sunday at this point, and an email came in from RCI (3:25 PM) stating "do not come to port", but no further details. Promised a 9 PM update which I never got. They still had seats on a 6 AM direct flight but I declined to book and took a credit which I could use to rebook later.

 

Sunday AM. Flights had been canceled including the one I had the opportunity to book. RCI now says "docking Sunday, boarding noon Monday, sailing at 3 PM, one day credit and 25% future cruise". I looked at news and weather. Massive flooding, 4 active tornadoes, 5 confirmed dead. I decided not to try to book a flight at that time pending further developments. I got the email announcing cancelation at 3:55 PM EDT on Sunday.

 

Those are the facts. If you think RCI handled it properly, I will have to strongly disagree.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Guys, I have said all this before, but one more time as clearly as I can make it.

 

 

 

Friday PM. My first call was to confirm if there was any change to the notice on the web site "All go for Sunday" There was not. Asked about possibly transferring booking to another ship. No. Second call after Carnival had announced to not go to Galveston and offered credits. My first flight was canceled at this time and I had booked another flight. First, they denied that Carnival had offered credits for Sunday - they had. I begged for a credit or transfer of booking to any ship in FLA for Sunday and I would get to the port. Would not even discuss it. This was a "resolution" specialist. He was very condescending. Told me that the hurricane was "just a prediction" a that point and that anything could happen. I reiterated the many predictions and models, all of which even at the time indicated that Harvey would make landfall, stall, dump rain, and cause severe flooding. He asked me if I could prove that conditions would be dangerous on Sunday. Of course not. I asked what happens if we fly in and the storm gets worse, flooding starts, etc. "I refuse to discuss hypotheticals." What if my flights get cancelled but you do manage to get the ship out? "I refuse to discuss hypotheticals". If I am not at the port and the ship sails without me will I get a refund or credit? According to policy you will not.

 

 

 

Saturday - Website still says Sunday is go. Update to be release Noon CST (1 PM my time) My second flight was canceled and I rescheduled a 4:15 flight through Chicago. At Noon CST (1 PM my time). I called and was told that there was no update and to call back in 30 min. I had to leave home by 2 PM to get to the airport, park, shuttle, check bags, go through TSA. Called back and there was no update but one did come to the agent (not to me) while I was still on the phone with exact same wording as previous ones "Ship Sails on Sunday - no schedule changes." Again I get a resolution specialist and go over the whole situation again. Pointed out that there were tornadoes in the area, a federal disaster had been declared, forecast was for it to get worse. Was assured that RCI had good information and that they would be able to turn the ship on Sunday. What if I cannot make it? They were not authorized to offer any credits. So if I am not in Galveston, in the hurricane, and they somehow manage to sail they will sail without me and I will lose my money. At this time, yes. Do you think requiring us to travel into a hurricane and declared disaster area to get to a cruise is putting the safety and welfare of passengers first? No answer.

 

 

 

We left for the airport a little past 2 PM EDT and about halfway there got a text that flight from Chicago to HOU was canceled. Returned home and called airline since my CLT flight was still active. Long wait on hold because of call volume. Got agent on the line and confirmed cancellation of flight. Was discussing any remaining flights, Sunday at this point, and an email came in from RCI (3:25 PM) stating "do not come to port", but no further details. Promised a 9 PM update which I never got. They still had seats on a 6 AM direct flight but I declined to book and took a credit which I could use to rebook later.

 

 

 

Sunday AM. Flights had been canceled including the one I had the opportunity to book. RCI now says "docking Sunday, boarding noon Monday, sailing at 3 PM, one day credit and 25% future cruise". I looked at news and weather. Massive flooding, 4 active tornadoes, 5 confirmed dead. I decided not to try to book a flight at that time pending further developments. I got the email announcing cancelation at 3:55 PM EDT on Sunday.

 

 

 

Those are the facts. If you think RCI handled it properly, I will have to strongly disagree.

 

 

 

Royal did a terrible job with those scheduled for Sunday's cruise. Actually put some in harms way.

 

 

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[SA Traveler]

I am in Galveston now because royal kept sending me messages that everything was a go. We came down Friday to beat the rain. After we got here and saw what was happening I couldn't see how they were going to get into a closed port that kept saying Port Closed Until Thursday. Now I am stuck here paying a hotel bill all this time not knowing when we can even get off the island. Called royal. That's a joke. The 25% future cruise credit has to be a newly booked cruise. Won't let us apply it to any of the 12 cruises we have already booked. Can I say GREED. I could vent some more but my problems with royal don't even come close to the pitiful things happening in Houston. The hurricane is supposed to go out over the gulf and come right back in over Galveston and Houston. I have no idea when we will ever get home. Royal said to come, right up to the last minute. They have put me in harms way. I know some will flame me for even coming down in the first place but they have no idea what they are talking about.

I called Crown and Anchor today to ask if I could use the 25% voucher on one of my already booked 6 cruises and Sadie told me absolutely. She said call the Guest Experience department at 800-256-6649. I booked through a TA so he will have to do it once I get the voucher

 

 

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[Hunwolf]

What do you base this on?

 

 

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Umm the current radar (sadly).

 

 

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[tugboat]

I noticed the same thing. Unfortunately it isn't over for Galveston.

 

 

 

Let's compare notes in the morning

 

 

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[perditax]

Let's compare notes in the morning

 

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It's not actually a competition.

[xpcdoojk]

This is a CAT 4 Hurricane hitting Texas

 

The Harbor Master has told all the Pilots the Port of Galveston is closed for all inbound traffic till Tuesday

 

 

RCCL are you trying to tell all the cruisers you have another way of docking in Galveston Sunday am

 

REALLLLLLLLLLY?

 

Yeah, Doc.... good lord people... there is no port to go to the people on the ship are fine, and the people heading to the ship, never took their flights, and if they drove they got turned away.

 

There really is nothing to do or announce, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, FOX, twitter, FB all told the people that they are not going on a cruise this week....

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

FOX is always fake news!:halo:

 

Right, so, now we know where you stand... completely open-minded... obsessed....

 

Nuff said..... :evilsmile:

 

JC

[cruisinfanatic]

They certainly did say that to me more than once and as late as Saturday afternoon. You can call me a liar at your risk.

I didn't and wouldn't

[perditax]

You're replying to old posts.

[xpcdoojk]

And resources that should be going to help the people in Texas are now being spent to rescue three medical emergencies on said ship which could have already been headed elsewhere. Completely disgusting.

 

So, you just want those three human beings to die?????? Really.... lovely.:halo:

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

It was still fairly crappy weather to get someone off the ship by helo when the pilot boat and others could have made the trip. I have to think someone from the ship would have reported a helo evac.

 

Yes, I am pretty sure that this is just a propaganda event. I don't think it actually happened. But as I read further, I am sure it will all be revealed. I can't believe I missed this train wreck of a thread all weekend.

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

Cruise ships move much faster than hurricanes. Truly.

 

Most hurricanes, this one excepted, move at 15 to 30 knots. The top speed of the Liberty is about 25knots, which means that they can't outrun for sure a hurricane. Although this one was never chasing them... so no race required.

 

JC

[Cruzaholic41]

I can't believe I missed this train wreck of a thread all weekend.

 

JC

 

I take it you haven't read the Galveston Weather Concerns thread yet. Bring an umbrella because the snowflakes are really falling over there, including someone who is "suffering" because they're stuck on a cruise ship. :rolleyes:

[xpcdoojk]

I will probably regret weighing in on this but, oh well. You have hit the biggest issue where I believe that RCL erred from a public relations position from the point that the huge amounts of rain were being forecast for the area. Telling people to continue with their journeys to the area with the port being closed was wrong on every level. Traveler safety should have been the most important consideration. Airlines were cancelling flights, the port had been closed, and the weather forecast was getting more dire and RCL was still not acting in the best interests of the August 27 cruisers. They should have said if you feel uneasy or at risk with your plans, a full credit on a future cruise will be honored. Once things became so bad flooding wise, someone finally came to their senses at RCL and saw the PR mess that had been created. So now full refunds are available, you would have thought that the light bulb would have come on sooner. There were some posters on here who went ahead and flew into the area because of RCL's self interested wallowing. Those folks really should be compensated by RCL. And I know people will bring up trip insurance. This was poor behavior by a company whose product that most on here have enjoyed in the past.

 

For a few people on here to keep blindly defending the behavior is sad. I have noticed some of the more strident folks have slunk away from the issue of how this was handled. Putting your customers at risk because of the all mighty dollar is not a very good look.

 

While some of the events going on the Liberty as to how the Captain was relaying information to the passengers seems a little alarming. I do not think that RCL would have put those passengers in direct harm's way. Sending one ship through a hurricane should have been enough. It did seem that the "home office" was pushing out most of the information coming from the Captain. It is just sad that it took RCL so long to get their act together.

 

Folks throwing around stuff like: will C&A points be awarded, are the drink packages free, etc. is kind of sad. I know everyone on here cares about the devastation happening in Texas and most likely headed to Louisiana. Unfortunately, reading some of the posting on here makes it seem that is being forgotten.

 

Really, how did they put people at risk? The airlines control movement to the port. If people are driving and they are not watching the news, how could they drive to Galveston for a cruise when they know a hurricane is landing on Friday night.... The facts of the land seems to mean, no matter what RCI said, nobody was driving down to Galveston to join the cruise actually did that unless they arrived on Thursday before the cruise.

 

Dramatic a bit too much I must say.

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

I am in Galveston now because royal kept sending me messages that everything was a go. We came down Friday to beat the rain. After we got here and saw what was happening I couldn't see how they were going to get into a closed port that kept saying Port Closed Until Thursday. Now I am stuck here paying a hotel bill all this time not knowing when we can even get off the island. Called royal. That's a joke. The 25% future cruise credit has to be a newly booked cruise. Won't let us apply it to any of the 12 cruises we have already booked. Can I say GREED. I could vent some more but my problems with royal don't even come close to the pitiful things happening in Houston. The hurricane is supposed to go out over the gulf and come right back in over Galveston and Houston. I have no idea when we will ever get home. Royal said to come, right up to the last minute. They have put me in harms way. I know some will flame me for even coming down in the first place but they have no idea what they are talking about.

 

If you can leave... leave... If you can't leave. Why would you drive to a predicted hurricane strike island?

 

JC

[Wanna Be Retired]

I just left the show for this evening on Liberty. The cruise director, Drew Devine, just told us that we will clear customs and immigration in the dining room while we are in Miami tomorrow. That means they will get into the port in Galveston and we will be able to walk right off the ship. We will not need customs at all. I don't know how we will be able to leave Galveston once we are there, but we will be off this ship on Friday.

[xpcdoojk]

I take it you haven't read the Galveston Weather Concerns thread yet. Bring an umbrella because the snowflakes are really falling over there, including someone who is "suffering" because they're stuck on a cruise ship. :rolleyes:

 

No, I suck at reading every thread. I imagined that nobody would look at the forecast last week and drive to Galveston to take a cruise this past weekend. So, I didn't think there would be any sailings from Galveston. This from a person not taking a cruise this past weekend from Galveston.

 

I watched the news, and I knew that a hurricane cat 3 (turned out to be a cat 4) would hit the coast Friday night and that it was going to just sit there, and rain and rain and rain. It blows my mind that people who were taking a cruise could imagine that they were going to somehow get on that ship this past weekend.

 

JC

[Coopdog08]

No, I suck at reading every thread. I imagined that nobody would look at the forecast last week and drive to Galveston to take a cruise this past weekend. So, I didn't think there would be any sailings from Galveston. This from a person not taking a cruise this past weekend from Galveston.

 

I watched the news, and I knew that a hurricane cat 3 (turned out to be a cat 4) would hit the coast Friday night and that it was going to just sit there, and rain and rain and rain. It blows my mind that people who were taking a cruise could imagine that they were going to somehow get on that ship this past weekend.

 

JC

It would appear we officially now have a threesome as xspook is joining forces with cruisefan and cruiseholic to determine which can get up RC backside the deepest.

[xpcdoojk]

It would appear we officially now have a threesome as xspook is joining forces with cruisefan and cruiseholic to determine which can get up RC backside the deepest.

 

Thanks. I am pretty certain, RC, whoever they, are have no idea of my existence.

 

Please show me images of the people of the Liberty who died because of RCI's malveasance?

 

Do we know each other? I just happened onto a runaway thread, where people are torching things beyond anyone's control and decided to join in for the fun. You, of course, are the perfect objective judge of all reality. I bow in you direction in obedience to your superior point of view......:evilsmile:

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

I take it you haven't read the Galveston Weather Concerns thread yet. Bring an umbrella because the snowflakes are really falling over there, including someone who is "suffering" because they're stuck on a cruise ship. :rolleyes:

 

O lord, give me strength, 1440 posts. No, I am going to skip that one. I can only imagine the horrors that lay in those 1440 posts of which 1400 have close to zero knowledge of anything. This one was way bad enough.

 

JC