NCL Gem, Hurricane Irma-- leaving from NYC to Canada 9/9/17--

[Apple1012]

Lets start the official thread. What are your thoughts? I know it's too early to tell. But what are the best resources to keep abreast this obvious concern?? Even if it stays south, or heads north and east outward to sea, how do we know the impact it will have on the cruise going from NYC up to Maine and Canada? Definitely concerned, travelling with my just under 4 year old twins and husband (first time cruise and prone to motion sickness oy! bonine is all ready to go lol) . Thank you for any and all input and advice

[shadowmeboy]

Lets start the official thread. What are your thoughts? I know it's too early to tell. But what are the best resources to keep abreast this obvious concern?? Even if it stays south, or heads north and east outward to sea, how do we know the impact it will have on the cruise going from NYC up to Maine and Canada? Definitely concerned, travelling with my just under 4 year old twins and husband (first time cruise and prone to motion sickness oy! bonine is all ready to go lol) . Thank you for any and all input and advice

 

Still way to early to tell. Models aren't sure as to its path down near the Bahamas and Florida. I am sure NCL will let you know of any changes.

[Apple1012]

Still way to early to tell. Models aren't sure as to its path down near the Bahamas and Florida. I am sure NCL will let you know of any changes.

Thanks a bunch, def makes sense. Just wondering if there are any sites out there that would tell you how the water would be affected . I figure cruise will just do its best to comfort passengers and not really give the full scoop

[Weluv2cruise2gether]

noaa.gov tracks all tropical disturbances/storms. They are already tracking Irma.

[Apple1012]

noaa.gov tracks all tropical disturbances/storms. They are already tracking Irma.

Thanks!

[2Oldpeopleinlove]

We're on that cruise also. Honestly, I'm not worried, but then, we left our son at Tulane in NOLA two days before Katrina struck! Growing up in South Florida, hurricanes didn't seem so fearsome to me until after that.

 

Anyway, the cooler waters up here (NY and north) will slow it down even if it does come this way. I certainly could be wrong, but I really don't think it's going to be a problem.

[Apple1012]

We're on that cruise also. Honestly, I'm not worried, but then, we left our son at Tulane in NOLA two days before Katrina struck! Growing up in South Florida, hurricanes didn't seem so fearsome to me until after that.

 

Anyway, the cooler waters up here (NY and north) will slow it down even if it does come this way. I certainly could be wrong, but I really don't think it's going to be a problem.

Thanks for the reassurance! Certainly hoping for the best, and what you said made sense. I'm actually wondering about the "what ifs" coming bsck to new york too. But I know we won't know until we know. Really hope to see you on board!, literally! Lol

[mking8288]

First, take 3 deep breath slowly and relax. The storm's track for US mainland is still unclear, should be better forecasted in another 24 to 48 hours - it's still well over 2,000+ nautical miles from NY and your NE/Canada cruise will take fellow passengers, crew & all 4 of you further north & away ... even if the storm track north, most of the destructive wind, rain & impact would likely be mitigated the following week.

 

Resources - say hello to those on your sailing's Roll Call, it's a bit quiet ... odds are that some of them are seasoned & veteran cruisers and have resources - we as a CC community is very generous, helpful & friendly in sharing our knowledge & access, especially in times of needs.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/norwegian-gem-september-9-2017/

 

Staying in touch or knowing the latest while at sea - you will have 24/7 free access to news channel - onboard & in your stateroom, namely BBC World News, MSNBC and Fox News ... not much but it should have major, breaking hurricane news ... unless satellite reception is challenged or blocked by weather.

 

We're rode the Gem just after Sandy in 2012 and won a race against an incoming Nor-Easter, ship is fast & sleek but as you well know, can be a bit bumpy & rocky in terms of ride ... ship's captain is NOT going to steer into harm's way & capable of doing as much as 25 knots, can go around storm & sail in the opposite direction away from a major storm.

 

Since you seemed concerned about motion sickness, did you heed advice to book a stateroom midship & on a lower deck, as those are the best for riding out rough seas and gale force cross wind. Start your Bonine a day before sailing if the storm is heading this way.

 

Anything to worry about at home - you have plenty of time to make preparations & enlist help of a neighbor, relative or trusty friend. If you live in NYC, you should know whether you are outside a flood zone or within one (1 thru 6) and if you own a vehicle, park & secure it on higher ground. https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

 

In the highly, highly unlikely chance of a N.E. sailing being stranded at sea or unable to return to NY by staying afloat or going to Boston, etc. - pack extra personal medications, in any - we always take at least 7 extra day's worth plus copies of our prescription, just in case.

 

What and who is your cellular carrier/plan - check it now, most US plan now have free or very low-cost roaming coverage in Canada & Mexico, that will allow you to check news & scan emails, etc. once the ship is docked (also, once back in U.S. ports) - won't help while at sea as it will be the extra/optional satellite WiFi plan ,,, maybe you have the "free" 250 minutes plan for use in case of emergencies.

 

This is one of the many easy to follow online site with charts, if you insist - but, ships sailing this route will generally experience some chops and sometimes moderate waves as it sail across a wide & big water of open water to/from Canada ... it is common, nothing to really lose sleep over, as it often last for a few hours & sometimes overnight - rocking while you get a restful sleep. Simply looking at the wave heights doesn't tell the story as there are other variables like wind & rain and speed factor.

http://www.oceanweather.com/data/index.html

 

Modern cruise ships are one of the best & safest form of shelter-in-place, if you would - floating city with its own power generation, HVAC and potable drinking water & extra food/supplies loaded - and can be easily re-provisioned while at sea if necessary.

 

Enjoy the week & take it easy - it will be over sooner than you realize, and, packing things up to leave the ship.

[Enavigo]

I wouldn't worry about the Canada itinerary. You should be just fine. The models that have it coming up the coast have it curving out to open ocean far away from that path.

 

It's those of us that are on the Breakaway the next day that are supposed to go to Bermuda that are worried. The Breakaway will probably be right behind you [emoji57]

 

 

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[Apple1012]

First, take 3 deep breath slowly and relax. The storm's track for US mainland is still unclear, should be better forecasted in another 24 to 48 hours - it's still well over 2,000+ nautical miles from NY and your NE/Canada cruise will take fellow passengers, crew & all 4 of you further north & away ... even if the storm track north, most of the destructive wind, rain & impact would likely be mitigated the following week.

 

Resources - say hello to those on your sailing's Roll Call, it's a bit quiet ... odds are that some of them are seasoned & veteran cruisers and have resources - we as a CC community is very generous, helpful & friendly in sharing our knowledge & access, especially in times of needs.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/norwegian-gem-september-9-2017/

 

Staying in touch or knowing the latest while at sea - you will have 24/7 free access to news channel - onboard & in your stateroom, namely BBC World News, MSNBC and Fox News ... not much but it should have major, breaking hurricane news ... unless satellite reception is challenged or blocked by weather.

 

We're rode the Gem just after Sandy in 2012 and won a race against an incoming Nor-Easter, ship is fast & sleek but as you well know, can be a bit bumpy & rocky in terms of ride ... ship's captain is NOT going to steer into harm's way & capable of doing as much as 25 knots, can go around storm & sail in the opposite direction away from a major storm.

 

Since you seemed concerned about motion sickness, did you heed advice to book a stateroom midship & on a lower deck, as those are the best for riding out rough seas and gale force cross wind. Start your Bonine a day before sailing if the storm is heading this way.

 

Anything to worry about at home - you have plenty of time to make preparations & enlist help of a neighbor, relative or trusty friend. If you live in NYC, you should know whether you are outside a flood zone or within one (1 thru 6) and if you own a vehicle, park & secure it on higher ground. https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

 

In the highly, highly unlikely chance of a N.E. sailing being stranded at sea or unable to return to NY by staying afloat or going to Boston, etc. - pack extra personal medications, in any - we always take at least 7 extra day's worth plus copies of our prescription, just in case.

 

What and who is your cellular carrier/plan - check it now, most US plan now have free or very low-cost roaming coverage in Canada & Mexico, that will allow you to check news & scan emails, etc. once the ship is docked (also, once back in U.S. ports) - won't help while at sea as it will be the extra/optional satellite WiFi plan ,,, maybe you have the "free" 250 minutes plan for use in case of emergencies.

 

This is one of the many easy to follow online site with charts, if you insist - but, ships sailing this route will generally experience some chops and sometimes moderate waves as it sail across a wide & big water of open water to/from Canada ... it is common, nothing to really lose sleep over, as it often last for a few hours & sometimes overnight - rocking while you get a restful sleep. Simply looking at the wave heights doesn't tell the story as there are other variables like wind & rain and speed factor.

http://www.oceanweather.com/data/index.html

 

Modern cruise ships are one of the best & safest form of shelter-in-place, if you would - floating city with its own power generation, HVAC and potable drinking water & extra food/supplies loaded - and can be easily re-provisioned while at sea if necessary.

 

Enjoy the week & take it easy - it will be over sooner than you realize, and, packing things up to leave the ship.

Thank you so much for the incredibly informative response! Like an eager Cruiser to the buffet lines, I am glued to every single sentence of your post LOL and I am sure I will refer to it a few times this week. Thank you again and will definitely check out the roll call once we put our children to bed

[Apple1012]

I wouldn't worry about the Canada itinerary. You should be just fine. The models that have it coming up the coast have it curving out to open ocean far away from that path.

 

It's those of us that are on the Breakaway the next day that are supposed to go to Bermuda that are worried. The Breakaway will probably be right behind you [emoji57]

 

 

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Yikes, I am absolutely wishing the best for all of us and of course hope you have a happy and safe cruise to Bermuda! And i also tell myself this is not the cruise lines first rodeo and where will it be their last and they know how to navigate these situations

[Enavigo]

Yikes, I am absolutely wishing the best for all of us and of course hope you have a happy and safe cruise to Bermuda! And i also tell myself this is not the cruise lines first rodeo and where will it be their last and they know how to navigate these situations

 

 

 

Thanks for the well wishes. I know it's hurricane season and we all took that risk, but just a bit of a bummer. We'll probably just cancel and take the 90% credit and spend the week in Scotland on a scotch tour. Maybe cruise next winter.

 

I really think you will be fine and I hope you have a great cruise! [emoji3]

 

 

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[don't-use-real-name]

Thanks for the reassurance! Certainly hoping for the best, and what you said made sense. I'm actually wondering about the "what ifs" coming bsck to new york too. But I know we won't know until we know. Really hope to see you on board!, literally! Lol

 

Have access to the Weather Channel - they have frequent weather reports on hurricane activity ?

 

Most likely if it makes landfall in the New York New England maritimes it is going to be windy

and wet. Some port call SXs may be affected - ports where tendering is required may be

a rough event.

Hurricanes like warm waters to fuel their movement.

New York New England are not known for warm waters and more so as the season changes

to autumn.

 

All that for the moment is worrisome speculation. May never happen - hurricane probably

will be blown way out to the mid North Atlantic and cause no trouble at all

 

So watch the Weather Channel or your local TV for updates !

[Son of a son of a ...]

We were on the Breakaway for Hurricane Matthew ... our original itinerary from NYC to Bermuda was changed to NYC-Pt Canaveral-Nassau. There was a lot of talk about changing it to Canada and the need for passports(?), warm clothes, and excursions. The cruise ended up being our worst. We learned not to book during hurricane season. Best of luck!

[Enavigo]

We were on the Breakaway for Hurricane Matthew ... our original itinerary from NYC to Bermuda was changed to NYC-Pt Canaveral-Nassau. There was a lot of talk about changing it to Canada and the need for passports(?), warm clothes, and excursions. The cruise ended up being our worst. We learned not to book during hurricane season. Best of luck!

 

 

 

Yeah, pretty much my fear being realized. We won't make this mistake again. No more hurricane season cruises for us.

 

Live and learn [emoji6]

 

 

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[biker@sea]

Yeah, pretty much my fear being realized. We won't make this mistake again. No more hurricane season cruises for us.

 

Live and learn [emoji6]

 

 

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All of the Boston Cruise season is at risk for major storms.

[Enavigo]

All of the Boston Cruise season is at risk for major storms.

 

 

 

True, and even though I live a 20 min walk from

Black Falcon, I've never cruised out of Boston. As long as I can get the credit for this cruise I'll be good. I'll just cruise in the winter. We're cancelling tomorrow and headed off to Scotland for a scotch tour instead [emoji6]

 

 

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[riclop]

Lets start the official thread. What are your thoughts? I know it's too early to tell. But what are the best resources to keep abreast this obvious concern?? Even if it stays south, or heads north and east outward to sea, how do we know the impact it will have on the cruise going from NYC up to Maine and Canada? Definitely concerned, travelling with my just under 4 year old twins and husband (first time cruise and prone to motion sickness oy! bonine is all ready to go lol) . Thank you for any and all input and advice

http://WWW.weather channel.com

[brina123]

Hi everyone. Excited about this Saturday's cruise to Canada/NE, but a little nervous re Hurricane Irma. Should we pack extra rain gear and clothes for chilly weather? Hope this storm does not follow us up to Canada.

[lfox02]

I would request a scopolamine patch from your MD to replace the Bonine if you have time to do so. It works similarly to the meclizine that is in the tablets, but will be working to prevent motion sickness around the clock, rather than when you remember to take the dose. It also can cause less drowsiness.

[biker@sea]

Hi everyone. Excited about this Saturday's cruise to Canada/NE, but a little nervous re Hurricane Irma. Should we pack extra rain gear and clothes for chilly weather? Hope this storm does not follow us up to Canada.

 

YES ,You should pack rain gear and warm clothes for Canada.

[Son of a son of a ...]

For Matthew, they kept us in port the first night ... people were upset because they had to pay NYC drink taxes and no casino. We were allowed off to explore the City that night if you wanted to ... the lesson is to consider the possibility that you might have to overnight in port. Maybe the Red Sox are playing at home! :)

[mking8288]

Latest 11 AM - NWS updated (revised) forecast - South Florida including Key West now in Irma's path, all interests should follow closely & have preparedness plans in place ... this is peak period within the Hurricane season.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DI44RxFVYAInNWR.jpg:large

 

Imagine a whole lot more cruise ships running in different directions, charting new course headings and doing donuts by this weekend. :rolleyes: And, beyond the Pan Handle ... the Gulf of Mexico, OMG.

[newmexicoNita]

Lets start the official thread. What are your thoughts? I know it's too early to tell. But what are the best resources to keep abreast this obvious concern?? Even if it stays south, or heads north and east outward to sea, how do we know the impact it will have on the cruise going from NYC up to Maine and Canada? Definitely concerned, travelling with my just under 4 year old twins and husband (first time cruise and prone to motion sickness oy! bonine is all ready to go lol) . Thank you for any and all input and advice

as you mentioned it is way to early to tell where she is headed. I certainly wouldn't worry at this stage. Heck, she may not even come close to the the coast anywhere and the likelihood of her causing you and your family any real problems is not much. I know it is easy to say, don't worry, but right now you can't control the situation anyway. just continue to plan for a great vacation. The New England and Canada itineraries are my favorite.

[Windward Sailor]

Anyone presently aboard the Norwegian Gem know if the ship will still be visiting Bar Harbor tomorrow (Weds., Sept. 6)? Rain showers and possible thunderstorms in the forecast...