Me, Irma and RCCL..who really stepped up!!!!

[cowboygene]

Sailed on the Allure on Sept 3rd.

Wednesday the Captain announces that due to hurricane Irma, we could not return to Ft Lauderdale on Sept 10th.

Each day he would make two announcements, one about 12:00 and the other at 6:00, the first night we were in the dining room when he came on the PA.

It was the first time on all my cruises that the dining room was completely silent, when informed we would not be returning on time, there were many cheers and a few groans.

Our stop after that was in Falmouth, many folks went out for excursions,many more left the ship to fly home, I was told that the last flight from Jamaica was $2,000 a seat (not sure it that;s true)

We got off to use our phone and call home and family and inform them we safe and enjoying life.

When made our second stop in Costa Maya, more people opted to leave the ship and endure a 6 hour $500 cab ride.

More travelers chose to leave when we arrived for our second time in Cozumel.

On Monday night we were texted by Delta that our planned Tuesday flight homewas cancelled.

We had no phone service or wifi on the ship, we went to guest services and they allowed us to use a ship's phone to try and call Delta, with a message saying it was a two hour hold.

We then were able to reach American Express and with our business plan, they booked a flight for us on Wednesday.

Royal would give ou 30 minutes of free wifi, but, we were unable to connect.

They did set up call centers with banks of wifi connected computers and phones allowing guests access to the outside world.

This was very helpful,with many desperate folks trying to check on the famillies, homes and make travel connections, at any time your could hear several languages being spoken.

In addition, Royal offered to allow guests to stay aboard the ship once we docked at a reduced cost.

They also notified us that they would assist any guest needing help getting home of finding lodging.

In my opinion, RCCL did everything they could to help us through these difficult circumstances.

[alexkrn46]

We were on that cruise, never offered to stay onboard, when did that happen? And how much were they asking?

[cowboygene]

On the last night, you could go to the Next Cruise office on the Promenade.

Two bedroom suites were available for $300, other staterooms cost less, a number of people opted to take advantage of this due to their home and travel circumstances

[DISFANS3]

Fun times, glad you made the best of it..

[LeeW]

Briefings by the Captain and Hotel Services Director ran continuously on the ship TV channel. Full details on how to get off in the various ports and when to meet the customs people. Alternated with briefings by the RCCL Head Meteorologist. We weren't going to change cabins - were already staying onboard for the next cruise. Smooth seas except 4' swell while in the Gulf Stream on the last day. Not sure why they dropped charging gratuities for the last three days. Crew really earned them. But it was easy to add them back in.

[caribill]

Not sure why they dropped charging gratuities for the last three days. Crew really earned them. But it was easy to add them back in.

Possible RCI was paying the gratuities for passengers those three days so that crew would not lose any $$.

[ONECRUISER]

Possible RCI was paying the gratuities for passengers those three days so that crew would not lose any $$.

That's what I heard, Royal would pay them...

[Gordo]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It was wonderful to read positive feedback on how RCI handled their passengers during a natural disaster.