Any update on cruises scheduled to leave from Puerto Rico?

[skiiergirl]

Some hotels are open now. More hotels are stating they will open between Oct 1, Oct 15, Oct 30....so hotels are preparing to open. For those that think they might not have a hotel for Oct 13 (night before Oct 14 cruise), the airlines are allowing changes to flights without penalty. Possibly you could fly down "day of" for the Oct 14 sailing since most (not all...but most) US cities have flights (when flights are "regular) that will get you there in time for the 8:30 departure. Media is reporting that commercial flights are increasing daily. I have seen on social media that restaurants are serving food until curfew time.

 

Again for those in panic mode....remember just a few short weeks ago people on these boards were insistent that St M, St T, Havana, and Key West would all be "shipless" for at least 6 months. Cuba and Key West accepted their first RC ships this week. St M & St T are indicating they will be ready within 6 weeks (weeks...not months!). I realize SJU is an embarkation port rather than a "day port", but I still think folks are panicking a little too quickly.

 

I think a very "positive" for everyone is that Capt Thomas is from Puerto Rico. He and his family live in Puerto Rico! He loves Puerto Rico. He loves RC. I think he will be able to give RC very intelligent, experienced, and well thought out advice on how to handle the situation. I firmly believe if he thinks the island should not have the pax, he would make that clear to corporate. Now....I understand that corporate might not agree with him and might not institute his advice....but I have to believe that they value him and would be more likely to follow his advice than not. Also, the C&A director Millie has family in PR so I am sure she is also advising corporate on the situation.

[Schplinky]

Some hotels are open now. More hotels are stating they will open between Oct 1, Oct 15, Oct 30....so hotels are preparing to open. For those that think they might not have a hotel for Oct 13 (night before Oct 14 cruise), the airlines are allowing changes to flights without penalty. Possibly you could fly down "day of" for the Oct 14 sailing since most (not all...but most) US cities have flights (when flights are "regular) that will get you there in time for the 8:30 departure. Media is reporting that commercial flights are increasing daily. I have seen on social media that restaurants are serving food until curfew time.

 

Again for those in panic mode....remember just a few short weeks ago people on these boards were insistent that St M, St T, Havana, and Key West would all be "shipless" for at least 6 months. Cuba and Key West accepted their first RC ships this week. St M & St T are indicating they will be ready within 6 weeks (weeks...not months!). I realize SJU is an embarkation port rather than a "day port", but I still think folks are panicking a little too quickly.

 

I think a very "positive" for everyone is that Capt Thomas is from Puerto Rico. He and his family live in Puerto Rico! He loves Puerto Rico. He loves RC. I think he will be able to give RC very intelligent, experienced, and well thought out advice on how to handle the situation. I firmly believe if he thinks the island should not have the pax, he would make that clear to corporate. Now....I understand that corporate might not agree with him and might not institute his advice....but I have to believe that they value him and would be more likely to follow his advice than not. Also, the C&A director Millie has family in PR so I am sure she is also advising corporate on the situation.

 

I love my city, too, but if there was no electricity, half mile lines for gas and food and no infrastructure and I knew I was ultimately responsible for the safety of passengers, I would not advise them to come. Staff being from PR doesn't change the fact that there is not currently a well functioning airport or that there persists a curfew. You clearly have no trips planned soon but would like the rest of us to "go first." The lists of hotels that "helpful" people keep circulating in no way match what you could easily learn by clicking through to the actual hotel web sites. The Hyatt hotels are on most of those lists as opening in two weeks but if anyone actually looked at the Hyatt web-site, you'd see they say they are closed until further notice.

[skiiergirl]

I love my city, too, but if there was no electricity, half mile lines for gas and food and no infrastructure and I knew I was ultimately responsible for the safety of passengers, I would not advise them to come. Staff being from PR doesn't change the fact that there is not currently a well functioning airport or that there persists a curfew. You clearly have no trips planned soon but would like the rest of us to "go first." The lists of hotels that "helpful" people keep circulating in no way match what you could easily learn by clicking through to the actual hotel web sites. The Hyatt hotels are on most of those lists as opening in two weeks but if anyone actually looked at the Hyatt web-site, you'd see they say they are closed until further notice.

 

You are very incorrect there. I most definitely "have a dog in the hunt". I am scheduled to fly to SJU on 11/24 and spend one night in a hotel and then board AD on 11/25 to sail for 4 consecutive weeks! I may be too optimistic but I am hopeful all is "workable" in SJU by then. Sure, I understand that I might be making last minute changes then....but I understand that is a possibility and needs to be prepared for...not panicked over!!!

[keywest1]

We have sailed nine times on Carnival and have enjoyed each cruise. We decided to try RCCL for the first time Oct 21 on AOS--great timing, right?

I would like to point out that Carnival did cancel several cruises on Fascination from San Juan. But the other side of the coin is that they used the Fascination to fill in for the Elation while her dry dock is completed. Cancelling the cruises weeks in advance worked to their advantage. I don't know what their decision would have been if the alternative to sailing had been to lose all their revenue for the week. My guess is they would be delaying their decision as long as possible, just as RCCL is doing.

I am not thrilled with how this is being handled, but there is nothing to do but wait. I called to be sure my travel insurance won't pay unless the cruise is cancelled, and it won't.

I still have a roof over my head and food to eat and my family is safe, so life is good, cruise or no cruise.

[Caribbeancruzin]

People on the 9/30 roll call have been reporting that their flights have been cancelled and hotels are also canceling. I'm on this ship later in October and had a hotel reservation at Embassy Suites, which was cancelled. They are now closed and not accepting reservations through October 31, 2017. I was able to make another reservation at the Marriott, but we'll see what happens within the next week.

 

FWIW I think Carnival did the right thing in canceling their cruises through 10/7. It gave people time to make other arrangements.

 

You're correct, we were supposed to be on that cruise for the 30th. Our flights cancelled along with our hotel reservations. The biggest problem right now is being able to fly in to SJ. That is not likely to happen easily anytime soon.

[Caribbeancruzin]

here is a link to find some information from Puerto Rico Now site. give flight information and hotel information.

 

http://puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com/

[spleenstomper]

I'm just saying.... 3,000 people left the island today on RC. Today. Can you walk from the airport to the dock? (Serious question)

 

Where is RC getting buses and staff from? Seems they would be evacuating other cities to San Juan instead of bringing vacationers to the humanitarian crisis and then using resouces for these people.

 

That is whacked. Do you honestly feel comfortable using their fuel for the bus you will ride on?

[Clarea]

I'm just saying.... 3,000 people left the island today on RC. Today. Can you walk from the airport to the dock? (Serious question)

Airport to dock is about a 15 minute taxi ride.

[spleenstomper]

Thanks. Cruises from San Juan have been on my list of things to do.

 

Reports on twitter (no way to verify) is that the trucker union is on strike and that is why the containers from the ships haven't been moved.

 

Also reports that the Sheraton has lights, champagne and sushi along with guards. A guest tweeted he is worried about uprising once the people figure it out.

[saltydoge]

Reports on twitter (no way to verify) is that the trucker union is on strike and that is why the containers from the ships haven't been moved.

 

I know reactionary garbage from the internet, especially on social media, tries to attack any form of collective solidarity, but blaming unions for holding up shipping doesn't account for the facts like:

1. Truckers, like many people in Puerto Rico, have probably lost their houses too.
   
2. There is very limited communication on the island, so even if someone was called into work, there is no way to notify them.
   
3. They know they have to get to work, but I'm guessing roadways were destroyed and/or they simply don't have fuel to get around themselves.
   

Also, if communications are out and people are struggling to find clean drinking water, what group of people — any people — would have the time to meet up and plan a demonstration or worker action? This is the fakest of fake news.

[spleenstomper]

I know reactionary garbage from the internet, especially on social media, tries to attack any form of collective solidarity, but blaming unions for holding up shipping doesn't account for the facts like:

1. Truckers, like many people in Puerto Rico, have probably lost their houses too.
   
2. There is very limited communication on the island, so even if someone was called into work, there is no way to notify them.
   
3. They know they have to get to work, but I'm guessing roadways were destroyed and/or they simply don't have fuel to get around themselves.
   

Also, if communications are out and people are struggling to find clean drinking water, what group of people — any people — would have the time to meet up and plan a demonstration or worker action? This is the fakest of fake news.

 

I agree. I think these rumors speak to the lack of communication on the island. For all we know, the trucks were flooded as well. Like you mentioned, the truckers likely have no communications, power, and their houses were ruined, etc.

[spleenstomper]

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_59cdbbd6e4b06791bb0f9fb4

 

 

More at the link. It sounds like the situation is getting worse, not better.

 

 

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[madeth313]

You're correct, we were supposed to be on that cruise for the 30th. Our flights cancelled along with our hotel reservations. The biggest problem right now is being able to fly in to SJ. That is not likely to happen easily anytime soon.

 

 

 

I was on supposed to be on the Sept 30th cruise as well. Yes, the cruise was cancelled.

Fortunately we get our money back.

 

 

My flight with SW was not canceled. SW resumed commercial flights flying to San Juan yesterday. In fact, my flight is currently in air enroute to San Juan as I type this. I canceled the flight yesterday and am asking for an exception to the no refund policy (currently I have a credit that needs to be used by May 2018).

 

 

 

 

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[mlmbar]

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_59cdbbd6e4b06791bb0f9fb4

 

 

More at the link. It sounds like the situation is getting worse, not better.

 

 

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Here i come with gloom and doom - So cruises are still going to go out like nothing is happening??? I see people here acting as though things are just fine in PR, anxiously waiting to arrive at their hotels where they have reservations (???) and planning activities. I understand that sometimes the news can sensationalize but I believe this is real. AND, if they are only pointing out the negative, I think it is to get needed attention. I just cannot imagine these cruises happening like all is normal. BTW I AM on 10/14 and doubt it will happen

[spleenstomper]

It's not gloom and doom if it is the truth. There is a SITUATION on going in San Juan and Puerto Rico.

 

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/09/29/us/puerto-rico-recovery-updates/index.html

 

"(CNN) Puerto Rico is under a flash flood watch as the agonizing wait for food and supplies continues in the US island after Hurricane Maria hit more than a week ago.

 

Heavy rain is expected through the weekend, which "will aggravate the ongoing recovery and relief efforts," the National Weather Service said.

 

The US military is distributing 900 sandbags to shore up the Guajataca Dam after it suffered an infrastructure failure following the hurricane. Hundreds of people were evacuated.

 

 

Federal officials say aid has been delivered across the island -- yet millions of residents are still without electricity, water or gas.

 

Many roads are badly damaged or blocked, preventing people from reaching many communities across the island.

 

People are living in shelters, hospitals are struggling to provide care and many are scrambling to get fuel, food and money.

 

Elaine Duke, acting secretary of Homeland Security, plans to travel to the US commonwealth Friday to help coordinate the federal government's response efforts.

 

As the island attempts to recover, here's what lies ahead:

 

Hospitals

 

The death toll from Hurricane Maria currently stands at 16. Authorities have not released information about the number of people injured during and after the hurricane.

Hospitals in Puerto Rico have been struggling to treat patients. Some don't have enough medication while others have a shortage of fuel for generators.

There are 51 hospitals considered operational out of the island's 69, according to homeland security adviser Tom Bossert.

The US Army has been delivering fuel to hospitals as part of a rotation plan developed by FEMA to ensure they have continuous power, officials said.

Still many roads are impassable, preventing many people from reaching medical facilities.

8 numbers that show how Maria has laid waste to Puerto Rico

 

Delivering aid

 

President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized a 10-day waiver of the Jones Act, a federal law that limits shipping to US ports by foreign vessels. Puerto Rico's governor and other US officials had argued that a waiver would expedite the shipping of supplies to the island.

Nearly 1 million meals and about 2 million liters of water have been handed out as of Thursday, according to FEMA.

 

Thousands of containers filled with food, water and medical aid appeared to be sitting at Puerto Rico's main Port of San Juan on Thursday."

 

Snipped

 

 

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[Beau53Cruiser]

It seems to me if RC is hell bent on making this oct 7 Cruise happen, then why not leave from SJ, rearrange port stops so we end up in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale the day before it ends and let people get off and catch flights out of there before heading back to SJ. Seems like it would be easier to rearrange your flight from Florida than to risk it at the SJ airport. Most if not all carriers are suspending change fees anyway. For some the cruise would end a day early but big deal ..

[Clarea]

It seems to me if RC is hell bent on making this oct 7 Cruise happen, then why not leave from SJ, rearrange port stops so we end up in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale the day before it ends and let people get off and catch flights out of there before heading back to SJ. Seems like it would be easier to rearrange your flight from Florida than to risk it at the SJ airport. Most if not all carriers are suspending change fees anyway. For some the cruise would end a day early but big deal ..

It takes about two days for the ship to travel between San Juan and Florida.

[spleenstomper]

My biggest concern would be what happens if I get to San Juan and break a leg, get in a wreck or have a kidney stone or whatever..... would I want to wind up in one of their hospitals at the moment?

 

Accidents are called that because they aren't planned or foreseeable...

 

Also, if your hotel is open, be sure to see if the hotel rooms have air condition! I have health issues and can't tolerate heat. It would provoke a flare.

 

 

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[Racer70]

It seems to me if RC is hell bent on making this oct 7 Cruise happen, then why not leave from SJ, rearrange port stops so we end up in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale the day before it ends and let people get off and catch flights out of there before heading back to SJ. Seems like it would be easier to rearrange your flight from Florida than to risk it at the SJ airport. Most if not all carriers are suspending change fees anyway. For some the cruise would end a day early but big deal ..

 

I'm on the 10/7 sailing and if it cannot start and end in SJ safely, then then RCI needs to cancel and refund our money.

 

I'm not interested in disembarkation changes and shortened cruises. Cash me out.

[spleenstomper]

New York is sending port authority staff to Puerto Rico to help with the airport: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/09/29/port-authority-puerto-rico-maria/amp/

 

 

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[spleenstomper]

This will be very helpful, but is another example about why your hotel rooms may still get cancelled in favor of relief personnel.

 

 

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[mollyeilis]

Also reports that the Sheraton has lights, champagne and sushi along with guards. A guest tweeted he is worried about uprising once the people figure it out.

 

 

 

1. Then why would he, a guard, tell everyone?

 

2. Because sushi and champagne are uprising-worthy...

[spleenstomper]

1. Then why would he, a guard, tell everyone?

 

2. Because sushi and champagne are uprising-worthy...

 

Food, water an electricity are riot worthy.

 

I agree though, WHY post it on twitter? I guess he figures no one else on the island will see the tweet?

[coppermouse]

i am so angry at rci for dragging their feet on decisions for the cruises in the next few weeks. They wait until days before when it is impossible to rebook. They know the situation. There is no power, cell towers, water, hotels closed and airlines cancelling flights. I have been an ardent supporter of rci but not any more. This is ridiculous

 

 

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I agree!

[mollyeilis]

Our Sept. 30 cruise was not cancelled until Sept. 26. Our hotel was prepaid and we just heard from them today. American cancelled our flight twice. We did have trip insurance this time, so no harm to us. It would have been nice if they had just gone ahead and cancelled earlier because then we would've just gone on the Harmony. By the time they cancelled, it was sold out.

 

 

How did your insurance help you, since emerging was cancelled (and I assume refunded) by the providers?

 

That's what was being reported in the NYT on Tuesday. It's even more today, and yes they are not all commercial. I'm only responding to the post that said the airport was shut down. It's been open for three days. It's certainly not perfect, but there are a lot of people trying to get out.

 

 

 

Please believe me I'm not trying to make a case either way.

 

 

I see where the nyt says that. Seems unlikely.

 

"Although the airport in San Juan was accommodating 36 flights per hour — 18 arrivals and 18 departures — on Tuesday, commercial transport was limited because of the many military and relief flights"... I would assume that if that number is right there are a very low number of commercial flights in the stats.

 

The logic of RCL picking up a ship full of people today who want desperately to leave the area in light of conditions on the ground, and yet not canceling more than a week's sailings is lost on me.

 

Getting groups of tourists who have been stranded there, or people there who live on the mainland and need to get home, into the ship to get back to the mainland, is a different thing than people wanting to transit through there for their vacations.

 

 

 

Is it possible the leaders in PR actually want the airport fees, port fees, and taxes these tourists are paying? Supplying an escort is an endorsement of the cruise. PR governor has every right to overrule RCI, but has chosen not to.

 

 

 

I'm not taking sides, just pointing out the economic impact of canceling cruises is something PR government is not willing to take?

 

 

Ageeed.

 

Not gonna stop that "why are they sending us into this area" stuff because RCI seems determined to resume cruising 10/7. Are you on any of these cruises happening soon? If not, then reserve judgment about people stressing out

 

 

Sorry, lost the proper quotation there.

 

Im not sure how it's helping you to keep freaking out when it'll either be fine to go OR it'll be cancelled. Travel plans when facing problems aren't enhanced by panic. Get plans in place and be ready to implement them. If it's not cancelled, then what happens next in your life? If it is, then what happens? You're either going to go or not go.

 

You are not currently in a disaster zone. You do not currently have pressing worries on you (like the people in PR do). I don't see how it serves anyone's mental health to freak out like some are.

 

It's like flying during winter weather. It'll snow or it won't. There will be a massive ice storm in Dallas and your husband will spend 3 hours on the 5 mile drive to the airport and maybe make it to his flight or he won't. The flight will be cancelled or it won't. Make the plans, put them in place, wait and see what comes next. Panicking and yelling at and about travel providers (even on cc, heck, especially on cc) doesn't help anything.