BA news in NY

[Tuffyleigh]

Again Rok233 my point is that NCL knowingly sent 4000 people, including children into a "bomb cyclone" storm with hurricane strength winds and 40' swells.

[Enavigo]

Customer service industries need to maintain a good reputation for what they advertise. This was not a vacation and was a predicable event since this storm has been in the news for days and they decided NOT to stay put for an extra day. I think they owe everyone who will sail with them again a replacement cruise. Giving a replacement cruise costs NCL close to nothing (VS a cash payment) and builds good will and turns a negative opinion into a positive one. Your advise for them to do nothing will cause them to loose future business from these passengers and all the people they tell. People who have a bad experience will tell lots of people where as people who have a good experience tend to say nothing. Most restaurants will replace your meal if you didn't like it, most hotels will change your room or compensate you if there is an issue, why shouldn't NCL do some good PR here too.

 

 

 

If I was pushed further by my client I would stand by my advice. Your request is wholly unreasonable.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[pcakes122]

Again Rok233 my point is that NCL knowingly sent 4000 people, including children into a "bomb cyclone" storm with hurricane strength winds and 40' swells.

AND their very expensive ship! They really should be more careful with her because she really wasn't cheap. I guess she doesn't matter to them. The captain probably figured, "Oh well, we'll just build another one." As my mom used to say, "This is why we can't have nice things."

 

Seriously, not that NCL doesn't care about their passengers (and the children - don't forget the children!!!), but I'm sure that not damaging their pricey ship is pretty high on their priority list.

[pcakes122]

It also made international news:

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5241737/Ship-carrying-4-000-passengers-left-traumatized.html

You do realize that the Daily Mail is the UK equivalent of the National Enquirer, don't you? I'm not even kidding.

[MaryLS]

The winds were the highest you've ever seen? Even higher than Hurricane Sandy?

 

We were on the Jewel and left 15 minutes before they closed the port. We then sailed between Sandy and the coastline. That night, we had 40 ft waves and 100+ mph winds. It wasn't fun but it was livable, if you didn't give in to panic. We ate in the restaurant but went to bed early as we knew it would be futile to try to move around the ship too much.

 

One of the smartest things we did - a mid level, mid-ship room. If you're going out at a time when things could be stormy, I'd never understand why someone would have a room strongly fore or aft, or on the upper levels where you'll feel more ship motion.

 

Snowrose, we were also on the Jewel during Sandy. It was quite a ride but never did we doubt the decision of NCL to sail. They are not going to put the lives of passengers nor the ship in jeopardy!

[mking8288]

... We were on the Jewel and left 15 minutes before they closed the port ... sailed between Sandy and the coastline. That night, we had 40 ft waves and 100+ mph winds. It wasn't fun but it was livable, if you didn't give in to panic ... the smartest things we did - a mid level, mid-ship room ... never understand why someone would have a room strongly fore or aft, or on the upper levels where you'll feel more ship motion.

 

This YT video posted by someone else ... of the Breakaway, including the GSC tendering, suffice to say - very interesting and informative. Feel free to "decide" for yourself ... we're on BA's Deck 12 Fwd in 15' waves, near gale force wind, force 7 ... and, barely felt movement.

 

It can be scary, frightening and basis for motion sickness ... and, probably, alarming for inexperienced first-time cruisers. Beyond that, I I don't think and believe so ... We were on the Gem just after Sandy too, 30' to 40' waves, strong gale force wind across the bow & once we got thru the opening of the Nor-Easter, raced south at 25 knots.

Edited January 7, 2018 by mking8288

[Zenica]

I could care less about the opinion of the apologists posting here.

 

IF the ship could have avoided the storm by staying in port another day or two, it should have. This is common sense. If you don't agree, you lack comprehension.

 

Given this storm was widely publicized by every meteorologist covering the east coast of the US, NCL was also well aware and therefor by extension, knew the safest course was to remain in port.

 

I'd very much like to know what factors contributed to NCL sailing into that storm rather than staying in port another day. The most probably explanation is cost. They likely did a threat assessment and determined a high probability the ship would weather the storm, meaning arrive into NY with minimal damage, if any. They also likely did not factor in passenger trauma or crew trauma into their equations.

 

The news of this turns me off to NCL. Getting caught in an unexpected storm is one thing, aiming and heading right into one is another.

I can't recall the number of times I've seen cars stuck in flood waters with heavy rain because the driver placed an unwarranted level of confidence in their SUV making it through the water. This Captain did the same thing, where prudence clearly would advise a rational person to avoid the hazard, this man decided to chance it. Who was calling the shots? the person with maritime experience or the suit in hong kong?

[billslowsky]

I could care less about the opinion of the apologists posting here./quote]

 

Everyone who isn't screaming for the captain's head is an "apologist"?

 

:rolleyes:

[chengkp75]

The Anthem of the Seas ship began breaking apart twice.

 

Wait, what??? Please cite your source for the Anthem of the Seas "breaking apart twice". I believe the USCG would like to hear about that source as well, given that their investigation of the incident did not make any mention of the ship "breaking apart".

[loving2cruise]

Wow! You people are ruthless. You were not there and have no idea how bad it was. I was not there either but it appears to have been very scary and unpleasant. If the captain could have avoided it he should have. They were lucky. If the ship had sunk at sea you all would be screaming that NCL was horrible to decide to try to ride the storm out.

 

 

I have to TOTALLY agree with you on this one...

 

Unless one has not walked in their shoes, one should not bash those on that cruise ship. I have had 10 SMOOTH sailing cruises. I was fortunate.

[RJB]

Again Rok233 my point is that NCL knowingly sent 4000 people, including children into a "bomb cyclone" storm with hurricane strength winds and 40' swells.

This is the whole point. They knew well in advance how strong this storm was going to be and ignored the forecast. On the news days before. Thumbs down to the Captain. :mad::mad:

[AnitaVacation]

I could care less about the opinion of the apologists posting here.

 

IF the ship could have avoided the storm by staying in port another day or two, it should have. This is common sense. If you don't agree, you lack comprehension.

 

Given this storm was widely publicized by every meteorologist covering the east coast of the US, NCL was also well aware and therefor by extension, knew the safest course was to remain in port.

 

Grammatical error aside (yes that is correct)....I (mostly) agree with this statement...although, I was not there, from what I have seen and read, it seems as if BA would have/could have delayed a day, the outcome would have been better...I'm hopeful that NCL will offer reasonable compensation to the passengers...

 

I have sailed from the northeast many times and have hit some rough seas, but nothing like this....

 

Also, some of you here, seem pretty hateful and judgemental.

[cruitenn]

I sympathize with every one, who feared for their lives and those that were ill and tired from not sleeping. Unfortunately, cruising the Atlantic in the winter can sometimes be like gambling. Some cruises will get great weather and others will be crappy.

 

We have been cruising since 1986 ( been on over 70 cruises) and we have been in every kind of situation that you can imagine experiencing on a cruise. The most important thing that I can say as a fact is that the cruise line and its officers will never knowingly endanger its passengers and the ship and put both into a dangerous situation. First and foremost in every captain's mind and goal is the safety and comfort of their passengers.

 

There was one time that we cruised on the Celebrity Horizon and the captain decided to stay in New York until the next day. Passengers were furious that we stayed until we got to Bermuda and saw the other ships, who left New York as planned. They encourntered the storm and the bow of the ship looked like a crushed soda can. So you sometimes you never please the passengers on the decisions made.

 

We were on the Crown one time and we left early to try to avoid Hurricane Bonnie. The captain's plan was to go South and go behind the storm based on forecaster's prediction. Of course, the storm slowed down and even though we were only supposed to be on the fringes, we felt the full strength of the storm. It was literally a roller coaster ride for a day and a half and people were. Dry sick. We arrived in New York in the evening instead of early morning.

 

The bomb cyclone event was not heard in the Northeast area until Wednesday afternoon. Most forecast for the Northeast was changed once it hit the southeast area on Wednesday, way after the Breakaway was well on their way to New York. New York City and most of New Jersey were supposed to get 1-3 inches. Coastal areas in NJ and Long Island were predicted to have 6-8 inches. Well those predictions were all wrong and the winds came out to be hurricane force winds.

 

I believe NCL and its officers made their decisions based on sophisticated weather apps but Mother Nature can sometimes be fickle.

[mrsskyhook]

I am thinking of the passengers who are booked on the cruise leaving NYC today.

It will be interesting to read any reviews posted by these passengers when they return to Pier 88 .

Considering the reports of flooding, glass breakage ,seasick passengers and people sleeping in the mid ship atrium areas, I wonder what the condition of the ship was when these passengers boarded either last night or today.

I am thinking that the crew had to do massive amounts of work in a short turnaround time to get the Breakaway into ,at least, a satisfactory condition for a new group of passengers.

i am onboard the ship now, on the Jan 5 (well, 6) sailing. The carpet was wet in our Deck 14 midship cabin, but they got that dried perfectly yesterday. We have not scoured the entire ship looking for issues, but have been out and about, and have not seen anything amiss, other than damp carpets in various places. The crew admits that last week was rough, and they get this sort of relieved smile on their faces when you ask them about it. After all, they went through it too, but they can't decompress by telling the story over and over to anyone like the passengers surely are. There are all sorts of theories as to why we are going to be in Aruba from 7am to 1pm, rather than a day and a half as was scheduled. One of the best ones I have heard are to keep the casino opened longer! My only complaint is that NCL is not being open with information, and has twice concealed key information from its customers, which hampered our ability to make decisions about our cruise. Firstly, they didnt reveal the post hurricane itinaray until the day after final payment (lost several ports and had fewer to replace them). Then they didnt reveal the change in the current itinerary until we were onboard, even though they could have.

[billslowsky]

i am onboard the ship now, on the Jan 5 (well, 6) sailing. The carpet was wet in our Deck 14 midship cabin, but they got that dried perfectly yesterday. We have not scoured the entire ship looking for issues, but have been out and about, and have not seen anything amiss, other than damp carpets in various places. The crew admits that last week was rough, and they get this sort of relieved smile on their faces when you ask them about it. After all, they went through it too, but they can't decompress by telling the story over and over to anyone like the passengers surely are. There are all sorts of theories as to why we are going to be in Aruba from 7am to 1pm, rather than a day and a half as was scheduled. One of the best ones I have heard are to keep the casino opened longer! My only complaint is that NCL is not being open with information, and has twice concealed key information from its customers, which hampered our ability to make decisions about our cruise. Firstly, they didnt reveal the post hurricane itinaray until the day after final payment (lost several ports and had fewer to replace them). Then they didnt reveal the change in the current itinerary until we were onboard, even though they could have.

 

Thanks for posting this. Hopefully NCL compensates the crew for saving this week's cruise. Thanks also for giving a real-life perspective on the condition of the ship, which will hopefully calm the hysteria caused by a couple of "witnesses" whose stories haven't held up too well.

 

Your trip is the real test here; I hope you have enjoyable time.

[rocklinmom]

Did NCL make a mistake sailing into this storm? Yes. But can that happen when you are sailing the Atlantic in winter? Also yes. Would they willingly put thousands of passengers and crew in danger? No.

[jackcat16]

i am onboard the ship now, on the Jan 5 (well, 6) sailing. The carpet was wet in our Deck 14 midship cabin, but they got that dried perfectly yesterday. We have not scoured the entire ship looking for issues, but have been out and about, and have not seen anything amiss, other than damp carpets in various places. The crew admits that last week was rough, and they get this sort of relieved smile on their faces when you ask them about it. After all, they went through it too, but they can't decompress by telling the story over and over to anyone like the passengers surely are. There are all sorts of theories as to why we are going to be in Aruba from 7am to 1pm, rather than a day and a half as was scheduled. One of the best ones I have heard are to keep the casino opened longer! My only complaint is that NCL is not being open with information, and has twice concealed key information from its customers, which hampered our ability to make decisions about our cruise. Firstly, they didnt reveal the post hurricane itinaray until the day after final payment (lost several ports and had fewer to replace them). Then they didnt reveal the change in the current itinerary until we were onboard, even though they could have.

 

 

Read your contract about itinerary. And my itinerary was changed due to hurricane before the final payment was due.

[swedish weave]

AND their very expensive ship! They really should be more careful with her because she really wasn't cheap. I guess she doesn't matter to them. The captain probably figured, "Oh well, we'll just build another one." As my mom used to say, "This is why we can't have nice things."

 

Seriously, not that NCL doesn't care about their passengers (and the children - don't forget the children!!!), but I'm sure that not damaging their pricey ship is pretty high on their priority list.

 

It seems you are attempting to support the actions of an irresponsible captain.

 

Have you forgotten the Costa Concordia incident with Captain Coward that resulted in tragedy??

 

Thankfully. this incident had a better outcome. but it could have been different.

[Doug R.]

My question is: How many of those who are whining and demanding compensation on NY TV and in the print press would have also been whining and complaining if the BA had stayed south of the the storm for a couple of days and arrived two or three days late? :mad: You got home alive, suck it up buttercup.

[bones774]

i am onboard the ship now, on the Jan 5 (well, 6) sailing. The carpet was wet in our Deck 14 midship cabin, but they got that dried perfectly yesterday. We have not scoured the entire ship looking for issues, but have been out and about, and have not seen anything amiss, other than damp carpets in various places. The crew admits that last week was rough, and they get this sort of relieved smile on their faces when you ask them about it. After all, they went through it too, but they can't decompress by telling the story over and over to anyone like the passengers surely are. There are all sorts of theories as to why we are going to be in Aruba from 7am to 1pm, rather than a day and a half as was scheduled. One of the best ones I have heard are to keep the casino opened longer! My only complaint is that NCL is not being open with information, and has twice concealed key information from its customers, which hampered our ability to make decisions about our cruise. Firstly, they didnt reveal the post hurricane itinaray until the day after final payment (lost several ports and had fewer to replace them). Then they didnt reveal the change in the current itinerary until we were onboard, even though they could have.

 

I was on the Gem 10/31 sailing, where we had azipod issues and were all flown home from Barbados. I have to agree about the lack of information to the public. We were never informed of what was going on, were all just guessing about what was going on. Of course a lot of the info circulating was wrong and mostly rumor, still don't know what really happened.

[billslowsky]

My question is: How many of those who are whining and demanding compensation on NY TV and in the print press would have also been whining and complaining if the BA had stayed south of the the storm for a couple of days and arrived two or three days late? :mad: You got home alive, suck it up buttercup.

 

It seems to be just the one guy, who, in the midst of this harrowing death cruise, interviewed himself, sent the recording to the tv station, and was available to be interviewed when he got off. His "exclusive story" has appeared in a few places, but others don't appear to be coming forward. There are reports from passengers who boarded Friday and Saturday that tell a very different story about damage.

 

He's gone onto Twitter telling people not to cruise on NCL and instead to use Royal Caribbean. They were offered $500 each as compensation.

 

There clearly were people who were scared and some who were unable to stay in their cabins. There was water in localized sections of the ship. Perhaps they should be compensated for their discomfort. But the tv family with nine cabins demanding a full refund, give it a rest.

Edited January 7, 2018 by billslowsky

[mjkacmom]

Your subtlety was willfully ignored ;)

 

Perhaps I was harsh with my opening sentence but after reading pages and pages of apologist remarks, it was my first thought and thus, the first I wrote. I do stand behind it as it remains my opinion.

 

In PA, we received the exact amount of snow forecast by the news as did our home in Vermont. The use of the word "bombogenesis" was used from day one. I still have the date and time index in my search engine from when I queried that word as I had recalled hearing it before but not its meaning.

 

 

It also remains my opinion that NCL knew of the risks and that the decision to sail through it was made not by the person with maritime experience but rather a suit in hong kong. I suspect only the suits, the Captain and his wife will ever know the truth.

West of the coast wasn’t supposed to get a lot of snow, and didn’t. Areas by the coast were where the forecast was wrong. It was supposed to stop snowing in my area by 9 am, when 9 am hit the news said we were right in the middle of it. People here were definitely taken by surprise.

[chengkp75]

I've not heard of reports of lifeboats being damaged, can you give details? If they had been damaged, the USCG would have done a port state control inspection and at the very least reduced the number of passengers allowed onboard.

 

Listing was caused by "wind induced heel" where the wind against the side of the ship causes the ship to heel over, much like a sailboat. There is nothing dangerous about this.

 

Leaking through balcony or promenade doors, or even broken windows, while disconcerting, is in no way serious enough to be considered "the ship was leaking". It would have required a major system failure, and several days of this leaking before it became serious.

 

Also, can you give me the "marine advisories" that NCL disregarded? Very interested, as I've never seen, in 42 years at sea, a marine advisory for a ship at sea to either not sail or stay out of an area, or any such thing.

[NLH Arizona]

This is about safety. NCL knowingly chose to steer this ship into a "bomb cyclone" with 5000 people including children on board. This ship was battered by hurricane force winds, 40' swells, it was listing and leaking. They chose ignore marine advisories, the size and severity of this storm was well know in advance. Airports were closed. Lifeboats were damaged.

 

Did you happen to read the post by a ship's Chief Engineer who tracked the Breakaway and posted this, which is totally different then you saying they steered the ship into the storm:

 

I haven't been able to easily find a track mapfor Grayson, and BA was outside of AIS range for much of the storm, so I can'tget their track to compare the relative positions of each, but one weather mapI have seen (over on the Cunard forum), shows the center of the storm well offNova Scotia at midnight Thursday/Friday and BA did not get to NYC until theafternoon of Friday. Even the weather map posted by mking on page one of thisthread (showing the center as off Delaware), and using the onboard post bymm40, giving the ship's position as "north of Hatteras", I can saythat the ship was considerably behind the storm.I'm too lazy to look through this thread to see if anyone mentioned onboardwind speeds, but at the distance from the center of the storm that the shipappears to have traveled, I doubt there were hurricane strength winds (mostreports I've seen report hurricane strength gusts) at the ship.

 

BA decided to slow down and follow the storm, in my opinionthe correct choice, in order to take seas on the bow. Wind appears to have beenon the port side, causing the list, and as I've said, there is only so muchliquid the ship can move to correct a wind heel, and a constant list ispreferable to heavy rolling.

 

BTW, the damage I saw from a picture is that the tarp on the lifeboat velcro came unattached, but the lifeboat was intact and there was no damage.

 

[pcakes122]

This is about safety.

People planning to vacation cruising the Atlantic Ocean need to be aware that that Mother Nature is unpredictable. She cannot be controlled by NCL, only managed to the best of their ability. People making decisions are PEOPLE, also doing so to the best of their ability.

 

I have been on some rough seas while on a ship. I've been on some scary sailboat rides, too. I've been in jets that bounced from turbulence, and on prop plane rides that felt like roller coaster rides. I've had my heart in my throat and been scared out of my wits.

 

But I didn't blame anyone. I blamed the weather. Because I knew stepping on every one of those vessels that it was machine vs. Mother Nature. I trusted the captains/pilots and I took the risk.

 

I read a good point on another forum today. Today's cruisers are spoiled. Now on a ship, unless you are outside or looking out a window, you don't even know when you've left the port. Stabilizers are so advanced that passengers don't expect to feel ships move! While that's great most of the time, when you step onto a cruise ship you can't forget that you are embarking on an ocean journey and NO ONE can guarantee smooth sailing.

 

If you can't accept that, you need to vacation on dry land.