Freeport.. CLOSED??

[Seester]

I read on one of the other boards that Freeport was so torn up that it would be closed for up to three months?? Anybody else heard anything? We are sailing 10/3 on the Miracle.

[DFD1]

It would not surprise me. That island really took a beating. The buildings and roads, not to mention the people, are in terrible shape.

[tef43]

Have you seen the video? Three months seems to me to be very optimistic.

 

Enjoy your extra Fun Day at Sea.

[robsvacation]

Freeport was hit somewhat hard. Right now the larger resorts on the beach (the Westin and Sheraton) are closed for repairs until Nov 1 and Oct 1, respectively. As to when the cruise ships return, when they feel they can make money they'll be back. For now who wants to visit a big construction site with the bulk of the sites and stores closed down? I hope the people in Freeport can pull things together, and I hope the ships return a little sooner they should so the people can make money sooner, but right now it's best the ships stay away.

[beaming90]

I know that we are still a long way off, but if Freeport was still closed when we cruise, what will they do on the day we are supposed to go to Freeport? I'm not asking for something free from the cruiseline, I am just wondering what they do in this situation? Thanks!:p

[mdaviswv]

That would be some swell news in my opinion. I'll be on the Miracle 10/3 as well. Bring on Port Canaveral! Freeport doesn't hold much to see even when its looking its finest.

[bonniemari]

I feel so bad for the people of Freeport. We love Freeport. We go to Freeport for a few days every year. I hope they are back up and running soon. They depend on tourism so much for their income.

[fanofseas]

We are leaving in 17 days to the bahamas and have not heard anything from my TA or on the carnival web site about freeport being closed. If it is I wonder what they will do? Have another seaday or go to another port?

[vermonter16]

My worst fear might be realized if they divert us to Port Canaveral. My husband and I drove down there last year for our first cruise...to us....why pay so much for a cruise to a place we can drive to....and there isn't really all that much there unless you want to visit the NASA visitor center....the beaches are ok but not great that are in the vicinity but you'd have to take a taxi from the pier to go anywhere...there is absolutely nothing else close by.... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH....but that's just my opinion.

 

vermonter16

[mdaviswv]

It sounds like a US version of Freeport.

[cyndepet]

Isn't the other option out of Port Canaveral to do those very expensive excursions to WDW or Universal? I think I'd rather have an extended (overnight) stop at Key West. Or - for those on the Miracle in October - the alternate itinerary they'll be sailing this week to St. Thomas and Tortola!

[mdaviswv]

I saw that about St. Thomas. How cool would that be! We've been several times but I would love for my Mom to get to see St. Thomas. The reason I thought PC might be decent was to go to Universal or Disney, but I can understand that most may not be interested in that. They aren't exactly typical shore excursions. Oh well.

[Tera821]

hmmmm.....whatever gets done, we'll be on a cruise ship. I just want sand, water and some really good drinks. Where I get them makes not a bit of difference in the world.....oh heck, who am I kidding, I'm not really interested in Port Canaveral. I'll take Tortola if we can get it any day of the week. I agree, I can drive to Florida. I want something that I can't get to. Oh well, if there's another day at see, I predict some rowdy passangers. Not me of course, I'll be taking the pictures!

[fanofseas]

We are sailing out of Norfolk so if they do cancle the stop at Freeport our other options are limited so that we can get back in time for the next group. I just hope it's not Port Canaveral. Key West would be nice. No knock on the city or people of Port Canaveral but if we do dock there I think I will just stay onboard and enjoy a less crowded ship.

[fanofseas]

I just called carnival and the woman I spoke to said that the port is open and they are docking there. If anyone has been to freeport since the hurricane can you please give us a review.

[vermonter16]

I do not understand why they are now limiting the ports to only two....like those going to St. Thomas/Tortola...I know that the ship can make its regular Key West stop in addition to those.... And why Port Canaveral and not regularly scheduled Key West....is there something going on with Key West that we don't know about? My husband and I are used to 4 stops...and we took this cruise because it was convenient and sacrificed to 3 stops...however, if they lower it to 2....part of my love for cruising is to get to see a lot of different places.... In the end I know that Port Canaveral is not one of those places I want to see again....blah....at least not that I paid big bucks for.

 

vermonter16

[Tera821]

I have checked the carnival website and have seen nothing to indicate that Freeport is closed. I think we'll be ok. Nobody panic!!!!! Let's all just concentrate on having a good time!!!

[mdaviswv]

That shouldn't be difficult!

[Art123]

Here is an article that appears in today Atlanta Journal with some info on the Bahamas. Look about 2/3 down the page.

 

 

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/travel/content/0904/26storm.html

[madelinerose]

YES! ;)

Isn't the other option out of Port Canaveral to do those very expensive excursions to WDW or Universal? I think I'd rather have an extended (overnight) stop at Key West. Or - for those on the Miracle in October - the alternate itinerary they'll be sailing this week to St. Thomas and Tortola!