Why is the Enchantment skipping Cayman today?

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Just wondering if anyone knows the answer to this.....I'm only questioning it b/c the Freedom has altered it's itinerary to stop in GC today, so....it can't be due to weather reasons.

 

Due on the ship next week, so I'm concerned.

 

Anyone?

[petel]

Just wondering if anyone knows the answer to this.....I'm only questioning it b/c the Freedom has altered it's itinerary to stop in GC today, so....it can't be due to weather reasons.

 

Due on the ship next week, so I'm concerned.

 

Anyone?

 

IMHO: Actually, Stacy, it may be weather related. EN doesn't have the station keeping ability that FR has - EN must anchor to tender and FR can turn constantly to protect the tenders from the wind & waves..... whatever the reason it is ultimately up to the Captain to ensure safe operations. Enjoy your cruise :)

[g8rmomx2]

Since we have to be back in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday for the lucky ones who will be sailing next, we really don't have enough time to stop, tender in and out, and still go the long way around, between the islands and be back in time for the next cruise. I will make the grand sacrifice to stay on board for a few more days, but you know how some people are! They want to get back to work. We're sailing past the Cayman Islands now, south of Cuba, and the Captain is doing a great job of keeping us out of extreme weather. We're still rocking and rolling a little, very windy, occasional gales, the ship is beautiful, the staff is wonderful, and passengers seem pretty happy over-all. Sorry to ramble. . . back to the question, 7 day cruises give the Captains more time to get back to port than 5 day cruises. In terms of the Enchantment of the Seas, it's a lot quicker to get back to Fort Lauderdale following the route between Cuba and Florida, than it is going south of Cuba between the islands. Happy cruisers here!

[debshomespun]

g8rmomx2--Glad you are having such a great time on the Enchantment. Any problems with the brown water? We just got off Enchantment saturday, when you boarded. Our cruise was smooth as silk. We didn't encounter any rocky seas. We had beautiful weather. Hope you have great weather coming back. Looks like you might experience Ike a little more on the way back in. Maybe you will get an extra day at sea. Safe Travels!

[g8rmomx2]

They turned off the water yesterday between 10am and 2pm to work on the water lines some more. Most people were in port, and when they turned it back on they asked us to run our taps for two minutes to clear the lines. It's been a little brownish this cruise, we're not drinking it, but it seems better, and they're working on it. We love this ship! Beautiful views where ever you sit, we love all the windows. We're in a grand suite, and the view makes you never want to leave your room, except the casino is calling! Wonderful, wonderful ship.

[BillB48]

I think they are coming home the long way around the eastern end of Cuba through the Windward Passage and need the extra sailing time. I believe they would normally come back to FLL via the western end. Probably a matter of timing as to running in front of Ike when it enters the Gulf.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

IMHO: Actually, Stacy, it may be weather related. EN doesn't have the station keeping ability that FR has - EN must anchor to tender and FR can turn constantly to protect the tenders from the wind & waves..... whatever the reason it is ultimately up to the Captain to ensure safe operations. Enjoy your cruise :)

 

Thanks...that makes sense.

 

As for the other response of not having enough time.....no disrespect, I just don't understand that or buy it. Enchantment has reversed it's itinerary before to visit GC last. They still would have this evening plus a whole day tomorrow to get back to FLL. That's plenty of time.

 

Just don't want to miss GC if possible, my favorite place!

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

I think they are coming home the long way around the eastern end of Cuba through the Windward Passage and need the extra sailing time. I believe they would normally come back to FLL via the western end. Probably a matter of timing as to running in front of Ike when it enters the Gulf.

 

Gotcha. Thanks for all the responses.

[g8rmomx2]

No disrespect taken, just going by what the Captain said. He had a q&a today to update us. The Freedom must have altered their schedule again, as Grand Cayman closed their port yesterday and today, don't know about tomorrow, but a 7 day cruise has more time to work with in terms of making up missed ports. The seas today are around 18 feet, but the pool deck is sunny and we'll be maintaining around 22 knots to get us back to Fort Lauderdale for the next cruise to leave on Thursday. This is a wonderful ship.

[zantedeschia]

Grand Cayman has limited docking spots. If Freedom altered her itinerary and took Enchantment's docking spot, then Enchantment would have to give GC a miss.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

No disrespect taken, just going by what the Captain said. He had a q&a today to update us. The Freedom must have altered their schedule again, as Grand Cayman closed their port yesterday and today, don't know about tomorrow, but a 7 day cruise has more time to work with in terms of making up missed ports. The seas today are around 18 feet, but the pool deck is sunny and we'll be maintaining around 22 knots to get us back to Fort Lauderdale for the next cruise to leave on Thursday. This is a wonderful ship.

 

Thanks for the posts, very much appreciated. Hope you have a great rest of the cruise!

 

P.S...have you guys had sunny and warm weather? Sun bathing weather? ;)

[Tagsalong]

DW and I are on the island this week. Ike brushed by us during the last 24 hrs and churned up the waters to the extent that no dive boats were allowed out for scuba diving. Severe thunder storms last night. We have been to the Grand Cayman many times by cruise ship and have been turned away from tendering-in when the sea was not as rough as it is today. Should calm down considerably in next 12 hours for the ships due in Wednesday and Thursday. Next week more promising since Josephine has blown herself out.