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Saturday, September 28, 2019

Beware of things that go bump in the night when cruising during hurricane season


   Out to Sea for Sept. 28/19

 
   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   When the “barf bags” appeared beside the elevators, we knew we were in for a rough night at sea.
   But it became unnerving when people posted onYouTube to “pray for the people on the Carnival Sunrise” facing the wrath of Hurricane Humberto.
   We hung on as the ship bobbed from side to side like a huge rubber ducky and plunged forward through the night like a rollercoaster into the hollow of the waves.
Monster waves began to calm after the Carnival Sunrise turned back toward New York in this balcony photo. (Jim Fox photo)
    We had watched the growing intensity of the hurricane last week while preparing to leave for New York and a one-week sailing to Bermuda and return.
   We never made it.
   When we booked the cruise with 10 family members, we were aware of the perils of “hurricane season.”
   But Bermuda is off the hurricane track and where strong storms are quite rare.
   Upon boarding the ship at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, we were given a note from Captain Isidoro Renda.
   It was our first indication that something had to give.

   “It is now clear that we must deviate from our scheduled itinerary in order to remain a safe distance from the storm,” he said.
Cruisers on the Carnival Sunrise had plenty of views of the Statue of Liberty in New York. (Barbara Fox photos)
    Revised plans had us leaving New York, having a “fun day at sea,” and visiting Charleston, South Carolina.
   Then there was another “fun day” enroute to Bermuda, arriving on Friday for an eight-hour visit – not three days as planned – another day at sea and return to New York on Sunday.
   We hadn’t signed up as hurricane hunters as the surf getting more monstrous by the minute.
   The hurricane ahead had churned up the ocean and landed near Bermuda, knocking out power, cutting off bus and ferry services and closing shops at the Royal Naval Dockyard where we were to tie up.
   We plunged ahead overnight and into the next day with the ship battling waves at 33 kilometres an hour carrying 3,000 guests and 1,100 crew.

   U-turn time
   The captain decided that was enough and that afternoon turned us around and headed back to New York.
The lull before the storm as the Carnival Sunrise is docked at Charleston, South Carolina. (Barbara Fox photo)
    High sea swells of up to 18 feet (5.5 metres) and strong north-easterly winds caused the ship to “significantly reduce our navigational cruising speed in order to operate safely,” he said.
   “It is now apparent that despite our very best efforts, we will not be able to reach Bermuda in time for our call tomorrow,” he added.
   It brought back memories of experiencing 24-foot (7.3-metre) waves on the Norwegian Majesty in 2000 in the open waters away from the coral-reefs that protect Bermuda from high winds and seas.
   Most onboard the Sunrise took it in their wake, with the party dancers not missing a beat.
Once stormy weather passed, a popular place was around the pool. (Jim Fox photo)
    The fun went on largely due to the hard-working crew members who put up with us on-board for six days, except for a few hours in Charleston.
   Everyone left the ship smiling as Carnival extended a surprise “gesture of goodwill” – a 100-per-cent future cruise credit— and refunded port charges and fees.

   Should I stay or should I go?
In calmer times, a cruise ship is seen docked at King’s Wharf in Bermuda from the Royal Naval Dockyard fortress. (Jim Fox photo)
    You take your chances and perhaps get better deals cruising during hurricane season – June 1 through Nov. 30.
   Statistically speaking, the chances that your particular cruise is going to be affected by a hurricane are very slim, but your travel plans might be changed,” said Dori Saltzman of the Cruise Critic website.
   If taking the chance is worth it, she added: “Absolutely, but with a caveat. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
For more Out to Sea trip tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca

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