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Walt:

I was just hearing that Hurricane Bill is now heading straight for the New England and

 

Newfoundland coast.  That's the Triumph cruise area.

Does anyone know what the Triumph is doing because of this?  Has it changed or modified its course?

This was posted on Carnival's Website:

August 21, 2009 – 6:00 PM We are closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Bill. All of our ships are operating at a safe distance from the storm. Our number one priority is the safety and comfort of our guests and crew.

The Carnival Triumph cruise that departed from New York on August 20 will cancel the scheduled call in Saint John. The ship will now navigate a safe course away from the storm and return to New York on Monday as scheduled.

We are not anticipating changes to any other itineraries at this time including the Carnival Triumph cruise departing from New York on August 24. We will update this information if any new information is available.

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I answered you, but it went to moderation.  There is a travel advisory posted on Carnival's Website.  I tried to copy & paste it here, but didn't work.  It'll probably show up later.  But you can go check it out there.

They are not stopping in St. John, and are keeping out of the way, but plan on docking on Monday in New York as scheduled, unless the situation worsens.

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Ah.  Your moderated post will show up sometime next week. 

Thanks, I never thought of checking Carnival's website.  Even though my own cruise on the Triumph was weeks ago, I was just curious if a ship weathers such a storm while in a port, or out at sea.  I guess the Triumph is handling this storm, while out at sea.  I would be very interested in reading about it, once the passengers return home.

I'll admit I had thought that a Canadian cruise would be safe from Hurricanes.  I guess not.

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I really think those big ships are safer at sea, cause they can "outrun the storm".  I've never heard of one being docked during a hurricane if they can help it.  I would think a lot more damage would be done at a dock, just from banging into the dock and land, than riding it out at sea.

But, last year, during Hurricane Ike, I watched Carnival's website like a hawk, cause I was sailing on the Ecstasy 2 months later, and they kept you updated there real well.  There was also a lot of discussion on the boards here about it, so between the two, I imagine it will be the same this year.

I hope we have a mile hurricane season this year, and that Bill doesn't hit land at all!

Ramona

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doodlebug:

I really think those big ships are safer at sea, cause they can "outrun the storm".  I've never heard of one being docked during a hurricane if they can help it.  I would think a lot more damage would be done at a dock, just from banging into the dock and land, than riding it out at sea.

That is what I heard too, but the counter point was that it is easier to evacuate your passengers to an inland hotel while in a port, than to evacuate your passengers to the life boats while at sea.  

I am not writing that I know the answer, nor am I writing that Carnival is making bad choices.

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Hi there:

I'm a Canadian Maritimer living in the flat land of the wild prairies right now but I can tell you that we get our share of all of "your" Hurricanes..lol. Although we usually get the tail end meaning really high tides, overland flooding and high winds. St. John would be particularly dangerous for any ship as the Bay of Fundy already has the highest tides in the world. I'm from Cape Breton and my family called me to say that they are all heading out to the beach to enjoy a hot sunny day wtih all of the high waves and surf that Bill is sending their way.  I wish I was there :( 

and just a follow up. I've just been told that all of the ferries between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland as well as N.S and Prince Edward Island are being suspended for 24 hrs starting at 8pm tonight. They are really expecting a walloping? If I get some video of the waves, etc I will post

Steve and Liz
Read and post cruise reviews

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The hurricane is moving at 23 mph and the Triumph can cruise at 23 knots.  After finding a conversion chart (5 knots = 5.8 mph); yes, the ship can outrun the storm.

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Walt:

I was just curious if a ship weathers such a storm while in a port, or out at sea.

I believe I read somewhere, they pull out of port because it is typically safer for the ship, crew and any passengers. This makes sense, given the close proximity of items, that could damage the ship flying around the port, the strain on being tied to a dock, with heavy waves and wind, etc.

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When a hurricane threatens a port before sailing, they make a decision the day before departure. I would suppose they bug out if necessary. Hurricanes can suddenly intensify and become killers. Ask any of us who have weathered a cat 4 or 5. Of course, I'm still here in Miami.