WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CRUISE SHIP RETURNS A DAY LATE 

That is why I don't cruise during hurricane season!!

What’s even worse for the current passengers is that if they are flying north to the Midwest. They are predicting some brutal storms from the hurricane up here on Wednesday so there will be even more flight cancellations. Not fun!

I can only imagine the stress. It as already stressful when our airline canceled our flight last minute to Orlando and every single other flight wasn’t available including other airlines. Completely messed up our itinerary for the week.

Trip interruption insurance, may be pricey but so worth it!

I was just plain lucky, came back on Saturday from Western Caribbean cruise on Enchanted Princess. The captain was amazing, changed itinerary for the better and guided the ship through calm waters all seven days

Being on the ship is better than being the group trying to catch the next cruise. The more dangerous situation is being in Galveston when the storm comes through. The good news is that a large number of people who take short cruises aren’t flying in but live within driving distance, that is as long as their cars survive the storm.

It’s a losing situation for both.

When we were coming across the Atlantic on the QM2 at the end of June last year (scheduled to arrive Friday morning right before the weekend going into the 4th of July), there was a medical emergency that caused the ship to have to stop in Halifax on Thursday. So instead of arriving on Friday morning, we arrived later Friday afternoon. We had both travel insurance and a travel agent, so when I called her on Thursday, she changed our flight to Saturday morning, got us a hotel near the airport, and changed the car to take us to the hotel. The insurance covered the extra expenses involved. We ended up with an extra lunch on the ship, but we had to get up early Saturday morning. We were home by noon on Saturday. Other people on the ship with us did not have a travel agent, I am not sure what insurance they had, but he had to rearrange everything himself and they would not be arriving home until Monday. Having the insurance and agent made our experience much less disruptive.

I am a Galveston County resident living through Beryl. The second weather wave has started. When those cruisers boarded they thought the storm was going inland at the Mexico boarder. Galveston did not issue a voluntary evacuation (west of Seawall) until about 10am because they thought the storm was going into Corpus. The returning passengers may find water in their cars. (It has happened in the past.) Most cruise parking is street level. The airports are closed so they are not missing their flights. Cruisers should be able find rooms on the island if they can find a ride. But then the rooms may not have AC. Give this area a couple of days to resolve issues.

We have had severe thunderstorms with lots of hail here in Lubbock, TX which is 570 miles northwest of Galveston. They are saying our weather is due to the outer bands of the hurricane. I can’t imagine those that are right inside the hurricane area.

This problem is not exclusive to hurricanes or their season. I went on a five day cruise where the ship arrived two days late in the United Kingdom and due to berth availability they switched to a different port. All passengers were put in a hotel in Southampton for one night then bussed to Dover for a second night in another hotel. When we arrived at the final port for our overnight stay in Germany there was just enough time to catch the bus to the airport. The cruise line sorted out all the adjustments needed.

All the flights in & out of Houston have been canceled so there’s that…

It is not perfect for either group unless you just happen to be on both cruises as a back to back.

Why I would never take a cruise there in Hurricane Season!!! I am surprised how many are so clueless about this?

What a mess. It’s unfortunate for both those getting on or off the cruise.

We always fly the next day after we disembark, but we also have trip interruption insurance.

Go with the flow and be happy. It could be worse.

every day is a coin toss, even on vacation

I know what i would do if i was on the ship book next cruise if any room were available because I know i won’t be able to fly for another 3 -4 days

I was on an NCL Sun in August of 2019 when Hurricane Dorian hit. We sailed from Florida, got diverted out of the storms way, stayed out an extra day and then NCL dropped us off in New Orleans. They did give us free internet to arrange for new travel. My big problem was I had a rental car parked at the port in Florida. That was a huge mess to deal with. Once the rental car place reopened I had to pay them to pick it up and I had to ship them the keys. I will have to say the cruise was amazing.

I am thankful I am never been involved in anything like this and pray for others who are.

I don't cruise during hurricane season. It makes me sick about what can go wrong. Cruise ship being late.

This is why it’s Alaska and Europe cruising season. Have insurance and roll with it. Everyone including employers should be understanding about weather.

We always get complete insurance, all the way, evacuation, interruption insurance, everything! Jeff & Sandy Brooklyn NY

I think that the 'it sucks' factor is equal for those waiting to embark and those expecting to disembark on schedule.

We got off of Harmony on Sunday so we were tracking the storm during our cruise. Until Saturday we thought the hurricane was going to be heading into northern Mexico and not really into Texas other than the southern tip of Texas. The predicted track changed quite a bit 48 hours before, so we got lucky to get in on Sunday and after many delays we were able to fly out of Houston. The airlines were offering free changes - we were given the opportunity to change our flights at no cost by the airline even though we didn’t need to. But yeah, I was worried we’d be stuck in Houston for days.

And I bet any available hotels were already booked by locals because of the massive power outages!

I don't cruise in this part of the world during hurricane season for this exact reason. Life is complicated enough.

I ALWAYS book 2+ days Pre and Post trip as a habit, or more, if it's somewhere weird. NO STRESS!

I would love to be on a ship that gets delayed a day returning on the other hand. I sure wouldn't want to wait for that ship to get in to begin my cruise!!

I live in the Houston area. Winds were higher than anticipated but at least Beryl moved through very fast. I’ve lived most of my 74 years in hurricane country. I would cruise in hurricane season but I live near the Galveston port and I’m retired so a few extra days aboard would be fine. The biggest worry is that a hurricane close to Galveston may flood the parking lots so I recommend parking a view levels up in a parking garage.

I have never been in a situation of my ship being late to the port. I guess that is all part of planning to be patient with change in any cruise situation. Rarely in these circumstances do I see the cruise line being responsible and needing to compensate. Thanks, Don.

Cruise Critic did a poll and found 57% preferred a large ship. Cruise Hive found 60%. The people say they like the extra amenities

Ohhh the Utopia is here in Port Canaveral ! Just received the announcement!!! We live 1 hour from the Port!

I think being stuck on the ship and missing return flights is worse than an extra day of food/hotel waiting for the ship to get in. At least you're not missing flights and work.

An extra day sounds good. But the flights and hotels wow what a problem.

Hello Don. In March our flight was cutoff due to weather and our insurance took care of all expenses. Carnivals insurance was seamless and they gave us a great balcony cabin for November on the Jubilee. I will always book thru the cruise.

Currently most of Galveston is without power

Hurricanes and tropical storms do not intensify over land. They weaken because they are no longer over warm water.

Guessing airlines aren't going in or out with the storm either

We like booking everything with the cruise line. It's very convenient, they take care of everything for us. Our TA makes sure we have the right insurance every trip. One more day added to our cruise would be nice. A extra sea day is always welcome.

We disembarked on Sunday . We live in Galveston county ( entire life ) and of corse I caught Covid . So I am trying to get to run around getting ready for the storm . One extreme to the next . Told my neighbors sorry I am out. But use my chain saw . lol. That storm had some bad winds. Never seen it that bad

These are things I always worry about. We were on the first Carnival Cruise out of Baltimore after the bridge collapse and didn’t know if we were sailing from Norfolk or Baltimore. People booked flights/hotels to both ports, but, those without insurance were stuck paying for both flights/hotel. I’ll always get insurance even if we never use it just in case.

I’m retired so I’d choose for the extra day on the ship! We have travel insurance so the extra days getting a new flight would be covered

Kinda sucks both boarding and disembarkation which now becomes a big headache

Check the conditions on your cruise insurance. Fine print may not include hurricane coverage.

We were once on a cruise scheduled for a stop in Barcelona where 1500 guests were departing and 1500 new guests were joining us. The port got closed due to wind and HAL found and put up the 1500 onshore guests and those on the ship were taken care of. The bigger issue was rebooking of transportation.

Oh wow..I didn't even think about this untill you made this video.. Thanks..

It has to be a nighmare trying to run a cruise line with everything that could happen and then dealing with all the consequences.

The ones who are getting on late is in better shape. It's easy and much cheaper to find a hotel room vs airline ticket.

That's why everyone should listen to you and make sure they have there insurance you never know when you going to need it

I hope I never have to deal with this issue. Definitely need to get the insurance.You can't risk all the money and additional cost.

The big question is does your drink package carry over to that extra day?

It was a mess in Galveston and Houston.

First 5cruises no problems. 6th cruise problem. Fortunately the airline worked with the cruiseline to get us an another sailing. Now we always arrive a day early and have insurance.

Well that’s not good news for either group unless they are cruising back to back. That’s a good example of why insurance is important.

I believe both Hobby & Bush were closed for a time so flights would have been missed. Concerned for those parking in Galveston. Most parking is at street level. This am they reported 7 feet surge in Galveston. This could potentially effect driving passengers of every cruise out of Galveston this last weekend, yes, a mess!

This is why I book air travel via the cruise line. Oh, and don't buy insurance that is offered when buying air tickets. There are almost no conditions in which they will pay. Don't believe me? Just read the policy, and visit the BBB to see reports on the insurance company. I've been there, done that, got the denials. I'm dying to know how cruise line insurance will make hotel rooms magically appear.

lived in florida and over 93 cruises in my life, many outta florida (current state is arizona) and twice that happened unexpected change of venue and one extra day due to storm issues. for us, it was yeah another day of vacation. you cruise during storm season and thats expected.

Most flights out of IAH AND HOBBY were canceled anyway.

Well I have cruise during the HURRICANE season and have to say I been very lucky and not encounter a problem but for sure things to thank about.

People leaving have it worse since they have a day delay and extra cost hotel and extra wait to board 😮. Plus disappointment of losing part of your vacation. 😢

Hopefully, no one did a ship shift- hard for both sides unless you’re close to the pier by driving back or over. Hotels probably full and flights- summer combined with bad weather!

Don you are so wonderful for always keeping the world up dated.

Chances are if the cruise port is closed the airports are closed too and they already canceled your flight. At least that is what happened with Harvey in 2017 to us on our “extended” cruise on the Breeze

Seems like the less flexibility you have with your travel plans, the better it is to have more inclusive insurance. And also perhaps consider the time of year you travel and the considerations that comes with...

The simple rule about insurance is, if you can afford to lose everything if it all goes pear shaped then don't bother spending a few dollars on insurance. If however the potential financial loss and inconvenience/hardship is a bigger issue then buy a policy. The day you don't have it will be the day you need it - Sods Law chapter 1 verse 1

Hi Don, Rather be on ship. Hope our insurance takes care of everything, when we get home.

Unfortunately everyone loses.

Stuck on Mariner for an extra day with that food? 🤢 Bless their hearts. Lol

An extra day aboard is a bonus! Won't trip insurance cover any other issues?

Both cases can be inconvenienced but unfortunately no easy fix.

always take insurance, I would rare get a extra cruise day than miss a cruise day but know it can we hard on all of them

I think both have it rough.

I try and give us a few days leeway coming from Canada and also have insurance

that's why I don't cruise during the hurricane season or JJASON months

I once received 2 extra days on the ship because of hurricanes

Hey Don....With your health situation, where do you get health insurance, and what do you pay?

Not a good situation for anyone, Galveston has surface parking, is your car still there or flooded, airports may not open until tomorrow

I always thought hurricane season was late August through the fall, not beginning of July......

I used to travel for a living. Stuff happens. Deal with it. I did for decades, every Sunday and every Thursday.

I wouldn’t want to be embarking. Staying away with an extra day out would be better but only with the insurance.

That's why I don't cruise in the summer

I think the people returning, due to flights. If they drive, it makes no difference.

The hurricanes are coming earlier and are stronger. We line in Western NY. Yesterday there were several tornadoes F1 and F0. This doesn't happen. Si sad for everyone in Texas and everyone effected by the hurricane.

Oh my goodness what a mess

What about the folks who had cars parked at the port? Will they come back to damages to their cars? Will their cars start?

Thank you for your insights

Can be quite an inconvenience for all

I think if you are on the ship and they keep you another day, you win with a drink package......

Interesting thoughts

Seems ruff for both incoming and outgoing passengers. Insurance is the big take away!

I'm thinking the original flight was probably canceled due to the hurricane

Such a mess!

Both aren’t good but I myself would not mind being stuck on a cruise a little longer. We always drive so flights aren’t an issue. However if I was supposed to embark and it was late then we would have the extra cost of a room. That’s why you should always have insurance.

I am sorry but, things like this can happen during hurricane season! Gotta suck it up.

Worse for Returning passengers

Yes but this DOES happen and there is nothing to do but remain calm. And who GRABS insurance. I’ve always had to purchase it. When travelling we should always hope for the best, plan for the worst.

I hope everything works out for everyone. Buy insurance!

I assume something will go pear shape. So fly in & out with days to spare. I enjoy the port in these days. Those who cant afford the time buy insurance as a cost of cruising. Do a risk analysis. Consequences and likelihood of a failure?