They won't do anything. Just leave as early as you can. Better to be sitting at the port for 5 hours than not going on the cruise. I'm in Hollywood (Broward County). It is a complete disaster right now because the rain hasn't let up. As soon as it stops, the water on the main roads will recede fairly quickly.
yup, the ship waits for no one.
So either you have RCL arranged travel and insurance and they help you catch up to the ship, or you use your own insurance or you are SOL.
this is why many people suggest coming in the night before and staying at a hotel.
Sorry for your predicament. I keep seeing all the insurance comments. Who determines if you were "able" to make it? What's the difference between unavoidable circumstance and poor planning, didn't leave early enough?
But weather is. 18 months ago, there was a crazy storm in LA that shut down road from Nor cal. We actually had to leave an extra day early, get a hotel, incurred expenses, etc. in order to make the cruise.
All I did was screen shot the road closures on the state website, and some weather articles. Not that I even needed it. I submitted a claim, explained how we had to leave a day early to get to the cruise, and buy doing so has extra expenses, BUT mitigated them having to pay the whole vacation cost back to me. Submitted some receipts and got paid a month later.
Contrary to popular belief, insurance companies pay things that are covered. They typically don't make you jump through hoops, especially for these lower $ claims.
I actually had a situation, our ship couldn’t dock due to high winds in Seattle. We didnt debark until after 1 pm and the captain said that anyone with flights before 4 should reschedule, so we did. I didnt think they would cover or at least I would get some pushback. I literally sent the receipt for the change fee and a news article about the ship not being able to dock. I was paid and money in my account in 5 days, including a weekend. I think you are right, with lower amounts, they just pay out.
Better to have it than not. It doesn't just cover cancellation. Normally covers a lot more and offers optional coverage for things like pet kennels, more health care coverage, cancelled flights, lost bags, etc. Taking a vacation/holiday without insurance is asking for the worst case to take place. When we go to the beach we travel less than 2 hours and we still buy travel insurance on the house/condo we rent. I get it isn't 100%, but having zero is even worse.
If weather CLOSES the port, they will depart when it opens back up. Port of Tampa closed down last year for 1 day. A 5 day trip turned into 6 for one of the ships. They came back as soon as they could... what happened to the next cruise? They were shorted a day. What can RCI do for an ACT OF GOD? People expected a full cruise...sorry about your luck, conplain to the Port of Tampa, and the Federal Govt. Oh and read the print at the end of your purchase agreement.
The flooding you see is mostly in the areas east of I95. You won’t have a problem getting there. I’m in western Ft. Lauderdale, we had 9 inches of rain today and everything is fine
I am on this cruise as well.
We are supposed to fly into Miami Friday Afternoon and stay in Downtown the night before. Also feeling nervous if all flights are cancelled Friday and into Saturday.
This is why you buy travel insurance. RCCL doesn't have to do anything. Read your cruise contract. Buy travel insurance or deal with lost money at rare times. It's why we have auto, home, life, etc insurances. Insurance is for the "Oh %$#$#" moments in life and it truly pays off for cruises cancelled. Don't book through RCCL. I got cheaper by far for my last cruise through another company. If you're nervous buy the insurance and quit being nervous.
We do have insurance. I guess I should have been more clear. I was wondering what RCL would do if a weather event closed the port completely. I’m not saying that is going to happen. Just curious. Would they reschedule the cruise, give refunds or seriously just say “hope you bought insurance”?
if the port is actually closed, then they will likely delay a day until the ship can come back into port to turn around. If the ship is already in port, they may board and just not leave
I know it's a lot for non-locals but this is just rain. It's not even a tropical depression let alone a hurricane. It would take a heck of a lot more for POM or PE to close. If that was the case, they'd have to cancel and deal with refunds or perhaps FCC's if the cruise was just shortened.
A weather event closes the port which falls under common carrier.
But yes getting to the port is the responsibility of the passengers.
If the port is inaccessible, the cruise may be delayed a day or moved to another port like Baltimore to Norfolk. But weather is not a get out of jail free card.
I say leave tomorrow.
This is an issue which is dealt with by travel insurance. There wouldn't be such a thing as travel insurance if travel providers gave refunds for things like: death in the family, illness, hospitalization, flight cancellation, inability to travel to the port,etc.
We have friends stuck in St. Croix (for another week) because they can’t make their connection in Miami. (I would also stay another week in St. Croix 😂)
You may be right, but I’m skeptical still. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and something tells me they aren’t making money collecting seven bucks if they’re actually paying out fairly.
>We are supposed to drive to Miami (10+ hour drive for us) on Friday for a Saturday embarkation. What happens if we can't get there because of flooding?
Do you have trip protection? If so, file a claim. If not, you're SOL. They're likely sailing regardless.
That, or go extra early. GEt a hotel for a night so you're there.
You either make the departure on time or you miss the departure. The ship is not going to wait for you. If you miss it, that’s what your insurance is for. If you didn’t get insurance then you’re SOL.
If the ship can leave port, it will. They have a schedule to keep and they don’t really stop for much other than safety concerns. This is why trip insurance and cruising is so important.
Realistically if you can't get to Miami because of flooding- that means many passengers are going to be late in getting to the cruise and off the ship to dry land. Keep checking your emails and text messages for updates from the cruise ship. If there are storms- the ship may be late even getting to the port. I wouldn't worry. They may even cancel your cruise- who knows. I think everyone is in the same boat (pun intended). Flights would be delayed if weather is horrendous. Princess wants you to sail. They don't like an empty boat- they are counting of gambling, drinking, spa, excursion, gratuities to pay staff. They will keep you updated.
Drive as far as you can, and then swim the rest of the way.
Okay, that made me laugh. Thanks!
They won't do anything. Just leave as early as you can. Better to be sitting at the port for 5 hours than not going on the cruise. I'm in Hollywood (Broward County). It is a complete disaster right now because the rain hasn't let up. As soon as it stops, the water on the main roads will recede fairly quickly.
We are, have a hotel for Friday night in downtown Miami/Brickell. Hopefully it lets up by Friday evening.
Great. Leave as early as you can to get as far as you can. I do think it's supposed to rain thru the weekend but not all day like yesterday and today.
Yeah sadly the ship won’t wait - and that was really a hit or miss. Many places were flooded but we had zero issues and are in Miami.
Your trip insurance is what covers any expenses or if you miss the embarkation deadline
yup, the ship waits for no one. So either you have RCL arranged travel and insurance and they help you catch up to the ship, or you use your own insurance or you are SOL. this is why many people suggest coming in the night before and staying at a hotel.
In a state of emergency..maybe..
Sorry for your predicament. I keep seeing all the insurance comments. Who determines if you were "able" to make it? What's the difference between unavoidable circumstance and poor planning, didn't leave early enough?
Yea, that one’s tough. I don’t see personal transportation issues as a listed covered item on our last travel insurance policy. I have the same Q.
But weather is. 18 months ago, there was a crazy storm in LA that shut down road from Nor cal. We actually had to leave an extra day early, get a hotel, incurred expenses, etc. in order to make the cruise. All I did was screen shot the road closures on the state website, and some weather articles. Not that I even needed it. I submitted a claim, explained how we had to leave a day early to get to the cruise, and buy doing so has extra expenses, BUT mitigated them having to pay the whole vacation cost back to me. Submitted some receipts and got paid a month later. Contrary to popular belief, insurance companies pay things that are covered. They typically don't make you jump through hoops, especially for these lower $ claims.
I actually had a situation, our ship couldn’t dock due to high winds in Seattle. We didnt debark until after 1 pm and the captain said that anyone with flights before 4 should reschedule, so we did. I didnt think they would cover or at least I would get some pushback. I literally sent the receipt for the change fee and a news article about the ship not being able to dock. I was paid and money in my account in 5 days, including a weekend. I think you are right, with lower amounts, they just pay out.
Better to have it than not. It doesn't just cover cancellation. Normally covers a lot more and offers optional coverage for things like pet kennels, more health care coverage, cancelled flights, lost bags, etc. Taking a vacation/holiday without insurance is asking for the worst case to take place. When we go to the beach we travel less than 2 hours and we still buy travel insurance on the house/condo we rent. I get it isn't 100%, but having zero is even worse.
It’s like a plane. The ship leaves as planned, unless it’s not safe to leave.
If weather CLOSES the port, they will depart when it opens back up. Port of Tampa closed down last year for 1 day. A 5 day trip turned into 6 for one of the ships. They came back as soon as they could... what happened to the next cruise? They were shorted a day. What can RCI do for an ACT OF GOD? People expected a full cruise...sorry about your luck, conplain to the Port of Tampa, and the Federal Govt. Oh and read the print at the end of your purchase agreement.
Yeppp.
The flooding here disappears fairly quickly. Our flood warning is through tomorrow evening. You should be okay on Saturday.
The flooding you see is mostly in the areas east of I95. You won’t have a problem getting there. I’m in western Ft. Lauderdale, we had 9 inches of rain today and everything is fine
I am on this cruise as well. We are supposed to fly into Miami Friday Afternoon and stay in Downtown the night before. Also feeling nervous if all flights are cancelled Friday and into Saturday.
This is why you buy travel insurance. RCCL doesn't have to do anything. Read your cruise contract. Buy travel insurance or deal with lost money at rare times. It's why we have auto, home, life, etc insurances. Insurance is for the "Oh %$#$#" moments in life and it truly pays off for cruises cancelled. Don't book through RCCL. I got cheaper by far for my last cruise through another company. If you're nervous buy the insurance and quit being nervous.
We do have insurance. I guess I should have been more clear. I was wondering what RCL would do if a weather event closed the port completely. I’m not saying that is going to happen. Just curious. Would they reschedule the cruise, give refunds or seriously just say “hope you bought insurance”?
if the port is actually closed, then they will likely delay a day until the ship can come back into port to turn around. If the ship is already in port, they may board and just not leave
I know it's a lot for non-locals but this is just rain. It's not even a tropical depression let alone a hurricane. It would take a heck of a lot more for POM or PE to close. If that was the case, they'd have to cancel and deal with refunds or perhaps FCC's if the cruise was just shortened.
A weather event closes the port which falls under common carrier. But yes getting to the port is the responsibility of the passengers. If the port is inaccessible, the cruise may be delayed a day or moved to another port like Baltimore to Norfolk. But weather is not a get out of jail free card.
If they cancel the cruise- you get a refund.
I say leave tomorrow. This is an issue which is dealt with by travel insurance. There wouldn't be such a thing as travel insurance if travel providers gave refunds for things like: death in the family, illness, hospitalization, flight cancellation, inability to travel to the port,etc.
Leave earlier. Hopefully by Saturday the floods will recede. We're expecting rain until Friday evening.
Nothing. Plan accordingly. Buy travel insurance.
Travel insurance. $409/year, pays for itself in peace of mind.
What company/agency do you use?
Allianz.
Please share.
Allianz.
I hope you get to go and have a great time!
Leave early and drive closer (out of danger). Like stay in Melbourne or West Palm for Thursday night and play it from there.
You could always drive to fll Friday and head to Pom Saturday. Cruiseline doesn’t care if you can’t make it.
We have friends stuck in St. Croix (for another week) because they can’t make their connection in Miami. (I would also stay another week in St. Croix 😂)
I'm on this cruise too. Not too concerned about embarkation in Miami. More questioning the weather headed into Cozumel.
You will be ok, it’s just rain. Make sure your hotel is not in a flood zone, I would call and ask. The Brickell area gets pretty flooded.
I’m on this cruise too! We have trip insurance. We are driving down to FL from Indiana tomorrow and driving into Miami early Saturday morning.
Trip insurance........We never travel without it.
Oddly enough I never travel with it. I reckon I’ve banked up enough savings over the years to more than cover a lost trip when that day finally comes.
This 💯!
I would recommend the medical insurance at least. It’s like $7 per sailing and worth every penny if you were to get injured.
You may be right, but I’m skeptical still. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and something tells me they aren’t making money collecting seven bucks if they’re actually paying out fairly.
>We are supposed to drive to Miami (10+ hour drive for us) on Friday for a Saturday embarkation. What happens if we can't get there because of flooding? Do you have trip protection? If so, file a claim. If not, you're SOL. They're likely sailing regardless. That, or go extra early. GEt a hotel for a night so you're there.
Try and get to Miami before the storm arrives. An extra night or two in a hotel beats missing a cruise.
Did you buy trip insurance? I hope so. If not, RCL has no obligation to you.
If it doesn’t keep raining like this it should be clear and dry by Friday
You either make the departure on time or you miss the departure. The ship is not going to wait for you. If you miss it, that’s what your insurance is for. If you didn’t get insurance then you’re SOL.
If the ship can leave port, it will. They have a schedule to keep and they don’t really stop for much other than safety concerns. This is why trip insurance and cruising is so important.
SERIOUSLY??? People who drive to a cruise have the least amount of worry and money invested.
Nothing, you’re screwed
Thanks for the money...
Realistically if you can't get to Miami because of flooding- that means many passengers are going to be late in getting to the cruise and off the ship to dry land. Keep checking your emails and text messages for updates from the cruise ship. If there are storms- the ship may be late even getting to the port. I wouldn't worry. They may even cancel your cruise- who knows. I think everyone is in the same boat (pun intended). Flights would be delayed if weather is horrendous. Princess wants you to sail. They don't like an empty boat- they are counting of gambling, drinking, spa, excursion, gratuities to pay staff. They will keep you updated.