Well, set your worries aside. My family LOVES to cruise and what we have experienced is traveling during high seasons we prefer to cruise. Yes it is more expensive- but the crowds are more controlled and you don’t have to follow a plan to be able to enjoy as much. On a cruise- the crowds are controlled- so no worries.
Now, when the weather turns to a high likelihood of hurricanes… you can cruise for less money and not worry about having horrible weather everyday. Why? Ships are mobile and with enough notice and caution they will change course and you are off, safely out of the way. This just happened for the sailing on August 4th. The latest reports from the National Weather Service indicate Tropical Storm Ernesto will strengthen into a hurricane on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, as it moves toward the Western Caribbean as the Fantasy sets sail.
The storm is currently predicted to be near Grand Cayman on Monday as it makes its way towards Cozumel. Due to the possible impact of this storm over the next few days in the Western Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line® has changed their itinerary to visit ports that are away from the storm. Therefore, the Disney Fantasy voyage scheduled to depart on Aug. 4, 2012, will now instead sail to the Eastern Caribbean (not the Western Caribbean as originally planned). The revised itinerary will be as follows: Saturday Port Canaveral Sunday Day at Sea Monday Day at Sea Tuesday St. Maarten Wednesday St. Thomas Thursday Day at Sea Friday Disney’s Castaway Cay Saturday Port Canaveral Port Adventures that were pre-reserved in Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel will automatically be removed from the guests’ accounts, while those for Castaway Cay will remain as scheduled. Port Adventures for St. Maarten and St. Thomas may be booked once onboard at the Port Adventures Desk, located on Deck 5, Mid-ship. Any pre-reserved services at Palo, Remy, It’s A Small World Nursery and Senses Spa will also remain as originally scheduled.
Now, should a hurricane hit Walt Disney World? The official policy is you can apply all fees paid for your vacation to a replacement trip without cancellation fees. You may not be able to get the same room rate or package, but you won’t lose any money. The Hurricane Policy covers your resort reservation, package or park tickets and any other fees paid. Monitor the storm as it progresses to be sure it won’t impact your travel method. If Disney World falls off the hurricane path, the storm can still impact flights into and out of Orlando and Florida. Disney’s Hurricane Policy covers your home region as well, so if you are unable to travel due to a hurricane warning in your area, you won’t be penalized for rescheduling either. Keep in mind, Walt Disney World is at least 45 miles inland, most storms are weakened by the time they get there. So a mild storm might bring a lot of wind and rain for a day or two, but otherwise cause little harm. Disney has only closed when there is a threat of a major storm being imminent and they do all they can to ensure the guests staying in their resorts are safe and entertained as well in the main, pubic areas of the resort with character appearances, etc.
For more information please contact: Castle Dreams Travel, Specializing in Disney Vacations
