Capt_BJ
So Many Times
- Joined
- May 17, 2005
if you want the long version, search my posts ... here's the short answer
DCL will usually back in to CC. As you know winds and seas cause CC to be missed routinely - mostly in the winter. If there is ANY question about the weather the ships BACK IN so as to prevent this happening again.
The channel is very narrow leaving little room to maneuver. A STRONG side wind causes the ship to 'creep' cross channel (to a sailer we're talking 'set and drift') The ships are much more maneuverable going forward as compared to backing, even with the thrusters ... actually backing steals some thruster power. In one of the very early cruises the ship pulled in bow first and the weather turned sour and due to the wind, the ship got 'stuck' at the pier at CC.
Had a long discussion with one of the Masters one evening after CC was missed despite repeated attempts to back in. They probably could have gotten in bow first and probably would have been stuck until the winds changed.
While getting stuck at CC might sound fun ... what if it is the last day of your cruise and rather than being back at Canaveral come morning you find yourself still at CC! And those in Canaveral waiting to board hear: oops, ship is gonna be a day late ... sorry?????
DCL will usually back in to CC. As you know winds and seas cause CC to be missed routinely - mostly in the winter. If there is ANY question about the weather the ships BACK IN so as to prevent this happening again.
The channel is very narrow leaving little room to maneuver. A STRONG side wind causes the ship to 'creep' cross channel (to a sailer we're talking 'set and drift') The ships are much more maneuverable going forward as compared to backing, even with the thrusters ... actually backing steals some thruster power. In one of the very early cruises the ship pulled in bow first and the weather turned sour and due to the wind, the ship got 'stuck' at the pier at CC.
Had a long discussion with one of the Masters one evening after CC was missed despite repeated attempts to back in. They probably could have gotten in bow first and probably would have been stuck until the winds changed.
While getting stuck at CC might sound fun ... what if it is the last day of your cruise and rather than being back at Canaveral come morning you find yourself still at CC! And those in Canaveral waiting to board hear: oops, ship is gonna be a day late ... sorry?????
