Advice on Maiden voyage?

[Stimpy]

Just called this morning for 2012. The only date we can do is 4/7/12 due to work & school vacations. We got a good rate for the Maiden voyage of the Fantasy. (Well anything looks cheap compared to our DCL Baltic cruise ) We couldn't use our OBC or 10% discount and the deposit is non-refundable/non-transferable for this cruise. I don't know what to do!!!

I had no intention of doing this cruise. I actually prefer the Magic and do not like the super size ships. I have problems with big crowds, anxiety/panic attacks so the idea of being on a ship with 4000 passengers is making me extremely nervous.

But the idea of being on a maiden voyage sounds exciting. Do they do a lot of special things? Plus my kids are sold on the Aquaduck, of course!

I have until midnight to decide. What should I do!!??

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

I am in the same boat (no pun intended) as you. Looking at the calendar, I think that is when Spring Break will fall for us, but if not, the non-refundable deposit scares the heck outta me. It is almost 2 years away! We are booked on the Dream, but not for the maiden voyage, so I didn't have anxiety when booking that one since I could get my deposit back if the dates didn't work for us...what to do???

 

[disneyfan551]

Would trip insurance cover the nonrefundable deposit, if needed?

 

[luvdisney24]

Just called this morning for 2012. The only date we can do is 4/7/12 due to work & school vacations. We got a good rate for the Maiden voyage of the Fantasy. (Well anything looks cheap compared to our DCL Baltic cruise ) We couldn't use our OBC or 10% discount and the deposit is non-refundable/non-transferable for this cruise. I don't know what to do!!!

I had no intention of doing this cruise. I actually prefer the Magic and do not like the super size ships. I have problems with big crowds, anxiety/panic attacks so the idea of being on a ship with 4000 passengers is making me extremely nervous.

But the idea of being on a maiden voyage sounds exciting. Do they do a lot of special things? Plus my kids are sold on the Aquaduck, of course!

I have until midnight to decide. What should I do!!??

Can I ask why you could not use your 10% and OBC on the maiden voyage? I was thinking about transferring one of my on board bookings to this cruise. Is it because it's the Maiden Voyage?

 

[jilljill]

Can I ask why you could not use your 10% and OBC on the maiden voyage? I was thinking about transferring one of my on board bookings to this cruise. Is it because it's the Maiden Voyage?

Correct, the MV has different rules - no discounts and a non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit.

 

[NancyIL]

Would trip insurance cover the nonrefundable deposit, if needed?

You would have to buy insurance with a "cancel for any reason" rider. Even then, you usually don't get back 100% of your non-refundable trip costs.

 

[luvdisney24]

Correct, the MV has different rules - no discounts and a non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit.

Thank you. I knew about the non-refundable/non-trasnferrable part but didn't realize I couldn't use my 10% off. Oh well!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Can you live with loosing your deposit? (Don't know what catagory you are looking at and number of people.)

For ME, if the deposit were, oh, under $300, I'd probably go for it (I could easily waste $300 over the next two years!)

.

 

[Stimpy]

Yes, the non-refundable part scares me too! We've never had to cancel a vacation before (knock on wood LOL) but just the idea it could happen makes me so nervous!

It would be over $1000 for us, so it would definitely hurt if we lost it! LOL

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

For ME, if the deposit were, oh, under $300, I'd probably go for it (I could easily waste $300 over the next two years!)

 

[princesslondon]

Our daughters school schedule is out, but I have no idea if they will change it and I don't think there is any way to verify that they won't. I thought the pricing wasn't bad either, but now I have to decide if it's worth the chance of losing the deposit. I understand the non-refundable but just wish we could change it if the school calendar changes for some reason. I guess I have a few hours to think it over!

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Someone said the deposit is now 20% of the total instead of $200pp. That could be some major $$$ if you are doing a suite, or even a cabin with more than a couple of people. I really want to book it too, but looks like it would be almost $1200 deposit now!

 

[Goofy559]

Correct, the MV has different rules - no discounts and a non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit.

Hi Jill
Are you sure? I just transfered an onboard booking and was advised by DU that all the onboard booking discount still applied. What a surprise that folks are receiving conflicting information

 

[tinkerone]

can someone tell me what the prices are like? what does everyone consider 'not bad'?

 

[Donald_Quackers]

can someone tell me what the prices are like? what does everyone consider 'not bad'?

There are stickies at the top of the boards that have the pricing info. Can't answer the 'not bad' part, though.

 

[Jennifer_W]

How are you guys booking already? Are you all gold and platinum level Castaway Club?

 

[mousemom11]

Even though the deposit is non-refundable, would you be able to transfer it to a different date? That would make it less risky, although it would be a bummer to have Disney hold your money if you aren't able to sail for a while after that.

 

[Pluto1976]

The OP shares some of my same concerns so I have been following this thread. Could anyone elaborate on any special activities or festivities Disney will have for the maiden voyage on April 7th?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyKevin]

You can transfer an on board re-booking to the Fantasy maiden voyage and retain your DCL perks.

Please note that once this is done, the deposit you've paid becomes non-refundable.

In addition, you would be responsible for possibly increasing the deposit to meet the 20% deposit guidelines necessary to book the Fantasy.

Also, please note that DCL is stating that you will not be allowed to move your deposit for the maiden voyage of the Fantasy to a different sail date.

 

[jilljill]

Hi Jill
Are you sure? I just transfered an onboard booking and was advised by DU that all the onboard booking discount still applied. What a surprise that folks are receiving conflicting information

I was passing along info that was posted by several other people, including some that had booked the MV this morning.
But yes - what a surprise on conflicting info.