Just of the 2/2/22 Wonder! Questions?

[iannovich]

How was your check in at the port?

 

[Lillebelle]

We had a similar number filtered out on our Magic sailing in January, but my understanding is it was the number on the passenger manifest from shoreside who didn't make it. So, this also included anyone who had "called in sick" in the last couple of days.

I think that's the case with this cruise as well. We were told about 750 expected onboard by our embarkation lunch server, and we were among the first to get on the ship so I can't imagine he would have had time to find out how many people were turned away at the port specifically.

 

[BAIC03]

Do you happen to know how late the French Quarter Lounge stayed open? I'm having my wedding on the Wonder next month and want to do a little bachelorette thing the night before but not sure if they'll still be open after second seating dinner.

Congratulations!
They are open very late. The singer Roxy would be there until at least 11:00 every night. Nadja and Lloyd are amazing servers too, we stayed at the FQL almost every night… the sommelier bin is really fun, and we tried every Sazerac and Old Fashioned possible and the FQL made them the best! Good luck!

 

[BAIC03]

Did you hear of any cases while on board?

Honestly no.

 

[karen4546]

Wow, 250 guests tested positive at the port? That seems like a really high number.

only one guest in connecting parties has to test negative.

 

[karen4546]

OP, did you shop in Cozumel? if so, any suggestions? Was there an opportunity to upgrade your room? If so, where was the location?

Did they do the show in Animator's Palate?

what are the chances of getting a Palo Brunch reservation while onboard in your opinion?

any tips?

 

[BAIC03]

How was your check in at the port?

Check in was relatively smooth. We arrived via car right at our PAT. We had a stop in the garage to drop off our luggage to the porter, and for some reason we gave them our carry on with our wine (doh). Oops.
The ship docked later than they wanted, and the umbilical from the ship to the port wasn’t working properly (this is the data/computer processing network), so we had a slight delay to the line moving so it was a decent length. Once They got that fixed a DCL CM walked down the line looking for anyone with a 12:30 or earlier PAT (the earliest was like 12:00), and she moved us up to the front. If you are early- YOU WILL WAIT.
Once inside we immediately were handed our test kits and given a number for an Inspire Diagnostics tent. There we administered the COVID tests. They said 30-45 minutes so I started a timer.
Then we went up escalators and went through security. Once through security there was a large open holding area where you waited for your COVID results. It took us almost exactly 30 minutes and I got an email from Safe Passage and the screen started flashing a large batch of reservation numbers right around the same time.

After we were clear (yay!), we checked in with Disney. They verified citizenship, pictures, and our military ID since we used a mil rate. Our keys would be on board so once we were good, we took our embarkation photo, and walked on to the ship at Deck 4. We were on board by 2:00.

 

[BAIC03]

OP, did you shop in Cozumel? if so, any suggestions? Was there an opportunity to upgrade your room? If so, where was the location?

Did they do the show in Animator's Palate?

what are the chances of getting a Palo Brunch reservation while onboard in your opinion?

any tips?

Hi! We did not shop in Cozumel, sorry. We headed to a private island excursion.
There were opportunities to upgrade both at the terminal and once you got onboard. We had an extended verandah so we were very Happy with our room but there were other rooms available.
Yes they do the show in AP, but you don’t get to keep the drawing.
If the numbers are the same, you should have zero issues getting a reservation. We went for dinner and there were 5 other tables occupied at 7pm.

Tips: pre-boarding: have a plan if you don’t get on board. The NOLA port is in the middle of the warehouse district- it can feel isolating.
Have your PAT documents ready. We put it in our Apple Wallet and it made it really easy!
On board: the app is finicky (sp?) but all the info is there. Refresh often!
We got rained on in Mexico- and it was actually quite chilly. I would have brought ponchos or little rain jackets had I known it would be like that- even in 79° it was uncomfortable.
Order warm chocolate chip cookies from room service!
Finally: I found out that the CM are not allowed off the ship for ANY reason their entire contract. So even their “day” or “morning” off, they are stuck on board. Think about that if you want to bring something special or extra for you CMs.

Have a great time!

 

[karen4546]

OP, also how was the testing? our PAT is 10:45 group 4 boarding. any information on testing? how long did it take for your "clear to sail"? I have that from safe passage, but the testing at the port has me anxious. We have both been masking when away from home but - still anxious.

 

[tvguy]

only one guest in connecting parties has to test negative.

You mean "test positive".

 

[karen4546]

You mean "test positive".

yes

 

[BAIC03]

OP, also how was the testing? our PAT is 10:45 group 4 boarding. any information on testing? how long did it take for your "clear to sail"? I have that from safe passage, but the testing at the port has me anxious. We have both been masking when away from home but - still anxious.

Not gonna lie, it was stressful especially since none of us had had COVID until this Jan. A few things made it better for me.
1) My daughter and I had COVID in early Jan, so we used the 90-day recently recovered process. That meant only DH and DD9 had to test. We did the tests ourselves. DD9 was nervous but she did great.
2) In NOLA, you go through Security immediately after testing. That took 10-12 minutes to distract us from the process.
3) I started a timer once we left the testing area and we had our email from Safe Passage in 29 minutes. We were an early PAT but they were clearly batch testing.
For those that did have an issue (or a positive) they were escorted to a private tent to speak with a (I presume) a doctor.

Let me know if you have any other questions. This part stressed us out to the max.

 

[brochad1611]

Were their nightly "adult" activities in the clubs like Match your Mate or other evening entertainment?

 

[Mineu]

In New Orleans you just drive in the garage, park the car, hand over luggage, then get your tests, go through security, wait for results, then, hopefully board? Where did you wait for them to bring you inside? In the garage or downstairs? Thanks for this info- have been calling DCL to ask.

 

[mullysisters]

I have a crazy question maybe you can answer. It is a generic one. We are sailing to Alaska in July. I'm a amateur astronomer. How late can you sit up on the decks? I mean, could someone spend the whole night in a deck chair. Not that I would! I'm sorry if that sound stupid, I've never cruised and hope to view the stars while I'm so far north. I'm packing my astronomy binoculars, also excellent for wildlife watching. TIA!

 

[HiStitch626]

I have a crazy question maybe you can answer. It is a generic one. We are sailing to Alaska in July. I'm a amateur astronomer. How late can you sit up on the decks? I mean, could someone spend the whole night in a deck chair. Not that I would! I'm sorry if that sound stupid, I've never cruised and hope to view the stars while I'm so far north. I'm packing my astronomy binoculars, also excellent for wildlife watching. TIA!

Yes, you can be on deck all night if you wish.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Did they allow you to take photos with your mask off yet or if not where the professional background set up outside on the wonder she could take photos outside??

Did you guys have a pirate night and pirate festivities aboard the ship

 

[Geomom]

I have a crazy question maybe you can answer. It is a generic one. We are sailing to Alaska in July. I'm a amateur astronomer. How late can you sit up on the decks? I mean, could someone spend the whole night in a deck chair. Not that I would! I'm sorry if that sound stupid, I've never cruised and hope to view the stars while I'm so far north. I'm packing my astronomy binoculars, also excellent for wildlife watching. TIA!

You can be up as late as you want, some crew will be cleaning/repairing things at all hours, so some areas may be blocked off for a bit.

To set expectations, a few things may hinder your star watching:

• There are lights on the upper decks for safety purposes.
• There is very little time between dusk and dawn in July in Alaska, check the sunset/sunrise times before you go.
• Our August trip was very cloudy, foggy, and rainy...so no stars.

You will get good use out of your binoculars for wildlife watching though! Especially glacier day with all the seals on ice bergs.

 

[annster31]

Wow! What a cruise. Ready to answer any questions people may have since NOLA is not a common POE.

Wow! What a cruise. Ready to answer any questions people may have since NOLA is not a common POE.

What were your lunch options upon boarding?

 

[BAIC03]

In New Orleans you just drive in the garage, park the car, hand over luggage, then get your tests, go through security, wait for results, then, hopefully board? Where did you wait for them to bring you inside? In the garage or downstairs? Thanks for this info- have been calling DCL to ask.

Almost- there is a stop as soon as you enter the garage where you hand over your luggage. other than that- you have the flow correct.
Waiting under the covered awning on the sidewalk until we got in to test.