"10/23/2010 Seven Days of Magic Sailing to the Saints Looking for Serenity Now!"

[AverysMommy]

Looks like you get to plan for TWO - 2011 cruises --- lucky you. OK...I’m jealous.

I sure can understand - the draw - of being on a ships first sailing. You might want to check with DCL to see if it would be best to fax your interest to ‘Inventory Control’. This way...they have you ‘on file’ in case that sailing gets extremely popular.

Me...guess I'm a little cautious.

We have friends that sail with a group ever other year. Their TA travels with them and books the 2nd or 3rd sailing of a new ship. They get some great pricing with awesome ports...it always seems soooo inciting. However, each time they’ve returned...with complaints/concerns of; the ship not appearing finished, service a little off and food OK to good – but not great.

If I remember correctly...the Magic did not have a great debut. Her inaugural sailing...was late...can’t remember if it was a few sailings – or – a few months. Granted....that was 1998...most have prob forgotten/forgave this blunder. And...they have chosen a different shipyard for DCL’s next two ships. So...I’m hopeful DCL has made adjustments and learned from the past --- am sure they have.

In 2005, we booked an Eastern that was the first sailing after dry dock (w/Brenda-Jason...‘Molar Express’ group). DCL completed the Dumbo-tron and Ocean Quest but the spa was still ‘under construction’. They had material and debris on the open decks and frantic workers putting in L-O-N-G hours attempting to finish up. Our other negative experience was boarding 1.5 hours later than normal.

Our 25th wedding anniversary occurs the sailing prior to this one – as much as I’d like to celebrate a diner 'on our special date' at Palo with my bride, I’d really rather not sail post dry dock again. Plus...we love-love-love the Eastern ports and starting off with 2 days at sea --- AWESOME!!!

So...as much as I’d love to sail on an inaugural sailing – above list some of the reasons --- I’d prob pass. Hope my words; give you something to think about and are not received as a ‘buzz-kill’ being on a first sailing aboard one of the new ships. As always...wish you smooth seas and great seats for Disney Dreams - should you choose to take a first sailing. Plus...the model of the new ship --- looks AWESOME!!!

Sorry...I got long winded...please forgive me.



Naaaaaaaah. We pass this genetically – from generation to generation. Disney is an extremely dominate trait. Oh....be advised...the ‘Disney gene’ comes with positive side-effects...we get...healthy - beautiful and well behaved children. Breathe easy...no worries.

You have seen a model of the new ship? How?

 

[d'Isigny]

You have seen a model of the new ship? How?

The model (photo below) was shown (I believe) at a D3 meeting - within the past week. This photo has been floating around a few posts on the regular DCL boards - 9/11 announcement thread. I did not take this photo ---- or I should say...my finger did not depress the shutter....my wired rodent (aka..mouse)...captured the image...yeah...that's it. Wish I could have seen first hand - she looks beautiful.

Can't wait for --- "The Disney Dream...welcomes the Smith Family from Phoenix, Arizona - (insert applause)"

[/IMG]

 

[traveljen1027]

Cabanas on Castaway Cay?? So excited - I'd love to book one...it would be great if we had a large enough group to enjoy it with!!

 

[d'Isigny]

Kevin, it sounds like DCL needs some help from Extreme Home Makeover!

Love - love - love...that show. Ty on DCL...what a hoot. Something tells me...Palo would never be the same.

Alaska is on my bucket list. So, if we were to book the Alaska cruise on our cruise would we get the best rate?

uhm...Not sure I'd wait till our sailing to book the 2011 Alaska sailings. You might check the main boards for recommendations on this one. (someone correct or confirm this - please) I believe - the bookings though 2011 open on Monday, September 28th. However...Casataway Club members that have completed 5 or more salings will be able to book seven days sooner - Monday, September 21st. So...with only eighteen Alaska sailings...I doubt they will fill up...but at what cost would be my concern. Further, DCL appears to have an opening rate for each sailing...and continues to increase price as the ship fills up. It’s a great marketing strategy. So…the longer you wait…the more you’ll pay to sail. The 'on board credit' received for booking while you are on the ship...will prob be much-much less than if you booked early.

My suggestion would be to work with your TA --- NOW…or call DCL directly the first day the bookings open.

Nancy and I started a discussion about one of these sailings - wish me luck. We are torn on an Alaska sailing --- or --- taking the repo cruise from Vancouver to LA. I've not kicked the tires or checked the price in the window - yet. Hopefully...I won't need smelling salts...after doing this.

Good luck finding the best sailing - for you and yours.

 

[shortbusmom]

My DH after seeing the Alaska cruise item just gave me the look as in gotcha as I had said I would not go on a cruise to Alaska with him snce it was not Disney. I'm now looking foward to the adventure as I have never been to the West Coast.

 

[coastiewifern]

Just wanted to jump in and welcome our newest members. I have been reading about the Alaska cruise. Wow wouldn't that be awesome?

 

[Grandma4ever]

Cabanas on Castaway Cay?? So excited - I'd love to book one...it would be great if we had a large enough group to enjoy it with!!

If they are not too expensive we can get a share together and have a meet at the Cabana!!! Maybe one on the adult beach and one on the family beach. Can make plans and finilize them once we know the price.

Will need to plan via e-mail as we cannot discuss the financial piece of a share on the DIS. It is one of the expectations I understand. Lois

 

[Evad]

Just wanted to jump in here tell you that we have upgraded to a cat 7 cabin. Can't wait for this cruise. Not sure how I am going to get through this year. At least we have our WDW trip in Nov. That should help with the waiting.

 

[d'Isigny]

Hey....Happy FRIDAY to all!!! Hope there are some great plans for the weekend. We are finally getting some relief from the intense heat - YEA!!!

Just wanted to jump in here tell you that we have upgraded to a cat 7 cabin. Can't wait for this cruise. Not sure how I am going to get through this year. At least we have our WDW trip in Nov. That should help with the waiting.

BIG WELCOME to Dave and Sue...we are also celebrating our 25th -- we were married on the 19th...but, you got us on the birthday celebration.

Congrats on snagging a cat 7 --- let us all know what day the 'meet-n-greet...mixer' in your cabin is? LOL

If they are not too expensive we can get a share together and have a meet at the Cabana!!! Maybe one on the adult beach and one on the family beach. Can make plans and finilize them once we know the price.

Will need to plan via e-mail as we cannot discuss the financial piece of a share on the DIS. It is one of the expectations I understand. Lois

I'd hate to even take a guess on the cost of renting a cabana - but...curiosity got the better of me...so...I posted a poll on the main cruise page. am interested to see what others 'guess'. I gotta tell ya...the thought of spending a day in one of these...sounds "Private Island - GOOD!!"

thought I'd end my post with a photo - asking you to participate -- where are you? This is from the Magic...but...believe it's same/similar on the Wonder.

[/IMG]

Hope all have a great weekend......k

 

[Grandma4ever]

Hey....Happy FRIDAY to all!!! Hope there are some great plans for the weekend. We are finally getting some relief from the intense heat - YEA!!!



BIG WELCOME to Dave and Sue...we are also celebrating our 25th -- we were married on the 19th...but, you got us on the birthday celebration.

Congrats on snagging a cat 7 --- let us all know what day the 'meet-n-greet...mixer' in your cabin is? LOL




I'd hate to even take a guess on the cost of renting a cabana - but...curiosity got the better of me...so...I posted a poll on the main cruise page. am interested to see what others 'guess'. I gotta tell ya...the thought of spending a day in one of these...sounds "Private Island - GOOD!!"

thought I'd end my post with a photo - asking you to participate -- where are you? This is from the Magic...but...believe it's same/similar on the Wonder.

[/IMG]

Hope all have a great weekend......k

I will make a guess! It is the back room at Palo. The one you reserve when you have a large group eating together.

 

[d'Isigny]

I will make a guess! It is the back room at Palo. The one you reserve when you have a large group eating together.

Yep - Yep - Yep...you are correct. And what an experiece this is. On our 5ht cruise...we were able to get enough people together to enjoy a fantastic meal/time. I highly recommend doing this...at least once - maybe twice. k

 

[JjetMcg]

Hello!

My family recently returned from a 7 day western cruise on the Magic and while onboard booked our next vacation for the 7 day Eastern

Sailing are:
Jenni
Jim
Erin age 8
Trinity age 7

we are very excited to set sail again!

Jenni

 

[d'Isigny]

Hello!

My family recently returned from a 7 day western cruise on the Magic and while onboard booked our next vacation for the 7 day Eastern

Sailing are: Jenni - Jim - Erin age 8 - Trinity age 7
we are very excited to set sail again! Jenni

Welcome to our group...and congrats on your first post.

 

[sunshine1259]

Hello!

My family recently returned from a 7 day western cruise on the Magic and while onboard booked our next vacation for the 7 day Eastern

Sailing are:
Jenni
Jim
Erin age 8
Trinity age 7

we are very excited to set sail again!

Jenni

Hi, Jenni, Welcome Aboard!!! I will add you all to the main cruise page. I hope that you had a magically time. Well, obviously you did, or you probably wouldn't have booked another cruise while onboard. Glad that ayou are joining us.

 

[JjetMcg]

Thank you for the welcome!
We had an awesome time on our cruise!!! My girls keep asking how long it is until our cruise next year... i have a feeling i will be asked this on a daily basis until we actually board a plane!

I am already planning out our door decorations etc and can't wait for our next DCL adventure

 

[Walt & Di]

We booked the 14-Night Transatlantic Westbound Cruise sailing 09/18/2010 today...

Please remove us from this cruise.

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks

Walt and Di

 

[Grandma4ever]

Hello!

My family recently returned from a 7 day western cruise on the Magic and while onboard booked our next vacation for the 7 day Eastern

Sailing are:
Jenni
Jim
Erin age 8
Trinity age 7

we are very excited to set sail again!

Jenni

Thank you for the welcome!
We had an awesome time on our cruise!!! My girls keep asking how long it is until our cruise next year... i have a feeling i will be asked this on a daily basis until we actually board a plane!

I am already planning out our door decorations etc and can't wait for our next DCL adventure

Planning is half the fun. WElcome to the thread and we all look forward to planning, meeting and cruising with you.

We booked the 14-Night Transatlantic Westbound Cruise sailing 09/18/2010 today...

Please remove us from this cruise.

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks

Walt and Di

We are sorry to see that you have made a change in plans. I am however sure that it will be a cruise to remember. Have an awesome time on your TA cruise. Lois

 

[sunshine1259]

We booked the 14-Night Transatlantic Westbound Cruise sailing 09/18/2010 today...

Please remove us from this cruise.

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks

Walt and Di

Hi, Walt and Di. Sorry that we will not be sailing with you. Congrats on your new cruise and hope that you have a wonderful time.

 

[leelip1982]

Hi me and my dfi are on the 7 day western as i type. and the other day we rebooked for our second cruise on oct 23, 2010 for the seven day eastern. Were not even off our first and were planning our second cruise.

 

[Grandma4ever]

Hi me and my dfi are on the 7 day western as i type. and the other day we rebooked for our second cruise on oct 23, 2010 for the seven day eastern. Were not even off our first and were planning our second cruise.

It is not uncommon for this two happen. You are not alone many of us here in the DIS were bitten hard on our first cruise. You were very bright to just give in and save a little money while booking on board.

Welcome to our thread. I feel I can speak for all of us in saying that we look forward to getting to know you and planning alongside you. Lois