11/25 Magic, the good, bad and craziness

[Dixielady908]

Great report Kathy: Since I am not a writer,glad you wrote a report.

Kathy was right, we had a great time, we all enjoyed meeting everyone from the Disboards, it made the cruise so much more fun running into people all over the ship.

This was my first cruise and what better way than share this experience with a bunch of nana heads.... actually with a group of really great people.

Denise

 

[yazee1]

Those are great photos. I loved reading your report.

 

[mandymouse]

Another great trip report Kathy, and your photos are lovely too

Mandy

 

[Holly&Joesmommy]

We really miss the Steel Drum Band as well. We used to spend alot of time on deck and they were so nice to listen to all day.

I agree with you about the band NTwine. Maybe enough of us complain about the Steel Drum Band and they'll bring it back.
Glad you had a good time.

Ditto! I can't figure out why they would not have a steel drum band. That is such a HUGE part of your at sea days around the pool.

Mom/Gramdmax4, Who were your servers, I didn't see that mentioned in your post. (Sorry if I overlooked it. )

Your pictures are great, keep them coming.

Kelly

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Kelly,
Jeevan was the head server
Joyce was our main server
Sorry I am a blank for the assistant server. I will have to ask DH his name, he will know.

They were the best team we have ever had in my opinion.

Kathy

P.S. for those who have said they agree we need the steel drum band, please write DCL and tell them and if your going on a cruise soon, put that on your comment card too.
dcl.guest.communications@disneycruise.com is where you can write.

 

[mandymouse]

P.S. for those who have said they agree we need the steel drum band, please write DCL and tell them and if your going on a cruise soon, put that on your comment card too.
dcl.guest.communications@disneycruise.com is where you can write.

Kathy, I'll make sure I mention the lack of a steel band on my comment card when I go in January

 

[Vanvmom]

I totally agree with your review of Ntwine! I complained about them too one night when Keyon (one of the head cruise staff people) asked me why we were leaving the party. I could not listen to them long enough to even be able to comment on their song choice. Each time I heard them they went off key so many times I could not stay to hear more than 1 1/2 songs.

You are so right that with Disney, you would have expected better musical entertainment.

We've never heard the steel drum band (but I LOVE that kind of music). We did our first DCL out of CA, and I guess it would not have fit with the Mexican Riviera as well as it does with the Caribbean.

 

[Holly&Joesmommy]

Kathy,...thanks for the link,..sent them 2 glorious compliments, and them WOW'd em with my 2 complaints

steel drums and navigators. Hope it helps.

One night while I was picking up my daughter from lab, we had missed something on the NAV, and a CM commented that they get that alot and to PLEASE complain about it, as they TOO hate the new ones.
I thought that was very odd, I have not ever heard a CM make a negitive satement,..they must really not like the new ones. I OF COURSE did not refer to her when I made my opinon known.

Just thought I would share that here with you all.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Kelly,
our assistant server was Panya.

Thanks Mandy

Holy and Joels mommy, I appreciate your comments as well. I love to hear others experiences too.

Has anyone else ever had Spa gift certificates given to them for NO apparent reason, like we did??? I am curious about it.

Mom x4,grandma x4

 

[MCourtney]

That was a great report, and was very nice of DCL to give you the spa certificates! I was quite enchanted with the spa, as was my DH...

Well.... I complained almost as much as you about the lack of a good band.... and only received a letter when I returned from our cruise ... so lucky you! I REALLY hope DCL is listening about the bands. We only had a DJ on our Wonder cruise, no band at all... and they tried to imitate the Backstreet Boys !!

Anyway, I still don't understand why DCL can't at least have a steel drum band on CC - an authentic Bahamian one. They bring over the hair braiders and some other staff to work the island from Marsh Harbour each day either of the ships are in port (3-4 days a week).... why can't they also bring a 2-3 person steel drum band too to play on the island at least? I just don't get it.

This is where the disconnect between WDW and DCL is so apparent.

That being said... i'm booked again in Feb...

 

[Marypoppinsiam]

Kathy-
It was great to read your trip report. I am so jealous that you went again so soon. We don't get to go again until next Thanksgiving. Oh well, it sounds like things have changed a great deal since August. I just love the steel drums. How were the changes to the rooms? Are the beds nice and how about the new tolietries?

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

McCourtney,
I think from what I heard and saw on board about the others thoughts on the band situation that DCL will have to do soemthing soon or they are going to loose many repeat guests.
I over heard many conversations where people were very unhappy about the band Ntwine and the lack of the Steel Drum Band. Plus they didnt like the fact that one band did all the music venues. No variations in music and talent.

So I will keep my fingers crossed that they change by our next 2 cruises, if not they will most likely be our last.

Be sure and post a report when you return and again write to DCL after your cruise and fill out those comment cards too!!!

Mom x4,grandma x4

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Marypoppinsiam,
I couldnt tell any difference in the bed. It was very comfortable, a susual for us.
I didnt like the smell of the new toiletry items, but the lotions did feel great!!!They absorbed quickly and did leave your skin very soft. The smell doesnt last long, so I did use it often.
I didnt try the shampoo, so cant comment on that.

momx4,grandma x4

 

[BethA]

I guess we will be "lucky" enough to have this band on our cruise in 3 weeks. This will be the second REALLY bad band we have experienced. The first cleared the bar and deck party in a matter of minutes. Its a shame when people get up and leave because the band is so awful--the previous band we had was painful to listen to--it was in 2004, so i don't remember their name at all.

 

[Holly&Joesmommy]

Kathy-
How were the changes to the rooms? Are the beds nice and how about the new tolietries?

We slept so well (well,..after we got used to the noises deck 2 cat 9 WAY AFT ) Love the new sheets,..pillows were FAB!!!
Could someone please look at the tag and let me know what brand those babies are?

I have to agree with mom/grandmax4,.. I did not like the smell of the H2O products except for the body butter... It is GREAT.
Really keeps the skin soft. You can purchase the product line H2O in the store on ship, and they have other fragrances available...that are better imho.

I did use the shampoo, I was so happy that they were offering this new line that I didn't take my own shampoo,...mistake!
I hated the smell, and I had a really hard time managing my hair after useing it. I ended up barrowing a family members just so I could have "normal" hair. I may just be an odd ball,.. I'm sure there are others who love it.
Kelly

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

BethA,
sorry to hear you'll have the same band too. Be sure to write on your comment card how you feel about it. If you dont have enough room, take a piece of stationairy from your room and write it out and put in the suggestion box with your comment card. That is what I did. I just folded it inside the comment card and dropped it in and I did sign it too.

momx4,grandma x4

 

[MCourtney]

McCourtney,
I think from what I heard and saw on board about the others thoughts on the band situation that DCL will have to do soemthing soon or they are going to loose many repeat guests.
I over heard many conversations where people were very unhappy about the band Ntwine and the lack of the Steel Drum Band. Plus they didnt like the fact that one band did all the music venues. No variations in music and talent.

So I will keep my fingers crossed that they change by our next 2 cruises, if not they will most likely be our last.

Be sure and post a report when you return and again write to DCL after your cruise and fill out those comment cards too!!!

Mom x4,grandma x4

Of course I will!

Also, my suggestion of the steel drum band for CC, would save DCL $$ since they would not have to pay accomodations for the band and could pay them on a per day basis only, depending on how many stops the Wonder or Magic made per week, and both ships could enjoy them.

 

[Tarabra]

Kathy, thanks for the report and pics. They made DH decide that our camera wasn't good enough when he saw the Pics from CC! Jeevan was our server in '03 and we saw him again in '04 and that he had been promoted to Head Server. He said he recognized DH but not me! Geez! Kidding. I know they have a lot of people to remember. Even people that I've known for years sometimes don't recognize me w/out DH around. Strange. We didn't see him around in Aug. Must've been on break. He was great though. He said in '03 that the people at the table next to us were on their 17th cruise (way back then) and that they always requested him. Glad you had fun.

 

[Holly&Joesmommy]

Kelly,

P.S. for those who have said they agree we need the steel drum band, please write DCL and tell them and if your going on a cruise soon, put that on your comment card too.
dcl.guest.communications@disneycruise.com is where you can write.

As I mentioned before I emailed to the above link, a couple of excellant comments, and then threw in my complaints. Then today, I got this email.

I got a REAL not general response At first I thought "oh bother, this is a generated email again, but wait,...no,..this is actually a real response."

I wanted to share it with you, and to say that our opinions do count. Lets just hope alot more people comment.

here is a copy of the response to my email, along w/ my email.


12/6/06

To the Smith family:

Thank you for your e-mail.

On behalf of the entire Disney Cruise Line team, I would like to say
that we are very appreciative of your kind words for our cruise ship,
service, and crew. We wanted to create a unique and incredible
vacation
experience that matched the quality of the Disney Theme Parks and
Disney
Resorts with crew members who continually exemplified those standards
that have been established by our company's heritage. It's always
gratifying to hear in what areas we have succeeded, and I also
appreciate the time you took to tell us about Mahendra, Ana, and Tabba.
Their dedication to excellence and outstanding guest service
exemplifies
our spirit of hospitality. Please be assured that their efforts have
not gone unnoticed. Additionally, I have been sure to share your
letter
with all of the appropriate shipboard and shoreside individuals to
share
with our cast and crew.

I also appreciate your sharing your thoughts and suggestions about the
steel drum band and Personal Navigators. I have been sure to share
each
of these comments with the appropriate management individuals as well.
Please know that your feedback is very important to us, as we are
committed to offering a cruise experience that meets the Disney
standards of excellence. Your remarks will be evaluated along with
those received from other guests and will be used to determine where
future changes might be necessary. We will continue to strive to
provide our guests with the finest vacation and entertainment
experiences, and we are very grateful for your valuable input to help
us
achieve that goal.

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. We look forward
to the chance to welcome you aboard again one day soon.

Sincerely,

Joel
Guest Communications
Disney Cruise Line



Original Message Follows:
-------------------------

We were on the Eastern cruise 10/28/06 - 11/04/06 We had a GREAT TIME.

Our servers were the best we have ever had,...out of 7 DCL trips for
my inlaws, and 3 DCL trips, 3 RC trips and 1 Carnival for myself & my
husband.
PLease let it be know that table 59 servers Mahendra & Ana were
Excellant servers, and their head server as well! THE BEST period.

Our cabin steward Tabbah,..was equally the BEST CS we have ever had!
I would request these wonderful people for every other cruise. please
let this be known.

NOw for our request:
WE MISS THE STEEL DRUM BAND!!! PLease bring them back! What's a
cruise with out the steel drums?

WE MISS THE ORIGINAL NAVIGATORS!!! PLease bring them back as well.
The new ones are horrible!!!

Thank you for your consideration in these matters.
Loyal DCL patrons,
The Smith Family

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Thanks for sharing. that was a better letter than we received before.
I am going to write tomarrow to DCL about our trip, the good and the bad both, as you did.
I write everytime we cruise, I probably have a thick file somewhere with my letters in it.

we just need to keep telling them how we feel. It is like you said, if enough people comment, they will listen.

Kathy