2007 Itinerary Survey from DCL

[Miss Eeyore]

Several years ago, many CC members received just the same survey. We all filled them out, and were excited about the thought of a European cruise. But all it was was a survey.

 

[Scouter]

I remember that last survey a few years back. You are right, that's all it was.
I would love for a european cruise! That would be the best vacation I could imagine! And for it to be a Disney Cruise, that much better!
I agree with a few others here that the Mexican cruise was way overpriced.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Something to point out, I completed a survey some 12/18 months back asking if I would like to register for shore trips, Palos and the children's club in advance, on line, and have more detail on the web site.

This occurred on the 5th of May this year, so they do plan in advance, and I would say with the specific cruises and posts mentioned they have advanced plans for one or both, of the existing ships and are just checking customer reaction. These must have already been costed with port charges and taxes to give indicated price ranges so plans are well advanced. You wouldn't put all of that work into it and then waist it.

I think you would see one of the ships come across the Atlantic, and have different cruises some in the Med during the summer of 2007, and then up to England, and possibly up the north sea. To sail in the Med its best in the summer.

However then that leaves the Mexican cost and Alaska, and again most cruise ships go there during the summer.

On possibility is the Magic up the West coast for Summer 07, and the Wonder to Europe in summer 2007, and both back in October to the carribean

 

[WDWLVR]

Andrew - I don't think they would leave Port Canaveral or Castaway Cay completely during the same time frame.

I think it is an either or. Personally I'm hoping for Alaska and I thought someone had pointed out that some of the things they were doing during drydock could make that more possible. It wouldn't be a ship purpose built for Alaska like some lines have, but it could still do it.

I'd also be happy with it being either the Wonder or Magic. Maybe they would leave the Magic behind to do 7 days and send the Wonder on new adventures.

 

[mmouse37]

On July 16, 2005, the Disney Magic in the Port of Los Angeles will be host to "An Evening of Magic -- Make-A-Wish Fundraiser." You can find this in the press release at http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_view.php/893

Since the summer 2005 West Coast schedule was announced, it's been my belief that on the night of July 16, the staterooms on the Disney Magic will be used as hotel rooms for visiting press and other guests at the July 17 celebration on Disneyland's 50th anniversary. (That way, Disney can operate their hotels in Anaheim without disruption during a week of peak occupancy and peak rates.)

I don't think that Disney signed a contract with a shipyard prior to May 2004, and is holding off an announcement for over 14 months until July 16, 2005. Nor do I believe that Disney had a crystal ball prior to May 2004, allowing them to predict that July 2005 would be the advantageous month to sign a contract with a shipyard and to announce a new ship.

Believe me, I would love to see a DCL fleet expansion announcement -- but I'm not expecting any such news on July 16.

As much as I would also like to see a third ship or more....I tend to agree with Horace....the Queen Mary II did the same thing in New York....there was a gala fund raiser for Katie Couric's cause onboard and they used the ship for hotel rooms that night as well. We drove past and it was all lit up like a Christmas Tree!!! She was beautiful (the ship I mean, not necessarily Katie Couric!)

Here is a link to the article...

http://www.eifoundation.org/national/nccra/press/article2004-01-22.html

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

My family is already talking about an Alaska cruise in 2007. We would jump at the chance to sail Disney if they set up an Alaska intinerary. Our second choice would be the cruise including Norway.

 

[bonzie1]

Wow! THis is the first I'm reading about these choices! We would love to take a Mediterranean cruise, but at those prices we would be forced to an inside stateroom... DH has always loved the verandah.

Can't wait to see what the final outcome will be!

 

[krdisneybound]

Whether it be Alaska or the Mediterrean, I would book either one and hope that I could do the other one a short time after. The Alaskan cruise is awesome and the ports are easily traveled once you are off the ship. I wouldn't care if it was an inside or outside cabin. Just to be on the ship would be such a memory.

 

[MariettaC]

I'd book a Disney cruise to the Mediterranean in a minute!

 

[AOPI57]

My DH is ready to book the 10 day Mediterranean! We've stayed in the inside cabin before and would do it again. My kids are already planning- I told them not to get too excited- we really don't know if DCL will really offer it.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

I couldn't agree more. Having the Magic sit idle on July 16th in port, the eve of the 50th anniversary, the only day it is not part of a 7 day cruise is just too conspicuous for me.

I would lay big money that a major announcement by DCL is going to be made on July 16th and I have been saying it since May 5, 2004 when they announced the west coast itinerary.

Unfortunately, there are plans for the Magic the night of the 16th. Make a Wish Maybe they will make an announcement prior to the show

 

[iggbees]

in all honesty i agree with everyone who said that the alaska cruises would not be good on the disney. we took a princess to alaska from seattle to all of those ports they are suggesting this past summer (2nd week in august). we found that it basically rained a lot, because it's one of the only temperate rainforests surviving in the world. we used the outdoor pool once on our first sea day, when it was gorgeous, after that we settled on the indoor pool, which was packed during the day every day, because of the rain. the ports in alaska are GORGEOUS. seriously, i was totally impressed, i wasn't really looking forward to all the hiking, but it was so much fun and so breathtaking to be up in the mountains and see the ships from high up above. the port towns in alaska are great, especially ketchikan and juneau, there is so much to do, and lots of places to shop. skaguay was a bit smaller and mainly just one road of shopping and the train ride (which is supposed to be wonderful) was 100$ a person! glacier bay was really cool, unfortunately you can't go too close to the glaciers, because of all of the ice bergs, but how many times can you say you've seen those massive things? there are better boats to see alaska in, ones where you can swim even if it's gross out.

anyway, i would totally rather see disney bring their ship out somewhere warm, like the southern european ports. that is after all what they were basically made for in the first place, a nice sunny warm place.

 

[MBFergie]

Since others have mentioned better ships for an Alaskan cruise..Who would you recommend for a family of DCL addicts. We really want to do this in 2007, unless DCL does the Med cruises.

I was so excited that it may be an option on DCL after I took the survey, but reality has set in and don't think the Magic was intended to do Alaska

Marie

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I was so excited that it may be an option on DCL after I took the survey, but reality has set in and don't think the Magic was intended to do Alaska

Marie

Marie, I think I am right there with ya - It's a wonderful idea on the surface, but then when you start to pick back the layers, maybe not so good -

 

[moocow35]

Okay, sign me up for any of them other than the Mexican Cruise. I'm ready to book now

Robin

 

[debloco]

Just a few thoughts on what's been posted...

Keep in mind that the "tentative" pricing listed for the cruises (whether the price for the Mexico cruise is correct or not) most likely represent brochure or "rack" rates which almost no one pays. So price comparisons to other cruises already taken or booked, in most all cases at some type of discount off of that cruise lines brochure rate, are a bit off. Yes, there is a premium for DCL, but the amount of that premium is exaggerated if you compare tentative brochure rates with discounted rates.

Cruises to the Mediterranean and the Baltic region are scheduled only during the warmer (summer) months. I think there is probably enough of a base in Europe and that enough people would fly over from the States that they could fill the ships for the season. But neither the Med or the Baltic market is currently that kid-friendly in terms of excursions.

I agree with all those who stated that the Magic and the Wonder aren't that well suited to cruise in Alaska. DH and I have done an Alaskan cruise and that market is better served by a ship that has more indoor space and an indoor pool. We went in August and it was pretty darn chilly (think winter coats, gloves and hats). But again, Alaska is also a more upscale, adult market (read-expensive excursions that are not very kid-friendly). But I'm sure that if DCL decided to move the ship there for the summer that they would arrange more kid-friendly options for excursions. But do not think they will be inexpensive.

Since we've done Alaska already, I would be interested in the Mediterranean cruises, but as others have said, airfare would be a kicker even though we only have three in our family. Plus, on a 10 night itinerary, I would have liked to have seen fewer stops in Spain and a night or two in Greece.

 

[DCDevil2007]

Sign me up for Mediteranian 10-day....jsut the fact of going to marciellies (sp?) puts me on the lsit, and the other ports look AWSOME too, i would definately go! even if i paid for my entier family (i'm only 16 too )

 

[JSCTRico4]

I searched, and got this off another message board..... I don't know how old it was, but, it appears to be from 2003ish.... it mentions an "Alaska type ship".... Just thought you Alaska hopefulls would find it interesting... there were other "rumors" on that board about "Disney Dreams" being the next ship... it's fun to hope, huh? I would LOVE a ship that was out of Cali.... would save a lot of $ on airfare.... not to mention a resident discount!


KyCruiseCrazy
according to DCL i was told that there are 2 ship designs one is for an alaska type ship and the other is just as long as magic/wonder but 3-4 decks taller. for sure the taller ship should go. i bet on may 5th when DCL announces when the magicv will be in 2005 i guees they just might announce the new ship or 2. i have been told its cheaper to order 2 + ships at a time. everything is on hold due to a weak dollor VS the euro.

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[Castillo Mom]

Ok, I'm confused. Does this mean that there's the possibility that they'll discontinue the Caribbean itineraries? We were planning for the Western itinerary for July '07. That would throw a kink into our plans since we would combine the cruise with a return trip to WDW.

 

[smchan]

North Europe from England to Russia looks cool as does the Spain/France/Italy route. Touring Europe in the comforts of the Magic or Wonder would be fun. I've been to the Riviera plenty of times (on business) so my preference is from England to Russia.

Sam