2010 news from the Magic

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi - I'm afraid I haven't been able to read every post !! so sorry if this has already been asked!!

What stops did the transatlantic cruise make last time?? And if it IS to be Baltic cruises in 2010, what do you anticipate will be the itinerary for those transatlantic crossings??

thanks for any info/ideas!!

Last time there was two 14 day transatlantic crossings one Eastbound second week in May one westbound mid August for the return.

Both had six days at sea in a row.

On the USA end they called at Castaway Cay of course.

In the Europe end they both called at Tenerife, Cadiz Spain, Gibraltar, and the terminal port of Barcelona.

If we assume for the Baltic cruises that the UK is the home port IE Southampton or Harwich, (I go for Southampton) then the Europe part of the transatlantic could well change and include maybe ports like Madeira, Lisbon Portugal.

I did hear some unconfirmed reports of a stop at Bermuda but that port is very expensive to call at they charge $60 per passenger on the ship, so maybe to Expensive for DCL.

Lastly, looking at the Baltic schedules we have seen, there appears to be 'gaps' the Baltic cruises might be as few as 4 12 night cruises, If DCL have the transatlantic the same time as all of there previous REPOS' there is time for an extra cruise or two before and after the Transatlantic and the Baltic's.

The transatlantic didn't sell well in 2007, and thee was many discounts for 3/4th passenger in the room, free tips etc. I would expect them to spice up th cruises this time to make them more appealing.

The Med cruises themselves sold well.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

The way I view Cat. 12's is that if that is what what we booked and paid for that's what I'm expecting. If we get upgraded, then great. If not, well.... we'll just spend more time on deck!

I do agree,

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Last time there was two 14 day transatlantic crossings one Eastbound second week in May one westbound mid August for the return.

Both had six days at sea in a row.

On the USA end they called at Castaway Cay of course.

In the Europe end they both called at Tenerife, Cadiz Spain, Gibraltar, and the terminal port of Barcelona.

If we assume for the Baltic cruises that the UK is the home port IE Southampton or Harwich, (I go for Southampton) then the Europe part of the transatlantic could well change and include maybe ports like Madeira, Lisbon Portugal.

I did hear some unconfirmed reports of a stop at Bermuda but that port is very expensive to call at they charge $60 per passenger on the ship, so maybe to Expensive for DCL.

Lastly, looking at the Baltic schedules we have seen, there appears to be 'gaps' the Baltic cruises might be as few as 4 12 night cruises, If DCL have the transatlantic the same time as all of there previous REPOS' there is time for an extra cruise or two before and after the Transatlantic and the Baltic's.

The transatlantic didn't sell well in 2007, and thee was many discounts for 3/4th passenger in the room, free tips etc. I would expect them to spice up th cruises this time to make them more appealing.

The Med cruises themselves sold well.

thanks Andrew for the detailled response - that was really great!!

I think we will rule out the transatlantic then - I guessed it would have several sea days in a row but I think six days with two young children might be too many!!!

Out of interest what was the weather like for those crossings?? (I just remember we had 4 straight sea days when we cruised from Vancouver to Hawaii in 2000 and because the weather was quite cool we spent most of the 4 days inside - and were desperate to see land after that!! )

thanks again!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

thanks Andrew for the detailled response - that was really great!!

I think we will rule out the transatlantic then - I guessed it would have several sea days in a row but I think six days with two young children might be too many!!!

Out of interest what was the weather like for those crossings?? (I just remember we had 4 straight sea days when we cruised from Vancouver to Hawaii in 2000 and because the weather was quite cool we spent most of the 4 days inside - and were desperate to see land after that!! )

thanks again!!

Whilst some people like the sea days, and I like 1>2 in a row, the 6 days in a row did put a lot of people off until DCL made substantial discounts.

The weather for the May repo across the Atlantic was very bad for the sea days, we had reports here of some water going into the ship on lower decks. I understand the August Repo back was blessed with calm seas.
But nothing can be guaranteed.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Whilst some people like the sea days, and I like 1>2 in a row, the 6 days in a row did put a lot of people off until DCL made substantial discounts.

The weather for the May repo across the Atlantic was very bad for the sea days, we had reports here of some water going into the ship on lower decks. I understand the August Repo back was blessed with calm seas.
But nothing can be guaranteed.

Can you elaborate? Do you mean coming through the windows? How exactly does water get in?!

 

[Melcatfish]

I saw a You Tube video of the Magic arriving in Barcelona on 2007 with a fireworks show etc...

Does anyone if this was publicised in advance other than to those onboard. IF the Magic has Southampton as a home port for part of the summer I would LOVE to go and watch it arrive and see the fireworks if there are to be any. Just wondered if anyone knew whether locals \ tourists in Barcelona knew that the ship was arriving with a bang lol and whether there were people on the dock watching it arrive?

Mel
x

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Can you elaborate? Do you mean coming through the windows? How exactly does water get in?!

Cannot add to that statement too much.. I was following the *live from* thread for that cruise and they hit rough seas, there was a lot of reports that some of the lower decks had some water on them, I do not use the word flooding, but there was some water, Various cruisers confirmed that after that cruise.

At all times it was safe, and I understand it can happen to any ship in rough seas and it was normal.

Maybe someone who was on that cruise can clarify.

That was the May trip to Europe, the return in August had good seas, but that could change in 2010, I feel 2007 wasn't an active hurricane season, like 2005 and this year. I mention that as whilst they are no longer hurricanes, and lost some power, any former hurricane going up east coast USA, can then travel out into the Atlantic, and effect the seas.

I saw a You Tube video of the Magic arriving in Barcelona on 2007 with a fireworks show etc...

Does anyone if this was publicized in advance other than to those onboard. IF the Magic has Southampton as a home port for part of the summer I would LOVE to go and watch it arrive and see the fireworks if there are to be any. Just wondered if anyone knew whether locals \ tourists in Barcelona knew that the ship was arriving with a bang lol and whether there were people on the dock watching it arrive?

Mel
x

As far as I am aware this spectacular display was not advertised in advance, and I only saw reports of it here, after the event.

I wasn't far away in Spain at the time and if I had known I would have stuck around, I saw the Magic in port from my plane on its first arrival in Europe.

The people of Barcelona were very pleased DCL had chosen them as its new summer home port, and everything was done to unsure this was spectacular.

If its Southampton who knows, as they are used to some big cruise ships and famous names in there all the time, might not be special for Southampton.

 

[pillow]

I wasn't far away in Spain at the time and if I had known I would have stuck around, I saw the Magic in port from my plane on its first arrival in Europe.

Just how big is this plane? Am thinking we could negotiate a one way transatlantic flight price for 2010!!

Jodie

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Just how big is this plane? Am thinking we could negotiate a one way transatlantic flight price for 2010!!

Jodie

Sorry, I should have said from the plane I was on rather than 'my plane' I travelled to Majorca in May 07, and the day the Magic arrived in Barcelona, which is one of the nearest islands about 60 mins by ferry. I clearly saw the Magic in port

We took a Med 11 night cruise at the end of July.

 

[pillow]

Sorry, I should have said from the plane I was on rather than 'my plane'

Bummer! Unfortunately, I have no friends with planes, so that option is out!

J

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Bummer! Unfortunately, I have no friends with planes, so that option is out!

J

Yes they are quite high maintenance, so personally worth using your cash on a Disney vacation rather than a plane.

Do try our carriers British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, they are very good, nice seat selection good service, and reasonable prices, we have seen in the UK, a lot of the cheaper airlines go bust.

 

[pillow]

Yes they are quite high maintenance, so personally worth using your cash on a Disney vacation rather than a plane.

Do try our carriers British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, they are very good, nice seat selection good service, and reasonable prices, we have seen in the UK, a lot of the cheaper airlines go bust.

Yes, I've heard very good things about Virgin Atlantic. I think I would prefer a one way over + the WB TA. In that case, I've found a carrier - Aer Lingus - who offers a decent one way fare - better than any other carrier out there. Although I'm getting ahead of myself here. It will primarily depend on the cruise pricing, but I'm encouraged by finding the relatively cheap one way fare.

On another note, what is there to see and do in Southampton? I was thinking that we would fly over and spend a few days in London and then drive up to the Cotswolds for a few days before making our way to Southampton. Should we allow for some time in Southampton? Also, how many days should we allot for the Cotswolds? We're not really drive by and look people and aren't really into tours. We would like to take our time - maybe hike a little on the Cotswold way (but not too much cause we'd have the kidswith us). What do you think?

Jodie

P.S. Of couse, this is all contingent on us NOT crashing our rental car due to driving on the opposite side of the road.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Yes, I've heard very good things about Virgin Atlantic. I think I would prefer a one way over + the WB TA. In that case, I've found a carrier - Aer Lingus - who offers a decent one way fare - better than any other carrier out there. Although I'm getting ahead of myself here. It will primarily depend on the cruise pricing, but I'm encouraged by finding the relatively cheap one way fare.

On another note, what is there to see and do in Southampton? I was thinking that we would fly over and spend a few days in London and then drive up to the Cotswolds for a few days before making our way to Southampton. Should we allow for some time in Southampton? Also, how many days should we allot for the Cotswolds? We're not really drive by and look people and aren't really into tours. We would like to take our time - maybe hike a little on the Cotswold way (but not too much cause we'd have the kidswith us). What do you think?

Jodie

P.S. Of course, this is all contingent on us NOT crashing our rental car due to driving on the opposite side of the road.

Aer Lingus has a good reputation, isn't it via Dublin though?
Virgin Atlantic is the carrier I use the most and has a second to none on board service. They go into either Heathrow or Gatwick.

Of course on any trip visit London, there is so much to do there, so much history, museums, a lot free now, the London eye, all the historic buildings, Buckingham house, Westminster, Tower of London etc, and our theater.

The Olympic village will be worth a visit in 2010 and taking shape for the 2012 games, I counted about 20 high rise cranes on that site on Thursday, and they now have a lot of stuff going up.

Cotswolds, a great choice, I cannot say how long, it depends on what you like some People have two week holidays there, I would say at least 2 days, as long as it isn't raining! Try to add in Oxford while you are there. But do not drive there!!!!!

Southampton, well its a city, and a major cruise port, the best things are actually outside it, the New Forest, and also the Isle of White,are my favorites and if you like walking both of those you will enjoy.

Anyone form Southampton might flame me but, I wouldn't 'stay' there.

 

[NejTheLion]

I saw a You Tube video of the Magic arriving in Barcelona on 2007 with a fireworks show etc...

Does anyone if this was publicised in advance other than to those onboard. IF the Magic has Southampton as a home port for part of the summer I would LOVE to go and watch it arrive and see the fireworks if there are to be any. Just wondered if anyone knew whether locals \ tourists in Barcelona knew that the ship was arriving with a bang lol and whether there were people on the dock watching it arrive?

Mel
x

We were on the first Med Cruise, spending a few days in Barcelona prior, so we were there when the Magic arrived. We did hear about the fireworks in advance (but I can't remember how), but we already had dinner booked that evening, so weren't able to see it.

We might have been told at the hotel since it was one of the one's DCL was using for guests booking additional nights in Barcelona. And once it was known, I'm sure it was posted here. May have been posted by someone onboard the transatlantic.

If anything like that happens in 2010, you'll probably see it here first.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We were on the first Med Cruise, spending a few days in Barcelona prior, so we were there when the Magic arrived. We did hear about the fireworks in advance (but I can't remember how), but we already had dinner booked that evening, so weren't able to see it.

We might have been told at the hotel since it was one of the one's DCL was using for guests booking additional nights in Barcelona. And once it was known, I'm sure it was posted here. May have been posted by someone onboard the transatlantic.

If anything like that happens in 2010, you'll probably see it here first.

Thats nice it makes sence that at Disney allocated hotels they would know as they had CM's on site.

 

[pillow]

Cotswolds, a great choice, I cannot say how long, it depends on what you like some People have two week holidays there, I would say at least 2 days, as long as it isn't raining! Try to add in Oxford while you are there. But do not drive there!!!!!

Do not drive to the Cotswolds? or do not drive to Oxford? Why?

J

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Do not drive to the Cotswolds? or do not drive to Oxford? Why?

J

Costswolds is fine to drive and very nice, just do not drive in Oxford, it has a very confusing one way system and lots of bus only roads, and even SatNav, tells you th wrong way. Oxford is a place for public transport.

 

[taysmom]

I can't wait for the date. I am very curious how what they are going to do with the extra time. It's such a dilemma to decide which cruise to do. The saving the airfare with only one way is definately a big bonus. I have the miles on Virgin so it's all good. BUT I couldn't take my daughter on the repo since she'll be in 6th and have finals at that time. That in itself is enticing! At the same time, I am thinking that a baltic cruise would be amazing if the price is right. I would definately book the first one as they tend to not sell out and keep the first tier. Our med cruise left on 6/16 and it was not full at all. Which was really nice. It had a small amount of kids too which was great. No big problems on the ship or in the clubs. Oh decisions decision....have I said yet that I can't wait for october!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I can't wait for the date. I am very curious how what they are going to do with the extra time. It's such a dilemma to decide which cruise to do. The saving the airfare with only one way is definitely a big bonus. I have the miles on Virgin so it's all good. BUT I couldn't take my daughter on the repo since she'll be in 6th and have finals at that time. That in itself is enticing! At the same time, I am thinking that a Baltic cruise would be amazing if the price is right. I would definitely book the first one as they tend to not sell out and keep the first tier. Our med cruise left on 6/16 and it was not full at all. Which was really nice. It had a small amount of kids too which was great. No big problems on the ship or in the clubs. Oh decisions decision....have I said yet that I can't wait for October!

I agree and for once I do not know the answer to this myself, I feel DCL is a creature of habit, and all of there REPOS have left second week of May and returned mid August to get back for September. That leaves gaps. As the Baltic appears to be shorter.

Presuming the Port website was up to date and had the full information.

I have known its the Baltic since April and posted so, one or two Dissers flamed me, saying I was incorrect, saying it was speculation, but after that in July more information came out from other sources confirming the Baltic as the main event, and then the port schedule was found a week or so back.

I herd that there would or might be a series of one way cruises, others have reported and posted this as well, I do not know the detail on that, but it would make sense.

To make money on this venture you would stick around Europe for longer, as the Repos do not make as much money.

Virgin are good but book well in advance as they book up quickly and one of their UK rivals went out of business on Friday, leaving them the main carrier to WDW now from the UK. Currently they are bringing back the stranded passengers of a failed tour operator.

 

[xangav]

Do you think it's possible that the gap actually means that the repos are pushed forward to allow more people to book? Because so many people want to go but can't take their kids out.
We took my son and DD out for the Panama Canal Repo in 2005 when he was in 7th grade and it was fine except he felt he didn't have time to study for an upcoming math test and did poorly when he returned. Needless to say that was the last time we took him out. However, my DD will be the same age for 2010 and I have no qualms about taking her out; I just don't know if the school will go for it this time.
So if they pushed the repos out a little it would be perfect as they don't do much in school after the state testing is done!