7/18/2010 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo!! Part 5

[AL'N'STEVE]

Tell your kids to post on this thread now!!!!!!

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34142373#post34142373

 

[bellelinus]

I'm sure Julie will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there was over a hundred cabins on that cruise taking part!!! I was hoping if we did it this time we would be looking at no more than 30 cabins.

Over 130, to be precise I really don't think we would have more than 20, maybe 30, on this one . . . we had a terrific thread for our Med cruise in 2007 and still only about 20 FE participants. Count me in, Celestine, I will definitely do the FE on this one . . . thanks for organizing it!

 

[bellelinus]

I do agree from what I have seen I would mark the DREAM.

• Restaurants 9/10
• Bars 8/10
• Pools 4/10
• Slide 10/10
• Rooms 3/10
• Kids facilities 8/10
• Entertainment venues 8/10.

Now I know they wanted to be seen as different from other cruiselines, the restaurants show how they 'can' do it, but they should have taken on more of the other cruiseline features, wave pool, mini golf, rock climbing, outside theater, Now may have missed it on information overload, but overall disappointed.

The rooms do not have anything new bar luggage space under the bed (wow), and the inside rooms having a outside view TV. I think for families 4/5 the upgraded family options are good, you can see their focus market here, and for families with very young kids its very good, but.....

I really do not have an inkling of interest in it, missed opportunity. IMHO.

I'm probably more positive overall than you are regarding the Dream, but I really don't like short cruises, so unless some fabulous opportunity comes along (unlikely - I think the prices and demand will be high the first year) I won't be going on the Dream . . .

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I'm probably more positive overall than you are regarding the Dream, but I really don't like short cruises, so unless some fabulous opportunity comes along (unlikely - I think the prices and demand will be high the first year) I won't be going on the Dream . . .

DCL will start very high on price, then they can reduce if people do not book, if they start low, they have lost income.

Some good new things on the Dream impressed with the new restaurants, but otherwise nothing to tempt me, now if my kids were 5 again maybe.

 

[jilljill]

You mean Cat 4 cabins & I would not count on them lowering the prices!

Unfortunately that does not help those of us with more than 5, it seems that they did not increase the number of Suites!

They really missed the boat on not having more suites, especially ones that hold more than 5 people. I guess they think that adding the 4/5 concierge family connecting cabins will make up for that it definately won't due to the cost involved. Why would a family of 6 need 2 cabins that can hold 10 people? If they wanted to add more options for smaller/larger families they should have put in more suites that hold from 2-7 people.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

They really missed the boat on not having more suites, especially ones that hold more than 5 people. I guess they think that adding the 4/5 concierge family connecting cabins will make up for that it definitely won't due to the cost involved. Why would a family of 6 need 2 cabins that can hold 10 people? If they wanted to add more options for smaller/larger families they should have put in more suites that hold from 2-7 people.

I fully agree, but ''maybe' an explanation is the DREAM is tailored to Bahama 3/4/5 night cruises, and Fantasy longer cruises. Basically on short cruises suites do not sell very well, inside rooms sell the best hence more upgrades, on cruises 7 days and longer, and special cruises suites and outside verandah rooms sell quicker and better than inside rooms, IE like our cruise, the upper deck rooms sold very quickly.

However to 'counter' my own argument, its short sighted, as the two ships are only tied to PC for three years each, Panama will widen, and they can move them then, so limiting Suites isn't logical when the ship life is circa 30 years.

 

[jilljill]

I fully agree, but ''maybe' an explanation is the DREAM is tailored to Bahama 3/4/5 night cruises, and Fantasy longer cruises. Basically on short cruises suites do not sell very well, inside rooms sell the best hence more upgrades, on cruises 7 days and longer, and special cruises suites and outside verandah rooms sell quicker and better than inside rooms, IE like our cruise, the upper deck rooms sold very quickly.

However to 'counter' my own argument, its short sighted, as the two ships are only tied to PC for three years each, Panama will widen, and they can move them then, so limiting Suites isn't logical when the ship life is circa 30 years.

Too funny that you countered your own arguement.
They should have been definately looking at the long run and listened to guests saying they wanted cabins that hold more than 5 people.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Too funny that you countered your own argument.
They should have been definitely looking at the long run and listened to guests saying they wanted cabins that hold more than 5 people.

You know me I try to be non bias and see both sides to everything, the suits issue both you and Robert are on the money, it doesnt look right, I am trying to make a rational reasoned argument why DCL did it, and I can only come up with that.

History shows Magic started 3/4, Wonder takes over and goes to 7 nights, Now Magic is Europe bound each year (summers), Wonder is west coast each year, Dream and Fantasy have Bahamas and Caribbean, Do they tailor the ships? its short term if they do, as at some point they will move them around.

 

[RJAYL]

You know me I try to be non bias and see both sides to everything, the suits issue both you and Robert are on the money, it doesnt look right, I am trying to make a rational reasoned argument why DCL did it, and I can only come up with that.

History shows Magic started 3/4, Wonder takes over and goes to 7 nights, Now Magic is Europe bound each year (summers), Wonder is west coast each year, Dream and Fantasy have Bahamas and Caribbean, Do they tailor the ships? its short term if they do, as at some point they will move them around.

It is easy to figure! Look at the ship, Balcony's everywhere & they bring the most money! There are alot fewer porthole rooms, they switched lower pricing to inside staterooms with electronic porthole (which they have alot more of due to the increase in the ships beam (width for all you land lubbers!) therefore more balcony's = more income! There are probabley alot more connecting balconies 2 of these connecting balconies will be more expensive than 1, 2 bedroom suite! Ipso facto why make it easier for larger families or parties!

This is why I have begun cruising other lines & most times I end up booking 3 staterooms! It is way cheaper than DCL & essentially I get more space for the family! Yes I miss my living room & dining room but I will adjust.

Now having said that I will try one of the new ships once they have a longer itinerary that fits my families schedule & is somwhat (For DCL)reasonably priced, but I will wait for availability & in the mean time try other cruise lines & vacation opertunities!

 

[RJAYL]

Oh By the By my TA was at the announcement in NY & talked to the hire ups about Castaway Club not being weighted fairly for suite & longer lentgh of cruise particiapants! They agreed & suggested that she have me write a letter (Which i have already done & sent ages ago)!

DCL sent me the canned response to which I replied again & never heard another thing!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

It is easy to figure! Look at the ship, Balcony's everywhere & they bring the most money! There are alot fewer porthole rooms, they switched lower pricing to inside staterooms with electronic porthole (which they have alot more of due to the increase in the ships beam (width for all you land lubbers!) therefore more balcony's = more income! There are probably alot more connecting balconies 2 of these connecting balconies will be more expensive than 1, 2 bedroom suite! Ipso facto why make it easier for larger families or parties!

This is why I have begun cruising other lines & most times I end up booking 3 staterooms! It is way cheaper than DCL & essentially I get more space for the family! Yes I miss my living room & dining room but I will adjust.

Now having said that I will try one of the new ships once they have a longer itinerary that fits my families schedule & is somewhat (For DCL)reasonably priced, but I will wait for availability & in the mean time try other cruise lines & vacation opportunities!

I do agree money lies at the bottom of this, as you post, the Dream was put on 3/4 night trips as its money, and the cash cow of DCL, two lots of cruisers a week, and switching the state room options is also a factor.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Oh By the By my TA was at the announcement in NY & talked to the hire ups about Castaway Club not being weighted fairly for suite & longer length of cruise participants! They agreed & suggested that she have me write a letter (Which i have already done & sent ages ago)!

DCL sent me the canned response to which I replied again & never heard another thing!

I did the same and most likely had the same response, but it did generate another FAQ on their website.

 

[RJAYL]

I did the same and most likely had the same response, but it did generate another FAQ on their website.

I am looking forward to trying NCL's Epic in April of 2011 3 staterooms, A penthouse Villa with a connecting Balcony & an inside across the way for my then 18 & soon to be 16 year old to share for 9K! It sounds like a deal on a ship that will not even be a year old!

I also will sail on either the Oasis & Allure when price & timing seems right. They are trying to gouge at present for the novalty factor though prices are starting to moderate already!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I am looking forward to trying NCL's Epic in April of 2011 3 staterooms, A penthouse Villa with a connecting Balcony & an inside across the way for my then 18 & soon to be 16 year old to share for 9K! It sounds like a deal on a ship that will not even be a year old!

I also will sail on either the Oasis & Allure when price & timing seems right. They are trying to gouge at present for the novelty factor though prices are starting to moderate already!

Ohhhhhhhhh, you make me so so jealous, so nice, and a great alternative to DCL.

Saw the Oasis go out of Miami, must say on the outside looks like a container ship, but the inside looked great, why cant DCL have a Merry go round in it? Or Cinderellas carousel, or a Dumbo ride?

 

[RJAYL]

Ohhhhhhhhh, you make me so so jealous, so nice, and a great alternative to DCL.

Saw the Oasis go out of Miami, must say on the outside looks like a container ship, but the inside looked great, why cant DCL have a Merry go round in it? Or Cinderellas carousel, or a Dumbo ride?

Here is a link you may not have seen it is for the Dream (but for TA's)
http://www.disneytravelagents.com/disneydream/minisite/

Sadly when they are describing staterooms it looks like even the Suites will now only accomadate 5 as well!

 

[MrsG]

Celestine,

We will be participating in the fish extender so count us in. Thanks for coordinating this.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Here is a link you may not have seen it is for the Dream (but for TA's)
http://www.disneytravelagents.com/disneydream/minisite/

Sadly when they are describing staterooms it looks like even the Suites will now only accomadate 5 as well!

Very interesting link thank you.

 

[RJAYL]

Very interesting link thank you.

Sadly according to this link I am correct the Roy & Walt will only accomadate 5 on the new ships & they face forward not good for using the veranda when in motion.

Also no more Bath Tubs in Cat 4's & though I have not checked I would then guess No more tubs in any of the regular staterooms!

http://email.mydisneyparks.com/h/disney/dream/dclvideo.html

 

[RJAYL]

Check out this compare section link

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/staterooms/compare/

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Sadly according to this link I am correct the Roy & Walt will only accommodate 5 on the new ships & they face forward not good for using the veranda when in motion.

Also no more Bath Tubs in Cat 4's & though I have not checked I would then guess No more tubs in any of the regular staterooms!

http://email.mydisneyparks.com/h/disney/dream/dclvideo.html

Yes, I do not know if I would like that, it would be great for crossing Panama at slow speed, to have the forward facing verandah, but on any day other than mildly windy or calm it might not be nice, and could render it unusable, another one of those ideas that look good on paper.

Saw that on bath tubs, actually been spending a little time tonight looking at all the rooms to update myself on the options. The deluxe oceanview staterooms or old 4's look and feel smaller, apart from the very very important extra luggage space under the bed, which is really a reason to book a cruise all by itself.

Must say the only time I used the tub rather than a shower on any cruise was the last one with the whirlpool bath in the Cat 3, the tubs are too small to use.