9/9 Cancel Penalties - NOT HAPPY

[inkkognito]

Just got off the phone with DCL...9/9 sailers are NOT being allowed to cancel without penalty. I was told on the phone that "A port change and slight itinerary change are not enough to warrant that." Sorry, but having to drive 210 miles to a new port should be enough on its own (I don't mind missing CC so much because we have been there so many times, but I can see where that would be important to other people too). We won't get to the port until hours later than normal, which cuts into my vacation time. I don't see that as getting what I paid for when I booked the cruise. I understand that weather problems are uncontrollable, but I do think that cancellation should be an option. We are travelling with friends and are still up in the air about what we wanted to do (one friend has severe arthritis, and the long drive will be very hard on her...she lives in FL so Port Canaveral is much closer).
Barb

 

[rjones69]

I feel your pain. I too am concerned regarding a possible port change with my cruise next week. I am driving from N.C. and the thought of driving farther south to another port is not appealing at all for a 3 night cruise that may not even go to Castaway Cay. Even if they offer the transportation, via bus, from PC to the other port that still is a long way.

 

[Grumbo]

Is DCL going to drive/transfer you from Port Canaveral down there as a part of your cruise price?
Who pays for this extra transfer?
I never take their transfers and rent a car but if you take a limo or a rental it is going to add alot of money onto the price not to mention time.

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[inkkognito]

"May not" is "definitely not" from what they told me. I am totally shocked that they would take this stance, especially with someone who is a good customer (my friends are repeaters too, although not nearly the obsessive number of times they have sailed). Really, though, that shouldn't have anything to do with it because no matter how many times you have (or have not) sailed, that port change is a major inconvenience. Cancellation should be an option.
Barb

 

[mrsltg]

Geez Barb, if you're upset that is a definite barometer of what is going on right now!

Let us know how you make out. I am looking forward to reading this trip report!!!

Erin

 

[inkkognito]

Grumbo, just saw your post after I responded:
They are "strongly encouraging" you to take their transportation from WDW or Port Canaveral. I already have a rental car and we were all planning to drive together. People with towncars will probably have to pay to get to Port Canaveral to be bussed unless they can get the towncar to take them to WDW to pick up the busses (that is what DCL STRONGLY urged us to do...they said to leave the rental car at one of the hotels).
Barb

 

[WDWLVR]

Isn't the plan to leave out of Ft. Lauderdale but return to Port Canaveral? That might be why they are encouraging people to take the shuttles from the port.

Hope that everything works out for you and your friends.

 

[Buddy Bear]

Hey Barb:

I have to agree with you. At the very least I would expect DCL to get me to Ft. Lauderdale at no additional cost to my family. The extra time to get Ft. Lauderdale is hassle enough.

Oh well, doing something long enough and there is bound to be a few bumps in the road. I have only been on the cruise 3 times and all have been wonderful. I guess if I had been on as many cruises as you some would be better than others.

Good luck,

Jeff

 

[Grumbo]

I guess Fort Lauderdale isn't as bad as what RCCL is doing.
Their Port Canaveral Ships are going to Miami!!! Almost an extra hour of driving.
Guess they're all scrambling.

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[talicskai]

I have disagree with all of you

DCL has no obligation whatsoever to allow you to cancel due to an ACT OF GOD. This is a situation completely out of their control and they are losing MILLIONS of dollars. You have been given free transportation to the new port of departure and that is all they should be offering. You chose to travel during hurricane season to receive lower rates and this is unfortunately one of the risks associated with this time of year.

I do wish you a wonderful holiday and pray that Ivan goes away for all parties concerned. I really wish none of this had happened and my beloved CC was never in the path of the hurricane.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by inkkognito
People with towncars will probably have to pay to get to Port Canaveral to be bussed unless they can get the towncar to take them to WDW to pick up the busses (that is what DCL STRONGLY urged us to do...they said to leave the rental car at one of the hotels).
Barb

According to the news at http://www.disneycruise.com/

<blockquote>Complimentary transfers to Port Everglades will be provided from:
-- The Orlando International Airport
-- The WDW Resort
-- Port Canaveral
-- The Ft. Lauderdale International Airport
-- The Miami International Airport</blockquote>

Why would anyone have to pay a towncar service to go from MCO to Port Canaveral or WDW, when DCL is providing complimentary transfers to Port Everglades directly from MCO?

I know it would be more convenient to sail from Port Canaveral, but that's not an option due to circumstances beyond DCL's control. A complimentary transfer on a comfortable motor coach doesn't seem that bad, even if it will take over 3 hours.

Or is the information at http://www.disneycruise.com/ inaccurate?

 

[ivanova]

Okay, I've only been on one DCL cruise so far, so I don't have the cruise docs committed to memory and of course have no clue where the cruise docs from last year ended up.

But anway, in the cruise docs doesn't it say that DCL reserves the right to change itineraries (especially due to weather) without advance notice, and without any kind of compensation whatsoever to guests??????

Just wonderin'....

 

[gshoemate]

I understand this is an act of God, I went through both hurricanes and know up front the damage it can do. However, I did not receive a call from DCL to let me know the port changed, I read it on the DIS first and then on the DCL website. I am upset at the fact that no one from DCL can answer my questions. It is great that they are offering free transfer to the new port. But I did not expect to spend 3-4 hours on a bus. My plan was to get to the port when it opened, be one of the first people on the boat and enjoy the first day that I paid for. Now, with the bus leaving the port at 1:00, we will not get to Port Everglades until 5:00 or so, still have to check in, wait for our luggage to be delivered to our rooms and with those calculations, all the timing will be off for that first day. How can someone make their first dinner seating when they may not be on the boat yet.

Again, I understand this is not DCL's fault and I don't expect them to give me anything for free but they could of made it easier. They could have buses leaving at differant times so we could have more control over when we get there. Can you imagine all of the buses getting there at the same time and having everyone check in together. The boat won't leave until midnight.

O.K., vent over. Flame jacket is on so flame away

 

[ppiew]

Hey, look upon it as a 'new adventure!' DCL bus with video, etc. after many cruises and using limos, cars, etc. I would think this would be a GREAT new opportunity - even if you have done it before - plus if there are further screwups, at least the DCL bus will get you to the right port!!!!! Sometimes the 'unadvertised' changes provide the most fun of all! Have a great time!!

 

[cjsmith]

Hey Barb, can I have your cabin?!!! I would give anything to get on the ship this weekend and get away from here. I live close to the port and can pack very quickly!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mmouse37]

gshoemate.....

A suggestion....could you possibly drive yourself to Port Everglades....since you already live in Florida? If I wanted to make sure I was one of the first to be onboard I would drive myself......yes, it will still be a long drive but if being one of the first onboard to experience a full day is that important to you...then drive...that way you would be in control over what time you got there. Yes, there will probably be an additional cost to park there but I see no other way to get to the port earlier.

I feel it is DCL's responsbility to get people to the port.......what time they get to the port is another matter and I don't think DCL can control as easily. No matter what DCL does it will never completely satisfy everyone....

This is the same on a normal cruise.... when people take DCL transers from WDW.....they are going to get to the ship later than the people from MCO...if they want to get there earlier then they would have to rent a car or take a towncar service.

It is also the same as when you book DCL air...you are never guaranteed that it will be a direct flight or that you will get to the ship early in the day.....their responsibility is to get you to the ship....if they cannot that day due to a late flight, then they will fly you to the next port. If you want to get to the ship early then you book your own air arrangement....at the risk of missing the ship if your flight is delayed....

DCL cannot meet everyone's desires.....it is just a logistical nightmare.

Truly hopes it works out for you and once onboard you have a great cruise.

MJ

 

[pearlieq]

I would be pretty miffed if I were you as well. On a 3 day cruise, you're losing half a day by having to transfer to another port. And skipping CC does not seem to me to be a "minor intinerary change". I would say your cruise has significantly decreased in value, and I think DCL is being slightly opportunistic by forcing you to sail on a cruise that is less than what your paid for. They should be offering you the option to cancel!

 

[inkkognito]

I don't mind itnerary changes because I know the risks of sailing during hurricane season. The way I see it, making me sail out of a port over 200 miles away does not fall into that category because it cuts a substantial chunk out of my trip. I am always at the port early to board the ship early and enjoy the hours before the drill relaxing...it's one of the best parts of the trip. If I take the Disney transportation, I will arrive much later. To me, that is different than missing a port. It is also adding difficulty to people who might have problems driving the further distance (i.e. my friend with arthritis). We are going to grin and bear it, but I really do think cancellation should be an option when they move the embarkation point more than an hour away, like an airline moving your flight time. Once I'm on the ship, I don't care what the itinerary is, as long as I'm there!
Barb

 

[Kalypso]

I rescheduled the 9/9 cruise yesterday with no penalties but I think it was because my DBF's mother was admitted to the hospital yesterday and was in very very bad shape so there was just no way we could sail....the CM I talked to booked us on the 9/30 Wonder - we aren't in as nice a room, but she was very helpful. I'm sorry -- I really do agree with Barb on this one - I think an entire change of itinerary means you should be able to reschedule with no penalties -- unless you're trying to book at a more expensive time. They were going to charge us $400 to rebook for the first week of December, for example because the rate I booked ours at wasn't available at that time.

 

[talicskai]

You may have an out if your friend with arthritis has cancellation insurance and you can get a doctor's note to state that the extra distance to travel would be detrimental to her health. Also if you have insurance you could cancel because she is your traveling companion. Otherwise have a great mystery cruise ~ wherever you may go!.