9/9 Cancel Penalties - NOT HAPPY

[ppiew]

Invaderzim:
NO excuse from the Port Orleans people, I would refer to MGR. immediately!. Cruise is no excuse/reason/anything. Just plain bad service - Disney or anyone.
Like your balanced report - good things vs. screw ups. It acknowledges both, which is as it should be. You are to be commended for your even assessment vs. the 'what's in it for me' crowd.
Just think - the wonderful stories you will have for the future! I am jealous! We were on the March 2003 cruise that headed to Costa Maya/cancelled Grand Cayman/didn't know if it would get into Key West or not/ 30-40ft waves/everyone sick, etc. But you guys got us beat by a mile. Still, I would have loved to have been on the 10 day cruise! More to talk about.

You, Moran, Seaspray and a few others are definitely my idols!
I wonder how one could specify to vacation/cruise with such even tempered, positive people, instead of the loud "gimme gimme "group that always take center stage?

Luv Ya, Mean It (stole that one from Delswife)

 

[HookedonMagic]

Thanks, Barb! I really appreciate the information. I hope you have another WONDERFUL vacation. As always, I'll look forward to reading a great trip report.

 

[inkkognito]

Believe me, I don't expect Disney to reimburse me for any expenses! And missng Castaway Cay plays no role in this whole scenario. All I wanted was to be able to cancel without penalty...no reimbursement, just an option to cancel. I really DO consider embarkation day as part of my cruise experience. A three day is too short to begin with, and every hour is precious. I feel that I am paying to be on the ship, not sit on a bus. I am the first one to jump in and defend Disney when people make unrealistic demands, but I don't think cancellation is unrealistic. If I expected credits or discounts or something of that nature, I could agree that I was out of line. But airlines allow you to change or cancel your flight when the time change is beyond a certain window. I think traveling over 200 miles to get a cruise ship should fall into the same category. Maybe I'm just turning into a spoiled whiner from too many cruises
And don't get me wrong..I will be HAPPY to be on the ship, and I am always happy when cruising. I'm sure the annoyance will fade away, but I'm not looking forward to that drive tomorrow.
Barb

 

[over50visits]

Have a great trip! A Bahama Mama goes a long way to make things fun...how about a report on how the CMs are doing?

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by invaderzim
I don't know if this will help -- or just stir the pot more.....

Oh well, just another letter for the record.

Facts are facts and the bottom line is that Disney knowingly encouraged people to travel during unsafe, unstable conditions when a state of emergency was declared then proceeded to handle things in a prejudicial manner as your story furthers the facts.

Thank you for sharing that. I don't think anyone is dismissing or belittling the horrific situation that Florida residents were in - we just want all the facts presented. And although 3 extra days on the ship sound wonderful, they did, in fact, make many people have a very stressful vacation.

Thank you again for sharing!

Rae

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by over50visits
Folks, it was a hurricane! Things happen in life. I don't believe you should expect Disney to reimburse you for expenses due to this storm. Don't book in hurricane season if you aren't prepared to bear the problems caused by one and bring your expectations back to reality.

You are correct. It was a hurricane and things happen in life.

You are incorrect because we are asking only that we all be treated equally and insurnace covers a lot of the "extra expenses". We are speaking only about the treatment many were given prior to, during and post cruise.

You are incorrect when you state that we are expecting Disney to reimburse us for expenses and weren't prepared to bear the problems and bring our expectations back to reality. Those of us involved had more confusion and misinformation from Disney than you can imagine if you were not involved in these cruises.

Between Barb and I, we have logged over 50 cruises on both the Wonder and the Magic - I believe we have a great deal of experience in what we feel is Disney Quality. The way this was handled was not the standard of Disney Quality.

Rae

 

[inkkognito]

Just wanted to bid everyone bye-bye as we're heading out the door on our "hurricane cruise." I know that the world is going to look much better while soaking in a hot tub with a tropical drink in one hand and the ocean spread out in front of me.
Have a great weekend, everyone, and I'll share all the details when we return.
Barb

 

[talicskai]

Have a great time and here's hoping Ivan doesn't distrupt your cruise too!

 

[goingbacksoon]

Okay so I'll jump in for a second...

invaderzim - the reason they probably offered up a shipboard credit and a 25% off voucher to Wonder sailings is simple. They knew ahead of time before the Wonder left that it would be a substantially modified itinerary. They left 5 days after you, already knowing the forecast that Frances would strike the Bahamas and CC. You left on 28th, when Frances was definitely strong, but NO ONE knew where it would go. I don't think they would have offerred up an incentive for the possibility of a change. You probably broke even too, you got room and board for an extra 3 (4?) days that you didn't have to pay for, but you did pay for internet charges, phone charges, etc. Probably at around $125 pp/day for being on a cruise, in fact, you came out WAY ahead.

This is only monetarily though - no compensation helps with worrying and hassle.

As mentioned before, I would imagine with their own live radar aboard and GPS and modern navigation equipment, it would be safer on board than anywhere else. They can steer around inclement weather. Granted, the trip to Pt. Everglades might be trecherous, but they are giving you a "free lunch" to get there at their own expense, so no one has to brave the roads. The ship is leaving later to accomodate everyone, so I don't really see the problem except for personal preference. (Why not get to MCO early and take the bus from there? They will probably have an early bus, as it's a long drive). They usually do work with you on the preference thing, but extenuating circumstances prevent it this time.

At any rate, I hope everyone enjoys their cruise. After all, once you get there it won't make a difference right?

goingbacksoon

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by goingbacksoon
At any rate, I hope everyone enjoys their cruise. After all, once you get there it won't make a difference right?

goingbacksoon

True. But with Ivan, I am certain there will be cruisers worried about getting back.

Rae