I'm finally home from our cruise, and I just had to update this thread with my opinion on the entire "incident" aboard the 3/1 Magic. I am the OP of this thread and originally posted it as it was happening - before the fallout afterwards.
My entire family and I were extremely disappointed that we didn't make it to CC, especially since this was the second time in a row we missed it. We were so close, and aside from the winds the weather was beautiful - but the ship just wasn't going to make it in. BTW, we were on the most AFT part of the ship on deck 7 (the "secret" verandah) and we never got so close that you could yell to anyone on the island. I videotaped all four attempts, and though we were really close and you could see people, we were still a distance from the island. After the fourth and last attempt, I sat down on a lounge chair and had a good cry. Then I went down to my room and cried some more. Then I went to the mixology class, had a couple of Bahama Mama's and decided to make the best of the last night on the ship. It sucked, but what'ya do?
We went back to our cabin, and my DD12 and her friend along with my in-laws came running into the room. They went on to explain how there was a crowd of angry people, and yelling and screaming at the captain, accusing him of being incompetent, this that and the other. Apparently there were three women in particular that were trying to get everyone riled up, taking a list of names for the lawsuit they were going to file. Literally - an angry mob at guest services, red-faced screaming at the captain and any other officer that happened to be standing around. There was nothing the captain could say, because no matter what he said the crowd just hurled more insults at him. The "rumors" were flying all over the ship that it was because of mechanical failure, because the captain got into port too late, the list went on. It really upset my girls, so we went up to check things out.
Sure enough, angry people everywhere, cussing, hurling insults and demanding refunds because their children were devastated and their entire vacation was ruined because we couldn't dock at CC. People were standing around taking video and pictures of these crazy people. It was insane. The officers gathered together and were situated near guest services - who were doing their best considering the type of disgusting behavior they had to deal with - and passed out forms for people to fill out. They told people that a customer service rep would call them shortly and you can state your case and inquire about compensation. Of course, the rumor that immediately flew around was that you had to go to guest services and fill out a form and you would be refunded money from your cruise. People that I met earlier on the ship, that seemed perfectly happy and thrilled with their cruise just a day or two before, were up there filling them out.
My dd and her friend were surprised and disgusted by how all these grown people were acting. They felt bad for the captain, and in the midst of all this, on their own (and before I was there to witness anything), they went up to guest services, asked for a paper and a pen. While everyone was carrying on, they sat there and wrote a short note to the captain that said they were bummed they missed CC, but they appreciated him trying and that they were sorry he was getting a hard time. They personally went up to the captain and handed him the letter, along with a quick hug before sprinting off.
I have to say, I was appalled and disgusted with how so many adults reacted to the situation. Whether or not it was mechanical problems, strong currents, or a combination of both, we all had a right to be disappointed, but there was absolutely no justification for screaming, cursing, threatening and causing a scene like these people did. They did this in front of children, and other families trying to make the best of a bad situation. If anyone that was involved in reading this, it was YOU and YOUR immature behavior, your whining and carrying on about it all through the rest of the day that put the biggest damper on our day. Seriously, people were still going on and on about it - in the elevators, in the movie theater, by the pool, in the hallways. I got so sick of hearing people talk about suing, and how Disney is a fraud, and how they spent $$$$ JUST to see CC, and how they were ripped off. Get a grip people.
I also disagree with the reports of Captain Tom being rude and condescending - I didn't get that at all during any of his public announcements. During his last announcement (right before the fourth and last attempt) he said that the weather and current situation had not changed since the previous attempt an hour earlier, but he was going to give it another try. How is that "for show"? And maybe he wasn't super polite with the mob at guest services, but if you were getting screamed at, cussed at and insulted left and right, you would probably lose your tact and composure too. At least he attempted the dock four times over several hours - he could have just said screw it and sailed away after the first couple of attempts.
After this incident, the negativity on the ship just got worse. People who were singing Disney's praises earlier were now bitter and angry. Crew members brought out some popsicles for the kids, but ran out. One mother got all upset and loudly went on and on that her kid didn't get one, which led to more public griping about Disney's incompetence. It seriously got ridiculous. Instead of these angry parents teaching their kids about keeping it together when things don't always go our way, they had to go and act rude and obnoxious, sucking whatever fun other guests were trying to make of the day. In reality, I saw way more angry parents then upset kids - they were having a ball in the lab. And if your kids are "utterly devastated" (as one angry person on the ship put it), then you should really act like an adult and have a good talk with your kids about making lemon aid out of lemons.
Now with that said, do I think
DCL is completely without fault - I can't say for sure. I'm not sure how much to believe with the rumors about engines being out, because you got a different story from 10 different people. However, you can't enjoy 6 days of a 7 day cruise, and then expect a refund when you can't dock at a port. Anyone who was up on deck could see how strong the crosswinds were, and how strong the current was paralleling the island. If the captain had got us in there but hit the rocks, damaging the ship and injuring people, you would have a heck of a bigger situation to deal with. Also, this being my fourth cruise with Disney, I didn't notice any unusual ship rocking/movement in the moderate level seas. In fact the rocking was way worse during our third cruise. I'm not saying that people weren't sick, but I didn't notice excessive movement at all.
I'm not sure what Disney should have done in regards to a broken engine. I suppose the could have cancelled the entire cruise, ruining an entire vacation for hundreds of people. Put it out of commission until it's fixed, canceling and delaying cruises for thousands more people, or just letting everyone off on St. Maarten and saying sorry, we'll give you some money back but since we can't make CC, your vacation is over. I don't think there are any easy solutions, and I think the crew handled the situation the best the could, given the circumstances. As for my family, we got a $200 OBC since we had two cabins. I told each of the kids they had $50 to spend in the store, and before I could finish the sentence they were gone. They came back a half hour later with their goodies and happy as clams!
I agree, I feel blessed 
that my DW and I are able to share in a Disney magical cruise. We have been planning and working out all the details from November 06, which in itself has been fun and exciting. Most every that we are looking forward to is on the ship. 
we are OK with it. We'll take it all as it comes. 
(Not that's any to fast).
Well, short of not being able to go, that is. 
