Back onboard the Dream today

[MenashaCorp]

I TRULY hope you guys have a good time.

That being said, it saddens me that the commercial side of Disney has reared its ugly head. We paid to be on the Maiden Voyage of the Dream.

From Webster:
Definition of MAIDEN

3
: first, earliest <a ship's maiden voyage> <the maiden flight of a spacecraft>

The Maiden was marketed as a "special" cruise, was therefore nonrefundable.

Now we have learned that there have been MULTIPLE cruises prior the the "maiden." I have learned my lesson. I will NEVER AGAIN pay the premium pricing to be on a "maiden" voyage (read:Fantasy) because Disney can't pass the opportunity to grandstand and milk every dollar.

Had I known, I would never have spent the money.


Lesson learned.

Walt's frozen head is rolling over in its freezer...

 

[Mr. Plutes]

Two days on the Dream was torture - so I'm glad I'm getting to back on today for the 3 night Earmarked cruise (for travel agents), followed by 4 nights on the Inaugural!! Life is tough

I'll be updating the Dreams Unlimited facebook page from the ship throughout the week for anyone who wants to follow along!

Pete

Kevin and I are heading out in a few minutes to go to the ship as well. We'll be joining Pete, Walter and several of our Dreams Unimited Travel Agents.

These short cruises are torture - can't wait to get on for a 'real' vacation.

After seeing the bars and spaces on this new ship PCC 3.0 is going to be a blast!!!

You're lucky you're from New Jersey or i wouldn't put up with all this boasting

 

[mainegal]

I am not familiar with the cruise industry.

It does make sense that the "shakedowns" happens before the special people are invited on board. Who are the "test" passengers and how do they get on board?

Do other ships have christenings with as much "show"?

 

[Justin Jett]

I TRULY hope you guys have a good time.

That being said, it saddens me that the commercial side of Disney has reared its ugly head. We paid to be on the Maiden Voyage of the Dream.

From Webster:
Definition of MAIDEN

3
: first, earliest <a ship's maiden voyage> <the maiden flight of a spacecraft>

The Maiden was marketed as a "special" cruise, was therefore nonrefundable.

Now we have learned that there have been MULTIPLE cruises prior the the "maiden." I have learned my lesson. I will NEVER AGAIN pay the premium pricing to be on a "maiden" voyage (read:Fantasy) because Disney can't pass the opportunity to grandstand and milk every dollar.

Had I known, I would never have spent the money.


Lesson learned.

Walt's frozen head is rolling over in its freezer...

This is a common practice for most cruise lines. It is not just a Disney thing.

 

[Justin Jett]

I am not familiar with the cruise industry.

It does make sense that the "shakedowns" happens before the special people are invited on board. Who are the "test" passengers and how do they get on board?

Do other ships have christenings with as much "show"?

Often times......employees of the cruise line are the test passengers.

The Christening of the Carnival Victory was not flashy at all. Speeches, break the bottle, board the boat, have a drink.

I was very impressed by Disney's show.

 

[Justin Jett]

You're lucky you're from New Jersey or i wouldn't put up with all this boasting

Pete is back on the boat, and Jimmy Leonard isn't.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I am not familiar with the cruise industry.

It does make sense that the "shakedowns" happens before the special people are invited on board. Who are the "test" passengers and how do they get on board?

Do other ships have christenings with as much "show"?

I can answer the first question, as I have friends that were invoved in the preparation and marketing of this ship and left Germany with it.

Like with rides and attractions at the parks, the Cast Members and their families were a BIG part of making that happen. They had a lot of chance to brush their skills up on the crossing (as well as do a lot of publicity and marketing material filming and photography - although a lot of that was done in Germany, also). Once the ship arrived, it took WDW Cast Member families on a special test voyage (had friends on that, as well).

You also have to remember the controversial point that they took many seasoned members from the Wonder to staff the Dream (before we sailed) to ease the transition and ensure "Good Show" for the Christening Cruise.

With that much preparation, I fully expected that they would be ready to "premiere" to the press and the Earmarked agents!

 

[starwood]

Are you guys planning on doing Remys? I'm interested to know if you think it's worth $75 per person. DH doesn't think so.

 

[Cherinva]

Are you guys planning on doing Remys? I'm interested to know if you think it's worth $75 per person. DH doesn't think so.

I'd like to know also...I didn't do Palo on the last cruise, but I would like to on the next one. $15.00 isn't a lot extra to pay, but $75.00 is....I'd like to know what "extra" you get for paying that much money.

 

[mommyceratops]

Have a wonderful time everyone!! Enjoy!!

 

[disneyholic family]

Kevin and I are heading out in a few minutes to go to the ship as well. We'll be joining Pete, Walter and several of our Dreams Unimited Travel Agents.

These short cruises are torture - can't wait to get on for a 'real' vacation.

After seeing the bars and spaces on this new ship PCC 3.0 is going to be a blast!!!

ok...so the green eyed monster has taken hold of me BIGTIME...

but i love you guys and hope you have a wonderful time!!! as i'm sure you will!!!!!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I'd like to know also...I didn't do Palo on the last cruise, but I would like to on the next one. $15.00 isn't a lot extra to pay, but $75.00 is....I'd like to know what "extra" you get for paying that much money.

Palo is an extra $15 a person, but Remy is $50 more, $75 extra a person? That's quite a difference.

 

[myweegirls]

Happy sails! We are living vicariously through your sailings until PCC 3.0...

XO
Liz

 

[MenashaCorp]

This is a common practice for most cruise lines. It is not just a Disney thing.

Noted.

Thanks, Skip

 

[Justin Jett]

Palo is an extra $15 a person, but Remy is $50 more, $75 extra a person? That's quite a difference.

In 2011, Palo was raised to $20 per person, but still very worth it.

 

[Justin Jett]

Noted.

Thanks, Skip

You're welcome.

I do agree with you about the maiden voyage thing though. I do not know why major lines have 3-4 "maiden voyages". After 8 years as a cruise agent, I just know that many lines do it that way.