Booked Cruise w/Incentive Voucher!

[auntsue]

I'm on hold with DCL right now, but Barbara who is excellent, was able to book my three night cruise for DH and myself for Feb. 2010. She's just trying to find out how to process the payment of $0. She said they had a workshop on Friday and we're told booking wouldn't start for a couple of weeks and when she came in this a.m. she found out it started today. When I called at 9:00 this morning, they were not able to book it, but I read here on the DIS that someone did book it already, so I called back.

I'm off the phone now. A few "issues," it's a guaranteed Category 9 stateroom, no choice of rooms. They are all on Deck 1 & 2. I did lots of research in prep for calling today and some of those rooms are VERY, VERY, NOISY, so I guess it's the luck of the draw. I am a very light sleeper so that does concern me. As she was going over the ressie, she gave me my confirmation # etc. and then said "late dining." I said, "No, I said early dining." She said the free promo automatically defaults to "late." Not great for us, but especially not great if you have kids. 8:15, by the time it's over, it will be 10:00 p.m.

I asked about booking the Romance at Sea Package. She said I could do it, then came back and said not yet because the cruise is for 2010. In my research someone said it was $200. Barbara said the 2009 price is $359. I wasn't ready for that. It does sound really nice, but that's pretty steep. I'll have to give that a lot of thought.

When I questioned her about the option to upgrade, she said it wasn't possible. I don't think I made it clear that I meant if you wanted to pay the difference, so I will have to watch the boards to see if anyone is able to do that by paying the difference. Also, I asked which night would be the Pirate themed night, in case we wanted to book Palo and not miss it. She said it really didn't matter because on the 3-night cruise it's only a Deck Party, no food.

All in all, kind of disappointing, but what did I expect for nothing. I'm just hoping my room is not one of the ones over the boiler room or under the nightclub. In all my research the positive reviews far outnumbered the negative ones so I'm hoping for the best. After all, it is Disney, which we love or we wouldn't have bought 102 BLT points, so I'm sure we'll enjoy it just as long as I get some sleep!

 

[CarolAnnC]

I am not sure, but I am thinking the people who "upgraded" were a family of 5 and wanted to sail with the 3 children. Not sure you can upgrade to another category on the incentive for any other reason.

When you board the ship you can head to where they have dining ressie set up (usually in the nightclub area of the ship, sometimes right in Palo) and try to request a change to main seating at that time.

We love late dining, but everyone is different. Are you in the Eastern time zone, if not it may not be as big a difference time wise. Good luck!

 

[Mr. Disney 652]

Some of the info has to be wrong. The guide told me specifically the same previously quoted upgrade prices and that the same ressie informatoin (ie: room location, dining) could be applied.

Let me know if they clear up those issues.

 

[drewmisha]

What were the upgrade prices they told you? For cat4 upgrade/person? For adding a 5th member? Was it for 7 day? Thanks.

Some of the info has to be wrong. The guide told me specifically the same previously quoted upgrade prices and that the same ressie informatoin (ie: room location, dining) could be applied.

Let me know if they clear up those issues.

 

[auntsue]

Mr. Disney did you book with the voucher and were you able to choose your cabin? I really have no problem with Category 9. I just cannot be in a room where there is noise all night. DH is not interested in paying for something that is supposed to be free, but I am worried about getting no sleep and then having to drive home for five hours (DH doesn't drive). I'm not looking for the best room on the ship, there were plenty of reviews where people loved their rooms on Deck 2 and said they were quiet, however, there were also plenty that did not love them because of noise levels. Also, it did seem that pretty much every cabin on Deck 1 had noise issues like "noise at 3:30 a.m.," "noise throughout the night," etc. If I could pick my cabin number in Category 9 or upgrade to Category 8, I sure would be able to rest a whole lot easier (no pun intended) and I'd be a lot less stressed than I am now.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I wonder why you can't pick a room #? You most certainly can request an upgrade, and they do happen alot (for free). I purposefully requested NOT to upgrade, because I get motion sickness and need to be mid-ship, also request deck 2. I have a mid-ship room picked on Cat 9. Put that request in at least if they won't let you pick a #. Mid ship is mostly under the dining areas, and is quiet at night and during the day.(So I read!) I think you will enjoy Cat. 9, very convenient to getting on and off the ship, close to the laundry area.

 

[auntsue]

So, BWV Dreamin, are you saying you booked the free cruise with a voucher and they let you pick a cabin #? Did you specifically say "no upgrade?" I did not request "midship on deck 2" which apparently I should have so I will definitely call back tomorrow to do that. I have no problem with Category 9 and a lot of the reviews were very favorable so that is great, but the ones about all the noise during the night really have me worried. I do see that Category 8 is only Forward, so I agree with you that I would rather be in the middle on Deck 2, but definitely not on Deck 1.

Thanks.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

So, BWV Dreamin, are you saying you booked the free cruise with a voucher and they let you pick a cabin #? Did you specifically say "no upgrade?" I did not request "midship on deck 2" which apparently I should have so I will definitely call back tomorrow to do that. I have no problem with Category 9 and a lot of the reviews were very favorable so that is great, but the ones about all the noise during the night really have me worried. I do see that Category 8 is only Forward, so I agree with you that I would rather be in the middle on Deck 2, but definitely not on Deck 1.

Thanks.

No, I booked my cruise on points (ok, I got the memo about using points for a cruise! ) No matter how you are taking the cruise, there is always a chance for an upgrade...especially when you don't have a room number assigned. Just tell them to put it in the comments anyway to want an upgrade, most of the times its last minute you find out. Definitely request a location, midship, deck 2, etc. They can put all that down in the comments, even though you won't see it on your confirmation letter. I did specifically say no upgrade (I was able to pick my cabin #), but if I didn't state that, I would have the same chance for an upgrade. Get on deck 2, Cat.9, hopefully mid-ship, you will have a blast!!!! So lucky you are going for free!

 

[ACDSNY]

When I called DCL about using the voucher for our Nov 15th cruise I was told I could upgrade the 4 night cruise for $100 per person (same price for adults/children) from Cat 9 to Cat 6. It's only a guarantee room no specific cabin and your automatically put into Late seating for dining.

DCL suggested that once I receive our voucher I should book our cabin using the voucher as a Cat 6 guarantee and then cancel my original reservation with our TA. CM told me DCL will make an attempt at getting us as close as possible to our group.

The rest of my group of 22 is in early dining so I get to hope DCL will move us (3) to the early seating to join them. DCL can't guarantee it, but they said they will try.

I've had 3 cabins booked since last March with 4 others cabins linked to my reservation so I'll need to move my DS & DDIL into our cabin as it was one of our connecting cabins with all the linked reservations.

The joys of a free cruise!

 

[drewmisha]

Were your original bookings all at cat6? Did they give you a reason why it is a guarantee room and why it is late seating for dining? It seems simple to convert your original rsvp to the free one and refund the deposit. I don't understand why they have to make a mountain out of a molehill. You are right this is a headache.

When I called DCL about using the voucher for our Nov 15th cruise I was told I could upgrade the 4 night cruise for $100 per person (same price for adults/children) from Cat 9 to Cat 6. It's only a guarantee room no specific cabin and your automatically put into Late seating for dining.

DCL suggested that once I receive our voucher I should book our cabin using the voucher as a Cat 6 guarantee and then cancel my original reservation with our TA. CM told me DCL will make an attempt at getting us as close as possible to our group.

The rest of my group of 22 is in early dining so I get to hope DCL will move us (3) to the early seating to join them. DCL can't guarantee it, but they said they will try.

I've had 3 cabins booked since last March with 4 others cabins linked to my reservation so I'll need to move my DS & DDIL into our cabin as it was one of our connecting cabins with all the linked reservations.

The joys of a free cruise!

 

[ACDSNY]

Were your original bookings all at cat6? Did they give you a reason why it is a guarantee room and why it is late seating for dining? It seems simple to convert your original rsvp to the free one and refund the deposit. I don't understand why they have to make a mountain out of a molehill. You are right this is a headache.

Yes the original bookings are all cat 6. CM told me the booking system does not let them enter a cabin number and defaults to late dining. When I voiced my concerns, the first CM I spoke to implied, what did I expect, it's a free cruise. I did get to speak with a Supervisor that's when we decided it would be better to move DS into our cabin to keep the connecting rooms. In actuality it will probably be DS in the guarantee cabin (unless we get some magical upgrade).

 

[drewmisha]

It's sounds a bit condescending when they implied "it's a free cruise, what ya expect?" I expect to treated like any other cruise patrons. I still don't understand why they won't allow cabin room selections and main dining. It seems like we're "filler" passengers. Wait until 30 day then assign the left over rooms to the incentive patrons. Doesn't sound right. Make me want to use developer points instead or cancel the contract altogether. Yes, it's free but you need us. End Rant.

Yes the original bookings are all cat 6. CM told me the booking system does not let them enter a cabin number and defaults to late dining. When I voiced my concerns, the first CM I spoke to implied, what did I expect, it's a free cruise. I did get to speak with a Supervisor that's when we decided it would be better to move DS into our cabin to keep the connecting rooms. In actuality it will probably be DS in the guarantee cabin (unless we get some magical upgrade).

 

[Twinsmomma]

Just curious...does Disney offer these incentives to those who purchase a resale?

 

[dclfun]

The voucher offer will only allow DCL to book a Cat 9 gty and second dining- per the DVC "free cruise" offer stipulations. Just an FYI for those who want midship in a Cat. 9- midship staterooms on deck 2 only accommodate a party of 3 or less- parties of 4 have to be forward or aft. From what I understand, there is always a possibility that someone could receive a comp upgrade and anyone can waitlist main dining. Congrats to those who got theirs booked! I thought about adding more points as I want to get to an even number for the eventuality that my points will be inherited and divided by my four kids, but alas now was not the time. I'd have loved to have been able to take advantage of this offer though!---Kathy

 

[auntsue]

Okay, I called yesterday at 4:45 and asked if I could pay to upgrade. It's $80 per person for the three night cruise to upgrade to category 7, again no choice of cabin and late dining. Though they are all aft, my major concern was noise, not motion, as I am not prone to motion sickness. If I could have chosen my cabin in Category 9, I would never have changed it.

I considered switching to developer points, but we really don't have the time to use them before October and it implies once you cancel the cruise, you get nothing. If not for the cruise incentive, we would have only purchased 68 points.

At DCL both girls I spoke to were very nice, but you do feel like you're being treated like a second class citizen with no choices given whatsoever. I don't think we should be treated differently than a paying customer. We've been on about 10 cruises, but never Disney. I always wanted to try it, but DH had no interest. so I'm hoping the cruise itself goes a lot better than the booking process because it really sounds great.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Okay, I called yesterday at 4:45 and asked if I could pay to upgrade. It's $80 per person for the three night cruise to upgrade to category 7, again no choice of cabin and late dining. Though they are all aft, my major concern was noise, not motion, as I am not prone to motion sickness. If I could have chosen my cabin in Category 9, I would never have changed it.

I considered switching to developer points, but we really don't have the time to use them before October and it implies once you cancel the cruise, you get nothing. If not for the cruise incentive, we would have only purchased 68 points.

At DCL both girls I spoke to were very nice, but you do feel like you're being treated like a second class citizen with no choices given whatsoever. I don't think we should be treated differently than a paying customer. We've been on about 10 cruises, but never Disney. I always wanted to try it, but DH had no interest. so I'm hoping the cruise itself goes a lot better than the booking process because it really sounds great.

Here is a wonderful trip report....http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1853401 Now put all of this behind you and get ready for a great cruise!!!

 

[ACDSNY]

It's sounds a bit condescending when they implied "it's a free cruise, what ya expect?" It seems like we're "filler" passengers. Wait until 30 day then assign the left over rooms to the incentive patrons.

You've hit the nail on the head! We're just filler passengers.

 

[drewmisha]

Oh, I am sorry, those seats right in the middle of the theater are for paying passengers... You'll have to sit in the back; we reserved that area just for dvc members.

Oh, I am sorry, you get late dining. The paying passengers get first choice.

Oh, I am sorry you showed up so early at the Port. You cannot board #2 because that is for the paying patrons. You'll have to wait until they've all boarded....

Oh, I am sorry you do not get daily room cleaning... This is just like the DVC resorts... You do it yourself.

I'm surprised they didn't stick us down in the crew quarters. Seriously.

You've hit the nail on the head! We're just filler passengers.

 

[Mr. Disney 652]

Guys,
The we too added on the other day. Of course there is nothing "free," but when we bought more we knew we could use them for many years to come. The cruise is an awesome experience for both adults and kids. In the end, it doesn't matter what time you eat, 530 vs. 830, look at the positives--you save up to 350 on tips, you pay no taxes, you still have all your points to use for a seperate stay, or heck, do a back-to-back cruise with points and free offer! The cruise is the best family time...some of us don't get day to day because of work and other stuff going on. I love sitting down to dinner with DW, DS and DD each night. Playing and talking about the day and the future, that is what it's all about, family.

All the gripes and moans about second class, and this isn't free...comeon, take a step back and look at the best parts of this package...remember, you didn't have to add-on.

 

[ACDSNY]

If it was only myself going on the cruise I wouldn't have any problems because normally room placement and dining time doesn't matter to me.

Our Nov cruise has 22 of us going and all the other 7 cabins were linked to my reservation, so having to cancel and rebook is a pain in the neck. These cabins have been booked since March 2008 and we're all together on deck 6, midship with early dining. My biggest concern is I'm the one who put together the group trip and I could be in a different dining time then the rest of my family & friends, when I already had the early dining since last March. It seems like they could be a little more accommodating on the dining.

The cruise isn't why I add-on, it just came with it. This will be the first cruise for all 22 of us, so we're very excited!