Castaway Club - Private Onboard Reception - Suitable for kids?

[Agent 86]

Hi all,

I've searched through the existing posts on the Castaway Club - Onboard Reception for Gold+ Castaway Club members and there seemed to be some different experiences.

Our upcoming cruise will be our first as "Gold" and I'm trying to figure out whether the Onboard Reception is suitable for kids or whether it is aimed at adults?

The description refers to "special entertainment" and I found one poster's review which indicates that they had a meet and greet / photo opportunity with Captain Mickey. But, other posts indicate that you just watch a video about DCL and chat to the officers. There were mentions of "behind the scenes" looks at how the theatre shows are staged, but I'm not sure if that referred to someone standing there talking or they had cast members there, perhaps showing off costumes and props or even doing a short performance of some kind.

And on the subject of Castaway Club benefits, I understand that the "discount" is 10% off most merchandise in the stores. Does anyone know what the exclusions are? Does the 10% discount extend to things like popcorn buckets and refills?

Thanks in advance for any information!

 

[DCL58]

The reception only happens on cruises of 8+ days - so there aren’t that many happening. On our last 2 cruises that had the reception, both were on the fantasy. Both were held in the theater and it was a behind the scenes of one of the broadway shows. Talking with actors, etc. Kinda a snoozer. We did receive a drink and a rice krispy treat.

We stayed the whole time the first one. Left early the second one when we figured out it was just a repeat.

Fine for kids.

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

I havent had a m&g since the first post covid wbta. After that i ve always had a presentation in the theatre involving either a behind the scenes explanation on a scene of one of the shows or a song of the mainstage cabaret. As other sais its only on cruises 8n and more

 

[jcarwash]

On our 9 night Alaska cruise last year the reception was a scene from Frozen the Musical, followed by a repeat of the scene with the stage direction audio, plus and a look (via camera video) at the under stage area.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks in advance for any information!

Time was the reception was a meet & greet opportunity. Although, the Captain would generally be there for photos and would give a short talk about DCL. Finger food would be served.



More recently, it's been in the Walt Disney Theater with drinks (champagne and non-alcoholic drinks). There would be either a scene from one of the shows onboard done, or a rehearsal for a new cast.


Both formats also included a Mickey Rice Krispie treat on the way out.

 

[SnowWhite2]

I miss the old receptions. You were able to move around the room, take pictures with a character, talk to several officers and there was a presentation by the captain. One time he had hinted at new itineraries (which happened to be Bermuda) and asked what other places we would like to visit. I felt that they actually cared about the frequent cruisers. Now I feel it is an obligation to do something and they are checking the box. Once you see the behind the scene once, you don’t need to see it again. There are only so many 8+ night cruises and they seem to be on the same few ships.

I wish they would hold the old style reception with the platinum and pearl cruisers.

 

[Aby]

10% off is only in the gift stores, not for popcorn, drinks, etc. I’ve never come across any exclusions for the 10% off merchandise but I don’t buy jewelry or watches etc. so not sure if they are included or not.

 

[Flossbolna]

On our EBTA they said that it was 1300 Gold, Platinum and Pearl CC members. Out of 3000 passengers. Obviously they really can’t do anything smaller than a big event in the Walt Disney Theater.

 

[dreamer17555]

On our EBTA they said that it was 1300 Gold, Platinum and Pearl CC members. Out of 3000 passengers. Obviously they really can’t do anything smaller than a big event in the Walt Disney Theater.

They could do the big one in theater and something more intimate for pearl members (I’m someone who is solidly in the middle of platinum so no dog in this fight)

 

[Agent 86]

On our 9 night Alaska cruise last year the reception was a scene from Frozen the Musical

That sounds like something our daughter would definitely enjoy! Any chance the scene involved Elsa?

***

Thank you everyone for the quick replies to both questions.

 

[DCL58]

That sounds like something our daughter would definitely enjoy! Any chance the scene involved Elsa?

***

Thank you everyone for the quick replies to both questions.

When we attended the last reception, it involved the reindeer. Not Elsa. May change with different cruises though.

 

[DCL58]

They could do the big one in theater and something more intimate for pearl members (I’m someone who is solidly in the middle of platinum so no dog in this fight)

That would be a nice perk for Pearl - they don’t get enough perks to help balance out the $$$ spent to make Pearl. IMO. And we are working toward Pearl. Just booked #20.

 

[Agent 86]

When we attended the last reception, it involved the reindeer. Not Elsa.

Thanks! A scene with Sven is still pretty cool and will likely amuse our daughter.

 

[holula]

They could do the big one in theater and something more intimate for pearl members (I’m someone who is solidly in the middle of platinum so no dog in this fight)

I’m also platinum but I’d be on board with this idea.

I agree that since switching to 8+ night itineraries they can’t really do much else than WDT. And there are so few 8+ nights in the first place.

 

[Flossbolna]

I’m also platinum but I’d be on board with this idea.

I agree that since switching to 8+ night itineraries they can’t really do much else than WDT. And there are so few 8+ nights in the first place.

And the 8+ night cruises attract more of the experienced cruisers anyway.

 

[holula]

And the 8+ night cruises attract more of the experienced cruisers anyway.

Yep. They’ve essentially created their own problem.

 

[jcarwash]

That sounds like something our daughter would definitely enjoy! Any chance the scene involved Elsa?

***

Thank you everyone for the quick replies to both questions.

The scene we saw is when Anna meets Kristoff and Sven, they start traveling in the sled, and are attacked by the wolves.

 

[RedHead0186]

Thanks! A scene with Sven is still pretty cool and will likely amuse our daughter.

Keep in mind it might be a different musical too. We had Aladdin on the Fantasy on the EBTA a couple weeks ago. I think it depends on when they schedule it for and what musical they're currently 'prepping' for.

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

I ve had golden mickeys many times (dream and wonder) once dream (magic) once a song prepared for the cast cabaret (dream)