Charter on the 9/24/05 cruise?

[Lloyd Dobler]

Yesterday, I transferred an existing reservation to the 9/24/05 western. I had booked directly through DCL and still owned the reservation, so I wanted to get some prices on the same cruise for comparison. I submitted a quote request at the Dreams Unlimited website, but was told the following:

"Disney Cruise Line is reporting that this sail date is currently in discussions for a charter. During these discussions the sail date is closed to future bookings."

Now I think I know why this trip was the lowest-priced western this fall.

Is anyone else booked on this trip, and if so, have you heard anything about it? I called DCL this morning and they told me that they were able to make reservations for this sailing and know nothing about a charter. The agent I spoke with didn't seem to show much interest in putting me in contact with someone who might be able to definitively answer the question.

Now, I've heard the horror stories of people who have been on cruises with huge groups on board. I'm less worried about this than I am being told that the cruise is cancelled, and having to go through the hassle of re-booking everything on short notice.

Anyway, I'd be interested to know if anyone else has heard something similar. I don't want to worry anyone unnecessarily, there might be nothing to this, but I'd like as much info as possible so I can make a decision on switching dates sooner rather than later. I was able to choose this sailing via the DCL website's online booking engine this morning.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Sorry to bother you with this, as I don't have any info that you're looking for, but I was hoping you could tell me what a charter is!

 

[jel0511]

Sorry to bother you with this, as I don't have any info that you're looking for, but I was hoping you could tell me what a charter is!

A charter is when a company or other entity completely books DCL for it's group. There are no other passengers on the ship except for those associated with that group. DCL has done a few charters in the past, the most widely known ones are the DVC cruises. DVC books the entire ship and offers it up to the DVC membership. The Wonder sailing for Labor Day weekend sold out if 5 hours for DVC members. If the ship does end up going out to a charter DCL will move those non-assiciated passengers to other sailings.

 

[fourfoxesinpa]

Hi there! C'mon over to the Cruise Meets forum. We have a big thread...a lot of it about this charter rumor. No one has been able to confirm anything with DCL who actually flat out denies it. Some think there's been a change to the dry dock schedule which moved some folks to our sailing. Anyway, glad you've joined us and we'll "see" you at the Cruise Meets.

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

Actually, I just got a quote from DU for the 9/10/05 cruise which is less than what I'm paying for the 9/24/05 cruise, so I think I'm going with this one. Unless someone's heard about a charter on this cruise....

 

[strawberry101]

I am going on a cruise on september 24 2005-i cant wait...is anyone here going on that one too?

 

[Suzanne74]

My TA gave me quotes yesterday for the 10th and the 24th. She spoke with Disney directly and there were rooms still available and nothing about a charter mentioned. The rates were slightly lower on the 24th but not by much.

I haven't directly booked yet - if I do try for the 24th, I will let you know if I have any problems.

 

[dizneyusa]

As of now Sept. 24/05 still looks like a good date? The cruise lines
can change anything at anytime with dry docks and charters. Usually
but not always they will offer the guests something to move them to
another date?

As of now the only charter they are showing is Sept. 4/05 on the Magic
for the DVC.

Hope you enjoy which ever cruise you pick

M (For Dana)

 

[StuartMI]

You're awesome, Dana!