Coronavirus and DCL Megathread - Suspension of Departures for the fleet until early November. Booking only available from early December.

[Karin1984]

they are spacing the cancellations. Not sure why.

they did it for Alaska. Canada has closed the port but Disney didn’t cancel May June cruises for another 2 weeks.

To spread the calls to the callcenters over several weeks/months instead of a few days.

 

[MomOTwins]

From what we have heard reported, aren’t they already using external fresh air? Even with reduced capacity in theaters, it would take forever for everyone to line up single-file and stay 6ft apart as you enter the theater and choose where to sit. Otherwise, you have social distancing issues upon entering through the doors.

I could see theaters working with a couple of important changes. First, stagger arrival times by leaving time-specific tickets in staterooms--you get there early, you are sent away and told to come back at your designated time (just like at Savi's workshop). People could sign up for time windows online just like PATs, except enforced for real. Second, have ushers directing people with instructions on how to leave gaps between families, which will mean people don't have to climb over one another to get to seats, and appropriate spacing can be imposed. Third, use matinees to spread out guests across shows (might not be needed if cruises are sailing at half capacity or less, which may well be the case for a while).

You will not see social distancing on board a ship like you do on land, it would not be possible. Imagine how long it would take for the buffet lunch if everyone had to stand six feet apart? Imagine how long it would take to get an elevator if you had to wait for an empty one? Imagine how many shows they would have to put on just so everyone could see it if the could only use every third seat? And the pools? How do you keep those tiny things going if you need to stay six feet apart? The dining rooms? Tables are already in your lap just to get two seatings in, You can reach out and touch your neighbour, but they can't make a new dining room from nothing. Do they make the halls go one way so you don't have to squeeze past another family, don't see that working.
I know things will be different but it will not be the social distancing that we are seeing today IMO. You may find someone will be serving at the buffet. They may limit the number of people in the pool at one time, but how they do that one I couldn't even begin to think. There will be changes but nothing as extreme as what it is today. It will be interesting.

I don't think buffet breakfasts or lunches will be permitted--they'll just use the MDRs with spacing between tables, and/or have cabanas convert to table service format. Elevators may be reserved for persons with disabilities or babies in strollers, with a CM policing entry to elevator banks. Pools would likely be closed. Aquaduck could work--again like the theater with some sort of timed arrival, and six foot spacing on the stairs. An additional seating could be added for dinner with faster service of courses to cycle people through in an hour instead of two hours--but honestly might not be needed if attendance is markedly lower (likely), and they make more people have to go to late seating to address the imbalance between early and late dining.

To spread the calls to the callcenters over several weeks/months instead of a few days.

Except wait times have been zero every time I've called in the past month. Wait times are low because nobody is booking new cruises. I suspect they are rolling out cancellations this slowly for accounting reasons rather than call times.

 

[xavier2001]

As far as staggering cancellations to not overload the system, I called yesterday around noon to request my refund and there was no wait on the phone, got my refunds processed for both cruises in about 5 minutes, they definitely aren’t overloaded, it appears they’ve caught up,

 

[randumb0]

The staggered cancellations may be more accounting related than call center

 

[Snowwhyt]

.

Sent by accident

 

[tinkerone]

I could see theaters working with a couple of important changes. First, stagger arrival times by leaving time-specific tickets in staterooms--you get there early, you are sent away and told to come back at your designated time (just like at Savi's workshop). People could sign up for time windows online just like PATs, except enforced for real. Second, have ushers directing people with instructions on how to leave gaps between families, which will mean people don't have to climb over one another to get to seats, and appropriate spacing can be imposed. Third, use matinees to spread out guests across shows (might not be needed if cruises are sailing at half capacity or less, which may well be the case for a while).



I don't think buffet breakfasts or lunches will be permitted--they'll just use the MDRs with spacing between tables, and/or have cabanas convert to table service format. Elevators may be reserved for persons with disabilities or babies in strollers, with a CM policing entry to elevator banks. Pools would likely be closed. Aquaduck could work--again like the theater with some sort of timed arrival, and six foot spacing on the stairs. An additional seating could be added for dinner with faster service of courses to cycle people through in an hour instead of two hours--but honestly might not be needed if attendance is markedly lower (likely), and they make more people have to go to late seating to address the imbalance between early and late dining.


Except wait times have been zero every time I've called in the past month. Wait times are low because nobody is booking new cruises. I suspect they are rolling out cancellations this slowly for accounting reasons rather than call times.

I see very little of that working. Who would want to go on a cruise ship with no pools open? That's a way for parents to entertain their children on sea days. Not all children go to the kids clubs.

Even if you have a time card telling you to be at the theater at a specific point your still going to have groups of people showing up at the same time. Assuming that this is what they would do, and I find it highly unlikely, you still have to fit 4000 people into two showings with spacing between people so then your looking at expanding shows to four or five for each performance. Times would be a disaster. And what about when shows are over? Do you make everyone stay in their seats until they are dismissed? You have seen what it's like leaving the theater haven't you? Utter chaos.

I doubt they would close the buffets, I think they would do what they do when an outbreak occurs on a ship and that is that CM's serve you as you walk by. If you rush dinner you lose the dinner shows, their special performances, and that's a big part of their higher prices. The CM's are going pretty fast and hard as it is, you start telling them to move it along and the service goes out the window.

As for the elevators I don't see your plan working there either. If I'm on deck 2 and want to go to Cabanas or the pool I'm not going to want to do that every time. If I had a few kids with me I'd not want to do that even more. Yes, there are people who do but there are just as many who don't and won't want to.

Things will change for sure but I highly doubt you will see the changes in what makes DCL 'special'. They are not going to put their clientele out either by restricting items to much.

Again, this is all JMO.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Yesterday I called Royal Caribbean regarding our January 8-11 2021 reservation. I have not yet called for Disney for our B2B January 11-15 2021 Dream sailing. But it is the last week our OOB is valid.

I knew China had a policy, Royal Caribbean told me policy had changed in early March. Those 70 years and older needed certificate of health from their Dr’s in order to sail. My doctor told me Friday I’m not allowed to work or leave the house until there’s a vaccine because of my cancer and diabetes.

So 3 of our 5 people unable to sail unless a vaccine is available. The virus technically started in November, so potential a vaccine could be here in December.
The cruise might be canceled so we get OOB extension. If the second wave from fall starts to hit heavy.
The vaccine might/might not be available after PIF date.

So I think OOB will be a “Sorry but..” and we will lose that. But what about the letter, if we can’t get it, what is that refund policy?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The challenge is that cruise profits really are based on a fairly full ship. Running a cruise at 25-30% is not generally profitable and only makes sense as a repo.

 

[MomOTwins]

The challenge is that cruise profits really are based on a fairly full ship. Running a cruise at 25-30% is not generally profitable and only makes sense as a repo.

They’ve already cut back on staffing and probably will make other cuts to entertainment and limit dining, so maybe it would be more profitable at least for the first few months. I certainly think it would be easier for them to shutter for a few months and start at least some ships up again with reduced guest count than shutter for a year and then try to replace all the staff they lost to other jobs in the meantime.

 

[mmackeymouse]

The challenge is that cruise profits really are based on a fairly full ship. Running a cruise at 25-30% is not generally profitable and only makes sense as a repo.

This is true but there is a couple of intangibles here. The other option is refunding a lot of money. So, whether it is profitable or not....that remains to be seen. But, it would help them to tread water to still have that money in hand, money coming in from excursions, food and drink, merchandise purchases.

Just like the restaurants out there who are selling these family meals. The family meals aren't making big money. The restaurants themselves aren't profitable right now. Those family meals are just keeping them afloat.

Secondarily, leaving a ship (relatively) empty and not running I don't really see as the right answer, even if it is financially more beneficial. By running the ship, even if only 30% full, you get a chance to test out and implement any new measures that would be coming. You also give all crew members a chance to shake off the rust, to hone their craft, to keep their skills sharp, and so on.

 

[AquaDame]

But what about the letter, if we can’t get it, what is that refund policy?

Normally, that would be up to you, and the company would not be responsible if you are unable to provide something you need to sail (like a passport, vaccination for entry into a country, etc). Current events are unprecedented so maybe they would be more willing to work with you, but it would be at their discretion. I wouldn't bank on it, personally.

 

[tidefan]

Just got this in the e-mail tonight. Guess I now don't have anywhere to stay before that July 1st Greek Isles Cruise that DCL hasn't cancelled yet...

BTW, this is one of the two official DCL pre or post stay hotels...

​

​ ​ ​ Dear XXXXXXXXXXX, We are sending you this email in regards to your upcoming reservation at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel under confirmation number XXXXXXXXXX. Due to the current travel environment, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is temporarily suspending operations and will unfortunately be unable to honor your reservation. However, we remain committed to offering you flexible booking options. Given these unique circumstances we have made adjustments to our individual booking policies to give you extra peace of mind:​ Government Restrictions. In regions affected by government-issued travel restrictions, we will continue to waive change fees or offer full refunds. Please click here for the latest information on our travel waivers. Existing Reservations. All reservations - even those described as "non-cancellable" ("Advanced Purchase") - that are scheduled for arrival on or before June 30, 2020, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. New Reservations. Any reservation you make - even those described as "non-cancellable" ("Advanced Purchase") - that are booked between today and June 30, 2020, for any future arrival date, can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. We will automatically cancel your reservation for you at no charge. If your travel plans require you to be in the area, we may have other hotels that will happily welcome you with flexible booking options. Please visit our Hilton website or app to find a hotel that meets your needs. If you booked a rate which required an advanced payment or deposit, we are doing everything we can to process your refund as quickly as possible. Due to the influx of cancellations, it may take up to 30 days to fully process. Please accept our sincerest apologies for this short notice on the travel disruption and any inconvenience this may cause. These are difficult times for everyone affected by the current situation, and we thank you for your understanding. We look forward to the reopening of Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel and welcoming guests back. We appreciate your continued loyalty and look forward to continuing to serve your lodging needs now and in the near future. Thank you, Hilton Customer Care Team​

 

[monkeydawn]

I could see theaters working with a couple of important changes. First, stagger arrival times by leaving time-specific tickets in staterooms--you get there early, you are sent away and told to come back at your designated time (just like at Savi's workshop). People could sign up for time windows online just like PATs, except enforced for real. Second, have ushers directing people with instructions on how to leave gaps between families, which will mean people don't have to climb over one another to get to seats, and appropriate spacing can be imposed. Third, use matinees to spread out guests across shows (might not be needed if cruises are sailing at half capacity or less, which may well be the case for a while).

I like this except how do you deal with people wanting concessions or needing to use the restroom? They could choose to limit concessions to only before you enter the theater I suppose but they cant tell people that bathroom breaks arent allowed. Especially with all the kids. So you would still have some people shuffling past others unless maybe they physically removed every other or every two rows of seats to allow for a little more room when people mid row need to exit.

 

[MomOTwins]

I like this except how do you deal with people wanting concessions or needing to use the restroom? They could choose to limit concessions to only before you enter the theater I suppose but they cant tell people that bathroom breaks arent allowed. Especially with all the kids. So you would still have some people shuffling past others unless maybe they physically removed every other or every two rows of seats to allow for a little more room when people mid row need to exit.

True, but I can’t think of a time when I’ve seen anyone actually leave midshow. Usually it is people who go plan to leave for bathroom by going early to stake out seats, then leaving a seat saver while taking kids to the bathroom preshow. The shows are not that long—They could make it so there is no re-entry after curtain call (like at land based theaters).

 

[monkeydawn]

True, but I can’t think of a time when I’ve seen anyone actually leave midshow. Usually it is people who go plan to leave for bathroom by going early to stake out seats, then leaving a seat saver while taking kids to the bathroom preshow. The shows are not that long—They could make it so there is no re-entry after curtain call (like at land based theaters).

Well, I've left mid show to use the restroom. Granted our party probably did go about 20 minutes early to get good seats (we were all there, no seat saving). And if they were to continue showing movies there is no way I'd last through a whole movie without a break (tiny bladder and I try to keep well hydrated, especially when traveling). Some of those movies are super long so going early to get snacks plus get a good seat means maybe three hours, aka longer than I typically go. TMI? LOL

 

[PirateFrank]

I could see theaters working with a couple of important changes. First, stagger arrival times by leaving time-specific tickets in staterooms--you get there early, you are sent away and told to come back at your designated time (just like at Savi's workshop). People could sign up for time windows online just like PATs, except enforced for real. Second, have ushers directing people with instructions on how to leave gaps between families, which will mean people don't have to climb over one another to get to seats, and appropriate spacing can be imposed. Third, use matinees to spread out guests across shows (might not be needed if cruises are sailing at half capacity or less, which may well be the case for a while).

I don't think buffet breakfasts or lunches will be permitted--they'll just use the MDRs with spacing between tables, and/or have cabanas convert to table service format. Elevators may be reserved for persons with disabilities or babies in strollers, with a CM policing entry to elevator banks. Pools would likely be closed. Aquaduck could work--again like the theater with some sort of timed arrival, and six foot spacing on the stairs. An additional seating could be added for dinner with faster service of courses to cycle people through in an hour instead of two hours--but honestly might not be needed if attendance is markedly lower (likely), and they make more people have to go to late seating to address the imbalance between early and late dining.

Please forgive me, but I dont see any of this even remotely working as you describe. The logistics alone of filling (or half filling) the theater with specifically timed guest tickets is a nightmare waiting to happen. ....and that's assuming most guests follows those 'rules.' 20-40% of the people on the ship will go downstairs expecting to sit wherever they please (and some will argue as they should), and they will be held up by a CM who tells them to go back to their rooms and return at their designated time. A good number of those turned away will chaff at that and refuse to leave, others will wait in some semblance of a line to get their chance to chaff at the CM....and all the while, they're violating social distancing guidelines by grouping outside the theater, unhappy with the way their experience has been negatively altered. There's a bit of sarcasm here for effect, but realistically think this out. There will be a large handful of guests that do exactly this. ( I won't even get into the situation of what happens when someone needs to tinkle during a performance - though I think someone else already did)

Then apply this response to *any* situation on the ship where DCL tries to constrain guests expectations of a cruise. You're going to get the same problem. There will be a percentage of guests who simply chaff at the idea of their ideal cruise or Disney vacation that they paid through the nose for being negatively impacted.

Ive seen similar discussions online about when the theme parks reopen - how there's speculation that the parks will reopen with indoor attractions closed, forced health screenings upon entry (and periodically throughout the day), and forced social distancing on queue lines. During peak times, I've seen the line for Splash Mountain snake all the way down to Peco Bills - how's that going to work with everyone spread out 6 feet? Can you realistically run a queue for Splash all the way back to Jungle Cruise? What about anyone who wants to get into POTC? They're going to have to walk in-between the folks on the Splash queue just to get to POTC - instantly violating 6ft distances.

Also, think about the fights over the refund or PIF policy that Disney Parks will have to endure. If DCL makes these drastic changes - they will have to implement such a change for a cruise outside of the PIF window, because a large number people who PIFed will see their cruise be significantly (and untenably) devalued. Imagine a family, who already paid several thousands of dollars for airfare, hotel accommodations and park tickets - are turned away at the gate because one of the members is running a temperature? The temperature may or may not be an indication of COVID-19, but they are turned away none-the-less. Is the whole family getting a refund on those park tickets? Seems relevant to me.

I think the *smartest* thing DCL (and the theme parks could do) is to continue cancelations out to a point where they feel that they can open up fully and only open up for business when they get to that point. Then clearly inform every guest entering the parks or boarding the ships, that by doing so, they assume any and all risk. Otherwise - the travel business will never fully recover. The phrase "New Norm" is designed to force people to accept circumstances that could be otherwise viewed as untenable. Not everyone will be willing to accept that - and will chose to spend their money elsewhere.

 

[MomOTwins]

Well, I've left mid show to use the restroom. Granted our party probably did go about 20 minutes early to get good seats (we were all there, no seat saving). And if they were to continue showing movies there is no way I'd last through a whole movie without a break (tiny bladder and I try to keep well hydrated, especially when traveling). Some of those movies are super long so going early to get snacks plus get a good seat means maybe three hours, aka longer than I typically go. TMI? LOL

True--I was just thinking of the nightly shows in the Walt Disney theater which are less than an hour; I don't think it would work for movies, especially since the movie theater is lower capacity to begin with.

Please forgive me, but I dont see any of this even remotely working as you describe. The logistics alone of filling (or half filling) the theater with specifically timed guest tickets is a nightmare waiting to happen. ....and that's assuming most guests follows those 'rules.' 20-40% of the people on the ship will go downstairs expecting to sit wherever they please (and some will argue as they should), and they will be held up by a CM who tells them to go back to their rooms and return at their designated time. A good number of those turned away will chaff at that and refuse to leave, others will wait in some semblance of a line to get their chance to chaff at the CM....and all the while, they're violating social distancing guidelines by grouping outside the theater, unhappy with the way their experience has been negatively altered. There's a bit of sarcasm here for effect, but realistically think this out. There will be a large handful of guests that do exactly this. ( I won't even get into the situation of what happens when someone needs to tinkle during a performance - though I think someone else already did)

Then apply this response to *any* situation on the ship where DCL tries to constrain guests expectations of a cruise. You're going to get the same problem. There will be a percentage of guests who simply chaff at the idea of their ideal cruise or Disney vacation that they paid through the nose for being negatively impacted.

Ive seen similar discussions online about when the theme parks reopen - how there's speculation that the parks will reopen with indoor attractions closed, forced health screenings upon entry (and periodically throughout the day), and forced social distancing on queue lines. During peak times, I've seen the line for Splash Mountain snake all the way down to Peco Bills - how's that going to work with everyone spread out 6 feet? Can you realistically run a queue for Splash all the way back to Jungle Cruise? What about anyone who wants to get into POTC? They're going to have to walk in-between the folks on the Splash queue just to get to POTC - instantly violating 6ft distances.

Also, think about the fights over the refund or PIF policy that Disney Parks will have to endure. If DCL makes these drastic changes - they will have to implement such a change for a cruise outside of the PIF window, because a large number people who PIFed will see their cruise be significantly (and untenably) devalued. Imagine a family, who already paid several thousands of dollars for airfare, hotel accommodations and park tickets - are turned away at the gate because one of the members is running a temperature? The temperature may or may not be an indication of COVID-19, but they are turned away none-the-less. Is the whole family getting a refund on those park tickets? Seems relevant to me.

I think the *smartest* thing DCL (and the theme parks could do) is to continue cancelations out to a point where they feel that they can open up fully and only open up for business when they get to that point. Then clearly inform every guest entering the parks or boarding the ships, that by doing so, they assume any and all risk. Otherwise - the travel business will never fully recover. The phrase "New Norm" is designed to force people to accept circumstances that could be otherwise viewed as untenable. Not everyone will be willing to accept that - and will chose to spend their money elsewhere.

Well by that logic, fastpasses wouldn't work because those require timed arrivals as well. And yes, there are rude guests who try to argue with the staff about why they should be allowed in before their fastpass window opens, but most people just follow the rules and it is usually pretty smooth sailing. Just like there are obnoxious guests on the ships who argue about wanting to bring their kids into adult only areas, argue at guest services about not getting main dining when they aren't happy with late, or trying to sneak their kids into pools before they are potty trained. I've certainly seen those people arguing with the staff, but they don't get anywhere, and are definitely a small minority.

Another example is quarantine. DCL has been quarantining people with stomach bugs for ages in their rooms. Happened to my husband on his first cruise, and my coworker and her family on their first cruise. In that case, DCL is basically taking away the ENTIRE value of our vacation--no swimming, no restaurants, no shows, no activities, no excursions--just sitting in your stateroom all day watching TV. Happens every cruise but you don't see total anarchy... people for the most part recognize the ship has authority on health and safety measures and they follow instructions.

I think that everyone who is planning a cruise this year or planning a WDW trip knows there are going to be changes and it won't be exactly the same as it was before. Most of the people who are inflexible are going to cancel ahead of time, if they haven't already. The ones that remain are going to be the folks like me who accept that they are going on a vacation that is different from before.

 

[gotomu212]

True--I was just thinking of the nightly shows in the Walt Disney theater which are less than an hour; I don't think it would work for movies, especially since the movie theater is lower capacity to begin with.



Well by that logic, fastpasses wouldn't work because those require timed arrivals as well. And yes, there are rude guests who try to argue with the staff about why they should be allowed in before their fastpass window opens, but most people just follow the rules and it is usually pretty smooth sailing. Just like there are obnoxious guests on the ships who argue about wanting to bring their kids into adult only areas, argue at guest services about not getting main dining when they aren't happy with late, or trying to sneak their kids into pools before they are potty trained. I've certainly seen those people arguing with the staff, but they don't get anywhere, and are definitely a small minority.

Another example is quarantine. DCL has been quarantining people with stomach bugs for ages in their rooms. Happened to my husband on his first cruise, and my coworker and her family on their first cruise. In that case, DCL is basically taking away the ENTIRE value of our vacation--no swimming, no restaurants, no shows, no activities, no excursions--just sitting in your stateroom all day watching TV. Happens every cruise but you don't see total anarchy... people for the most part recognize the ship has authority on health and safety measures and they follow instructions.

I think that everyone who is planning a cruise this year or planning a WDW trip knows there are going to be changes and it won't be exactly the same as it was before. Most of the people who are inflexible are going to cancel ahead of time, if they haven't already. The ones that remain are going to be the folks like me who accept that they are going on a vacation that is different from before.

Its not a 45 minute show though if I have to show up early with a ticket to get my timed entrance. You would need 1-2 hours to move that many people into the theater, and this is a ship with tons of young children who cannot hold their bladders.

Plus, not even the people who want to complain but my ticket is for 6:05 but I’m coming from another area of the ship and don’t know how long it will take so I leave early and am there at 6 or it takes longer because the elevators
has too many people and I’m there at 6:15. Then I’m standing around in an area with others with times 6-6:20. JUST like FPs where even with an hour res a small group off to the side waiting to enter. Anything with a time means you have people standing around waiting.

The lines to get into the dining room-even though there’s no need to line up- end up halfway down the hall and that’s with people stacked on top of one another.

I don’t mean to be pessimistic but even half full at 1800 people not even counting crew, the ability to even walk down your stateroom hallways within passing within 6 ft isn’t possible.

 

[MomOTwins]

Its not a 45 minute show though if I have to show up early with a ticket to get my timed entrance. You would need 1-2 hours to move that many people into the theater, and this is a ship with tons of young children who cannot hold their bladders.

Plus, not even the people who want to complain but my ticket is for 6:05 but I’m coming from another area of the ship and don’t know how long it will take so I leave early and am there at 6 or it takes longer because the elevators
has too many people and I’m there at 6:15. Then I’m standing around in an area with others with times 6-6:20. JUST like FPs where even with an hour res a small group off to the side waiting to enter. Anything with a time means you have people standing around waiting.

The lines to get into the dining room-even though there’s no need to line up- end up halfway down the hall and that’s with people stacked on top of one another.

I don’t mean to be pessimistic but even half full at 1800 people not even counting crew, the ability to even walk down your stateroom hallways within passing within 6 ft isn’t possible.

Well for passing in hallways, that’s not really different that passing others in a narrow grocery aisle or so on a city sidewalk. The goal is to try to avoid close contract for more than 30 seconds

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Another example is quarantine. DCL has been quarantining people with stomach bugs for ages in their rooms. Happened to my husband on his first cruise, and my coworker and her family on their first cruise. In that case, DCL is basically taking away the ENTIRE value of our vacation--no swimming, no restaurants, no shows, no activities, no excursions--just sitting in your stateroom all day watching TV. Happens every cruise but you don't see total anarchy... people for the most part recognize the ship has authority on health and safety measures and they follow instructions.

I think that works because you're dealing with individual staterooms, not the masses.