CRUISE NEWS...found this on the website

[Heathercat]

CRUISE NEWS

A lot is happening aboard the Magic and Wonder, and we have the latest news.

DRESS POLICY CHANGE

Jeans are now acceptable attire under the revised "Cruise Casual" dress policy. It is still requested that guests do not wear shorts, swimwear or tank tops to the dining rooms.

The attire is determined by the day, not the restaurant with the exception of Palo. The seven night cruise has a formal night, semi-formal night, pirate/tropical night and four "Cruise Casual" nights.

On the 3 and 4 day cruises there is one night where "dress-up" attire is requested. Men are asked to wear a jacket while ladies are asked to wear either a dress or nice pantsuit.

WEST COAST CRUISES

Disney Cruise Line is strongly recommending that all guests, including U.S. citizens, who are cruising aboard the Magic while it's based in California have passports. This includes guests who are on the two repositioning cruises.

For information in obtaining a passport, here's a link to the official government website . Please allow 6 weeks for processing. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

TRANSFER POLICY/PRICE CHANGES:

As of 1/3/05 Disney Cruise Line has raised the prices of their transfers. The only exception is for land/sea package holders. The price has changed from $69.00 to $59.00 to reflect the new Magical Express program. THIS REDUCED PRICE ONLY APPLIES TO GUESTS TRAVELING FROM 5/5/05 THROUGH THE END OF THIS PROMOTION.

NEW SHOW ON THE MAGIC

An exclusive show is debuting on the Disney Magic. Scheduled for the first night, it follows the tale of a young cruise guest who dreams of becoming the ship's captain. Mickey, Minne and a host of Disney characters guide him on his journey of discovery.

Intertwined in this musical presentation are helpful hints and an overview of the events and activities that guests can enjoy during their voyage. The ship's officers will be introduced as part of this program.

PALO DRESS CODE

During dinner, gentlemen will be required to wear a dress shirt. Gentlemen wearing polo shirts, t-shirts, Tommy Bahama style shirts, etc will not be allowed admittance. Jackets and/or ties are still recommended but not required. Notices will be in the Personal Navigator, on the Palo reservation card and a sign outside the elevators on deck 10 will contain this dress advisory. The Resort Casual dress code for both the brunch and high tea remains unchanged.



CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Andy’s Birthday Party (5-7 year olds) - It’s Andy’s birthday and you’re invited to join in the festivities. The kids will draw and color a picture of a favorite friend from “Toy Story”. There’s face painting and they can “Pin the Hat on Woody.”

Brother Bear (3-4 year olds) - Both instructional and fun, the little ones will learn the story of “Brother Bear” through a variety of activities. They’ll make bear masks, walk through the “woods” and play a memory game on the memory game wall.

Carnival Welcome Party (8-12 year olds) - Step right up and try your hand at a fun Carnival game. Ring toss and ping-pong toss are just a couple of the activities planned. No carnival is complete without face painting. It’s a great welcome that the kids are sure to enjoy.

Conversation with an Officer (8-12 year olds) - A fascinating look at careers at sea for the youngsters. They ships officers will explain his/her duties. It’s the perfect opportunity for the budding sailors aboard the ship to learn about the staff. Hands on activities are included as they learn marine knot tying.

Crabby Crafts & Island Arts (3-12 year olds) - Tailored to the different age groups, the kids will make crafts with a sea life theme. An ocean matching game is part of the fun.

Pop Stars Party (8-12 year olds) - Lights, camera, action! The kids will feel like VIPs as they have their close-up shot taken, make a videotape and leave their handprints on the wall of stars. A group photo is part of the fun.

Ocean Moves (3-7 year olds) - The little ones will have a ball as they’re led in exercises with a nautical theme. By imitating creatures of the deep, they’ll dance and move about in this fun activity.

Salty Sea (3-12 year olds) - With the specific age groups in mind, the activities in this science program are designed to teach the children how ships stay afloat. They’ll make their own salt water and learn about the dynamics behind flotation.

Stack Stars (teens) - Does your teen have a special talent? They can perform before the camera in this talent competition. The other teens can vote for their favorite “Cruise Idol.”

Toy Story Welcome Aboard Party (8-12 year olds) - Two of the most beloved characters from” Toy Story”, Jesse and Woody, will be welcoming the kids to the Oceaneers lab. An evening of “Toy Story” themed activities is planned.

CAPTAINS WELCOME RECEPTION & CHARACTER GREETINGS – DISNEY MAGIC
The Captain’s Welcome Reception is now being held on deck 3. Character Greetings will take place at Preludes.

SMOKING AREAS

Diversions is now allowing smoking throughout the day in the bar area of the club. The exception to this policy will be when there are children’s programs scheduled in this area.

HAIR WRAPPING
In addition to hairbraiding, guests on the Disney Magic will able to get hairwraps. The fee is the same as at Disney World - $1.50 per inch.

NASSAU DEPARTURE
Beginning in 8/19/04 and until 2/20/05, the Disney Wonder three night cruise will depart Nassau at 7:30pm in order to better facilitate the popular Tropical Deck Party.

STATEROOM TELEVISION
There are now seven movie channels to choose from while viewing movies from your stateroom.

60’s FAMILY DANCE PARTY

A fun family event where guests can dance to the live band performing favorite Beatles tunes. The Mop Tops are joined by the cruise staff who are wearing their favorite 60’s styles. (This party is held on the Disney Wonder 4 day cruise only at 7:45pm.)

SODA PROGRAM
Self serve soda dispensers have been installed at the deck 9 beverage station, Topsiders, Beach Blanket Buffet and on Castaway Cay by Cookies BBQ. Soft drinks are complimentary at these locations. Soda served at full serve bars/lounges will still have a fee.

COFFEE MACHINE – PRELUDES PANTRY
For guests required to go through Immigration while onboard, a coffee machine has been placed at Preludes Pantry.

DISNEY MAGIC – CASUAL DINING
Casual dining in Topsiders aboard the Magic is now full serve instead of buffet at dinner.

HOUSEKEEPING
You can wrap yourself in an oversized bath sheet once the current towels are phased out and replaced. All linens, towels and bed pillows are being upgraded.

MERCHANDISE
Fans of the Golden Mickeys show will find statues and pins available in the gift shop

 

[Stimpy]

Thanks for the updates! Was this on the DCL website?

 

[goofytoo]

Hi
I was poking around the cruise website but I couldn't find it
can you post the link?
That would be great

Wow Jeans?
Didn't think they would ever do that.

Hmmm now I have to think of a different strategy for packing!


Only 61 days to go

 

[Honu]

They allow smoking in interior spaces? WOW, that's really disappointing. What else is a smoking area and what takes place in these areas, since they say smoking is not allowed in Diversions during children activities? Thanks.

 

[madisonsmom]

Thanks for the post! Good info to know!

 

[vossjemi]

I am confused. It says the price of transfers have increased, but then it says it went from $69 to $59. Isn't that lowered? And, it doesn't really explain what they mean by its different from land/sea package. We have land/sea booked separately and would like to know exact costs of transfers so we can determine if we should get rental car or if we should have done package instead of separate.

 

[fljelad]

I'm confused about the transfers as well. We purchased a Land/Sea package and then paid for the transfers at $69 each. The new, lower promotional price says that it is good for "travel from May 5 through the end of the promotion" but I was told that because we BOOKED before May 5th we couldn't get a refund of the difference. Our cruise is May 29th. I don't understand why they won't give us credit for the difference.

 

[kkana]

I'm interested in keeping up with the comments on this thread.

 

[KMovies]

Old Prices:

Cruise Only $49.00 (2 legs - To and From)
Land / Sea $69.00 (3 legs - To park, to ship, from ship)

New Prices:

Cruise Only $59.00 (increase of $10.00)
Land / Sea $59.00 after 5/5/05 (decrease of $10.00 since the journey to WDW is now free)

 

[jrabbit]

Hi
I was poking around the cruise website but I couldn't find it
can you post the link?
That would be great

The OP was a copy of the DIS Newsletter (the owners of these boards). Where they recieved the info from - I don't know.

 

[3redheads]

Good news about the jeans. Hubby hates dressing up!

 

[Heathercat]

Yes this was found on this website.... I had been poking around in other threads and seen this....

 

[cjsmith]

Good news about the jeans. Hubby hates dressing up!

Now if only they would allow dress shorts as that's what we have from living down here in Florida. My golf dress shorts from Talbots are a lot dressier than jeans so I can't see why they're not allowed!
Too bad my next cruise is on Princess, having the boys wear jean through Europe and then for dinner would make my life so much easier.

 

[bratray]

ok, i want to make sure i have this right so we don't look like fools in the dining room
for evening dinner as long as it ISN'T formal or semi formal nite....we can wear jeans???

TIA

 

[Suzanne74]

bratray,

I think you are right - it says they are acceptable under "Cruise Casual" which is basically everynight BUT semi-formal and formal. Those you still have to dress up for.

I agree with the one poster - that dressy shorts should be allowed over jeans. Some men look really nice with dress shorts and a nice shirt - alot nicer than jeans. I think they don't allow them because most people would have the misconception that most shorts would do and then it would put disney in the weird notion of turning people away. That is just my opinion though so who knows.
Hnestly, I am not really fond of allowing jeans but as long as they are still keeping the formal nights, dressy than I guess it will be okay. I like dressing up but I understand how some, esp teenage boys would rather jeans.

 

[madisonsmom]

I am an avid wearer of shorts and am a little saddened that I can't wear my dress shorts, which I agree with former poster that dress shorts paired with a nice top look MUCH nicer than jeans, but shorts can be a little tricky as you might have some people show up with VERY short shorts. I know as a 30 something that I have a difficult times finding comfortable shorts that are long enough to where I don't feel like my behind is hanging out and the waist doesn't go up to my armpits Guess I will stick with capri's!

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

FWIW - I just got my docs today and they still say no jeans...

 

[Heathercat]

I also heard that there is still something in regards to purchasing your soda card?

I dont think the docs are up to date with the changes....just my opinion...

I havent received mine yet

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Sounds like I am in the minority but I hate the idea of jeans. Don't get me wrong, I wear jeans every single day but dressing for dinner wouldn't hurt anyone. Topsiders was always available for those who didn't want to dress up.

 

[Aisling]

Sounds like I am in the minority but I hate the idea of jeans. Don't get me wrong, I wear jeans every single day but dressing for dinner wouldn't hurt anyone.

I feel this way, too. It wouldn't bother me if people wear jeans, but it would be nice if the dining rooms had that cruise ship feel, where people dressed for dinner. I guess I've watched too many episodes of Love Boat, but I always loved the dinnertime elegance.