Dec 5, 2009 -- now traveling to Tortola

[sdlong329]

I just got off the phone with DCL reservations/CS supervisor. I was told DCL was booked as the second ship in port (one year ago), but that the port cannot accomodate more than one ship. Apparently, DCL just found out about the other ship, and opted to change to Tortola. This does not make sense. Why would an island overbook their capacity by 100%, and not bother to tell someone? Seems to me, someone at the island would expect to get several thousand people ticked off, as well as at least one cruise line.

So, what do people do that have already been to Tortola and St. Thomas ... not once, but twice already this year? We were on the first DCL cruise to Tortola (4/25/09). Although it's a pleasure to sail on Disney ... I am not sure I would spend thousands of dollars on 3 separate cruises to identical ports within the same 3 months. Although itineraries do change for weather and health reasons, changing because of overbooking just does not sound right - especially 60 days prior to sailing.

At this point, I could possibly run my own excursion off of Tortola. The island is nice ... but not much to do around the port ... other than walk past a small tent city of retail mavens selling t-shirts. You either book an excursion, or you book an excursion. Once you have already done the excursions, there isn't much else to consider - expecially 60 days out.

BUMMED!

 

[Tower]

I just received my letter in the mail. TORTOLA may be nice - but I was just there (on Disney Magic). ***! Cancelling a day in port because there will be one more ship in port is assinine! Many people book a cruise for a specific intinerary. If I book a cruise to Hawaii, I do not want to be rerouted to Alaska - just because there is another ship in port.

Sorry you feel about the change Donna (or was that Steve posting?). So, you were in Tortola already? Was it good? Is there anything to avoid?

I'm looking forward to it just the same. Though I've been to St. Thomas before, I'm still looking forward to that too.

Must be nice to be able to go on 2 Disney cruises so close together! We won't likely be going again for a few years due to the cost!

 

[sdlong329]

Steven here. In addition to the 1st Disney Tortola (Apr/May 2009), we were also on the Disney 15 day Eastbound Panama Canal repositioning cruise (Aug-Sep 2008) ... have a Disney Western Caribbean booked for late 2009, and already booked Disney Alaska for 5/3/11. We used our Disney Vacation Club points for the Tortola cruise. If you want to experience Disney at least every 24 months, you should seriously consider DVC. They are fairly low pressure - and the program either MAKES SENSE to you - or it doesn't.

As for Tortola ... there is NOTHING within walking distance of the pier. There are virtually NO shopping facilities ... only three guaranteed stores (one sells spices, one sells watches only, and the other is Columbian Emeralds. The 3 stored are all within a 1/4 mile of each other, but about 1/2 mile from the ship. We did the Dolphin Encounter one time, and took an excursion to Jost Van **** Island this past time. Jost Van **** has a total island population of only 300 year round residents. It's a 30 minute water taxi ride each way, and very secluded. We did encounter boat transportation problems to and from Jost Van ****, and the tour guides forgot to "put out" the water activities (included in the $105 package price). No matter - we survived - liked it a lot.

Once you are finished with one excursion, your are destined to return to the ship ... with virtually no other activities in between your initial excursion, and your return ride back to the ship. Most other Caribbean islands yield the chance to shop at retail facilities ... hit a local beach ... or tour a local attraction. On Tortola ... you do not get inundated with hacks trying to whack you for a private island tour (I don't remember many taxi's - other than those that were on standy-by for pre-booked excursions - mostly open sided transport trucks).

TAXI's are UNMETERED on Tortola. Check with the Port & Shopping Guide for rates. My previous port guide shows a TRUE (typical) taxi ride at $24 (1-3 passengers) to get to OR from LONG BAY, CARROT BAY, APPLE BAY ... or $40 for SMUGGLER'S COVE. Each additional passenger is $5. Rates may be different for tour-bus type (bulk) transit fares. Accordingly, it can get expensive if you want to go somewhere for an hour or so.

 

[Inkmahm]

Just got the letter from DCL yesterday telling us of the switch to Tortola. Thanks to the DIS, I had my Tortola excursion booked already last week!

For those still looking, here's the link to reviews of the excursions from prior DCL cruisers: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30675636#post30675636 It's from the sticky thread for alphabetical topics on this forum.

The one we signed up for doesn't seem to be there so maybe it is new? The land and sea tour...

 

[Inkmahm]

Steven here. In addition to the 1st Disney Tortola (Apr/May 2009), we were also on the Disney 15 day Eastbound Panama Canal repositioning cruise (Aug-Sep 2008) ... have a Disney Western Caribbean booked for late 2009, and already booked Disney Alaska for 5/3/11. We used our Disney Vacation Club points for the Tortola cruise. If you want to experience Disney at least every 24 months, you should seriously consider DVC. They are fairly low pressure - and the program either MAKES SENSE to you - or it doesn't.

We are DVC members, too, but never use points for cruises. WAY too expensive compared to paying cash.

We've also tentatively scheduled the Alaska cruise on August 16 for 2011. It will depend on pricing from Princess for 2011 when that is released. If Disney isn't TOO much more, we're likely to try it. But we've been to Alaska before and will go again in future years so the Disney itinerary doesn't bother me too much for this one cruise. I would NOT take DCL if it were my first trip to Alaska though. May 3 is also VERY VERY early for Alaska cruising. I"d suggest reading up on Alaska here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=55 Budget Queen in particular gives wonderful advice. See this in particular (lots of Alaska residents post on that forum) http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1067341

 

[sdlong329]

I typically do not go on DCL, unless it is twice the price of Princess/HAL (or less). In this case, the inaugural cruise met that price range. We researched the weather, and recognize it's an early date (weather wise). Somehow, I have the feeling we will likely return to Alaska ... so I am sure we will be able to experience the full spectrum of cruising in Alaska. We've been waiting for DCL to go to Alaska, and also wanted to be on the inaugural cruise. I seriously doubt being able to book a cruise on the first cruise for either the Dream or Fantasy ... and I likely will not be one of the first guests to experience Disney's Resort in Hawaii.

 

[Tower]

Hi All Experienced Palo Diners!

So, as you know, High Tea is full as expected.

I read that we may be able to book something when we board the ship. Where would we do that? Go directly to Palo? at the Customer Service Desk? I'd like to make a beeline to that ASAP after boarding to see if I can work something out.

Thanks

 

[sdlong329]

Head for Rockin' Bar D (Deck 3, Forward in the Beat Street section of the ship). There, you can book or change Palo reservations, make other dining changes, request a specific server, etc.

When you board the ship, a Disney cast member will almost always personally greet you, to point you towards the indoor / outdoor buffet (Topsiders, deck 9, aft), as well as Rockin' Bar D for the aforementioned requests.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hey steven, welome to the meet thread. I'm sorry you are upset about the itenerary change. Like I said, I would rather St. Croix (I was excited to tour the old plantation for my birthday--I get to make the plans no questions asked by family that day) but I am not really upset by it. My suggestion to you if you do not care for Tortolla is to do what we do in St. Thomas (which we do not care for)--enjoy having the ship virtually to yourself If you want to book the rainforest room for a day--port days are excellent becuase it will be empty most of the day. The spa often runs good specials on port days as well if you would liek a massage.

Tower, when you get to Rockin' Bar D be prepared for long lines. Don't panic just get in line right away and hope for the best. You may well get a ressie, and if not DO ask to be added to the waiting list. We have been called and told we could have a spot when on the waiting list before. Good luck

 

[sdlong329]

My biggest concern is the lack of proper timing. We are being LIED TO about Disney not knowing of another ship. We all booked this cruise - expecting to go on this cruise. If it was changed due to weather or illness concerns (while at sea), that would be different.

It is very likely that Disney made the itinerary change due to quality concern issues at St. Croix. Okay, so if this is true, WHEN was it decided - and why so late? When was the last time Disney was in St. Croix?

We had a huge problem with an excursion at Tortola ... salvaged what we could out of the day. We enjoyed ourselves no matter what. That aside, if you've already been to St. Thomas & Tortola 2x within the past 12 months, you really don't want to spend thousands of dollars to go again. Had I known, I would have booked another itinerary.

I am being offered the chance to rebook the cruise (earlier or later date), but I will loose my money already paid for airfare, hotel, transportation, house-sitter, etc. Again - if Disney knew there was an issue, they should not have waited so long to make the decision.

If it truly is because there is another ship in port, why not just switch dates with St. Thomas? St. Croix has had multiple ships in port before. In this case, I think Disney just *missed the boat* on the timing.

I'd really rather not spend several thousands of dollars, just to sit on the ship. I understand a cruise line cannot make everyone happy - but again - they waited MUCH too long!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I agree that the reasoning for the switch seems suspect and that, at a MINIMUM, the annoucement should have been made before the final payment due date. However, I am goign to enjoy my DCL cruise no matter where it goes (goodness I enjoyed the first two and both missed Castaway Cay, which is really depressing). I do understand your frustrations, however.

 

[Tower]

Tower, when you get to Rockin' Bar D be prepared for long lines. Don't panic just get in line right away and hope for the best. You may well get a ressie, and if not DO ask to be added to the waiting list. We have been called and told we could have a spot when on the waiting list before. Good luck

Thank You Hadley & Steven. Definitely good information to have.

What's that movie called again? Oh yeah, "9 1/2 Weeks" (to go that is )

 

[Hanover]

We received our DCL letter yesterday about the change of ports.

We specifically chose the St. Croix itinerary when we booked in July 2007 while on our DCL Med cruise, but we'll make the most of Tortola. I just signed up for the forrest/beach excursion and the dolphin swim in Tortola. I'm not sure if we'll do both but at least wanted to have them booked for now. We were going to do the St. Croix city highlights tour and avoided the dolphin trip to Tortola since it was going to be 2 hours each way transportation. Now it's only 10 minutes each way.

I'm also surprised that Disney didn't just switch port days/sea days around and stick with St. Croix. It would be nice if they offered us all discounts off our Tortolla tours or a future cruise but I doubt it would happen unless we all really complained.

We just can't wait to be on the ship no matter where we end up!

 

[mrstbalt]

Sometimes the best times is when something like this comes up. When we did AK a few
years ago. We were not thrilled or really looking fwd to it, but then we ended up being pleasantly surprised..had a fun time. Have to make the most of it. I was a little disappointed at the change...but started doing more research and now looking fwd to it. The water looks beautiful.

 

[wuv tigger]

We had a cruise booked for Jan 2010 but cancelled it.

I just got that infamous pin code email yesterday.

DH & I spent over 40 minutes last night with DCL.

We made the final decision today.

So, can we join in on the fun???

Can we?

Can we??

 

[Tower]

We had a cruise booked for Jan 2010 but cancelled it.

I just got that infamous pin code email yesterday.

DH & I spent over 40 minutes last night with DCL.

We made the final decision today.

So, can we join in on the fun???

Can we?

Can we??

Nope, you can't join in. It's an exclusive club only accessible to Disney Fanatics and other crazy types. To determine your qualifications, you have to write a 40-hour non-stop exam on how much you love Disney!
No potty breaks, no food breaks, and no napping! But that exam was months ago, so I guess you have lost out!

Ok, Welcome to the club! Stick around, make a few hundred posts and let us know a bit more about yourself and your family. (keeping family security/privacy in mind with this being a public board). You may find someone from your hometown, or at least close to you.

You should try as soon as you can to book your excursions, at least tentatively in order to get in. There are not many Palo reservations left for dinner, so act fast.

see you in 2 months!

 

[wuv tigger]

We were part of the "Election Day Castaways" last year 1 Nov - 8 Nov 2008. It was a great 1st cruise. It was awesome!

The kids didn't find out about that cruise until we were at the airport. I made them journal books. The 1st page of their book was a search & find puzzle. It was titled: Where are you going on vacation tomorrow? They found the words they would be using on the cruise. Then with the leftover letters, it spelled: On the cruise ship, Disney Magic. The youngest got the puzzle 1st and hotted & hollered in the airport. Amazingly, our neighbor was on our flight to MCO and on the cruise. Small world.

We were part of the FE's and that was great coming back to our room and finding treasures in our FE throughout the cruise.

We did the Butterfly place in Key West, had our Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie on a stick. We did the Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman.

Since we know we are truly LAST minute we are not so pressed to make excursions. I have to search the Dis when the kiddos aren't around.

This trip too is a SECRET Our kids are under 10 and they are just as happy to stay on the ship on port days.

see you guys in few weeks

 

[Tower]

Our kids are under 10 and they are just as happy to stay on the ship on port days.

Hi again wuv
So, how old are your kids then? Ours are DS-8, DD-6 and DS-2.75

 

[DisneyCruisin']

We've still not received our letter of the port changes......Hmmm!

Can't wait - DS who's 8 is even more excited!!

Need to figure out what to do in Tortola!

 

[wuv tigger]

Hi again wuv
So, how old are your kids then? Ours are DS-8, DD-6 and DS-2.75

dd 9

dd 7