Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[dallgower]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

 

[Jareds_mommy]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

I think their will be openings people will cancel things like that,
You were able to make your reservations at midnight (eastern) on the 31 (crossing over to the 1st) we did it then and there was lots open when we went in it was 10 pm our time on the 31st. So even letting the past cruisers book first there was still lots left for the rest

 

[LiserAnn]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

Don't be disappointed! On our first cruise (which was 2005, on DCL to Mexico also) we had the same experience....everything was booked online and I was really bummed out. But through the boards I learned that you can get everything handled the day you board. I was able to book Palo ressies for brunch, tea, and dinner without a problem. Same with the Spa. You do have to do some leg work and head to the designated locations to handle that business right away which is hard because you're so excited to be on the ship. We basically boarded and we handled the Palo ressies first (those go quickest) and then the Spa ressies. It was all good!

I hate to say it but it's almost like a right of passage that everyone goes through. Thank godness for the boards because I knew what I had to do. Had I not been part of DIS I wouldn't have known and probably have missed out. It will work out. Don't let it tarnish your excitment! They always hold back ressies for people booking on board.

 

[szubieta]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

Our first cruise I finally got the dolphin encounter I wanted about a month out. On this one I had to book DSisters Cabo excursion for her, she couldn't get in to it. Good thing we're linked.

 

[TNShellBelle]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

Don't be disappointed! Once you get on the ship you will most likely be able to get what you want. Check out the navigator as they have places to sign up or to change things. On our last cruise we had late seating that was NOT going to work with our little ones. Once on board we stood in line for 10 minutes and had it changed. We have always been able to get Palo ressies on board also. Sometimes we have called and gotten in on the same day. No worries...you will have an awesome time!

 

[TNShellBelle]

The new poll on the graphics is up on the website. I added one more using Az Pirates' graphics with the Disboard green background. Happy voting!

http://april-17-2011-mexicanriviera.weebly.com/polls.html

I can't choose... I love them all!

 

[coffman6]

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

I am in the same ....dare I say...boat as you!! I am so darn frustrated but we are traveling with a family that has been on several cruises with Disney and she assures me the same things that we will be able to get what we want onboard. I am such a planner that this waiting until we are on the ship is TOTALLY against my nature....but here goes! I guess you will see me in ALL of the same lines!

 

[Az Pirates]

Our first DCL cruise was one of the 2005 PC crossings. It broke records for having the most repeat cruisers ever. You should have seen the Castaway Club check in line at the terminal. Not much of a perk that cruise.

There was next to nothing left when our booking window opened either, even though I was online the minute I could be, and that was back when booking opened at 3am PST.

Keep checking online periodically as things do open up when people make changes, cancel, etc.

And as others have said, they hold some ressies back for booking onboard. They also hold some spots open for concierge guests (and many concierge folks book their own ressies online just like the rest of us) so even if you don't get ressies online or at boarding, don't give up.

Especially for Palo, call and nicely let them know how much you'd like to eat there... every day. I bet they'll get you in before the cruise is over.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Mazatlan Frank posted over on Cruise Critic that Carnival, Norwegian, HAL, and Azamara were all heading back to Mazatlan this week. I wonder if there's any hope of DCL changing it's mind again?

 

[TNShellBelle]

Mazatlan Frank posted over on Cruise Critic that Carnival, Norwegian, HAL, and Azamara were all heading back to Mazatlan this week. I wonder if there's any hope of DCL changing it's mind again?

Wow! I would love to still ride with Randi on Easter! Anyone think DCL will change again? I just received and email from them a couple of days ago saying that they pulled out of Mazatlan (I know, kinda late).

 

[my2mickeykids]

Wow! I would love to still ride with Randi on Easter! Anyone think DCL will change again? I just received and email from them a couple of days ago saying that they pulled out of Mazatlan (I know, kinda late).

I read that DCL is for sure staying out for all of April. Looks like it is unknown after that.

 

[Susiesark]

Mazatlan Frank posted over on Cruise Critic that Carnival, Norwegian, HAL, and Azamara were all heading back to Mazatlan this week. I wonder if there's any hope of DCL changing it's mind again?

Gee, it would be good to know definitely, one way or the other, so we can make plans. Will it be Cabo or Mazatlan?? If it's Mazatlan, then we only get 1 short day in Cabo.

 

[padalyn]

whew...this year has been a whirlwind...so, I am just getting to this party. Better late than never!

many cruises (see below!) doing this one solo!!

Please add me to all the lists!

Padalyn (Cayla) platinum, 11b gty - no room yet

I am willing to give FE gifts to everyone on the lists....so please, let me know.

I am also on a B2B2B and this is the first leg....

you guys all noticed that Matzalan is no longer a port, right? We are overnight in Cabo instead. Spoke to some folks while on the Dream Maiden - seems the crime has Disney a little worried. So they pulled these cruises out of there. Overnight in Cabo sounds interesting!!!

see you all soon!

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

whew...this year has been a whirlwind...so, I am just getting to this party. Better late than never!

many cruises (see below!) doing this one solo!!

Please add me to all the lists!

Padalyn (Cayla) platinum, 11b gty - no room yet

I am willing to give FE gifts to everyone on the lists....so please, let me know.

I am also on a B2B2B and this is the first leg....

you guys all noticed that Matzalan is no longer a port, right? We are overnight in Cabo instead. Spoke to some folks while on the Dream Maiden - seems the crime has Disney a little worried. So they pulled these cruises out of there. Overnight in Cabo sounds interesting!!!

see you all soon!

Welcome! Glad you found us. I am very envious of your B2B2B - what a great trip! Travelbee (Connie) set up an awesome website for us at http://april-17-2011-mexicanriviera.weebly.com/ Great info there if you want to check it out.

We aren't actually getting to spend the night in Cabo. On Easter Sunday we'll be there from 7:30-6, then it's back out to sea and on Monday we'll be there from 7:30-2:30.

 

[True Romance]

whew...this year has been a whirlwind...so, I am just getting to this party. Better late than never!

many cruises (see below!) doing this one solo!!

Please add me to all the lists!

Padalyn (Cayla) platinum, 11b gty - no room yet

I am willing to give FE gifts to everyone on the lists....so please, let me know.

I am also on a B2B2B and this is the first leg....

you guys all noticed that Matzalan is no longer a port, right? We are overnight in Cabo instead. Spoke to some folks while on the Dream Maiden - seems the crime has Disney a little worried. So they pulled these cruises out of there. Overnight in Cabo sounds interesting!!!

see you all soon!

Hi Cayla, welcome!!! I got you added to the FE and got your PM. Just disregard the request for the names of everyone in your cabin--just read the info here Wow, you are a great resource to have being Platinum. How fun for you to do Mexico one week, the west coast the next, and then Alaska the next. You got the whole west coast of North America covered.

Since you have sailed so many times with DCL, do you have certain servers that you request?

 

[HelenMartinez]

whew...this year has been a whirlwind...so, I am just getting to this party. Better late than never!

many cruises (see below!) doing this one solo!!

Please add me to all the lists!

Padalyn (Cayla) platinum, 11b gty - no room yet

I am willing to give FE gifts to everyone on the lists....so please, let me know.

I am also on a B2B2B and this is the first leg....

you guys all noticed that Matzalan is no longer a port, right? We are overnight in Cabo instead. Spoke to some folks while on the Dream Maiden - seems the crime has Disney a little worried. So they pulled these cruises out of there. Overnight in Cabo sounds interesting!!!

see you all soon!

Welcome

That's an amazing amount of cruises. What's been your favorite?

 

[padalyn]

Is anyone staying on board after the MR for the REPO to Alaska?

Yep...looking forward to my B2B2B!!

Anyone else not able to book excursions on DCL site for the first Cabo day (Easter)? It would only let me book for the second day...

same here...been trying since I found out that Mazatlan was canceled.

The lady who organized them for the 2 day cruise got them at
http://24hourwristbands.com/order-custom-silicone-wristbands/

I have been looking into bands...found a site where they are about .40 each. I emailed them to ask about the "disney font"...awaiting an answer. I am (was) planning to give bands for FE gifts...back to the drawing board for this cruise...

Ok, so I have been playing around with the lanyard/badge design to see if I could spice it up a bit. Let me know if something like this would work.

Connie and I have been working on the lanyard designs and have come up with 2 more options. Connie is going to put them all on our cruise website so that we can take a poll on the designs. Here are the 2 new ones.

I voted...love the Mickey and Pals!! beautiful artwork...thanks for doing this...Ken usually does lanyards, but he isn't on this cruise...

I have a question for those of you who are frequent DCL travelers. This is our first DCL cruise. I was not able to sign up for any excursions or make Palo reservations until yesterday. However, EVERYTHING is full. No Palo reservations, every single excursion we wanted is full, and the only spa reservation available is at 6 pm.

I understand wanting to reward frequent cruisers with some priority, but this seems a little riduculous. It is making me really second guess this cruise.

My question is if any of things will open up once we get on board. I think I remember seeing that Palo reservations can be make on board, but what about excursions and spa reservations?

It is sad because 48 hours ago I was so excited and now I am just disappointed.

You should NOT be disappointed at all. DCL sets up a specific number of "spots" for each level of cruiser. Once those are gone, the online booking windows close....BUT as many others have told you, when you get onboard you need to go to the areas designated for Palo and the Spa - you will get what you want. They create a "wish list" for people who they can't accomodate right then. I have never missed out. I may not have gotten the day I wanted, but I have always gotten at least one seating.

Wow! I would love to still ride with Randi on Easter! Anyone think DCL will change again? I just received and email from them a couple of days ago saying that they pulled out of Mazatlan (I know, kinda late).

I was just on the Dream (Maiden)...direct from the C.O.O.'s mouth - DCL is NOT going into Mazatlan this season. They have not withdrawn their "spot" at this port, but feel that the safety of the guests is most important. Until the area is more stable - not happening. Sorry if this is bad news, but they have made their choices.

 

[padalyn]

never mind...

 

[LiserAnn]

Welcome Cayla!!! We're a fun group!

 

[padalyn]

Thanks!! I am not new to cruising...but due to life happening, I haven't been on the boards much in the last year or so.

I am looking forward to relaxing on this cruise!!

Boy do I need it...lol