Disney Fantasy Cruise issue

[goofy77]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could help me with a issue that I have. I don't have any friends at all that I can talk to about things. I know that's pretty sad huh. The only friend that I have is my wife but other then that I have no one. My wife and I are suppose to go on our first cruise not this Saturday but next Saturday. This cruise was suppose to be for my 40th birthday present. We have never been on a cruise because it costs so much money. So she asked me what i wanted to do for my 40 birthday and since we never been on one I thought it would be nice. So just before thanksgiving I found a GVT Stateroom. I think that's what they call it. So I booked it. So I put in for the days off at work at the first of December and now I don't think they are going to let me have the time off. I guess we will just be out of all of that money. I told her to just go without me. At least one of us could go. So I have no clue what to do. Anyway thanks for reading this.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'm guessing you didn't purchase trip insurance? There are trip insurance policies which will cover (at least in part) your loss if you are unable to go due to work issues, but those policies generally have to be purchased within 14 days after booking.

At this point, there isn't a lot you can do to get your money back from DCL. The *GT fares are nonrefundable. The best you could do is appeal to your boss to give you the time off. I don't know what type of work you do, but maybe you could offer to work more hours before and after the cruise to make up for the time off?

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[goofy77]

I didn't think that I could buy trip insurance because of it being a gt fare. No I don't have that type of job. I wish I did. I really wish I had a different job all together but I haven't been able to find a different job that will hire me. I work for one of the biggest banks in there operation center if that tells you anything. They don't treat people like people they treat people like a number and that's about it. They don't care about you as a person or what is going on in your life they could care less. All they care about is how much work you do in an hour. It's all about your productivity numbers. I think I am just screwed all the way around. I told my wife to just go without me so at least she could have fun.

 

[Quellman]

Don't get down and out yet. Can you trade shifts with folks? You might still find some pixie dust yet to make your vacation come true. Sadly, you can't even change the date without losing it all. I hope it comes through for you guys.

 

[Jenscruise]

Don't be out all that money. Wife must go..with friends, sister, mom cousin...someone.
Do you have ANYTHING approving the days off when you booked the cruise? Email, text, anything that can prove you had permission? I'd be making quite a big stink.. go above your direct bosses head. Last thing a medium boss want to do is explain trouble to a big boss...
Good luck...

 

[Dug720]

Don't be out all that money. Wife must go..with friends, sister, mom cousin...someone.
Do you have ANYTHING approving the days off when you booked the cruise? Email, text, anything that can prove you had permission? I'd be making quite a big stink.. go above your direct bosses head. Last thing a medium boss want to do is explain trouble to a big boss...
Good luck...

I read it as he didn't ask for the time off before booking. Expensive lesson to learn, if that is the case. Better to not book something non-refundable until you KNOW you have the time off.

 

[surran12]

Don't be out all that money. Wife must go..with friends, sister, mom cousin...someone.
Do you have ANYTHING approving the days off when you booked the cruise? Email, text, anything that can prove you had permission? I'd be making quite a big stink.. go above your direct bosses head. Last thing a medium boss want to do is explain trouble to a big boss...
Good luck...

I agree...I would go above your boss if needed. And plead if need be. Tell them how much this means to you and how important it is for both you and your wife. Honestly I would have no shame with who I needed to talk with or what I needed to say to get permission and still keep your job for after. If that fails I do hope your wife still goes and can possibly bring someone to go with her. Good luck!

 

[goofy77]

No I didn't get approved before I booked it. I know I should have but we didn't even turn in our vacation requests for 2017 in till almost January. In the years past we would do it in late October and November. I have always taken my vacation in January to go to Disney world ot Disneyland for almost the last 10 years that's why I didn't think it would be an issue but this year we have a new boss that doesn't even work in the same state as me. She is at the top of mangers there only is one other person above her. I told my wife to go without me but she doesn't want to. No one in my family can take my spot can they? This whole thing just sucks. Iam just sick over the whole thing . I don't know what to do.

 

[wombat_5606]

I understand your anguish. I would wish your wife would go on the cruise, to not lose all of your vacation money.

No I didn't get approved before I booked it. I know I should have but we didn't even turn in our vacation requests for 2017 in till almost January. In the years past we would do it in late October and November. I have always taken my vacation in January to go to Disney world ot Disneyland for almost the last 10 years that's why I didn't think it would be an issue but this year we have a new boss that doesn't even work in the same state as me. She is at the top of mangers there only is one other person above her. I told my wife to go without me but she doesn't want to. No one in my family can take my spot can they? This whole thing just sucks. Iam just sick over the whole thing . I don't know what to do.

Did you book a *GT or a GTY rate?

 

[surran12]

No I didn't get approved before I booked it. I know I should have but we didn't even turn in our vacation requests for 2017 in till almost January. In the years past we would do it in late October and November. I have always taken my vacation in January to go to Disney world ot Disneyland for almost the last 10 years that's why I didn't think it would be an issue but this year we have a new boss that doesn't even work in the same state as me. She is at the top of mangers there only is one other person above her. I told my wife to go without me but she doesn't want to. No one in my family can take my spot can they? This whole thing just sucks. Iam just sick over the whole thing . I don't know what to do.

Someone with more experience will chime in I'm sure but it is my understanding that as long as one person on the reservation stays the same (your wife) you should be able to take your name off and add another persons. I am not sure if that had to be done by a certain point or not. As i said hopefully someone else with more knowledge will come along. However I would call Disney and ask them and if they say it can be done then ask your wife if you can find someone else would she then be willing to go? I really hope it doesn't have to go for a complete loss. Did you tell your new boss that you have basically always had this same time off every year and you've booked this vacation and know will be out thousands of dollars and could she please make a onetime exception?

 

[wombat_5606]

Someone with more experience will chime in I'm sure but it is my understand that as long as one person on the reservation stays the same (your wife) you should be able to take your name off and add another persons. I am not sure if that has to be done by a certain point or not. As i said hopefully someone else with more knowledge will come along. However I would call Disney and ask them and if they say it can be done then ask your wife if you can find someone else would she then be willing to go? I really hope it doesn't have to go for a complete loss. Did you tell your new boss that you have basically always had this same time off every year and you've booked this vacation and know will be out thousands of dollars and could she please make a onetime exception?

If it is a GTY reservation, he can. If it is a IGT, OGT, or VGT reservation he cannot.

In a previous post, I asked if he would clarify, but he has not answered. He initially said he had a GVT. If he meant a VGT, then he cannot change the reservation.

I would suggest his wife cruise as scheduled, so they receive some value from the money they have spent. She will have a good time, solo, and may be seated with other solo cruisers in the MDR and will have people to socialize with on the cruise.

The best thing, he can continue to work on his work issue up until the last minute and maybe it will work out for him. If not, they are only out the port taxes and fees, because a solo booking doesn't receive any discount.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Someone with more experience will chime in I'm sure but it is my understanding that as long as one person on the reservation stays the same (your wife) you should be able to take your name off and add another persons. I am not sure if that had to be done by a certain point or not. As i said hopefully someone else with more knowledge will come along. However I would call Disney and ask them and if they say it can be done then ask your wife if you can find someone else would she then be willing to go? I really hope it doesn't have to go for a complete loss. Did you tell your new boss that you have basically always had this same time off every year and you've booked this vacation and know will be out thousands of dollars and could she please make a onetime exception?

Not for the Restricted VGT rates. This is from the DCL website:

• Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...50;entityType=cruise-sailing;destination=dcl/

OP said they booked a "GVT Stateroom". I'm reading that as a restricted fare VGT.

For a regular GTY (specific category designated), I believe names changes are allowed, for a fee, within 30 days.

 

[goofy77]

If it is a GTY reservation, he can. If it is a IGT, OGT, or VGT reservation he cannot.

In a previous post, I asked if he would clarify, but he has not answered. He initially said he had a GVT. If he meant a VGT, then he cannot change the reservation.

I would suggest his wife cruise as scheduled, so they receive some value from the money they have spent. She will have a good time, solo, and may be seated with other solo cruisers in the MDR and will have people to socialize with on the cruise.

The best thing, he can continue to work on his work issue up until the last minute and maybe it will work out for him. If not, they are only out the port taxes and fees, because a solo booking doesn't receive any discount.

Yes it was a vgt it said that no changes could be made at all. Thanks for your reply. Iam just sol.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If not, they are only out the port taxes and fees,

Actually, no. If someone is a "no show" (which is really what happens in this case), port fees & taxes will be refunded for the person not taking the cruise.

OP - don't cancel your reservation (that is, YOUR reservation). Just leave it be, and keep trying to talk to your supervisor about the possibility of doing the trip. Maybe point out that you know you were wrong to assume you'd be able to get the same time frame for vacation that you have in the past, but you certainly won't make that mistake again.

You should just be a no-show, and your wife should go ahead and go. She can always put a placeholder down for a future cruise for you while onboard (must be taken within 24 months). You get lots of perks for an onboard booking.

 

[wombat_5606]

Actually, no. If someone is a "no show" (which is really what happens in this case), port fees & taxes will be refunded for the person not taking the cruise.

OP - don't cancel your reservation (that is YOUR reservation). Just leave it be, and keep trying to talk to your supervisor about the possibility of doing the trip. Maybe point out that you know you were wrong to assume you'd be able to get the same time frame for vacation that you have in the past, but you certainly won't make that mistake again.

You should just be a no-show, and your wife should go ahead and go. She can always put a placeholder down for a future cruise for you while onboard (must be taken within 24 months). You get lots of perks for an onboard booking.

Sorry, maybe I didn't word it right. The point I was trying to make was that, if she had booked a solo cruise in the first place, the only difference would be the port fees and taxes for the husband.

I strongly agree that she should go solo for the cruise.

He could get a last minute reprieve to take the cruise.

They would realize some benefit from the cruise fare, instead of losing the full amount.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

I'm so sad to read this. Just try to be positive. I agree with admitting to your boss maybe you shouldn't have presumed but since you always have that week off you went ahead and made nonrefundable plans. It doesn't hurt to ask more than one person. Maybe even someone in HR?

 

[surran12]

Thanks Shmoo and Wombat now I'll at least know for the future. Hang in there Goofy.

 

[minorthr]

If it was me I would absolutely be going on that cruise. Especially if no one else was off at that Time. I'd go to the point of calling in sick everyday from the boat and get a dr note when I got back, but I'm not a person that easily takes no for an answer.

That being said you shouldn't have booked it without requesting the days,but it really says something about them that they aren't willing to work with you.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

If it was me I would absolutely be going on that cruise. Especially if no one else was off at that Time. I'd go to the point of calling in sick everyday from the boat and get a dr note when I got back, but I'm not a person that easily takes no as an answer.

That being said you shouldn't have booked it without requesting the days,but it really says something about them that they aren't willing to work with you.

I was just going to say, it's time to come down with the 'flu'.

I've never in all of my experiences and a few employers, ever heard of anyone that couldn't understand this situation and still be a %$#@ and not allow someone off. That's ridiculous.

 

[DLgal]

Yep, I would pull the sick card too. Do you get sick days? Use them.

Or, just quit your job. I wouldn't want to work for a place that is so inflexible. You CAN get other jobs. I promise.