Docking at Key West and Cozumel

[Pugdog007]

Did anyone else notice that the Magic, on the NEW itinerary, seems to have the best docking positions???

Could this be that DCL paid more and bumped another ship that was there previously? I can't imagine these prime locations were vacant before the Magic started visiting... because the Carnival ships were also docked there at less-desirable locations.

Just a thought...

 

[mmouse37]

I did notice that. I have not been on the Western yet, but after reading all the posts I was wondering also how Disney got prime space at Key West. When we sailed on Carnival two years ago we were at the further away dock and it was not that convenient.

I bet Disney does offer something for prime locations!!!

MJ

 

[atigeg]

And wasn't it classy how DCL had the canopies to shield guests from the sun while waiting for the tender boats, as well as offering free water and fruit punch? Such a nice touch!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[stormkrow]

Two thoughts came to mind when I read this tread:

1) Disney's reputation encourage the port to give DCL the prime location (I suspect this is unlikely), or
2) DCL pick days that other cruiselines are not in port.

Just a thought!

 

[rae519]

Tender boats?

Okay, so we have to get on the tender boats from the main ship to get to some of the ports?

Ohhh, getting a little nervous here now!!!!

Please tell me more!

Rae

 

[RellingTwin]

Hi Rae, at Grand Cayman all ships must use tender ships to get passangers to shore. They do not have docking facilities for large cruise ships.

 

[rae519]

Oh thanks Mary! Well, I definitely want to get off and see the island......aggghhh! Guess I will bite the bullet on this one since Mom is taking both her first airplane ride and first cruise on this trip!!!! Might as well act like the big girl here!

Has anyone ever done a Christmas cruise? Thinking about next Christmas already!

Rae

 

[llachance]

My daughter and I are sailing on the Western December 20-27th 2003. Our third 7 day and 2nd Western.

 

[mcnuss]

RE: the tender boats --

On my last cruise, I got thoroughly ill on the tender boats for 2 reasons - 1) they smelled strongly of diesel fuel and 2) we had to wait a long time just kinda bobbing in the water. Could you tell me what your experience has been with DCL? Do you sit there long? Are the boats stinky? As it is, I suspect I will be pretty doped up on Bonine but just need to check if I should double-dose myself b4 tendering.

Thanks.

 

[llachance]

Disney seemed to have more then enough tenders. We waited at most about 15 minutes (one of the last tenders at Grand Cayman). All open and quick. Disney hires a number of tenders just for their use during the day.

 

[hokie5cruiser]

Tendering was impressively EASY! We had to go to the theater to get a tender pass when we were ready to go. Walked in , sat down for about 2 minutes, walked right to the tender-which held about 200+ people.(After about 10am they announced that you could go straight to the tender exit w/o a pass) It was also open with plenty of fresh air. When we were done snorkeling on our own in the morning, we waited about 10 minutes in the shade Disney provided, with free water or juice to board another tender back. SO EASY that we dropped our stuff at the ship and tendered back for some shopping.

 

[mcnuss]

Thank you so much for allaying my concerns!

 

[SQUIGGLE]

Just a thought on the great docking spots. We all know we are paying a bit more for DCL - could it be that we're paying for the best docking areas. Would make sense. In Key West we just sailed around the docked Carnival ship and docked right at Mallory Square. And at Cozumel (even though we got in later than the other ships) we pulled right up to the best dock. We were able to just walk right to the action.

Barb - I loved the canopy and punch too. Definitely nice touch!