Fantasy having mechanical issues

[nancipants]

The drydock dates were fully disclosed to those booking the cruise nearly 2 years ago? So you're saying Disney knowingly put a vessel into service and charged full rate while expecting to have mechanical issues. They also fully expected that all the passengers who were booking said cruise would visit DIS boards in order to learn about this expectation rather than disclosing the expectation to the passengers? It is naive to assume that every passenger should have "expected" to have mechanical issues and that because they were "naive" enough to book that particular cruise, that they should be fine with what happened.

This cruise didn't open up for booking until November of 2016. Once they figured out the specific dry dock dates, they added this short cruise rather than leave the ship empty in Port Canaveral for three days. I learned of this cruise from the DCL blog, and it was noted there (and here) that this cruise was unique because it was the first one after dry dock. I assumed they also wanted a shorter cruise in case any issues arose during the first sailing - and surprise surprise, that's exactly what happened.

http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...ay-cay-double-dip-aboard-disney-fantasy-2017/

 

[JWG]

I think this thread has run its course...

Fantasy had a mechanical issue - it was late to Port Canaveral, it departed late from Port Canaveral, its itinerary was adjusted to swap Tortola for San Juan on this current sailing, it appears to have arrived into St. Thomas without issue after two days at sea.

I think we can now move on and save the debate on how good/bad Disney is for the next issue that pops up.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

i am not sure why two people are posting to try and shut down discussion. I havr found this discussion pretty interesting over all and have enjoyed hearing other people's opinions on the topics. There are a lot of threads, most really, that I do not even open because i am not interested. If you are not interested in the discussion, why would you even be readimg or posting?

 

[quickcat]

I think this thread has run its course...

Fantasy had a mechanical issue - it was late to Port Canaveral, it departed late from Port Canaveral, its itinerary was adjusted to swap Tortola for San Juan on this current sailing, it appears to have arrived into St. Thomas without issue after two days at sea.

I think we can now move on and save the debate on how good/bad Disney is for the next issue that pops up.

Perfectly said!

 

[FigmentSpark]

OK, so I'm taking the bus in town to get to an appointment. The bus blows a tire, so now I'm walking to my appointment and I miss it. Because I miss the appointment, I lose a valuable client. So, I'm to expect the bus company to pay me all my losses due to a blown tire?

I don't think so.

Again, I point out that the cruise contract (that everyone who books a cruise agrees to) states that the cruise line/captain can change or cancel any cruise, or portion of it, at their discretion for whatever reason. There's no agreement to reimbursement if such a change happens.

Regarding the bus... I would say the bus company could possibly be expected to reimburse you for taxi fare, as well as your bus fare. However, if you walked, versus taking a taxi, that loss of a client would be on you.

Likewise, I think it would be reasonable for DCL to reimburse those who had to pay for airfare changes, possibly a hotel, if they weren't able to get a new flight. That is, not everyone should get reimbursed. Just those who had flight issues. If they want to be extra nice, they could offer an amount off another cruise, but I don't think that should be expected. Their site suggests not taking a flight home before 11:30, so anyone who missed a flight that was booked after 11:30 could reasonably expect compensation to assist in rebooking and getting them home. That's about what an airline would give.

 

[RedSox68]

i am not sure why two people are posting to try and shut down discussion. I havr found this discussion pretty interesting over all and have enjoyed hearing other people's opinions on the topics. There are a lot of threads, most really, that I do not even open because i am not interested. If you are not interested in the discussion, why would you even be readimg or posting?

Agreed. Just because someone is bored with a thread and feels it has run its course, doesn't mean it should be taken away from others who are still interested in it, and who are posting interesting information and observations.

 

[JWG]

Because there's no more information related to the mechanical concerns of the Fantasy - it's back in service as normal with the exception of tomorrow's port swap.
Ignoring the thread is easier said than done when you genuinely want information on the status of the ship.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

That is, not everyone should get reimbursed. Just those who had flight issues.

Even if they didn't purchase DCL insurance? I think it's on the traveler to have a plan for exigencies. Part of planning should also include "what if XYZ happens?" (the plane can't take off, the weather delays me, I break a leg, whatever).

 

[anomamatt]

Okay, so here is my update. As I wrote before, Delta charged us $150 a ticket (times four tickets = $600 total) to move our 12:30 flight to their 6:55pm one. I bought the $400+ trip insurance from DCL. I've been swamped with work and not much time to deal with all this, but I called AON (insurance company DCL uses) and was first told "no, they would not cover that". Then I just called back and was told they might cover up to $150 total *if* I could get DCL to give me an official document that states there was a delay (the supervisor said it had to be on DCL letterhead). Seems excessive...

I'm pretty annoyed.. I guess I will call DCL next, what is the best number to reach their customer service?

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Okay, so here is my update. As I wrote before, Delta charged us $150 a ticket (times four tickets = $600 total). I bought the $400+ trip insurance from DCL. I've been swamped with work and not much time to deal with all this, but I called AON (insurance company DCL uses) and was first told "no, they would not cover that". Then I just called back and was told they might cover up to $150 *if* I could get DCL to give me an official document that states there was a delay (the supervisor said it had to be on DCL letterhead). Seems excessive...

I'm pretty annoyed.. I guess I will call DCL next, what is the best number to reach their customer service?

This to me is just completely wrong and they should be compensating you for the aggravation as well as the tickets. It is even more outrageous considering that you actually bought their insurance which really calls into question the value of their insurance product.

 

[RedSox68]

Okay, so here is my update. As I wrote before, Delta charged us $150 a ticket (times four tickets = $600 total) to move our 12:30 flight to their 6:55pm one. I bought the $400+ trip insurance from DCL. I've been swamped with work and not much time to deal with all this, but I called AON (insurance company DCL uses) and was first told "no, they would not cover that". Then I just called back and was told they might cover up to $150 *if* I could get DCL to give me an official document that states there was a delay (the supervisor said it had to be on DCL letterhead). Seems excessive...

I'm pretty annoyed.. I guess I will call DCL next, what is the best number to reach their customer service?

Geez, that is just ridiculous. What DOES the insurance cover then if not delays, etc.! What's the point?

 

[JWG]

Definitely talk to DCL, I'd be surprised if Disney is ok with that level of service from one of their pass through providers (meaning Disney plays middle person and attaches their name to it). You would think Disney could notify the company of the impact for that itinerary to preempt 4,000 passengers (ok, not that many in reality with families and those not impacted) from having to go back to Disney creating more work for them. Of course, it's possible Disney DID do that but your experience varies by customer service agent at AON.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

It is even more outrageous considering that you actually bought their insurance which really calls into question the value of their insurance product.

What DOES the insurance cover then if not delays, etc.! What's the point?

In my experience, when you make a claim on insurance, you need documentation. I don't see requiring a statement from DCL confirming the delay as an unusual request.

 

[anomamatt]

I just got off the phone with DCL... they said the insurance doesn't cover it since I bought my flights separately. And they won't get me official documentation of the delay.

The last part made me VERY angry, so at that point the agent told me to email: DCL.guest.communications@disneycruise.com

I'm not sure why I paid $400+ for THEIR insurance. We were in WDW before the cruise, so no real chance of missing it. It seems if you book you own airfare, even with the insurance, all the insurance covers is if you miss the cruise or need to be medevac'd.

 

[anomamatt]

In my experience, when you make a claim on insurance, you need documentation. I don't see requiring a statement from DCL confirming the delay as an unusual request.

I was annoyed that DCL's insurance partner couldn't get that information themselves. It's not like I bought 3rd party insurance... But I'm more annoyed that DCL won't give me the information.

 

[cruiser21]

Even if they didn't purchase DCL insurance? I think it's on the traveler to have a plan for exigencies. Part of planning should also include "what if XYZ happens?" (the plane can't take off, the weather delays me, I break a leg, whatever).[/

I'm glad airlines aren't like Disney cruise line. When I buy something I expect to get what I pay for. If I'm on on bus airplane, or ship that breaks down I expect the company to get me where I'm suppossed to be at their cost.

 

[JWG]

Looks like it's time to read the trip insurance details. I have to admit, I've only paid attention to if I'm delayed getting TO the ship and have never paid attention to coverage if I'm delayed getting OFF the ship... guess I will now.
We always buy 3rd party, not through Disney, so our argument would be event weaker.

Though, how stupid is it DCL won't acknowledge a mechanical issue delayed their port arrival? It's not Disney provided insurance, it's 3rd party. I wonder if Disney has some agreement with the insurance agency about a kick-back or if a portion of the fee gets rebated to Disney based on actual claims paid?

 

[keishashadow]

I think this thread has run its course...

Fantasy had a mechanical issue - it was late to Port Canaveral, it departed late from Port Canaveral, its itinerary was adjusted to swap Tortola for San Juan on this current sailing, it appears to have arrived into St. Thomas without issue after two days at sea.

I think we can now move on and save the debate on how good/bad Disney is for the next issue that pops up.

I'm sure the mods have this under control

People who experienced this are sharing their personal experiences here. It's of benefit for us even if we didn't all have the same outcome

Because there's no more information related to the mechanical concerns of the Fantasy - it's back in service as normal with the exception of tomorrow's port swap.
Ignoring the thread is easier said than done when you genuinely want information on the status of the ship.

Well, it's working for now If pod is shot will need to be eventually replaced not a one day fix

Even if they didn't purchase DCL insurance? I think it's on the traveler to have a plan for exigencies. Part of planning should also include "what if XYZ happens?" (the plane can't take off, the weather delays me, I break a leg, whatever).

Most 3rd party TI has a 6 hr travel delay before coverage kicks in BTW. No idea what time they would start clock ticking 6 or 7 am

Yes we always cruise with it. You usually required to add in all costs of your trip including airfare but excluding timeshare value. Rental car is option as are other items

I was annoyed that DCL's insurance partner couldn't get that information themselves. It's not like I bought 3rd party insurance... But I'm more annoyed that DCL won't give me the information.

3rd party ins a better value IMO but typically does cost a bit more yet has more extensive scope

 

[anomamatt]

Whatever their reason, I have gone from very satisfied (see my first posts on the delay) to a rather angry customer. I'm sure they know the insurance exclusions better than I do and I'm sure it doesn't cover this situation... but I thought someone at DCL would at least acknowledge why I might have expected insurance to cover this... I hope my email gets a proper response. If not, I guess I can complain on social media (etc).

I did follow their rules posted on earliest MCO departures. And I can't get over that I bought their insurance... ugh!

I'm pissed, but I'll try not to think about it until I get a response. The auto-response said it could take up to 5 days. I'll update when I hear back. It had better be something other than telling me I should have purchased my flight through them. Maybe I would have, if their prices were close to what I can get direct from Delta...

 

[undertheradar]

What form of payment did you use for your airfare? Many credit cards have added travel insurance for travel purchased through them.