How have the passenger numbers been lately?

[Kwami]

I totally agree with you. If they cannot offer the entire "disney cruise" experience, they should be deeply discounted or not running at all. These trips are really expensive for my family, and if the experience was going to be no different than hanging out at home watching TV or staying in a hotel, I would rather know up front. I get it, it is COVID, but this is not a surprise! They should be well prepared, and know what they can reasonably offer.

On the website, they mention most of the limitations. On some sailings, some other problem pops up and something else has to be canceled, but mostly, you get what you see on the website.

I think they're keeping the prices higher because they don't actually want to fill the ships right now. It's easier to deal with the Covid restrictions when the ship is only at half capacity.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

I spoke with the GS supervisor (on a non-related issue) and he told me that he 1/14/22 Dream sailing had 1495 passengers - 500 of which were children. This was the first cruise requiring 5+ to be vaccinated

 

[Snowwhyt]

What I don’t get about the whole team clubs being closed because CMs are quarantined Is how they can’t find any other staff, or move people about to cover. I mean we’re talking about the teen clubs - you just need one or two people there to check kids in. Other than that they can be on their own. I get not having planned group activity, but at least open up the facilities to have them meet up and hang out. Heck Couldn’t even the cruise director jump in for an afternoon or evening and play door bouncer and “babysit” the teens? It doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t five also have the outdoor area for the teens? I mean they could just opened it up for them like any other area of the ship.

I totally agree with you. If they cannot offer the entire "disney cruise" experience, they should be deeply discounted or not running at all. These trips are really expensive for my family, and if the experience was going to be no different than hanging out at home watching TV or staying in a hotel, I would rather know up front. I get it, it is COVID, but this is not a surprise! They should be well prepared, and know what they can reasonably offer.

My sailing last week had friends from that week which was just before ours. So we heard about it while it was happening. They mentioned the teen club participants had been refusing or less then diligent to wear the masks. Constantly asked to put them on. I think it was more a compliance issue with the decision to close but who knows? On my sailing they had mainly family events all aimed at that age group. Felt like it was a cruise set up for tweens and teens. With little adult entertainment until 10ish.

 

[Hopingagainsthope]

Our servers told us during our Nov 27 cruise that approximately 200 guests cancel last minute from every cruise. Part of that 200 is still at home and decide to not cruise. The other part of the 200 is the group of people that test positive at the port.

This was in November, so I’d love to know the percentage of people testing positive at the port as of late with omicron? Anyone know?

 

[sjuncfan]

Unconfirmed but on another site I saw this regarding the Wonder: Less than 600 guests. And word is that the cruise leaving port today will be less than 300.

Seems absolutely crazy to think about that few people on board.

 

[act1980]

I'm sure that the new requirements around the vaccine will have a huge impact on people sailing. I have a cruise booked for October but we won't be able to sail if the vaccine mandate for 5+ is still in place so we'll be cancelling.

 

[jenushkask8s]

We're on the Fantasy now and there are about 1350 passengers on board. I don't know how many were denied boarding due to positive tests.

 

[perchy]

Omg, that would suck to be vaccinated, asymptomatic and turn up positive at the port. I think next time we cruise, I'd get tested before we fly just to confirm.

If you do test positive at home before you sail, are you allowed to rebook in the same manner as you would if you tested positive at the port?

 

[Kwami]

If you do test positive at home before you sail, are you allowed to rebook in the same manner as you would if you tested positive at the port?

Yes. You can cancel or rebook within 14 days of sailing if you test positive, if you have Covid-19 symptoms, or if you're exposed to someone else that has Covid-19.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Yes. You can cancel or rebook within 14 days of sailing if you test positive, if you have Covid-19 symptoms, or if you're exposed to someone else that has Covid-19.

Can you imagine the nightmare of people who sent a Covid positive person so that they didn’t lose out on a refund.
Bunch of zombies! Walking dead LARPing! Thank goodness it’s an honor system.
I really respect and pity those who have been exposed but not sure if they will pop up with Covid on the ship later that have to cancel.

 

[jasonriv]

I spoke with the GS supervisor (on a non-related issue) and he told me that he 1/14/22 Dream sailing had 1495 passengers - 500 of which were children. This was the first cruise requiring 5+ to be vaccinated

Everyone I asked said it was 1300. Oddly, it felt busier to me than my November sailing on the Fantasy with 1500.

Jason

 

[Calantha]

Just off a four day Dream (departed 17 Jan). Our Server said there were about 1300-1400 guests. Someone else I spoke to said that they expected fewer on the 3-day this weekend. Children were vaccinated. Didn’t feel crowded at all except at the pool on the Sea day.

 

[figmentfinesse]

I’m on the final full day of my 5 night magic cruise. Server said 780 made it on, about 150 turned away at port.

 

[MommyMouse]

On our Jan 7th (3-night) Dream cruise, we were told by our server there were approximately 1000 passengers. It was a totally different experience for us, but also the first without our now grown children (yes, true mother guilt here ) . That said, DH and I still had an amazing time and felt we essentially had the ship and Castaway to ourselves. Virtually no lines/wait for anything except maybe 4 ppl in front of us to get an ice cream on sea day. All Castaway excursions were canceled, all hammocks were down, no massages or hair braiding. Tons of empty lounge chairs everywhere.
Handwashing is required before entering Cabanas and no self-serve anything inside. Cabanas was not open for dinner on any night. One small annoyance was you cannot grab silverware or napkin for yourself and they don't automatically give them to you when handing you your plate of food....you must ask for it. The problem was I forgot it - Every. Single. Time.
Theatre remains spaced seating. WISH was the live show on 2 nights, a movie on the 3rd. Entertainment definitely limited, but there were still things to do. Fireworks (twice) on the 2nd night, with a very down-scaled deck party. Room service still available all hours.
Saw characters meandering around the ship but all photos taken at a distance - it was the same on Castaway. Mickey, Minnie and Goofy walked/danced briefly through dining rooms on 3rd night, but no stops at table for photo ops.
We booked this cruise with the intent of having a short weekend getaway and went with no real agenda and without expectations. Was it the "normal" DCL experience? No, it was not. However, the service was stellar and we enjoyed it so much we're doing it again on the 28th....(yes, my DH is just that magical . ) We are grateful to live just an hour away from the port which also makes things simpler overall for obvious reasons.

 

[melmel]

Just boarded the Fantasy today. We asked at edge and were told between 1300 and 1400 people with about 200 kids total.

 

[yfamdiscruise]

Just boarded the Fantasy today. We asked at edge and were told between 1300 and 1400 people with about 200 kids total.

Wow, that seems like a pretty low percentage of kids, doesn’t it? I know kid numbers are usually pretty low for Transatlantic and Panama Canal cruises, is this pretty close to that, or is the kid count on those cruises even lower?

 

[TNewman1024]

Just home to AZ from a B2B on the Magic. 13Jan to 17Jan 4 day approx 800-900 guests.
17Jan to 22Jan I think it was a little less in the 700-800 range from what we heard. Marvel Day at Sea

Comments:
Service was great. We actually got upgraded no charge to Concierge, just the Family Ocean View room with Veranda but it was our first Concierge cruise. This was our second leg 17jan to 22jan.

The ship felt empty to us. The only line we really saw was for Loki, and Loki and Thor. Some small lines built up for the the signup meets of Iron Man/Black Panther and Groot/Spiderman but these were scheduled in advance and no really issues getting in on them.

Groot was very cool. Amazing costume and his voice on those 3 words was actually trying to say different things with his inflections. Groot was a hit with our family. Spiderman was very cool, talked to us for a while.

Most of the Characters were out on Deck 4 and 5 atrium and you just walk up the roped area and talk to them and take photos. Marvel day they had specific photos with the Shutters folks doing the pics in Fathoms rotated characters about every 20 mins almost no line anytime we went in.
D lounge was changed around to be Marvel Central and had Ironman and Black Panther. Animators Groot/Star Lord or Gamora and Spiderman.

Mickey and the gang we all around you could get social distanced photos, but you could literally just walk up and they were there to interact. Capt Hook and Smee, Chip and Dale. The photo opts were great. We felt sorry for them because they were there and nobody around. Chip and Dale were always playing around and messing with each other. Pluto was playful. Felt bad that they were are ready to go and nobody to play with.

I would say we saw more characters on this cruise than any other one except maybe the Panama Canal, they did a bunch of character things with a Halloween/15night east bound Panama Canal cruise. That one lots of time on the boat and they made lots of things available on that one. We played shuffle board with Hook and Smee, and saw Goofy Sleep walking at midnight one. We were leaving the bar at Palo after a few extra beverages, but it was cool. Goofy out on deck sleep walking.

Castaway seemed empty. We had 3 days at Catsaway. 1 on the first and then double dip the second. We got a Cabana on the last Castaway Cay day and it was worth every penny.

Weather was good. 1st Nassau day our trip to Pearl Island Cancelled due to wind and higher seas. But all 3 Castaway days and second Nassau stop were great weather. 75 and light breeze.


Dining rooms seemed empty we always do 2nd seating and it was a little scarce. Food was top notch, Palo food was good miss the buffect at brinch and didn't specically like the fixed menu setup. Be aware if you order ala Carte the sides are huge, like feel the table size. Palo service was excellent, just like the old style better where the servers can interact a bit more and bring extra things to the table that you may never have tried.

Overall we are bushed but it was a great vacation.

Oh we heard the Magic on the cruise that was leaving today only had just under 700 on it and might be as low *** 500-600. One of the restaurants was closing, or rather one of the rotation server crews has this week off. Meaning only 2 restaurants going to be going each night not 3. Since the crew is not allowed to leave the ship and they are testing these folks daily for Covid I'm sure the servers and crew supporting that leg of the rotation will be really anxious for the numbers to come up.

Any more questions let me know. we had fun and enjoyed. Its not the same but but many positives and new things that made it great although different. We all hate change but now is a great time to go. We never felt bored looking for something to do. We did wactha couple movies in the Buena Vista we normally don't but there was still lots of options.

 

[unrequited23]

Groot/Spiderman but these were scheduled in advance and no really issues getting in on them.

We are sailing on the 1/31 MDAS and our ticketed meet only listed Groot. Was this the same for yours and it was a surprise Spiderman? Also, did you notice what percentage of kids were in Marvel costumes?

 

[KatieKepic]

Just home to AZ from a B2B on the Magic. 13Jan to 17Jan 4 day approx 800-900 guests.
17Jan to 22Jan I think it was a little less in the 700-800 range from what we heard. Marvel Day at Sea

Comments:
Service was great. We actually got upgraded no charge to Concierge, just the Family Ocean View room with Veranda but it was our first Concierge cruise. This was our second leg 17jan to 22jan.

The ship felt empty to us. The only line we really saw was for Loki, and Loki and Thor. Some small lines built up for the the signup meets of Iron Man/Black Panther and Groot/Spiderman but these were scheduled in advance and no really issues getting in on them.

Groot was very cool. Amazing costume and his voice on those 3 words was actually trying to say different things with his inflections. Groot was a hit with our family. Spiderman was very cool, talked to us for a while.

Most of the Characters were out on Deck 4 and 5 atrium and you just walk up the roped area and talk to them and take photos. Marvel day they had specific photos with the Shutters folks doing the pics in Fathoms rotated characters about every 20 mins almost no line anytime we went in.
D lounge was changed around to be Marvel Central and had Ironman and Black Panther. Animators Groot/Star Lord or Gamora and Spiderman.

Mickey and the gang we all around you could get social distanced photos, but you could literally just walk up and they were there to interact. Capt Hook and Smee, Chip and Dale. The photo opts were great. We felt sorry for them because they were there and nobody around. Chip and Dale were always playing around and messing with each other. Pluto was playful. Felt bad that they were are ready to go and nobody to play with.

I would say we saw more characters on this cruise than any other one except maybe the Panama Canal, they did a bunch of character things with a Halloween/15night east bound Panama Canal cruise. That one lots of time on the boat and they made lots of things available on that one. We played shuffle board with Hook and Smee, and saw Goofy Sleep walking at midnight one. We were leaving the bar at Palo after a few extra beverages, but it was cool. Goofy out on deck sleep walking.

Castaway seemed empty. We had 3 days at Catsaway. 1 on the first and then double dip the second. We got a Cabana on the last Castaway Cay day and it was worth every penny.

Weather was good. 1st Nassau day our trip to Pearl Island Cancelled due to wind and higher seas. But all 3 Castaway days and second Nassau stop were great weather. 75 and light breeze.


Dining rooms seemed empty we always do 2nd seating and it was a little scarce. Food was top notch, Palo food was good miss the buffect at brinch and didn't specically like the fixed menu setup. Be aware if you order ala Carte the sides are huge, like feel the table size. Palo service was excellent, just like the old style better where the servers can interact a bit more and bring extra things to the table that you may never have tried.

Overall we are bushed but it was a great vacation.

Oh we heard the Magic on the cruise that was leaving today only had just under 700 on it and might be as low *** 500-600. One of the restaurants was closing, or rather one of the rotation server crews has this week off. Meaning only 2 restaurants going to be going each night not 3. Since the crew is not allowed to leave the ship and they are testing these folks daily for Covid I'm sure the servers and crew supporting that leg of the rotation will be really anxious for the numbers to come up.

Any more questions let me know. we had fun and enjoyed. Its not the same but but many positives and new things that made it great although different. We all hate change but now is a great time to go. We never felt bored looking for something to do. We did wactha couple movies in the Buena Vista we normally don't but there was still lots of options.

Thank you so much for this! We go in a few weeks and love hearing recent reviews.

Can you go see both sets of characters in AP for MDAS? We only have one ticketed time so I wasn't sure if it was just the luck of the draw on who you or if you could go back for the others.

Did they have the pirate menu?

That's awesome on the concierge upgrade!! Did you find out in advance or once on the ship/at the port?

 

[dcassetta]

Can you go see both sets of characters in AP for MDAS? We only have one ticketed time so I wasn't sure if it was just the luck of the draw on who you or if you could go back for the others.

Did they have the pirate menu?

It seemed to be easy to get Meet and Greet tickets even if you had not booked ahead of time on the 1/17 MDAS cruise. Toward the end of the ticketed time period, they were also inviting people to come in even without tickets. About 800 guests on our cruise. The longest line we saw was for Thor/Loki and it was not long.

We did have the pirate and MDAS menus, plus the standard rotational menus.