If the Magic makes last minute changes to its schedule

[toot2]

when do the passengers find out about it?

We'll be booking a non-DCL excursion for Cozumel. Their cancellation policy states a full refund if the cruise line changes the schedule and but the tour operators expect 48 hrs notice.

Does DCL usually make its changes known within this time frame?

Sue

 

[kcashner]

In a single word, NO. You do not usually get 48 hours notice of changes. When the Magic deviates from it's schedule, it is usually because of weather. The captain has the freedom to sail anywhere he wants to give you the best cruise possible. This means that our "Eastern" cruise went to Key West in order to buy us another day to see what a hurricane did, and then went on a "creative" cruise....we did get to Castaway, which was most important to me.

The advantage of excursions thru DCL is that they are fully refunded if the ship doesn't make it into port. If you book privately (like Captain Marvin's), ask what the policy is in the event that the ship can't get in. Specifically at Grand Cayman, I've been on 2 cruises where we couldn't get there because the seas were too high for safe tendering. On one of those cruises, the snorkeling and scuba at Cozumel were cancelled for safety reasons. We had about 15 minutes notice of the inability to tender at Grand Cayman.

The only reason for the changed plans that I know of involved weather safety, and as weather can change rapidly, so can cruise plans.....

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

Technically DCL has the right to change the ports at anytime. If they feel weather is bad for example you might not know until the day of the port. DCL doesnt usally just change it for other then weather without giving advanced warning. Like 2 cruises next fall are changed but people knew when the booked them. Hope this helps,
Matt

 

[rae519]

Our cruise in September 2002 was diverted from the Western to the Eastern Caribbean due to Hurricane Lili. When we left Port Canaveral, we had no idea where we would be going after Sunday - which was announced that we would be at Castaway Cay (the hurrah's are still echoing in my head!).

At CC, we found out that we would be heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico, then on to St. Thomas, and Friday would be another CC day!

It was a wonderful time and I had a Non-Disney excursion at Grand Cayman, but Nicki knew I wouldn't be there for horseback riding due to the hurricane and I wasn't charged.

Rae

 

[toot2]

Worst case will be that we loose our deposit since they request the balance be paid at start of tour.

As long as DCL keeps us where the sun is shining and the seas are smooth (kinda) I'll be happy!!!

Sue

 

[rae519]

The sea was like glass and the weather was perfect when we were diverted. Couldn't have asked for better weather - it was wonderful! And San Juan was a lot of fun!!!

Rae