Information from DCL or lack of?

[_auroraborealis_]

I'd say speculation until we see it push off.

 

[jrapps]

I agree with you completely. Almost any option results in people being angry and DCL looking bad. The lack of communication is absolutely baffling. As someone else said, their customer service has always been so good, we know they care about the safety of the passengers and crew - even if things are subject to change, they could make some announcements about the early cruises to manage expectations. Maybe we hear something on Monday after the Dream test cruise?

Agree 1000%. Every option is just worse than the next.

Honestly I think the option that would anger people the least at this point is canceling since most everyone is used to that and has been expecting it for a very long time. I would think they could mute the anger a little bit by offering more FCC, say 150% for those that are canceled under a 30-day window.

At this point I don't see them using vaccination status for anything other than maybe bypassing testing at the port. But knowing how risk-averse Disney can be they may just assume they want to test everybody regardless of if you've been vaccinated or not eliminating the need to even ask.

It's the unannounced protocols that's going to anger people the most. Telling people if you have to wear a mask or social distance (or not) this close to a sailing is bound to really piss people off.

 

[iannovich]

Agree 1000%. Every option is just worse than the next.

Honestly I think the option that would anger people the least at this point is canceling since most everyone is used to that and has been expecting it for a very long time. I would think they could mute the anger a little bit by offering more FCC, say 150% for those that are canceled under a 30-day window.

At this point I don't see them using vaccination status for anything other than maybe bypassing testing at the port. But knowing how risk-averse Disney can be they may just assume they want to test everybody regardless of if you've been vaccinated or not eliminating the need to even ask.

It's the unannounced protocols that's going to anger people the most. Telling people if you have to wear a mask or social distance (or not) this close to a sailing is bound to really piss people off.

Totally agree with all of this. Vaccinated persons are maybe going to get a pass on some testing, but this close to sailing I doubt much else.

I currently have 6 DCL cruises scheduled and I booked them all far enough out that my assumption at the time of booking was "100% masking? Fine, just let me go!"... it's only now that we're getting closer and closer to our first sail date that I get a little rankled by the idea that (being fully vaccinated), I might have to wear a mask on board.

What's changed?

Well, now I know that there are alternatives (Celebrity Edge for example). I canceled an RCL sailing since they backtracked and decided that it was Masks For All on certain voyages... No thanks, I'll just wait on that one, despite it being another that I booked with the 100% belief that I would have to wear a mask onboard... I'm just not willing to suck it up with RCL, I'd rather just hop on Celebrity.

If I look at it closely, it turns out I am willing to mask up and jump through the hoops for DCL, where I'm not for the other lines. So I'm just proceeding with the idea that it's "All Masks All the Time," mucho social distancing, and all the most restrictive options, and if it is anything else, I'll just be pleased with that. I expect each of my subsequent sailings will have more and more relaxed policies.

I think Disney is going to just be all in on Test Cruises and plenty of restrictions while sailing, even if the CSO becomes just a whisper of suggestions. At that point it is just a "hey, we play ball with you CDC" and a "hey look at all we've done to keep you safe." "Vaccinated? Great, here's a complimentary mask! Welcome home!"

 

[kathi]

I think Disney is going to just be all in on Test Cruises and plenty of restrictions while sailing, even if the CSO becomes just a whisper of suggestions. At that point it is just a "hey, we play ball with you CDC" and a "hey look at all we've done to keep you safe." "Vaccinated? Great, here's a complimentary mask! Welcome home!"

We sail concierge in September and I'm just not willing to pay those prices for a significantly reduced experience. I'm ok wearing a mask walking around the hallways, in the elevator, etc.; but having the lounge be fully masked all the time - no way. That is a huge part of the concierge experience. On the UK staycation test cruise, the dining options were reduced and no Palo buffet at brunch (which is often served by crew rather than self serve). Dining is also a big part of cruising for us - and what I'm seeing out of UK is not encouraging. I have 4 DCL cruises booked (with three in 2021) and I'm really disappointed in their lack of communication.

Celebrity EDGE seems like a great option and we are looking at what is available. I suspect Disney's procedures are going to be, in my opinion, heavy handed and universal regardless of vaccination status. No thanks.

 

[laceltris3]

See, I am exactly the same way. I saw what Disney rolled out on Adventures by Disney trips when they resumed and protocols were like rolling back the clock to January. Not impressed.

I think the key is to at least for now try to get out of Florida. I am looking at RCCL out of Galveston, first because I live an hour from the port, but 2 because they are requiring vaccination for ages 12 or over there, which means it's much less burdensome on the protocols. I know that Disney is risk averse, but given what happened on ships when Covid emerged, carrying unvaccinated passengers is inherently more risky, hence the two tier structure in FL. But I don't see Disney going with different standards for different ports.

I am booked for Christmas and frankly hoping DCL has some info out before I have to PIF/book activities in September.

ETA I think the reason RCCL went masks for all on certain sailings was because of the Florida mandate to carry unvaccinated passengers.

 

[DCLMP]

This is why I have stayed fact-based: X is allowed in location, but not in other location.



I am more concerned with PC/Miami than with Galveston, as individual states are making/enforcing different rulesets.

I looked at Celebrity Edge's protocols from Florida: https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/celebrity-healthy-at-sea-protocols.pdf



Similarly, RCCL: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise

RCCL is using some pretty harsh protocols for those not willing to share vax status (or who are unvaccinated).

If DCL were planning to sail under similar protocols in early August they'd be overdue to release the protocols, given the vaccination guideline (2 weeks past final dose), and the gap required in two-dose regimens. Plus, the number of people who don't want to cruise on that ruleset.

It leaves me running with the following options:

1. They are hoping the court cases eliminate all CSO rules and plan to run without any protocols whatsoever out of PC. Frankly, I find this wildly unlikely/impossible given their approach throughout the last year at WDW and also based on the port rules in Nassau, CC (as a Bahamian port) and other Caribbean nations. You cannot run without protocols and port.
2. They are going to give everyone 2 weeks' notice on the types of protocols similar to that of RCCL. Which, wow, the anger?
3. Late cancel. Which, wow, the anger?

I cannot see a productive forward motion right now that isn't problematic in some way. 1 is basically impossible, because they cannot do that AND port in Nassau and CC. 2 & 3 is a continued dump on cruisers attempting to show loyalty to the line.

Maybe there is a comedy 4th option I haven't thought of, but...

They could do something similar to what MSC is doing. PCR, insurance and ship board excursions for the unvaccinated. Masks indoors for everyone, no masks outdoors. I don’t see them doing 1, 2 or 3.

 

[jrapps]

It leaves me running with the following options:

1. They are hoping the court cases eliminate all CSO rules and plan to run without any protocols whatsoever out of PC. Frankly, I find this wildly unlikely/impossible given their approach throughout the last year at WDW and also based on the port rules in Nassau, CC (as a Bahamian port) and other Caribbean nations. You cannot run without protocols and port.
2. They are going to give everyone 2 weeks' notice on the types of protocols similar to that of RCCL. Which, wow, the anger?
3. Late cancel. Which, wow, the anger?

I thought of a few more options to add to your ideas here.

1a. The "Disney World" Protocol: (and the scenario I actually think is most likely) they're waiting for the CSO rules to be eliminated but still plan on sailing a highly restrictive cruise experience. Why? I think this gives them the ability to pick and choose the items from the CSO that they want. They are still Disney, still risk-averse, but also very focused on experience. So they will get as close to what they do in WDW today, say masks "required" for un-vaccinated people, but rely on the honor system, never ask for verification just like in the parks. Maybe they require masks only in highly-concentrated areas like the theater. They will require masks for kids in the club because they know kids under 12 won't be vaccinated anyway. Still no buffets, but they can space dining tables a bit closer together than the CSO requires. No reservations needed for pool deck. Basically the same protocols as they have on land today.

At the same time, if they proceed with Aug 9th, they will offer anyone within a 30 day window 3 options: Sail with protocols announced, receive a 125% FCC if you don't like the protocols, or a 100% refund.

3a They cancel, but since they are under 30 days they offer everyone a 150% FCC for their trouble, or allow everyone (including concierge) the option of a 100% refund

Edit: I will add that while I don't see then requiring or even asking for proof of vaccination they will ad it to their "heath questionnaire" when you check off if anyone has experienced stomach issue sin the past 24hrs, they will also ask is anyone vaccinated/unvaccinated/prefer not to answer. But no need to show the card.

 

[jrapps]

One last thought on the "Why" DCL hasn't communicated anything yet. I wonder if their cruises are massively oversold for the current CSO rules. Lets assume they are sold at 80%+ capacity, they might be waiting for after July 18 because if the CSO becomes a suggestion, they can sail with everyone who booked. If the injunction is overturned, there may be a capacity limit that they feel they are unable to achieve. If the CSO required say 50% capacity and the ship is sold to 80%, DCL would basically just have to cancel the sailing instead of asking or forcing 30% to jump ship.

My bet is one way or the other, Monday July 19th is the day. If the CSO is upheld, we will see cancelations. If it is gone, we will see protocols and FCC offers.

Of course, I have bene wrong before

 

[laceltris3]

So they will get as close to what they do in WDW today, say masks "required" for un-vaccinated people, but rely on the honor system, never ask for verification just like in the parks.

Edit: I will add that while I don't see then requiring or even asking for proof of vaccination they will ad it to their "heath questionnaire" when you check off if anyone has experienced stomach issue sin the past 24hrs, they will also ask is anyone vaccinated/unvaccinated/prefer not to answer. But no need to show the card.

I think this is asking for a big outbreak on a ship, which they won't risk. It's not the same risk profile as WDW. I can also say that for Adventures By Disney they were requiring PCR testing or vaccination status to be sent to a third party before the trip started, so they are willing to make people jump through a lot of hoops. (I went on a comparable trip with ABD's main competition that same week and only had to honors system sign that we were vaccinated/tested. I also only wore a mask once in a van to a rafting trip and ABD basically required it all the time and had pods that you couldn't socialize outside of).

I don't see the point of asking about vaccination if they aren't verifying. Every other cruise line is fighting to exclude unvaccinated passengers that are eligible to be vaccinated. The only alternative is really to have a masks for all experience or you are almost guaranteed to get bad press. I mean even vaccinated cruisers catch Covid on ships and make news:

https://news.yahoo.com/2-vaccinated-guests-aboard-alaska-221446133.html

 

[_auroraborealis_]

They could do something similar to what MSC is doing. PCR, insurance and ship board excursions for the unvaccinated. Masks indoors for everyone, no masks outdoors. I don’t see them doing 1, 2 or 3.

I will hold to "not having announced this less than a month out is really going to make some people mad." Because it will!

That's really the thing at this point. We know, with great faith, that these aren't going to be "everyone on board, this will be just like olden time cruises! HOORAY!" But at what level of protocol and strictness remains the big question, and the longer they wait to announce anything at all people will be mad and getting madder as it is announced.

And some people won't like low protocol, and some people won't like high protocol. They're just making everyone mad now no matter what they announce.

 

[jrapps]

I think this is asking for a big outbreak on a ship, which they won't risk. It's not the same risk profile as WDW. I can also say that for Adventures By Disney they were requiring PCR testing or vaccination status to be sent to a third party before the trip started, so they are willing to make people jump through a lot of hoops. (I went on a comparable trip with ABD's main competition that same week and only had to honors system sign that we were vaccinated/tested. I also only wore a mask once in a van to a rafting trip and ABD basically required it all the time and had pods that you couldn't socialize outside of).

I don't see the point of asking about vaccination if they aren't verifying. Every other cruise line is fighting to exclude unvaccinated passengers that are eligible to be vaccinated. The only alternative is really to have a masks for all experience or you are almost guaranteed to get bad press. I mean even vaccinated cruisers catch Covid on ships and make news:

https://news.yahoo.com/2-vaccinated-guests-aboard-alaska-221446133.html

I wonder if the ABD rules were set by 3rd parties. Don't they contract out a good portion of that stuff, it isn't all Disney employees doing the trip right?

I agree it is a risk but Disney needs to thread that line between risk and experience. The other lines don't seem to care if they piss people off by being anti-family or having rules harsher than some are willing to accept. Disney can't afford that. Plus what they have on their side is they are starting with short trips. If they test EVERYONE before boarding (even vaccinated) then the likelihood of anyone coming down with covid symptoms in 3 days is reduced.

 

[kathi]

I thought of a few more options to add to your ideas here.

So they will get as close to what they do in WDW today, say masks "required" for un-vaccinated people, but rely on the honor system, never ask for verification just like in the parks.

Edit: I will add that while I don't see then requiring or even asking for proof of vaccination they will ad it to their "heath questionnaire" when you check off if anyone has experienced stomach issue sin the past 24hrs, they will also ask is anyone vaccinated/unvaccinated/prefer not to answer. But no need to show the card.

That would be an absolute deal breaker for me. Not requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks on a cruise ship is a completely unacceptable risk, IMO. For me it's about too much transmission risk. If we have learned anything over the past 18 months, it's that honor is sometimes in short supply.

 

[DCLMP]

I will hold to "not having announced this less than a month out is really going to make some people mad." Because it will!

That's really the thing at this point. We know, with great faith, that these aren't going to be "everyone on board, this will be just like olden time cruises! HOORAY!" But at what level of protocol and strictness remains the big question, and the longer they wait to announce anything at all people will be mad and getting madder as it is announced.

And some people won't like low protocol, and some people won't like high protocol. They're just making everyone mad now no matter what they announce.

I agree someone will always be mad. Every cruise line is going to lose customers no matter what they do and it may take a while to get non cruisers to feel comfortable trying a cruise. Disney has such a cult following it may not affect them as much.

 

[jrapps]

That would be an absolute deal breaker for me. Not requiring unvaccinated people to wear masks on a cruise ship is a completely unacceptable risk, IMO. For me it's about too much transmission risk. If we have learned anything over the past 18 months, it's that honor is sometimes in short supply.

I agree, it is less than idea but they are truly stuck between a rock and a hard place. Thread that needle between safe as possible, CDC rules, FL law, user experience....while all at the same time choosing the path that is 1) as safe as possible 2) will piss off the least # of people and 3) is legal in the current climate.

Not an enviable position to be in. Someone will be pissed no matter what.

 

[Cheburashka]

How is Disney going to sail on 8/9 at this point?

They probably aren't going to.

 

[DCLMP]

When you guys booked your August cruises didn’t you assume you’d be sailing under strict protocols? Most of you probably booked when the CSO was still in effect.
Im surprised at all the outrage. You had to know It wouldn’t be a normal cruise right?

 

[kathi]

I agree, it is less than idea but they are truly stuck between a rock and a hard place. Thread that needle between safe as possible, CDC rules, FL law, user experience....while all at the same time choosing the path that is 1) as safe as possible 2) will piss off the least # of people and 3) is legal in the current climate.

Not an enviable position to be in. Someone will be pissed no matter what.

Oh I agree and it might be that folks like me will just be mad and leave - I don't expect them to pick what I want (fully vaccinated for everyone over 12), but I'll be thrilled if they do.

 

[kathi]

When you guys booked your August cruises didn’t you assume you’d be sailing under strict protocols? Most of you probably booked when the CSO was still in effect.
Im surprised at all the outrage. You had to know It wouldn’t be a normal cruise right?

I booked my September cruise over a year ago when i had to move my September 2020 cruise. So, I actually expected it to be almost totally back to normal.

 

[cvjw]

When you guys booked your August cruises didn’t you assume you’d be sailing under strict protocols? Most of you probably booked when the CSO was still in effect.
Im surprised at all the outrage. You had to know It wouldn’t be a normal cruise right?

I booked this cruise after seeing what other cruise lines were doing. I had no way of knowing how disney would handle things since they have said zero so far.

Other cruise lines seem to have a tiered system - hardly any restrictions for vaccinated guests who get an almost normal cruise experience and lots of restrictions for unvaccinated guests who get a less than ideal cruise experience.

I assumed disney would handle things in a similar fashion. And since we are fully vaccinated, it seemed like a win - win. We get an almost normal vacation and get to support DCL with our money since they have been losing money for so long.

 

[Cheburashka]

I booked my September cruise over a year ago when i had to move my September 2020 cruise. So, I actually expected it to be almost totally back to normal.

I remember when I rescheduled our cancelled July 2020 cruise for March 2021. I thought everything would be back to normal by then.