Is pin trading happening on the ships?

[scrapperkimmydee]

my DH is new to Disney and might like to do some pin trading. It's not that big at DL. Wondering if it is on DCL.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

They do, but limited.

Often in the navigators, officers trading, I find some in the shops do swap, but it's past its peak now.

 

[dcassetta]

my DH is new to Disney and might like to do some pin trading. It's not that big at DL. Wondering if it is on DCL.

Similar to the parks, some people will be very interested in trading, and others not at all. There are pin trading books available in the merchandise shops, and often there is an extra pin cart set up outside the shops. This is especially true during the evenings where there's a Disney themed show like Dreams or Tangled. Some cast members wear lanyards, mostly in the merchandise areas but I've also found the greeters at Cabanas are often wearing them.

In the past, the ships have had some special pin series, some available for purchase and some only by trading with cast members. They also often have special pins for holiday seasons.

Do you check the navigator for the officer pin trading session. You can often get some really good trades at this particular session, including pins from previous voyages. I have gotten some beautiful Trans-Atlantic and Europe pins this way.

 

[Capt_BJ]

pins kinda went the way of Beenie Babies . . .

not dead yet .. but way down from its peak

IMO

 

[Shanti]

my DH is new to Disney and might like to do some pin trading. It's not that big at DL. Wondering if it is on DCL.

We cruised over New Years this year, and yes, there was a pin-trading event, in which guests were invited to trade pins with the cruise officers. It was great, as it was toward the end of the cruise & we'd collected a few simple pins from games & a DVC presentation by then. We got to trade them for some awesome pins. Check the Navigator for when this event will be held.

 

[scrapperkimmydee]

So it sounds like he could get a taste of it. That'll be good.

Thanks, all, for your replies!

 

[hamilton23]

We just got off the Wonder and they had pin trading several nights, but the pins were pretty lame. I was hoping for some limited ones, but most were run of the mill.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

Definitely still pin trading. Choices are slim...just like at the parks. I think every cast member has a pink puffle one! Make sure to buy the special dated officer pin trading pin if you collect!

 

[Neptune's Fork]

I guess the larger question here, now that we know there is pin trading on board the ship, does it afford an opportunity to get unique pins that you cannot get at the parks?

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

I guess the larger question here, now that we know there is pin trading on board the ship, does it afford an opportunity to get unique pins that you cannot get at the parks?

Nope, not IMO! Everyone seemed to have the same pins. Very few "good" ones. The kids enjoy trading, but if you are counting on getting anything good, I don't think it will happen unfortunately!

 

[scgustafson]

Just be advised, Officer Pin Trading will be cancelled if the ship has to go into their disease prevention protocols, like when you are no longer allowed to self-service at the drink stations, ice cream machines, and in the buffet restaurants. This happened to us on the 12-night British Isles cruise on Disney Magic in June.

 

[dcassetta]

I guess the larger question here, now that we know there is pin trading on board the ship, does it afford an opportunity to get unique pins that you cannot get at the parks?

Yes , but opportunities are probably better on the Wonder and Magic, because their itineraries are more diverse. Also, in my experience you're likely to find more interesting trades at the officer pin trading event. Both on the ship and Castaway Cay there will be pins available for purchase that you can't get easily off the ship. Also, sometimes the stores have a pin with purchase event, and often there are special limited-edition pins around the holiday periods.

I have only cruised with DCL in Alaska and the Caribbean, but here are just a few of the pins I have traded for from Europe or PC/Mexico cruises.