It’s Been More Than a Minute, Many Qs

[keishashadow]

Hi, we haven’t sailed on DCL since 2018, Gold Status then. Have done all RCCL since, a better fit for us, including pricing & itineraries. Admittedly, did miss sailing DCL a few times

Lo & behold, the Mr saw the blogger’s reviews of the Haunted Mansion bar. He has me on the hunt to book something on the Treasure.

Ouch, the rates, took my breath away. Guessing a combo of new ship and it likely being open to book for some time coming into play there.

Did call DCL with two questions, neither answered to my satisfaction. The CM tried, seemed new. basically, never firm in her answers, saying she “thought…wasn’t sure” in way of many responses.

???

1. When I did sign into my DCL account, noticed we were still listed as Gold. I’m looking at a cruise either 12/25 or up to 4/26. I asked if we would retain our Gold Status if I booked now vs sailing.

Answer: she thought so, wasn’t sure how to check.

???

I can’t find the email I received re info on the change to loss of status due to inactivity. Not sure if it is addressed on the website or not, couldn’t find it. Does anyone know the details?

2. Thinking the schedule may be released soonish (spring?) for summer into winter 2026. Just going off historical trends. Any educated guesses?

Answer: as expected, the CM didn’t have next release date, nor would she speculate.

3. Last question - If I book now and see a date that works better on same ship/itinerary in next schedule release, can I still call in and just flip the deposit/modify existing reservation to a later sailing date? Would be on non-concierge, regular stateroom.

Answer: again, the CM was vague, said “…it all depends…”

Before I call again this week, thought I’d ask here.

 

[Mommb]

1. I have not heard that anyone has actually lost their status yet due to inactivity. The official Castaway Club Terms and Conditions on the DCL site says that benefits may expire after 5 years of inactivity, but it is unclear whether that has been enforced.

2. Summer 2024 and summer 2025 itineraries were released in March of the previous year, so it may be several months before summer 2026 is released.

3. The final payment date is 90 days in advance for cruises of up to 5 days and 120 days in advance for cruises of 6 or more days. Up until that date, you can move a reservation without penalty, as long as it is not Concierge and not a restricted fare (IGT/OGT/VGT). You will pay the current rate for the new cruise date.

I have been looking at cruises on the Treasure, and noticed a wide variation in fares. The lowest fares appear to be in September-early November 2025 and late January-early February 2026.

 

[yowcruiser]

Given what @Mommb posted... it is anyone's guess as to when the Summer 2026 itineraries will be posted. A case could be made that it would be earlier than in the past, as the DCL fleet has been growing, and as such would need more time to fill all the ships... or the exact opposite, for the exact same reason... they don't want to offer sailings that are too far out, as they still have plenty of availability on upcoming sailings.

 

[Lillebelle]

Also this year's release schedule was wonky with all the new ships coming online. The did a huge release for all the current ships that went further out than normal so that they could space out opening up reservations for the Destiny and the Adventure. Adventure bookings go live in December, and even though that's a bit of a different market, my guess is they'll still want to give that one a bit of breathing room before they announce the next release.

Regarding status, this is the closest to a definitive answer I think you're going to get: https://disneycruiselineblog.com/20...t-least-once-every-5-years-to-remain-in-club/

 

[European]

DCL never sent a mail regarding losing CC status.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

My parents last sailed in 2004 and are still silver now. When I called after seeing that information here to ask if they would still be able to book everything with us, I was told because they were currently booked on a cruise we didn't need to worry about it.

 

[bookbabe626]

1. I have not heard that anyone has actually lost their status yet due to inactivity. The official Castaway Club Terms and Conditions on the DCL site says that benefits may expire after 5 years of inactivity, but it is unclear whether that has been enforced.

Our first and only DCL cruise was in the summer of 1999. Just booked a Treasure cruise for next fall. Still listed as Silver.

 

[keishashadow]

DCL never sent a mail regarding losing CC status.

Well, in my defense, that explains why I couldn’t find it in my travel email folder lol

I guess I must’ve read it here, blog or newsletter. Going to put it many pegs down my worry list.

Thanks for all the great info. Need to catch up on all the changes. One thing that is surprising to read here is the number of rather negative comments re the food. We always thought it very good. Especially, enjoyed the dungess crab on embarkation lunch.