June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[bmr12]

Ok, nothing available anymore. I guess I'll be calling DCL in the morning. Such a bummer. I don't understand the palo thing. It only gave me one day available for dinner only. No brunch or tea available at all. The dinner was the day we are in rome. So, hopefully I'll be able to get something on the phone tomorrow.

Same problem here. The only Palo reservation was for dinner at 6 p.m. on the Rome day and two of our five desired shore excursions were already booked up (as best I can tell)--Florence & Pisa and Nice & Monaco. Quite frustrating to be completely booked up when you are reserving within the first 10 minutes of your booking window!

 

[Skallywag]

Have been trying since first light this morning even before they opened I think and nothing at all for Palo. Incidentally the 6.p.m. on the Rome day was the one we had and cancelled so do not think they have released anything.

Wonder if there is a problem.

It is bad that all of the chosen excursions have been booked and will be interested in what Disney tell you when you phone.
Bren

 

[bmr12]

Just got off the phone with DCL. No such thing (apparently) as a wait list for a fully booked shore excursion. I was told to "check back every day to see if there's a cancellation". Of course, I can't do this on the web site because I booked our second-choice excursion, and I'd risk losing that if I cancel it to check availability on the first-choice one...

So the only solution offered was to call back every day. I expressed my general displeasure that there was no availability in the first ten minutes I was able to book, and there's no waitlist to handle it once the first problem has occurred. I don't really have time to spend checking this thing every day or two on the phone-gotta make the money to pay for this thing!

 

[taysmom]

That stinks! I was (and I think still am) going to call also and ask about a wait list. I share the same concerns. Lets see what the CM I get says to me. You know they all have a different answer
I was booking at midnight. It let me go in before 12:01 and the excursions were not available. Thats ridiculous.
S

 

[auntsue1]

We too have been frustrated about not all of us getting the excursions we wanted! I don't know if the previous posters are first time Disney cruisers or not. This is our third Disney Cruise and we have been trying to get the Rome excursion we wanted since 90 days out! The same frustrating thing happens once you book an excursion you can't check other options. We tried calling DCL and they say they can't check them on line (even after speaking with a supervisor.) So, you got to take the chance of cancelling your excursion to keep checking for the one you really want? I don't think so! I hope Disney is reading these threads.

 

[Worktoplay]

Steph,

Bummer about your excursion. I was able to book at the 90 day marker and did not book Back to Eternal Rome on the first day and I was not able to get it later either. I too am on the Ultimate Rome excursion. It seems like there are so many people wanting to do the other that they should add another tour.

Remember I booked Palo early, I'm in Palm Springs right now on vacay so I don't remember what night I booked, but I'm pretty sure you're included in the reservation. I think it would be weird to go to a table for 1! lol

I don't remember who posted last week about a problem with American Airlines cancelling their flight. We flew them from Philly to Palm Springs and I will NEVER fly their airlines again! All I can say is switch to a carrier that cares about their customers at least a little and I guarantee its not them! It was one long day for us and NO REPRESENTATIVE to give us any information!

Marie

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

I'm so sorry to read about all the shore excursion problems. That sounds incredibly frustrating. Please let us know how it works out!

 

[taysmom]

We too have been frustrated about not all of us getting the excursions we wanted! I don't know if the previous posters are first time Disney cruisers or not. This is our third Disney Cruise and we have been trying to get the Rome excursion we wanted since 90 days out! The same frustrating thing happens once you book an excursion you can't check other options. We tried calling DCL and they say they can't check them on line (even after speaking with a supervisor.) So, you got to take the chance of cancelling your excursion to keep checking for the one you really want? I don't think so! I hope Disney is reading these threads.

I was so surprised when I called..even though I read the previous posters call, that some of the excursions were booked up at the 105 day mark. If they sell out then they should post on the website that "this excursion is not available for xx cruise". It's ridiculous that they are not available anyways. I do understand the train. They only have so many seats on the train. I get that, but the Florence and Pisa. It's the only excursion they offer that takes you to both places and that sold out. They can always add more busses can't they. And..the fact that they have no waitlist capabilities! CRAZY!

Steph,

Bummer about your excursion. I was able to book at the 90 day marker and did not book Back to Eternal Rome on the first day and I was not able to get it later either. I too am on the Ultimate Rome excursion. It seems like there are so many people wanting to do the other that they should add another tour.

Remember I booked Palo early, I'm in Palm Springs right now on vacay so I don't remember what night I booked, but I'm pretty sure you're included in the reservation. I think it would be weird to go to a table for 1! lol

Marie

At least in rome the have the ultimate and jumping back. As far as I could see they were the same itinerary, but one train, one bus. So I am not so upset about that, just floored over florence/pisa. Thanks again for the palo! I was so surprised that nothing was available but I knew I had the dinner with you so at least that will work out! Now hopefully Silver7 will get the private room and we will be all set for brunch and tea.

I'm so sorry to read about all the shore excursion problems. That sounds incredibly frustrating. Please let us know how it works out!

When I called disney to share my same frustrations as bmr12 they were very apologetic but unhelpful. I shared that while this is my first disney cruise it is not my first cruise overall. I have NEVER had problems on the other cruise lines getting excursions or dinner ressies. Again, they were very apologetic but stated that only by customer comments could they change their system. Basically, if I want to check availability for the excursions I would like, I have to CANCEL the excursions I have booked. Thats blows!
So the CM told me that they are getting email complaints and phonecall complaints from so many people regarding this, that they will just add me to the list. Fat lot of good that does me, but I'll take it

So I am going to go on the web now and finish up booking the rest of the excursions as a place holder. Good luck to all and I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S 75 DAYS AWAY!

Steph

 

[taysmom]

I emailed DCL customer service the following just to cap off my frustration:

I called this morning regarding the fact that the excursions that I wanted were not coming up online at 12:01am as I hit the 75 day mark for my cruise this summer. The CM and Supervisor clearly explained to me that the reason for this was that those excursions were sold out. I couldn't believe that the minute I was able to book excursions they were already sold out. Of course, they explained that there were people ahead of me, suite holders and castaway, which I knew had the ability to reserve. WHY would DCL not save spaces for new cruisers to book excursions? This really puts a bad taste for people who have never cruised you lines before. Additionally, the kind CM and Supervisor also let me know that there were NO WAITLIST capabilities AND if I wanted to check the website to see if space opened on the excursions that I wanted, then I would have to cancel my BACK UP's running the risk that I would then be excursionless for the trip. I am floored by this practice at disney. I have been on several other cruise lines and have never had these problems. I do understand that excursions book up, but the fact that you can't WAITLIST or even call on the phone to check before you give away your space on another excursion is UNACCEPTABLE. Additionally, if that excursion is open as of cruise time you would PENALIZE your guests and make them pay for both. I thought your lines were trying to sell that it's not about the kids only. It certainly seems that you aren't trying to please the adults either. Again, the CM and supervisor I spoke with were very nice and seemed sincerely apologetic, but were little help as DCL does not offer the little services that would put your customer service on par with other cruise lines.
Sincerely,
Stephanie

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

So the CM told me that they are getting email complaints and phonecall complaints from so many people regarding this, that they will just add me to the list. Fat lot of good that does me, but I'll take it
Steph

Not that it really does anything for you now, but they really must be getting tons of complaints if this many people in this thread alone have complained about it. That should make them realize the problem and hopefully acknowledge it. I agree that a waiting list is a good solution.

I am the biggest dork ever, I just went out and bought a binder and put everything in it. I have our hotel reservations, plane tickets, cruise reservation, excursions, transportation information, and all the research I have done on the different ports etc. all in sheet protectors in the binder. Can you tell I'm getting excited?

 

[taysmom]

yea, I'm over it already. I've complained and I can't do anything about it but move on but I feel good that I stated my peace.
I have made magnets today for the 2 people who asked. Lauren (princessjasmine) and Karen (pmm0724) anyone else...this is a good week for me as I am off work for spring break. Just let me know.
Steph

 

[bmr12]

I heard back from my 1:30 a.m. email with the following from DCL:

Dear bmr12,

Thank you for booking a Disney Cruise Line Vacation!

We recognize our Guests love our shore excursions and due to popularity,
reservations go fast. Unfortunately, we do not offer a waitlist.

However, since it is our desire to accommodate every Guest, we suggest
you continue to try our site frequently for possible openings. Also,
although we can not guarantee availability, you may check at the Shore
Excursions Desk once onboard for openings.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you! Have a Magical Day!

XXXXXXXX
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Vacations

Here was my response to that email:

Dear Disney Cruise Line,

I have several problems with this:

1. It is really not acceptable that as a first time cruiser, there is *no* availability for some excursions before I am even allowed to attempt to book them--yes, I was up at 1 a.m. trying to book these excursions. While I am not a repeat cruiser on DCL, am a regular cruiser on other lines and have not had this experience anywhere else. Like everyone on the ship, I am paying a healthy sum of money for a outstanding vacation experience, and in this case, I am precluded from booking an excursion that was not even marked as "limited" in capacity.

2. I cannot "try your site" for possible openings because your site will not let me look at (much less book) excursions that conflict with ones I already have booked. The only known work-around is to cancel my second choice excursion (risking losing my ability to book that one as well) just to see if there is new availability. This interface needs to change and quickly. I was told by the phone agents that I should call *every day* in hopes of finding some availability. That's also pretty lousy customer service--can't you just have a waitlist?

It seems that you should at least let us know if you are attempting to add capacity to these excursions.

Finally, if I am going to be charged a premium price, I expect premium service.

Sincerely,

bmr12

cc: My Travel Agent

 

[taysmom]

BMR12
Excellent email. I am sure I will get the same response to mine. But if we don't let them know how upset we are then we really are doing DCL a dis service. My biggest hope is that they will let us change our excursions on the ship without penalty. I doubt it will happen, but I have hope.

Steph

 

[taysmom]

Here's the final (well never say final) list for me and my dd.

Day 1 - Barcelona, Spain - Saturday, June 16, 2007
Lunch for all who can TBD 1ish

Day 2 - At Sea - Sunday, June 17, 2007
Spa - STEPHANIE 4:30PM 5:20PM

Day 3 - Palermo, Sicily - Monday, June 18, 2007
Sights of Palermo STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 8:15AM 12:45PM

Day 4 - Naples, Italy (Pompeii) - Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 7:30AM 6:00PM

Day 5 - Olbia, Sardinia - Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Panoramic Tour of La Maddalena STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 8:00AM 2:00PM

Day 6 - Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome) - Thursday, June 21, 2007
Ultimate Rome Experience STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 7:15AM 5:45PM

Day 7 - At Sea - Friday, June 22, 2007
No Activities are reserved.

Day 8 - La Spezia, Italy (Florence, Pisa) - Saturday, June 23, 2007
Pisa STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 8:30AM 1:30PM

Day 9 - Marseille, France - Sunday, June 24, 2007
Pedicure STEPHANIE 8:45AM 9:40AM
Aix En Provence STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 1:00PM 6:00PM Day 10 - Villefranche, France (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice) - Monday, June 25
Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze STEPHANIE & TAYLOR 8:45AM 5:15PM
Evening Casino STEPHANIE 7:00PM 11:30PM
Day 11 - At Sea - Tuesday, June 26, 2007
No Activities are reserved.

Day 12 - Barcelona, Spain - Wednesday, June 27, 2007
No Activities are reserved.

So thats it. Hope some of you are on the same. I am still going to try to do naples on own, but I don't want to not have an excursion so I am saving. I also was to do the chateau d'if in the AM, that on own too. Now I am ready for it! I was just thinking about what shoes to wear to the casino!
Mommy needs to win back her cruise money!

cya all later.
Steph

 

[cykojoe]

I heard I was the last one reply count and didn't like that. I am just lurking around to move up the count....Have Fun!!

 

[auntsue1]

Great e-mail! Disney I hope is listening & will do something about this.

 

[Skallywag]

I quite agree this is not the best Disney organisation and feel so sorry for people who have been unable to book. We have just booked three excrusions and will do our own thing at the other ports. Was really mad that could not get a Palo reservation at 90 days out even though I was on line at 8.a.m. our time over here so must have been one of the first to get through.

Bren

 

[PURTYPAT1]

yea, I'm over it already. I've complained and I can't do anything about it but move on but I feel good that I stated my peace.
I have made magnets today for the 2 people who asked. Lauren (princessjasmine) and Karen (pmm0724) anyone else...this is a good week for me as I am off work for spring break. Just let me know.
Steph

Hay Steph,

Sorry about your tours. I couldn't get any Spa's or tea or brunch.

I would love a maget also. Thank you so much

Does anyone know the days that we have to dress up for Dinner? Isn't there 3 of them? It is the sea nights?

Thanks

Patricia

D

 

[silver7]

Gee whiz, that is terrible about the excursions, Palo etc. I hope that secret room comes through for the brunch!

Jose--come on and go with us!

Is anyone interested in the green bracelet idea? It would be a simple way for us to identify each other.

Was just reading the thread with the pictures of the food--DANGEROUS!!

Teresa

 

[carolmb]

Hi Steph - I would like a magnet also. Thank you so much for making them. I think what is going on with the excursions is crazy. DCL should of planned better. We were not able to book brunch or tea at Palos. I am hoping that they will have some openings once on board. I want to try the couples spa villas. The package that I want (Ultimate Indulgence) is only available to book onboard at the spa. I guess I will make a mad dash to the spa once on board.

Patricia - I know one night is the 1st sea day and a second one is the Villefranche night. I think I read somewhere that Priate night is Marseille night.

The cruise is getting closer. We leave 2 months from Easter Sunday to go to London. So much to do and so little time but it will all be worth it in the end.