Last Cruise Before Dry Dock - Any Thoughts?

[MouseLovinMom]

We are considering a cruise on the Wonder the week prior to dry dock. Can anyone share their opinions/experiences on sailing right before the ship and crew go to dry dock? Any issues with service? or anything being cut back in preparation for the work? Thanks!

 

[disneychic]

From what I've read in the past, I'm pretty sure it's the first cruise AFTER dry doc that might be a little out of whack.

 

[kcashner]

Right--on the cruise immediately after dry dock, there may be things that are still being finished up.

I've never heard or read of DCL cutting back on service before dry dock. I've never cruised immediately before dry dock, but I cruised 2 weeks before. There was no noticible difference other than that the ship needed some TLC--we saw things like dirt in bathroom corners (white tile, needed toothbrush-type cleaning...the kind my mother made me do as a kid that I don't do now!) 4 months after dry dock, the ship was like new again.

 

[Turtlemom]

How do you find out when the ships are going into dry dock? Does this happen frequently?????

Turtlemom

 

[CruiserMom]

We were on the last cruise before the Magic's drydock last year. They started ripping up carpets in some places DURING our cruise. The smell of the carpet glue was very bad sometimes. I think they also started painting some things early too, can't remember for sure.

 

[MouseLovinMom]

Carpet glue, BLECH! Would you cruise again before dry dock? or was it annoying enough to cause you to pass on the opportunity?

We'll have to think about this a little and perhaps take another look at the calendar. Every one of our Disney cruises has been fantastic, I'd hate to ruin the streak with something I could've prevented myself!

Thanks again!

 

[CruiserMom]

Carpet glue, BLECH! Would you cruise again before dry dock? or was it annoying enough to cause you to pass on the opportunity?

We'll have to think about this a little and perhaps take another look at the calendar. Every one of our Disney cruises has been fantastic, I'd hate to ruin the streak with something I could've prevented myself!

Thanks again!

Probably not, unless I was choosing that particular week due to school or work schedules, or itinerary, etc. It certainly didn't ruin my week, but it "took the shine off" a little, if you know what I mean.

 

[mr.b]

My wife and I were on the Sept. 2008 cruise before the ship went into drydock. It was more than obvious to us by the manner in which we were treated by the dining staff, that they couldn't wait for our cruise to end. Our service was poor, they basically ignored or forgot my wife's dinner orders for 3 out of 5 nites. The server and assistant server did not get along, and tried to blame my wife for not ordering correctly.We tipped slightly less than the minimum... but this won't happen again. We will immediately speak to the dining room manager, or refuse to tip at all. Our cabin steward went above and beyond, and we wanted to adopt him.They were also putting down pieces of plywood on some areas of deck 4 (near the most forward areas and stern areas. There was also carpeting being ripped up, and some painting being done. I will never go on another cruise that is due to be heading to drydock.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I am sure Andrewderek could answer this, i am sure I mind him posting about it. on one of his cruises.
Hi Andrew Where are you hiding?
I am worried that the magic is going into dry dock after our transatlantic cruise.
We went on the wonder post dry dock and I was so dissapointed, banging, smelly paint, varnish, gym totaly shut, bla bla bla, never agin.

E-mail disney and ask them what if anything they expect to be happeing.

Does anybody know for definate if the magic is in dry dock post transatlantic? If it is I will be worried.

 

[AlexandNessa]

There is no cruise available to be booked for the Magic starting on 10/2/10 when our cruise returns to Port Canaveral, so odds are good for a dry dock immediately following the WBTA.

 

[MMitchell29]

I would be terribly upset if my first Disney cruise was plauged(sp) by paint odor, carpet ripped up and being ignored by staff members, etc..... So my next question is i'm booked to sail on Sept.27 4 day cruise immediately after that will the Wonder be in dry dock?

 

[mommasita]

I would be terribly upset if my first Disney cruise was plauged(sp) by paint odor, carpet ripped up and being ignored by staff members, etc..... So my next question is i'm booked to sail on Sept.27 4 day cruise immediately after that will the Wonder be in dry dock?

The Wonder will be in drydock September 27-October 15, 2009. So are you saying you are on the sailing before, because it won't be there for sailong on the 27th.

 

[MMitchell29]

The Wonder will be in drydock September 27-October 15, 2009. So are you saying you are on the sailing before, because it won't be there for sailong on the 27th.

I was given a price for 1,700.00 dollars for 5 people in 2 cat 12 for Sept. 27-Oct.1 which is a 4 day cruise

 

[mommasita]

I was given a price for 1,700.00 dollars for 5 people in 2 cat 12 for Sept. 27-Oct.1 which is a 4 day cruise

Recently? Because the dates were earlier, and have changed.

 

[MMitchell29]

Recently? Because the dates were earlier, and have changed.

I put a 400.00 dollar deposit in mid feb. I went through DU, I even have a ressie number (x2)

 

[lbgraves]

The dates for the drydock for the Wonder are currently Oct 2 - 17 according to the available cruise dates. They may have shifted it after it originally came out.

 

[MMitchell29]

So this means I would be going before dry dock.

 

[lbgraves]

Yes. You are on the 4 day cruise before the ships sails to Norfolk, VA for dry dock and there is a 4 day cruise on Oct 18, 2009 that is the first cruise after dry dock.

 

[lds0191]

We sailed on the Magic in September 08 before drydock. The only thing we noticed was on the last night there was plywood down around Palo. Also, the chairs were missing on deck 4 late the last night. Other than that we received the same fantastic service as usual. Plus we got a GREAT price! It was a 5nt for $1700.00 for 3pp in Cat 11 + booked thru Sams and received a 150.00 gift card from them. We did have hurricane issues and missed a planned 2nd visit to CC. However, can't blame DCL for the weather.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Thanks previous poster.

I e-mailed and asked disney re dry dock post trans atlantic westbound

Here is the reply.

Dear Lynne,

Thank you for your interest in another Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to assist with your request.

As you know, a ship goes into dry-dock for a Regulatory Safety check
approximately every 2 - 2 1/2 years.

The Disney Magic took care of her Regulatory Safety check in September
of 2008. At this time, we do not have the dates for the next time she
will be going into dry-dock.

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 again!

Have a Magical Day!