Magic to The Med Report VERY LONG

[Kissimmee]

Odd that we were on the same cruise and yet I had the experience of a lifetime. It was posted in our very lengthy thread that the temps might be cold, that Europe was expensive... I think the food was fine, the Cm's were super. The cruisers were great and cheery and there was a real sense of community. I didn't think most were sick in their cabins. Those with illness issues had a patch behind their ears. The excursions were so cool. I cried repeatedly the last day at the thought the cruise of a lifetime was over. "Only had lobster once?" And you need it more than once during a two week period? How about the crab, the lamb, the fine beef, the salmon, chicken wellington, etc...more than enough variety for the two weeks. I', sorry you had such a rough time. For me, the experience was nothing less than wonderful, magical, spectacular, fabulous, life changing.

I second that. The Trans Atlantic was a delight. The only exception was the dreadful Internet service. Unfortunately the Following Med cruise was not such a delight.

 

[been2marceline]

Wow again. You are something. Just read the news. Americans are notorious for being obnoxious traveling abroad. I lived in France for a year and a half and was embarrassed many times. Also, the fact of how much some of the world hates us should be noted on 9/11...maybe you forgot while complaining about not being treated like a queen?


And I happen to know that Disneymom has traveled extensively around the world and does not warrant your rant. So you get mine instead.

Thanks!

 

[been2marceline]

Yensid I see you're one of those people that obviously can't accept people having a different opinion than you. YOU are something...perhaps if you behaved better while you were in France you wouldn't have embarrassed yourself.

Thanks, Jeff - I would rather reply to this, an open minded qoute, rather than the other...

I too have traveled extensively and have never felt hated or "grouped" in a feeling of hatred by just being an American.

I certainly would not forget 9/11, having lost someone that I know from that horrible tragedy. The world embraced us, they did not shun us after that terrible day. It was only through other POLITICAL tragedies that there has been any ill will, and again, it is purely POLITICAL.

If anyone (and I'm sure we know who I mean) has felt any discomfort (hatred) perhaps the ugly American is staring at them in the mirror.

That said...

I was purely coming to Aunty Brat's defense and the defense of being a well traveled AMERICAN. I certainly do understand other's opinions and I did not respond to anyone elses trip report, only to those that felt it necessary to disavow Aunty Brat's report.

I also have NEVER treated anyone in an unkind way and have always felt that "what goes around comes around" and "It's easier to get by with sugar than with vinegar." I certainly have never treated anyone like "junk", nor would I.

I also expect good service and reward good service. And if the service is not good or is not to my expectations, (not over-expectations I might add) then I also make sure that information is shared with the proper people.

I expect that these are just normal or commen sense actions for those that are "well traveled".

 

[seaulater]

This is my first post on this site. After reading Auntie Brat's post, I thought I would share some of my feelings about this cruise since we were on board also. This represented the seventh DCL cruise for myself and family. We number four people (myself, wife and two daughters - age 19 and 16).We were in a catagory 3 stateroom.

First, I would say that this was an outstanding cruise overall - even comparing it to previous Disney cruises. The service was above expectations. In particular, concierge service was absolutely outstanding. The quality of the food was also outstanding, in my opinion, compared to previous cruises. As far as the little extras go, I think some of the expectations are too high. A reality check is in order. We should consider being grateful for one gift per stateroom - afterall, they are gifts and not something promised or expected. Even having paid for a suite during this trip, I was pleasantly surprised by the many gifts and was not left wanting for more.

Second, obviously Disney cannot control the weather or wave conditions on the Atlantic. I would say that the numerous activities (including deck parties, BBQS, and shows) were staged very successfully even though weather and sea conditions were limiting factors. I would congratulate them on a job well done. Again, the numerous BBQS went beyond expectation in terms of decorations and the food offered. I find it difficult to believe that we were on the same cruise and had such different experiences

Third, we went on one to two shore excursions at each port. We thoroughly enjoyed them. Yes, some of them were long and not suitable for small children. Most required considerable walking. However, the presence of Disney cast members and photographers for each group gave the excursions the added Disney touch. This is a grand way to gain some knowledge of the country with the assurance of Disney quality. The only shore excursion I would not repeat was the Beach Day on Tenerife Island. This was the best lunch (off ship) but sitting around on the beach was soso - being from California.

Proof is in the pudding, and we have booked a Panama Canal cruise for May next year. I think this argues loudest for our satisfaction as a family, with the Disney Cruise Line. Indeed, I don't think we would be cruising if not for the fact that this is a Disney ship. My only complaint is the limited number of Catagory 2 and 3 staterooms. Regards and happy cruising. Jeff

DITTO!

Look forward to cruising with you in May, 2008 for the PC Cruise!

 

[Tink rules]

I second that. The Trans Atlantic was a delight. The only exception was the dreadful Internet service. Unfortunately the Following Med cruise was not such a delight.

So... what happened on the Med cruise???

If you've posted elsewhere, can you please give the link?

 

[BobandLee]

Note:I am not flaming Laura or anyone else.....

I second that. The Trans Atlantic was a delight. The only exception was the dreadful Internet service. Unfortunately the Following Med cruise was not such a delight.

I third that. The TransAtlantic was a delight. The internet was slow. Better than dial-up, but slow. HOWEVER, you could do it in your cabin.

Details.
O.K. here goes. The ships crew that we dealt with were great. Especially the dining staff. I really appreciated that the assistant sever remembered each evening to bring coffee to another diser and myself.

The food. (remember this is coming from a no taste Neanderthal that could live on cheeseburgers and/or coney dogs).
I thought the food was excellent. That includes the appetizers, soup/salad, entrée and dessert.
Only complaint over the 14 dinners we had was the chocolate slipper dessert. Not like in the past.

Liked all the shows. Thought that the Mickey Dreams was a bit loud and a bit busy. But I think that DCL learned from the PC repo fiascos of Bob Sagat and the BumbleSquats.

There were some miss-steps on the excursions. Not exactly as adverstised, but since this was the first time DCL had been there, it was not entirely all their fault.

Never had any trouble converting travelers checks to Euros. Just a short wait in line. Lucky I guess.

Overall, I thought things went well. Could they have been better? Sure.
Would we do the cruise again. Yep! In a heartbeat.

I had not planned on mentioning this, but after being back two weeks, it still bugs me. I think it is an example of folks thinking that since they "paid so much" for the cruise, it gives them an excuse to be rude.
I am used to a little rudeness like line jumping, elevator rushing and such. But one afternoon on deck 9 took the cake.
There was a woman and her 3 kids. They had their drinks from the drink station, ice cream and sandwhiches and fries from Plutos. They proceeded to waste much more of the food than they ate. The food was on the deck, the table and the chairs. I believe that there were a couple of stomped catsup packages also. Then they made a big joke about not cleaning it up since they were on a cruise.

Love those dancing nanners Kissimmee.

 

[auntsue1]

I won't pretend to know the lady's circumstances for why she & her family did that but.... Just because your on a cruise you don't have to act like a slob.

 

[been2marceline]

I won't pretend to know the lady's circumstances for why she & her family did that but.... Just because your on a cruise you don't have to act like a slob.

Can't agree more! Even though I am a "Queen" to some, I am always cleaning up after others and I am always appauled at poor manners and the waste of food and other items!

I usually get asked if I "work" at most places that I am frequenting, as I am usually the one straightening, cleaning, or re-merchandising.

Such "Queen" demeanor, don't you think?

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Wasn't me! I wasted NO FOOD. YUM YUM YUM It's all in my TUM TUM TUM (or maybe my bumm, bumm, bumm!)

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

For those of you who do not think that we should have given the staff a break, I just say I disagree. You have NO IDEA, unless you cruised with us, HOW rocky it was.

I too have sailed around a hurricane--that was nothing compared to the relentless day and night, for 6 days plus one (between Teneriffe and Cadiz--the worst in my opinion) rocking of this boat. Perhaps there have been rockier cruises--I cannot judge that, but surely not for the length of time of this cruise. There were no ports to break it up.

I really did like the rocking, but it was hard on the body. I gained NO WEIGHT and ate everything in sight . I know of some who lost weight, inspite of a chocolate soufle obsession.

Some Cruise staff were on meds for sea sickness. Of course you all pull together in this situation. They were serving us, and very well, but an occassional glitch is forgivable! I felt we were all in it together , crew and cruisers, as far as dealing with the rocking. The sharing of that experience with staff and cruisers just made the cruise for me.

 

[woody73]

. . . There was a woman and her 3 kids. They had their drinks from the drink station, ice cream and sandwhiches and fries from Plutos. They proceeded to waste much more of the food than they ate. The food was on the deck, the table and the chairs. I believe that there were a couple of stomped catsup packages also. . .

Some people should just stay home.

Woody

 

[gismo1554]

For those of you who do not think that we should have given the staff a break, I just say I disagree. You have NO IDEA, unless you cruised with us, HOW rocky it was.

Some Cruise staff were on meds for sea sickness. Of course you all pull together in this situation. They were serving us, and very well, but an occassional glitch is forgivable! I felt we were all in it together , crew and cruisers, as far as dealing with the rocking. The sharing of that experience with staff and cruisers just made the cruise for me.

Glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! I think the circumstances were exceptional a little disruption should have been expected that's all. People are people and they react in different ways.

 

[YenSid1222]

Yensid I see you're one of those people that obviously can't accept people having a different opinion than you. YOU are something...perhaps if you behaved better while you were in France you wouldn't have embarrassed yourself.

You are so funny. Believe me, I have never made as much as an *** of myself as all of you on this board.

If you cannot give a person (specifically a cast member) a break during the roughest seas the Magic probably ever saw, then I cannot comment on your arrogance and you did not nor do you deserve good service. If I knew the person serving me was having to wade through water in their living quarters, I am human enough to give them a break. Of course, I do not make an *** of myself and my servers, hosts, etc. all love us and we end up with getting lots of attention and get to hear the stories of people like you. That makes me

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Oh my goodness, this is the second time I've heard of water. Were we taking on water? Did some staff have water in their living areas???

 

[Jeff Spencer]

For those of you who do not think that we should have given the staff a break, I just say I disagree.

I have no problem with you or anyone else having that opinion. We as reasonable people should feel free to express our thoughts, experiences and opinions on this board. That's what it's here for right? We should be able to agree to disagree and move on.

The only problem I have is when others attack people who express opinions that are different from theirs as if it is impossible for other people to have different experiences on the same ship. We all know that it is entirely possible, in fact it's probable, that not everyone will have the same on-board experience. As someone else pointed out, each guest's experience is significantly influenced by the Disney cast/crew they personally interact with. It's a fact that there are great cabin stewards and those that are not so great. The same is true for wait staff in the dining rooms, staff at Guest Services, etc. The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to trip reports and personal cruise experiences.

 

[been2marceline]

I have no problem with you or anyone else having that opinion. We as reasonable people should feel free to express our thoughts, experiences and opinions on this board. That's what it's here for right? We should be able to agree to disagree and move on.

The only problem I have is when others attack people who express opinions that are different from theirs as if it is impossible for other people to have different experiences on the same ship. We all know that it is entirely possible, in fact it's probable, that not everyone will have the same on-board experience. As someone else pointed out, each guest's experience is significantly influenced by the Disney cast/crew they personally interact with. It's a fact that there are great cabin stewards and those that are not so great. The same is true for wait staff in the dining rooms, staff at Guest Services, etc. The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to trip reports and personal cruise experiences.

Thanks Jeff!!

Well said/put, I agree!! (No disagreeing here!)

 

[woody73]

. . . The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to trip reports and personal cruise experiences.

I think if everyone was as open-minded, more people would post trip reports -- good and bad.

Woody

 

[gismo1554]

I have no problem with you or anyone else having that opinion. We as reasonable people should feel free to express our thoughts, experiences and opinions on this board. That's what it's here for right? We should be able to agree to disagree and move on.

The only problem I have is when others attack people who express opinions that are different from theirs as if it is impossible for other people to have different experiences on the same ship. We all know that it is entirely possible, in fact it's probable, that not everyone will have the same on-board experience. As someone else pointed out, each guest's experience is significantly influenced by the Disney cast/crew they personally interact with. It's a fact that there are great cabin stewards and those that are not so great. The same is true for wait staff in the dining rooms, staff at Guest Services, etc. The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to trip reports and personal cruise experiences.

I think alot of people posted their opinions on here because of the fact that this was giving a single view of the experience and I don't think anyone has actually turned around and said 'that didn't happen' I think they are just trying to show that everyone has a different experience. That was my motivation for putting something on here anyway! I still stand by my point that you have to give people a bit of leniancy to staff because of the weather but I'm not in any way saying that other people didn't have bad service. I personally didn't experience any from our actual servers or stateroom host just from the staff at Palo's! I'm sure others had a different experience.

 

[RhondaInMA]

Just recently cruised Disney.. 4 day in May 2007. This was our 6th Disney Cruise. I do agree that the service has changed as well as the cruisers. It's not what it used to be. However, we made the best of it and enjoyed our vacation. I never expected more. I accepted... but will definitely take this into consideration for future cruises.
We are booked on the May 3, 2008 Disney Magic in the Walt Suite and at this time I am not looking forward to the trip. Hopefully 10 months from now I will feel differently. To cancel this booked trip would mean we would lose our $3000 deposit because it's the suite. So... we will cruise Disney one last time... and maybe in the future the new ships will offer something different.

 

[holidayfanatic]

I have not read every entry on this thread but there is a lot of generalisation going on. As someone else has said, everyone is entitled to their opinions but our experience (as 1st timers on the first Med cruise but we are Disney veterans) was that the experience was fantastic. Yes there were a lot of new CMs but we never found anyone who was unwilling to help in anything we asked about. Service was exceptional and you should not worry about your cruise. We also enjoyed the food and the whole experience so much that we are likely to now do the trip back across to Florida in August.

With regard to the generalisation, Europe is not always cold, wet and miserable in May June & July and in fact I am sending this from my garden in Northern England at 10pm and the temperature is currently 20 degrees (was 26 earlier today). This is fairly regular for UK at this time of the year. Again not everyone in Europe (whatever country they are from) shys away from washing. You will find that people are like that in any country. We could quite easily say that about the abundant and rather larger people we encounter in Florida but we dont because we know that every nation has it's fair share of these problems. Lets keep these generalisations away from the forums!