You do know they suspended
all cruises, not just Alaska right through next Septemeber of 2011. This isn't "simply" availability issue. There was plenty of availability on Thursday and then NONE on Friday. That is not "its hard to book a
DCL to Alaska". While they are saying the option to book cruises still exists, it doesn't in reality. So we will see how they rectify it in the future. I think it would be nice if they offered another cruise line.
From what I have read, the
all part is not true.
Some people were able to book Fri or Sat based previous posts I read. But for reason(s) not completely known to us, the ability to book with points dropped dramatically overnight so
VERY little is left until after Fall 2011. However, it is true that it is not a simple availability issue based on the quick change in information given by MS.
DVC/DCL need to get back on track to communicate correct information to memebers.
...oh wait thats right I have to know what they are really saying when they are talking because it's all a "sales pitch".
Yes, sales pitches rarely lay out the truth in the clearest way, but the buyer has an opportunity to do research, review the product, ask questions, read the contract, etc. prior to a purchase. Unfortunately, this is the time when it becomes evident that the sales person did not lay out all the details in a truthful or complete manner. While I don't agree this is ethical, it will probably not change so it's important for the buyer to take on a large amount of responsibility in the situation. (Nothing agains the poster of the comment, just my opinion for people in general, and I do realize immediate changes in policy will throw a wrench my thinking
).
But I *don't* know that. I don't know what's going on. Some people say there are cruises available. Others say there aren't. Meanwhile, people are booking cruises. And there seems to be less availability. It's been one business day. Has there been a change? A temporary one? Permanent? A glitch? Is Disney playing games to make something look good for quarterly reporting? Beats the heck out of me. I'm willing to wait a bit before figuring out what changed and why. What I do know is that the OP had trouble booking their cruise, but did eventually book it.
Look, I get the fact that if you planned on booking a cruise, and can't.. .you are going to be angry and upset. My comment wasn't directed at those people. It was directed at those saying DVC has gone downhill, was so much better in the early days etc. For most things, it's essentially the same product, if anything, slightly better.
It stinks for the members that are affected, but I agree with you here, no one knows the exact reason(s) this "policy" went into place and what the long term outcome will be.
OK, I'll go on record and put myself on the hot seat here...
Actually, I hope they don't. I just feel they would be directing their anger in the wrong direction. I would much rather see them use the member satisfaction email address and let *them* have it instead. The member satisfaction mail box is set up to feed our level of satisfaction (or lack of) back to DVC management. Attacking a sales guide who is simply trying to make a living and feed their family isn't the right forum. He doesn't necessarily have a direct line back to the appropriate level of management.
I hate this recent change DVC has pulled out of their butts on us. But I'm standing up for the cruise guides because my experience has shows that these are generally the more seasoned guides who know what they are doing and aren't trying to intentionally mislead you. Yes, they use the cruise as a perk to generate sales because they believe, as much as we do, that it will stick around. Darn it people, it's easy to get angry at anyone in the organization right now, but if you truly want to make a difference, make your dissatisfaction heard at the right level!
Right on here! A group of DVC members attacking a guide on the cruise is not an appropriate format to relay your opinions and frustration. They don't make the decisions, they are just the messenger. I'm sure even in October they will still be talking up the ability to cruise; I just hope they revise it to make it more relevent to the current situation.
Anytime you rank, rate, survey, comment, etc it is helpful to specifically state why you are upset or happy, what worked or didn't and what should they continue to do or suggestions for improvements (I learned this from professors during grad school)
While I agree DVC needs to improve upon in communication changes to their members in a timely manner (and so does my company, if they are reading
), even if they did send out something 2 weeks ago, there are still members that wouldn't have been able to make or change their plans. I know that thought doesn't all of the sudden make the situation better for members but just something to think about (again not saying lack of communication is not acceptable). How can DVC make it fair and suitable for the majority of members? (Mostly a rhetorical question for you to think about when emailing member satisfaction, but also makes for a good thread discussion if one chooses).
Sorry, I like to write a lot
, but thanks to anyone who stuck with post!
I did book a Dream cruise for New Years next year and believe you me, its not cheap. But to purchase points to use for the cruise was not in the cards for me. It did cross my mind though.
