May 18, 2013 Magic EBTA Part Two - From Tejas to España

[gramfrog]

To the intrepid experienced EBTA/WBTA cruisers, do you have any feedback or suggestions on the Disney-sponsored Madeira tours? I am looking at the Tours section of the DCL site for our EBTA and would love comparisons.... Thanks!

 

[EjeG]

Ouch another blow for Carnival this time it's one of their subsidiary Princess Cruises that had problems with their cruise ship Crown Princess. This is the same ship that had the Noro virus breakout in Dec.

Princess cruise cut short after toilets clog
http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbc-news/51542761#51542761

Talk about PR nightmare for Carnival, they sure need to get their stuff in order.

 

[valbob89]

Yes, I guess I am a diehard Disney theme parks fan. I dont bother to bring a swimsuit to WDW, because so far I've never used a pool while there!

I'll be Gold after this cruise, but I have no plans for a future DCL cruise. I booked onboard the Fantasy in December in anticipation of a 2014 DIS Podcast cruise. However, the Podcast crew has made no plans that I am aware of, and I've lost interest. I just booked my 2nd non-Disney cruise for 2014, so I may cancel my dummy cruise on DCL.

On a recent DCL cruise, at the Gold and Platinum Reception, Christian mentioned that DCL is considering revising the Castaway Club designation rules, basing them on number of nights cruised. He went on to say that the reason for this look at their evaluation is the large number of people with the platinum designation. We are platinum, with over 100 days cruising so most likely it wouldn't effect us, but I don't think it is fair to raise the bar. I could see adding perks when you reach a certain number of nights but I don't think that is what they will do. They use to invite the silver castaway members to the reception but stopped that so maybe they'll stop inviting the gold members.

 

[twopeasonepod]

Palo is as formal as you want to make it! Since we had the tux, might as well dress up again and make the most out of a nice meal.

I have brought a backpack with over 30 beers (bottles) and a roller bag filled with bottles of wine and booze, the only thing I heard from CMs was them jokingly asking what my stateroom # was and when they should come by. We had a few fellow passengers ask the same thing too!

Great picture! You two are fancy pants!

You must be strong haha. I drink vodka; DH drinks rum. I will bring 5 liters of each for us on this cruise. Thankfully, our swim bag is very sturdy (and some in the roller board).

 

[twopeasonepod]

This is our first longer than a week DCL cruise, but depending how we like it, we are thinking of booking the May 4th 2014 WBPC cruise while on board. We are Gold on DCL. We have been on "longer than a week" Princess and RCCL cruises.

We are on the WBPC next year! Even though the boys will miss school again, I can't let it pass by! We will either rebook or book a dummy cruise on board.

 

[twopeasonepod]

I will be 35 nights on DCL at end of cruise and still Silver Next DCL cruise booked will put me at 49 DCL nights (WBTA 2014)... and still silver after that one. If DCL would quit offering those longer cruises, I might make it past Silver one day (just kidding - but you know what I mean!)

I'm right there with ya. We will still be silver after the WBPC next year, even though we will be at 45 days. But because I have no desire to go to the ports offered by the new ships, I guess we will just keep doing the longer ones!

 

[birkner]

To the intrepid experienced EBTA/WBTA cruisers, do you have any feedback or suggestions on the Disney-sponsored Madeira tours? I am looking at the Tours section of the DCL site for our EBTA and would love comparisons.... Thanks!

I prefer the private tours that Daniel Taxi offers for the value they offer.

 

[woody73]

. . . On one of those cruises we meet a couple that was platinum with 15 cruises under their belt, but they had never taken a cruise longer than 3 nights so they had a total of 45 nights. Kinda don't seem fair.

Unfair indeed. The sad thing is the couple reached Platinum after only 30 nights (10 cruises x 3 nights). Our upcoming 14-night Transatlantic cruise is nearly half that.

Woody

 

[WVURunner]

He went on to say that the reason for this look at their evaluation is the large number of people with the platinum designation. but I don't think it is fair to raise the bar.

Of course there will be more platinum as the cruise line gets older! Duh, disney! I agree, it isn't fair to raise the bar. But no matter how they do it, people will see reason a to complain. Our Jan '14 4 day cruise on the Dream is only $200 less than this cruise so it is costing more per day. Should Disney do it by cost? Should people who cruise only in suites get more than people who cruise only in inside cabins? it could go on and on

Great picture! You two are fancy pants!

You must be strong haha. I drink vodka; DH drinks rum. I will bring 5 liters of each for us on this cruise. Thankfully, our swim bag is very sturdy (and some in the roller board).

Thanks, the funny thing is I don't drink beer and for some reason, I was carrying the boys beer! Go figure and not once did they offer to help carry it until another passenger called them out on it.

5 liters each!!! Wow, that is impressive! I think you just put me to shame....

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Since I know that you all are checking here pretty regular, I will also post here:

We have only one more person to add in order to split the Chocolate Tasting class -

Here is the link for the sign-up form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19Mtvsw38uKxUpgBvQ8hoIOOH8ICDx-UZ7EJlnPK6QxY/viewform

Here's a link on the DIS (thanks Mandy) to tell a little about it:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47973126&postcount=50



ALSO

The Private Mixology class has openings in the first session ONLY if you are still interested in participating! Please sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVrLW4tcGJYUEtoTUxGaDlCZTgzTmc6MQ#gid=0

I am hoping to hear from Alma today as to confirmation for the first date of the Chocolate Tasting....if so, I will update my first post and also let Mandy know so she can update the Calendar of Events!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are on the WBPC next year! Even though the boys will miss school again, I can't let it pass by! We will either rebook or book a dummy cruise on board.

Wow, great! Muusha, a VWL groupie is already booked on the May cruise.
Bobbi

 

[geffric]

All of our other cruises have been 7-nighters (HAL, Celebrity, NCL) but we have our first "longer than a week" cruise on NCL after the EBTA. Too bad no self serve laundry on that one, but being port intensive we will definitely be appreciative of turning in laundry I think versus doing it ourselves like we will on EBTA.

We did the Med on another cruise line and it was fine. The Med is so port intensive, any line is fine..Looking at doing the Baltic on another line too;on the other hand, I wouldn't do a TA on others as the DCL is wonderful and the ship and activities are beyond compare. our next DCL cruise is WBTA 2014.

Personally I always felt it's bit screwed up that they base the club levels based on number of cruises for this very reason. As mentioned above as example the couple that done 15 cruises and where platinum with a total of 45 nights and us after the EBTA would have done 46 nights over 5 cruises (if I don't count in the 2 recent short cruises, but in all honesty if we could have gotten a 7 night cruise we would done that instead of a 3 night and a 4 night). So we would have done equal amount of nights and they 5 cruises ago would turned platinum and we would just turned gold and yet we have 1 more night than them and we would have spent about equal amount of $ for our cruises but yet not getting the perks. Ohh well... We don't make the rules, just have to live by them but griping about it sure makes me feel a bit better

I am platinum and have been on 3 14 night cruises, many 7 nighter's and 1 4 night cruise and 1 3 night cruise.(.which was only to get to platinum) Besides I refuse to pay the price for the Fantasy to go to places I have been many time before.. I agree nights cruised IMHO as the way to go..but who am I?

. Did you know that many of the cruise photographers work 14 hour days?

so do most of the crew..many start at o dark early ( think breakfast for server, lunch, 2 dinners) and go til o dark 30....

 

[woody73]

. . . I wouldn't do a TA on others as the DCL is wonderful and the ship and activities are beyond compare. our next DCL cruise is WBTA 2014.

I've been on two Transatlantic cruises with DCL, and on four with other cruise lines.

IMHO, the activities on DCL were front loaded. At first, there were plenty of daily activities to choose from. But toward the end, the same activities and movies were simply repeated. Hopefully this time they will pace it better to keep the activities and entertainment exciting and fresh the entire cruise.

I am platinum and have been on 3 14 night cruises, many 7 nighter's and 1 4 night cruise and 1 3 night cruise.(.which was only to get to platinum) . . .

I agree nights cruised IMHO as the way to go..but who am I?

I agree. I sailed with DCL for 99 nights before reaching Platinum. Today I read on the boards about a couple who did it in 30 nights. That's just not fair.

Woody

 

[Kirbo]

I will be 35 nights on DCL at end of cruise and still Silver Next DCL cruise booked will put me at 49 DCL nights (WBTA 2014)... and still silver after that one. If DCL would quit offering those longer cruises, I might make it past Silver one day (just kidding - but you know what I mean!)



All of our other cruises have been 7-nighters (HAL, Celebrity, NCL) but we have our first "longer than a week" cruise on NCL after the EBTA. Too bad no self serve laundry on that one, but being port intensive we will definitely be appreciative of turning in laundry I think versus doing it ourselves like we will on EBTA.

After the first Med we'll have 28 days aboard and still silver. After next year's Alaskan cruise we'll have 35 days and that will have been our fifth cruise.

IIRC, NCL usually offers one of those flat rate "stuff your laundry bag" specials on the longer cruises. It's pretty reasonable and it's amazing the amount of items I can stuff in a bag when it's a deal!

Now that sounds like a great special!

Yes, I guess I am a diehard Disney theme parks fan. I dont bother to bring a swimsuit to WDW, because so far I've never used a pool while there!

I'll be Gold after this cruise, but I have no plans for a future DCL cruise. I booked onboard the Fantasy in December in anticipation of a 2014 DIS Podcast cruise. However, the Podcast crew has made no plans that I am aware of, and I've lost interest. I just booked my 2nd non-Disney cruise for 2014, so I may cancel my dummy cruise on DCL.

Well then, I'd better pick your brain about the parks while I can

On a recent DCL cruise, at the Gold and Platinum Reception, Christian mentioned that DCL is considering revising the Castaway Club designation rules, basing them on number of nights cruised. He went on to say that the reason for this look at their evaluation is the large number of people with the platinum designation. We are platinum, with over 100 days cruising so most likely it wouldn't effect us, but I don't think it is fair to raise the bar. I could see adding perks when you reach a certain number of nights but I don't think that is what they will do. They use to invite the silver castaway members to the reception but stopped that so maybe they'll stop inviting the gold members.

I agree that raising the bar isn't fair to those that have already made it to other levels. But I think it was short sighted of them to base it on number of cruises. I do know that in the beginning all they offered were the 3 and 4 day cruises, but it still seems silly to do it that way. I think they should revamp it all and not take away from folks that have reached gold or platinum, but change the way they do it for the future.

I agree. I sailed with DCL for 99 nights before reaching Platinum. Today I read on the boards about a couple who did it in 30 nights. That's just not fair.

Woody

Yeah, that seems wildly unfair. But I'm not in charge, so I don't get to make the rules.

 

[p17blo]

The whole status debate has been running for years on airlines, remember many of those have been running loyalty programs for a lot longer than DCL has been in existing.

But it's about opportunity and awareness. There was a time (and I don't know if you can still do it) due to a code share between Virgin Atlantic and Singapore airlines where you can take a flight to Singapore and fly back and forth between Singapore cities at very cheap rates and acquire VA Gold Status.

It was never really seen as a fairness issue, (although obviously some did) but maybe a challenge.

However you structure your loyalty program people will not be happy.

From a company perspective it is probably really important to get that first repeat business. Once we have all take a few cruises we are probably set on Disney anyway - They don't have a lot (if any) direct competition as such. Yes there are a load of cruise companies does the same/similar itineraries but we do it for the Disney Experience.

In the same way a couple can hit plat after 30 nights, you might find that someone with 60 nights has done that cheaper than someone else who hit plat after 45 nights for example.

Airlines tend to reward higher categories with more 'points' which cruise lines tend not to.

However all that said, I achieve Diamond (and am close to Diamond Plus) on RCCL but I doubt I will cruise with them again and it's nothing to do with the perks - It's like being at Universal Studios with the way they try to nickel and dime you at every corner (and yes it is there with Disney, but a little more subtle but at least they still give you free soft drinks on DCL).

Anyway, I am sure this debate with go on for ever and ever (like the tipping debate ....) but maybe we should just accept it is what it is and those of us without the black lanyards and continue to strive to achieve those.

Paul

 

[Yvet]

I'm throwing myself into the debate ;-)

I would say don't base it on how many cruises:
Because of what was said eatlier 99 nights and 30 nighs...

I also would say don't base it on nights:
Because i did 3 night cruises for the same amount what i paid for the EBTA 14 nighter.
If you do it by nights then i can get 14 nights for the same money, not fair either.

My suggestion and also the most honost one is:
Base it on $ amount spend for the cruise.
Every $ is a point or whatever so that way if you do cheap cruises or always discounted cruises you get what you paid fir and if you always cruise suites you get earlier what you paid for...

 

[gramfrog]

Just heard back from DCL re: liquor amounts. "
"Disney Cruise Line does not prohibit each Guest 21 years of age and
older from bringing alcohol onboard. However, please be aware these
items must be hand-carried onboard in a day bag and/or carry-on, which
cannot exceed 22" x 14" x 9". " So the Wine Check cube luggage I bought isn't allowed.... my apologies to anyone who was going to buy one for the trip...

 

[StephenKay]

Is anyone bringing "real" formal wear? Tony will still bring a suit, Grayson and Jonah wear a tie (but no jacket), and I usually wear a floor-length gown to formal night. But I'm thinking of wearing a short dress instead (kinda bummed about it, though).

Certainly, the kilt is coming with the full outfit which is worn with different jackets and medals for formal and semi formal nights(it weighs a ton) you have to make the effort in my book. It may be just me, however I love to see the ladies all dressed up, it's just part of the whole experience and no more so than on the previous transatlantic's that I have been on so far.

If you don't have a long dress, then get one off ebay if you don't want to spend a lot or even hire one. We even managed to get dressed up despite losing our cases before the last TA and I am glad we got some "hirewear" and ladies long dress for the evening as we saw nearly all in formal wear.

 

[WVURunner]

An email with payment info has been sent out, let me know if you don't get it.
Thanks!

 

[Kirbo]

The whole status debate has been running for years on airlines, remember many of those have been running loyalty programs for a lot longer than DCL has been in existing.

But it's about opportunity and awareness. There was a time (and I don't know if you can still do it) due to a code share between Virgin Atlantic and Singapore airlines where you can take a flight to Singapore and fly back and forth between Singapore cities at very cheap rates and acquire VA Gold Status.

It was never really seen as a fairness issue, (although obviously some did) but maybe a challenge.

However you structure your loyalty program people will not be happy.

From a company perspective it is probably really important to get that first repeat business. Once we have all take a few cruises we are probably set on Disney anyway - They don't have a lot (if any) direct competition as such. Yes there are a load of cruise companies does the same/similar itineraries but we do it for the Disney Experience.

In the same way a couple can hit plat after 30 nights, you might find that someone with 60 nights has done that cheaper than someone else who hit plat after 45 nights for example.

Airlines tend to reward higher categories with more 'points' which cruise lines tend not to.

However all that said, I achieve Diamond (and am close to Diamond Plus) on RCCL but I doubt I will cruise with them again and it's nothing to do with the perks - It's like being at Universal Studios with the way they try to nickel and dime you at every corner (and yes it is there with Disney, but a little more subtle but at least they still give you free soft drinks on DCL).

Anyway, I am sure this debate with go on for ever and ever (like the tipping debate ....) but maybe we should just accept it is what it is and those of us without the black lanyards and continue to strive to achieve those.

Paul

I hope my post didn't come across as sour grapes. I started cruising after the tiers had been implemented and knew the score. I knew that we'd take forever to get to gold simply because we can't cruise much and because a 3-day cruise doesn't appeal to us. But it does seem a particularly fair way of doing it . Amount spent actually makes a lot of sense. (And it would likely mean even longer before we'd hit the next level as we have done two KSF cruises and now a TA, not typically very expensive )