Minimum group size?

[tracyz]

We booked the pre-cruise Barcelona add-on for our Med Cruise this August, and I've bought plane tickets based on the dates. I'm concerned about the trip being cancelled because there doesn't seem to be much buzz or interest in it,and DCL does not appear to really be marketing it. Does anyone know what the minimum number of people would be to stop ABD from cancelling a trip?

 

[sayhello]

Boy, that's a really good question, and a bit complicated. First, this is the first year that ABD/DCL have offered trips like these that aren't actually *during* the cruise. The assumption with last year's cruise add-on was, worse come to worst, you would still be on the cruise, and could do regular DCL excursions, so they (DCL) weren't too worried about that. They had altered the cancellation policy for the ABD portion to coincide with the Paid in Full date for the cruise (in other words, they would not cancel the ABD portion *after* the PIF date for the cruise.) They weren't taking any responsibility for the airfare like ABD normally does, so I didn't purchase airfare until after the PIF date.

This is different. This is a separate tour, not *during* the cruise, and anyone taking it (like you) would be expected to purchase their airfare to arrive several days before the cruise. ABD's *normal* policy is that if they cancel a trip due to lack of people, they will refund your money *and* either pay you for your airfare, or, if you rebook another adventure, pay any change fees, etc. (within reason). So it seems *reasonable* to me, that if the pre-cruise ABD got canceled, that they would pay the change fee to move your airline tickets up a few days to the start of the cruise. What makes this complicated is that DCL really runs the show on these add-ons. So ABD's normal policies might not be in effect. So you should REALLY call both ABD and DCL and get a definitive answer on that for yourself.

That said, the minimum number of people for ABD (or DCL) to not cancel the Add-on is an unknown. For "regular" ABD's, it really depends on the trip & the time of year. There have been ABD's that have gone with 14 or fewer people (I *think* the lowest I've heard of is 11). But the question also becomes whether ABD or DCL is making that call. DCL seems much more inclined to cancel things and say "tough luck". ABD works with folks much more closely & is much more flexible.

Sorry for the long-winded answer to say "we don't know yet", and "call ABD (who will probably refer you to DCL)" to find out for sure.

Sayhello

 

[tracyz]

Thanks! You pretty much voiced all of my thoughts and concerns. Try explaining those concerns to the folks at DCL, though! I called them, and the woman I spoke with was taken off guard when I asked if she could tell me how the bookings looked for this trip. Said she didn't have access to that info, and was surprised that ABD did. She also insisted that ABD "doesn't cancel trips." She said they had only cancelled one trip in the past couple of years, and that was in Vancouver. When I informed her that ABD just cancelled all of its Egypt trips for 2011, she had no idea. So there is really no communication between the 2 companies. She also really had no idea about the cancellation policy for this add-on. It seems that DCL policy is very clear on if the customer cancels, but not so much on when the tour is cancelled. If that happens, I think we may be out of luck as far as DCL goes ~ you may be very right in thinking they'll say sorry, that's just how it goes. My plan at this point is if this trip doesn't go, and we can't get either DCL, ABD, or trip insurance to pay for airline change fees, we'll probably just do Barcelona on our own for those 3 days. We just won't get the pampering.
By the way, I called ABD too, and while she didn't have any real info to give me, the reservation person on the phone was the most helpful of all the people I've talked to at either company! She really took the time to search for any info she might be able to come up with. Unfortunately, all she could tell me was that the trip is not currently on the chopping block!
Your comments on the cruise forum that the majority of the people on your med add-on were not on these boards were reassuring. Thanks for that! I just hate the waiting, and trying not to get overly excited...just in case.

 

[sayhello]

You're welcome. I totally know what you mean about the waiting. I really only signed up for the Med cruise to do the ABD add-on, and was really worried about what to do if they canceled the add-on. If they canceled the day before the penalty period began for the cruise, I was going to have to make a decision REALLY quickly as to whether or not I was going to continue with the cruise without the ABD. I was counting the days! (I mis-spoke above, the ABD cancellation was the day before the penalty period started for the cruise, which was not the same as the PIF date).

Barcelona is a gorgeous city, and not too difficult to do on your own, but I'm with you, the pampering is a really good thing!

And you aren't joking when you say there's a lack of communication between ABD & DCL. It's awful! But I definitely got the feeling it was DCL's doing, not ABD's.

Sayhello

 

[OhioDisneyDavid]

You're welcome. I totally know what you mean about the waiting. I really only signed up for the Med cruise to do the ABD add-on, and was really worried about what to do if they canceled the add-on. If they canceled the day before the penalty period began for the cruise, I was going to have to make a decision REALLY quickly as to whether or not I was going to continue with the cruise without the ABD. I was counting the days! (I mis-spoke above, the ABD cancellation was the day before the penalty period started for the cruise, which was not the same as the PIF date).

Barcelona is a gorgeous city, and not too difficult to do on your own, but I'm with you, the pampering is a really good thing!

And you aren't joking when you say there's a lack of communication between ABD & DCL. It's awful! But I definitely got the feeling it was DCL's doing, not ABD's.

Sayhello

Sayhello,
You should get a commission for all the people that you have “turned on” to ABD. I think we are practically neighbors, we live outside Dayton. My wife and I have a Med Cruise scheduled for August 27th and based on your EXCELLENT trip report from your travels last year; we will be booking the ABD add-on this week. We felt like we were on the trip with you. If you were to give three recommendations for this DCL & ABD combo, (besides what you have already shared on the boards) what would they be?

I also share the PAIN in dealing with the “disconnect” between DCL and ABD. I used my DVC points to book the cruise so have to go through them to book the ABD, adding another layer of complication. Using DVC requires us to pay in FULL for the entire ABD trip at the time of booking. I have waited on hold numerous times with all three, only to find out that the “other” partner handles that aspect of the trip. There have been several times that I have wanted to throw in the towel.

We also used the Disney Chase card to pay for everything and guess what .... they don’t communicate with Disney on programs either. There is a big level of confusion on their side on some aspects of these trips. They told me that I would get a shipboard credit because of DCL but because I went through DVC, no credit. It is tough for travelers to understand and take advantage of the offers if Disney cast members and partners don’t know the details.

All that said, we are excited for our trip in August, can’t wait!!

Dave

 

[sayhello]

Sayhello,
You should get a commission for all the people that you have “turned on” to ABD.

Please feel free to write to ABD with that opinion!

I think we are practically neighbors, we live outside Dayton. My wife and I have a Med Cruise scheduled for August 27th and based on your EXCELLENT trip report from your travels last year; we will be booking the ABD add-on this week. We felt like we were on the trip with you. If you were to give three recommendations for this DCL & ABD combo, (besides what you have already shared on the boards) what would they be?

Yep, nearly neighbors. I'm up in the Columbus area.

I'm so glad you enjoyed my Trip Report. In case you couldn't tell, I thought the Add-on was a fabulous way to travel & see the Med. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Congrats on your decision! I think you will love it!

I'm not quite sure what kind of recommendations you're asking for. More on why to do it? Or of things to do? Or things to watch out for? I'm just not sure what you mean here.

I also share the PAIN in dealing with the “disconnect” between DCL and ABD. I used my DVC points to book the cruise so have to go through them to book the ABD, adding another layer of complication. Using DVC requires us to pay in FULL for the entire ABD trip at the time of booking. I have waited on hold numerous times with all three, only to find out that the “other” partner handles that aspect of the trip. There have been several times that I have wanted to throw in the towel.

It really is a frustration, isn't it? You want to yell "BUT YOU ARE ALL DISNEY!!!!" Of course, we know that doesn't mean anything, but it still infuriates.

We also used the Disney Chase card to pay for everything and guess what .... they don’t communicate with Disney on programs either. There is a big level of confusion on their side on some aspects of these trips. They told me that I would get a shipboard credit because of DCL but because I went through DVC, no credit. It is tough for travelers to understand and take advantage of the offers if Disney cast members and partners don’t know the details.

I think the problem with the Disney Visa onboard credit is that you have to pay for the *ENTIRE* cruise with the card in order to qualify for the OBC. Since you paid for the cruise with DVC points, that doesn't count. ABD has never qualified for any sort of credit for using the Disney Visa. You should still qualify for the 0% interest rate, I would think, but that comes from Chase, not Disney. It *IS* really sad that the cast members don't know these things!

All that said, we are excited for our trip in August, can’t wait!!

Dave

I'm excited for you! You're gonna love this trip. I can hardly wait to hear your report when you get back!

Sayhello

 

[carpenta]

I have agree with sayhello. Barcelona is a wonderful city and very easy to navigate. We used the tourist bus system as well as the subway system with an eight year old in tow. The hotels that DCL uses are first class and centrally located. If the add on falls through it is easy enough to see Barcelona as well as surrounding tourist meccas on your own. We did the Med. cruise two times in different years and Disney does a first class job on the cruise side. A plus this year is Palermo substitute for Tunisia which is a great plus IMHO.
Sayhello we lived in Upper Arlington for 6 yrs. a number of years ago, Loved Ohio.

 

[sayhello]

Sayhello we lived in Upper Arlington for 6 yrs. a number of years ago, Loved Ohio.

Small world, isn't it?

Sayhello

 

[nunzia]

Our Backstage Magic trip only had 13 but I think that was HIGHLY unusual..it was the last of the tours offered for the year with all others cancelled..and since it's in the US and so closly linked to DLR it may be able to be done much easier with fewer people.

 

[tracyz]

I'm just hoping the link wih the cruise will make them less likely to cancel...I'd love to have a small group! (Now that I've said that it will probably be full! ) In any case, I've decided if they cancel we'll still stay at the same hotel and I'll just have to focus on planning our trip even more obsessively...though I'm not really sure that's possible!

 

[OhioDisneyDavid]

Please feel free to write to ABD with that opinion!

I'm not quite sure what kind of recommendations you're asking for. More on why to do it? Or of things to do? Or things to watch out for? I'm just not sure what you mean here.

Sayhello

Looking for three top activities that are don't miss or most memorable. I know you mentioned wanting to do Pompeii but instead did the planned pizza experience and boat trip.

We had our hearts set on Pompeii based on some friend recomendations and were disappointed with the ommision of this day. I think the Italy ABD includes a Pompeii segment.

We have never been out of the country, on a Disney Cruise or on ABD so it will all be memorable.

 

[sayhello]

Looking for three top activities that are don't miss or most memorable. I know you mentioned wanting to do Pompeii but instead did the planned pizza experience and boat trip.

We had our hearts set on Pompeii based on some friend recomendations and were disappointed with the ommision of this day. I think the Italy ABD includes a Pompeii segment.

We have never been out of the country, on a Disney Cruise or on ABD so it will all be memorable.

Well, personally, I *really* loved seeing Michelangelo's David in Florence. It was a highlight of the trip for me.

I also really enjoyed the visit to the farm and the pizza making. The boat ride around Capri was beautiful and I really enjoyed that. But, in retrospect, if I could have done the pizza making, then left & gone to Pompeii, I just might have. Unfortunately, the way they had it set up, I was told it was all or nothing. But I was originally thinking of skipping the pizza making, and rejoining them for Capri. Now that I've done it, I think you could possibly arrange private transport to pick you up at the farm (near Sorrento) and take you to Pompeii (and then return you to the ship) instead of continuing on to Capri. I'd check with ABD on that, but I honestly think it's doable, unless they were to, for some reason, reverse the order of what you do.

The day in Rome was magnificent. We really went to pretty much everything I could have hoped to with only one day there. It's a long day, but it's filled with a lot of great stuff.

Another highlight for me really was the day on Corsica. I loved the little town on top of the hill that we visited. The view from the lunch location was amazing, and the little church and concert was great.

The Bella Italia trip does go to Pompeii. But that's not the one that goes to Rome (Viva Italia goes to Rome). Given the choice between Rome & Pompeii, I think I'd have to choose Rome. (But then, I haven't been to Pompeii, so I might be wrong! )

You're going to have an excellent time. As you say, it's all new to you, and it's all good!

Sayhello

 

[OhioDisneyDavid]

Well, personally, I *really* loved seeing Michelangelo's David in Florence. It was a highlight of the trip for me.

I also really enjoyed the visit to the farm and the pizza making. The boat ride around Capri was beautiful and I really enjoyed that. But, in retrospect, if I could have done the pizza making, then left & gone to Pompeii, I just might have. Unfortunately, the way they had it set up, I was told it was all or nothing. But I was originally thinking of skipping the pizza making, and rejoining them for Capri. Now that I've done it, I think you could possibly arrange private transport to pick you up at the farm (near Sorrento) and take you to Pompeii (and then return you to the ship) instead of continuing on to Capri. I'd check with ABD on that, but I honestly think it's doable, unless they were to, for some reason, reverse the order of what you do.

The day in Rome was magnificent. We really went to pretty much everything I could have hoped to with only one day there. It's a long day, but it's filled with a lot of great stuff.

Another highlight for me really was the day on Corsica. I loved the little town on top of the hill that we visited. The view from the lunch location was amazing, and the little church and concert was great.

The Bella Italia trip does go to Pompeii. But that's not the one that goes to Rome (Viva Italia goes to Rome). Given the choice between Rome & Pompeii, I think I'd have to choose Rome. (But then, I haven't been to Pompeii, so I might be wrong! )

You're going to have an excellent time. As you say, it's all new to you, and it's all good!

Sayhello

Thanks for the feedback and comments.

No lines and special treatment from ABD is what stood out to me in reading your and other trip reports.

We will also REALLY like seeing David. We will be in Florence on Monday when the key museums will be closed including the one with the David sculpture. Disney "magic" has confirmed that ABD will get "backdoored" into seeing it, even though the museum will be closed to the general public. BIG selling point for ABD to us. You can't put a price on that once in a life opportunity. How many times will a person be in Florence??

We are going to discuss the Pompeii options when we meet with our guides the first day. Hopefully they will have had this come up in the past year and have some possibilities. You and me can't be the only people that want to take the side trip.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks for the feedback and comments.

No lines and special treatment from ABD is what stood out to me in reading your and other trip reports.

We will also REALLY like seeing David. We will be in Florence on Monday when the key museums will be closed including the one with the David sculpture. Disney "magic" has confirmed that ABD will get "backdoored" into seeing it, even though the museum will be closed to the general public. BIG selling point for ABD to us. You can't put a price on that once in a life opportunity. How many times will a person be in Florence??

We are going to discuss the Pompeii options when we meet with our guides the first day. Hopefully they will have had this come up in the past year and have some possibilities. You and me can't be the only people that want to take the side trip.

Thanks again for the info!

I totally agree! If for nothing else than the *magic* getting you in to see the David on your one and only day in Florence, that's worth the price of admission for the ABD. VIP access & no lines is *WONDERFUL*! That's a really big issue in the Med. Especially in Italy. (I really should say here, though. It's not *no* lines, but it's certainly no *long* lines! But man, it will be pretty empty when you go to see the David. That will be ultra-cool.)

I hope they've worked out something for you re: Pompeii! I will be extremely jealous if you manage to work that out!

ENJOY!!!!

Sayhello