Its amazing to see all the responses and reaction to the earlier comments that we made regarding our less than Magical 11/23 cruise.
Lets get a few things straight. We were a Disney family. Honeymooned there in 1987 and have been back at least twelve times since then. There were years we would do the Fall fantasy (remember that awesome package?) in September and come back again when I would travel to Orlando on business in December. My older daughter has spent at least two birthdays (early December) in the Magic Kingdom.
Our disenchantment with Disney actually dates back to May 02 when we spent seven nights at the Wilderness Lodge. Without making this an even longer post, we were treated rudely by our Maid; treated poorly by a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach after our younger daughter was injured. We didnt ask for any freebies. We complained to the appropriate people and left it at that. But after all the trips to WDW, we were disappointed that not only the employees appeared to have lost that Pixie Dust that so many of you spread around on these boards to wish people luck, but the management had as well. My wife actually passed on an opportunity to go back in Aug. 02 with friends based on our May visit.
So we decide that a Thanksgiving cruise sounded like fun. I spoke with a co-worker who did the seven-day Magic in June. He raved; we booked. In the past weve cruised with NCL and
RCCL twice.
When the 11/16 cruise had the virus problem, we did a lot of reading on these boards and felt relatively certain that a company with the reputation of Disney would really make sure that the next cruise would be super. I think we decided not to cash out based on this factor. If anything, our expectations were increased. First mistake.
Yes, we were apprehensive of risking getting sick. Of course we didnt expect the ship to be 100% germ-free. What we were looking for was the magical feeling that we so often encountered in WDW. Considering that, we were expecting some glitches. Being holed up in the Orlando Airport Hyatt for five hours was certainly a bad way to begin. Very little information was offered and the attitude of some of the cast members had us scratching our heads.
Then we finally get to the ship; five and half-hours after landing, and as mentioned earlier, not much in the way of a greeting. Wouldnt you think that the cruise staff would have been instructed to go out of their way to make sure we felt comfortable coming on board after the press the 11/16 cruise (and Holland America) received. How about a free drink for all guests at the sail away party? Does anyone out there know what the term goodwill means?
Other members on this board have asked for specifics as to why we had such a bad experience. Well, we felt let down from the moment we boarded and kept hoping for things to get better. We were expecting honest communications from the medical staff or captain, but it was our Cabin Host who let us in on the fact that people were getting ill on Tuesday morning. But as he put it, Keep it a secret, please. Apparently he was told not to say anything, but felt compelled to tell us so we would wash up frequently.
How about Tuesday morning sitting in the Disney Theatre as the Grand Cayman officials pondered not clearing the ship? Cruise staff member John from Wales deflected questions from those of us waiting to tender to our excursions, but it was clear that the delay was virus related. We were to learn on Saturday that many people were left without excursions due to the delay only to be told, well at least youre not being charged.
Or how about Friday at Castaway? Nothing going on, no parasailing, no banana boats, no Post Office, no local vendors. Why? Because the locals didnt want to risk getting sick.
Or how about the lovely smells throughout the ship? Anyone ever ride the Staten Island Ferry? I pity the housekeeping staff who had to keep up with the sick passengers whether it be in cabins or in the public areas. More than once we walked around with our noses covered due to the smell.
Anyone out there stop by Guest Services to inquire about upgrading? Again I wasnt asking for a freebie!! I was told that after sailing I should come back. So, I did at 7PM on Saturday. I was then told that I needed to fill out an upgrade request form and I would get a call from the person in charge of upgrades. Still waiting.
Anyone find it strange that the Captain didnt shake hands at his reception? How about the in-room memo telling us to limit physical contact with other passengers. Huh?
How about no condiments on the tables? How about the absolute pathetic celebration of Thanksgiving? You would see more decorating at your childs kindergarten class. It may be an international crew, but those were American dollars being spent for the most part.
I know it was our decision to go on with the trip. In some way we were hoping that the Disney we once knew would step up and make an unfortunate situation not only enjoyable, but memorable. But the arrogance that has seeped into the Theme Park has spread like the virus onto the Cruise Line. Instead of being treated as guests, I felt like we were taken for granted. Perhaps the Disney fanatics will read this and question our unhappiness. Thats fine. We are not blaming Disney for the virus. But it is our opinion that greed, the premium Thanksgiving rates, and not the safety of the passengers and crew, prompted them to allow the 11/23 cruise to sail. On one hand they allowed the ship to sail, but then failed to deliver the experience that the reputation of the company and the fare charged would have called for.
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