New info I found out from our latest cruise

[floridaminnie]

We went to the Castaway Party again and found out some interesting info. There are 3 plans for a 3rd ship, but that is as far as it has gone. One design is exactly like the current two ships, there is a design with the ship being a little bit longer, but it would still be able to fit through the Panama Canal and the other design is a taller and bigger ship that would NOT be able to fit through the Panama Canal.

Also, DCL is thinking of thinking of switching the ships where the Wonder does the 7 day and the Magic does the 3/4 day cruises. The wear and tear on the engines etc. When I was told this yesterday, the first thing that came to mind was that it might come after the 10 day cruise next year, but that's speculation on my part.

Differnt things on this cruise.

Bingo cards are sold on computers now which makes it much easier. Also they give you a piece of paper to take to Guest SErvices to redeem your winnings.

Kids club, DD didn't get a name badge. I don't know if it was b/c we were on a short cruise or what. On the 4 day this past March she had one.

Navigators and misc. stuff you get in your stateroom, no longer comes from room steward. It is slipped under your door

Roomservice. NO matter if you order something with a charge or not, you have to sign a piece of paper. Makes it much easier for giving tips. We never ordered roomservice so much on this cruise.!

Immigration and Customs have been put together where customs was only last time. (Right after you pick up your luggage). WE had the late breakfast and we had a line. The porter says that it's been this way since Homeland SEcurity doesn't like Immigration where it was before. They were also checking Driver's Liscense on the way out, which they didn't do this past March.

If there is anything else that I forgot (and there probably is) I'll post it. I'll also be posting a short trip report once I catch up on my sleep!

 

[hilltopfamily]

welcome back and thanks for the information.

I was going to start a thread, but I hope you don't mind my asking you, SDoane. I realize you weren't on the Magic, but you appear to be have good answers here on the boards a lot and I thought you or others reading this may know the answer.

I was looking over our docs & the "Magic" pamphlet that comes with it. This brochure appears to be a bit dated. It states that non-US citizens have to go to the 6:00 AM immigration thing on St. Thomas, but I was under the impression ALL people on the ship have to go. Which is the actual case? Am prepared to get up early if I have to! (Just know my teenage DD won't like it)

 

[floridaminnie]

We're going on the EAstern cruise this December and I'm also under the impression that everyone has to go through immigration. You'll need to let us know when you get back.

 

[WDWLVR]

This is a case where the booklet is old and outdated. They have been doing the immigration check in St. Thomas for a while now (maybe since 9/11). There is always the possibility that they can relax it at any time, but it doesn't look likely right now.

We're hoping they change it by next December. We are on the 10 day Christmas cruise and it is going to be mighty hard to get up that early if we go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve!

 

[plutojudy]

On our March 29 cruise, I noticed that the Navigators were put under the door instead of on the bed like in the past. Also, we did not receive any of the little cards with scenes of the ship. They were postcard size or a little larger. On our three previous cruises we received several of the cards.

 

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by plutojudy
On our March 29 cruise, I noticed that the Navigators were put under the door instead of on the bed like in the past.

On our May 4th Wonder cruise our Navigators were in the room every day. Can't remember if it was on the bed or the desk. They were definitely not slipped under the door.

 

[AnnMorin]

Nothing really to add, just welcome home

 

[jrabbit]

In June on the Magic, all paper documents (ie Navigators) were on our bed.

You're right, we didn't receive any of the "post card" sized pictures or any trading cards in our room on this cruise.

 

[Favorite Auntie]

I heard the trading cards were being phased out.

 

[budwmn]

I'll take any of the three new ships. I just want another ship and more exciting destinations!

Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe. I'd love to see them all on a Disney cruise!

 

[gometros]

I take it you were on the Wonder? I don't think they've made these cahnges on the Magic yet. We sailed two weeks ago and Navigators were still on the bed and there was no signing for room service.