Noooooooooooo! 8188 to 9172

[MUN]

It is a nice balcony. Hopefully, you enjoy your other balcony just as much!

I think a PP had good advice. Perhaps, you should call DCL and explain how disappointed you are in the room change, and you researched the room and you specifically picked this cabin. Maybe they will do something special for you. Who knows, even w/o the call, DCL may have something extra waiting for you when you embark. Nevertheless, I hope you have a magical cruise!

MUN

 

[disny_luvr]

I am so sorry to read this. I would be disappointed, too. We love 8188 and sailed in it on the Fantasy and have it booked for our Dream cruise next year. I would also call Disney and explain your disappointment!

 

[FigmentSpark]

There are some pics of 9172 in this thread, a few posts down, if it helps:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/anyone-stayed-in-9672-cat-5e.2856428/

Not what you wanted, but still nice.

 

[BigredNole]

I want to hear what DCL has to say when you contact them. Tell them it is not acceptable, you want to be able to choose the replacement room which would be an upgrade not equivalent, and that you will be checking the room on the cruise to insure it is not occupied.

I do not get upset with Disney often. When I do, it is about something like this. We had a similar more drastic issue on our honeymoon. Disney lost our entire paid vacation. I found out 5 days before we arrived and the morning after our wedding. We were at the CR. CR brought in a convention for that time and ALL monorail resorts were gone. The CR Super Manager (forgot her exact title, but she was very high up) bent over backwards when it was proven their fault.

The purpose of this is to show that you are not willing to simply accept the change.

 

[Hundredacre]

This is so weird. It seems like if it was maintenance there would be less warning. It also seems like they would have automatically offered you an upgrade for switching you.

 

[dclpluto]

This is so weird. It seems like if it was maintenance there would be less warning. It also seems like they would have automatically offered you an upgrade for switching you.

Nope it's not weird at a off peak time and the cruise is September 5. That's a very off peak time. It's not unusual for them to take a block of rooms out during off peak times and getting some work done.

 

[Hundredacre]

Nope it's not weird at a off peak time and the cruise is September 5. That's a very off peak time. It's not unusual for them to take a block of rooms out during off peak times and getting some work done.

Except that if it was routine maintenance, wouldn't they have scheduled that far in advance so as to not impact guests' room choice? Telling guests less than two months before their cruise, sounds like emergency maintenance. And emergency maintenance would need to be taken care of more immediately.

Unrelated point, if it is off season, they must have extra rooms. So why wouldn't they automatically upgrade for the inconvenience? That's pretty standard business practice.

 

[ShelleyTaylor]

I have seen on FB that many on September cruises on the dream got moved for maintenance. So there must be a real issue going on to be moving ~10 staterooms. I didn't pay attention enough to notice if they were all one cruise date or not.
I hope your new room is just as fabulous!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

We've stayed in 8188 on the Fantasy and I know it's used as the main verandah for power washing several of the others around it (water connection must be located there). After breakfast one morning they had our cabin closed and of the officers was hanging in the hallway so we ended up chatting with her awhile. They were using our deck to power wash all the others around it due to the soot that builds up (which we had already commented about - no biggie but it was noticeable). Anyway - I've definitely heard of cabins getting pulled out of inventory for maintenance so it makes sense it would be done during a low season and the 5E's are highly sought after so I'm sure they whatever it might be, they are trying to balance it all. I would think if it was a true emergency they would do sooner rather than later.

As to the upgrade, it seems based on other posts here, most in the 5E's don't want to be upgraded as they want the 5E for the huge aft verandahs (don't blame them) so not sure that would solve your frustration OP to be offered an upgrade.

I agree with you, don't let it ruin your awesome cruise and if you want to follow-up you surely can and I hope it all works out
Heather

 

[lanejudy]

This is so weird. It seems like if it was maintenance there would be less warning. It also seems like they would have automatically offered you an upgrade for switching you.

Actually, I can see "routine maintenance" scheduled 4-6 weeks out; "emergency maintenance" issues would be shorter notice or even no advance notice. It would need to be planned more than 18 months prior to avoid passengers booking that room; and I wouldn't trust a schedule to remain that precise on-target so far in advance. DCL has been known to cancel entire cruises after made available to the public because it suddenly becomes a charter, so it does not surprise me DCL has re-assigned a block of rooms about 6 weeks out.

OP, sorry you are disappointed. Maybe you'll find something about the new cabin that makes it your new favorite! I wouldn't let the room change dampen my excitement or enjoyment of the vacation.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Markonefive]

I suspect that in some small print somewhere on the web site or cruise contract, there is wording that room selection is never guaranteed and can be changed at any time by DCL as long as they move you into something equivalent. That being said, I still think it is worthwhile to contact and express your disappointment, had wanted that room specifically because of its unique shape etc, and would like further explanation from DCL and are even considering cancelling your cruise and switching your loyalty to other cruise lines. You can probably carry more weight if you are a repeat cruiser because they won't want to lose your business. You may want to ask to speak to a manager. At the very least, make sure the room you are being switched to is to your satisfaction. Also, ask what DCL is prepared to do to compensate you for this switch e.g. perhaps some complimentary on-board credit. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[russjen1218]

I suspect that in some small print somewhere on the web site or cruise contract, there is wording that room selection is never guaranteed and can be changed at any time by DCL as long as they move you into something equivalent. That being said, I still think it is worthwhile to contact and express your disappointment, had wanted that room specifically because of its unique shape etc, and would like further explanation from DCL and are even considering cancelling your cruise and switching your loyalty to other cruise lines. You can probably carry more weight if you are a repeat cruiser because they won't want to lose your business. You may want to ask to speak to a manager. At the very least, make sure the room you are being switched to is to your satisfaction. Also, ask what DCL is prepared to do to compensate you for this switch e.g. perhaps some complimentary on-board credit. Doesn't hurt to ask.

It is very interesting hearing perspectives on the maintenance issues. Just darn. It is off season, for sure. In fact, we chose the Sept 5th cruise specifically because 1) it was off season, meaning it was cheaper than the summer, and 2) that specific room was available when we booked. We are a repeat cruiser. This is our 3rd cruise, so we knew which room(s) we wanted this time around. After sleeping on it, I agree with you. Perhaps they would be willing to offer some stateroom credit. I am sure that it is in the contract that they can move rooms as needed, however, at the end of the day, here's how my husband explained it: We paid extra, a premium if you will, to be able to pick our stateroom. We are FL residents, we were well aware that this being a September cruise, there would be a good chance of the guaranteed type rates coming out closer to the date, and maybe even a FL res rate. That could be wishful thinking, maybe not. But we actually wanted this particular room, and paid full price to secure it. If we were willing to be put anywhere by Disney, we could have saved some money perhaps by booking last minute. Not a guarantee, but we have gotten a FL res rate before where the cruise was about half off. So, while I am not one to call Disney and rant and rave, it would seem fair to offer some stateroom credit.

Interesting on the poster who mentioned that they use 8188 to power wash other windows to wash away the soot.

 

[russjen1218]

Actually, I can see "routine maintenance" scheduled 4-6 weeks out; "emergency maintenance" issues would be shorter notice or even no advance notice. It would need to be planned more than 18 months prior to avoid passengers booking that room; and I wouldn't trust a schedule to remain that precise on-target so far in advance. DCL has been known to cancel entire cruises after made available to the public because it suddenly becomes a charter, so it does not surprise me DCL has re-assigned a block of rooms about 6 weeks out.

OP, sorry you are disappointed. Maybe you'll find something about the new cabin that makes it your new favorite! I wouldn't let the room change dampen my excitement or enjoyment of the vacation.

Enjoy your cruise!

You're right, I will enjoy my vacation. The excitement of that mega huge balcony, especially on my birthday, had really driven up my excitement level, more so than just "being on the cruise." I think because I had let the excitement build up and I was looking forward to it SO much, that it was quite a shock when they moved us yesterday. Just a bummer. But it will still be a great vacation!

 

[tommysb1]

It is very interesting hearing perspectives on the maintenance issues. Just darn. It is off season, for sure. In fact, we chose the Sept 5th cruise specifically because 1) it was off season, meaning it was cheaper than the summer, and 2) that specific room was available when we booked. We are a repeat cruiser. This is our 3rd cruise, so we knew which room(s) we wanted this time around. After sleeping on it, I agree with you. Perhaps they would be willing to offer some stateroom credit. I am sure that it is in the contract that they can move rooms as needed, however, at the end of the day, here's how my husband explained it: We paid extra, a premium if you will, to be able to pick our stateroom. We are FL residents, we were well aware that this being a September cruise, there would be a good chance of the guaranteed type rates coming out closer to the date, and maybe even a FL res rate. That could be wishful thinking, maybe not. But we actually wanted this particular room, and paid full price to secure it. If we were willing to be put anywhere by Disney, we could have saved some money perhaps by booking last minute. Not a guarantee, but we have gotten a FL res rate before where the cruise was about half off. So, while I am not one to call Disney and rant and rave, it would seem fair to offer some stateroom credit.

Interesting on the poster who mentioned that they use 8188 to power wash other windows to wash away the soot.

I am on the same cruise and got the same news yesterday from my Travel agent at DU. I WAS in room 8656. They moved me towards the front rather the aft where I booked. I contacted DCL last night and they said the rooms will be down because they are replacing or upgrading the carpet. I believe it so I would put any conspiracy theories to rest. I am upset as well and emailed DU. Like you I thought long and hard about what room I wanted and booked back in January so that I could pick a specific room. Hope this works out for us in the long run.

 

[tommysb1]

This is a link to our specific cruise thread. Check it out.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/september-5th-2016-4-night-dream-cruise.3448600/

 

[Mita1180]

I am on the same cruise and got the same news yesterday from my Travel agent at DU. I WAS in room 8656. They moved me towards the front rather the aft where I booked. I contacted DCL last night and they said the rooms will be down because they are replacing or upgrading the carpet. I believe it so I would put any conspiracy theories to rest. I am upset as well and emailed DU. Like you I thought long and hard about what room I wanted and booked back in January so that I could pick a specific room. Hope this works out for us in the long run.

We were a few rooms down from you and got moved across the hall in the same location so I suppose I should be thankful. Hopefully no more surprises... Less than 50 days to go.

 

[su_A_ve]

The balcony. It is amazing. The best one on the ship IMO.

The other 5Es don't compare.

Disagree.. 8184 is bigger and gets a better view as you can see the side and back...

 

[LaceC]

We are cruising on the Dream on Sept 12th and quite a few people from our cruise got moved as well. Lots of maintenance in September apparently.

 

[russjen1218]

Disagree.. 8184 is bigger and gets a better view as you can see the side and back...

That is a handicap accessible room.

 

[mevelandry]

The balcony. It is amazing. The best one on the ship IMO.

The other 5Es don't compare.

We've had a bigger balcony with a 5E though. Youtube for 9670.