Not that it matters but I've always wondered why

[Suz D]

There are lots of things that people do that I don't understand but I assume it makes sense for their vacation so I wouldn't start a thread like - "Why do you bring cases of water on board?"

Which is exactly why I said I wasn't being judgemental but just had a curiousity and a genuine desire to know. I had hoped that was really communicated in my original post. I think it's ony a problem when you say, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard" (which I wasn't). When we strive for a greater understanding of others' behaviors and are willing to learn from the information we gain, that benefits us. I still may not agree with the person's point of view, but hearing their reasoning gives me another perspective that obviously I hadn't thought of.

But, although I felt that I should respond to your post by explaining my motivation, I'm hopeful that your comment wasn't directed at my starting this post

Finally, I learn something every day from reading this Dis. Reading the responses to this thread has opened my eyes to the possibilities of getting a gift basket with "movie treats" or Martinelli's, both of which are available onboard. (I also got a big laugh out of the comment about everyone being envious of the cheez-its ) In the case of a "why would you bring a case of water onboard" I honestly think that if a person asked that question and read the responses, they might say "I hadn't thought of that" and may even bring their own case of water next time . Thanks to those who shared both the reasons they get a food basket and the reasons why not. Feel free to continue to contribute to the conversation.

Because people are quick to be critical of others (not meaning you, but people in general) I think it's easy for a question like this to be misinterpreted. Sorry to be so longwinded on this reply but I really hope everyone understands that I'm not trying to stir a pot.

 

[lovethedream]

Actually, I think it is a good question. While I have never had a "gift basket" on board, we had a "mini bar" (which was nothing more than a fridge with a few goodies inside) on one cruise. It is something I never thought of until you asked, but it was kinda nice to just chill in the room, sit out on the balcony and raid the fridge! Even with room service or going to get something elsewhere on the ship, it requires effort. It was kinda nice to just sit back and relax and have something immediately available without having to, at the very least, pick up the phone, have a discussion and then answer the door. Especially after a long day on board or a long day just getting back on the ship, I could see where someone could appreciate the gift basket.

Satisfy that instant craving without wait! lol...

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I ordered the champagne and chocolate strawberries and petit fours for us on our October cruise.

It was a nice surprise for the room and the quality of the treats was much better than anything that was on the buffet.

It was lovely to sit out on our huge balcony during sailaway and enjoy the champagne and treats.

I didn't find the desserts at the buffet (or Parrot Cay buffet when we boarded) to be all that great. Certainly not worth running up to get to bring back to the room only to throw away after 1 bite.

We spent more time in our cabin than I would guess the average DIS board member does so maybe that's why it made sense for us.

There are lots of things that people do that I don't understand but I assume it makes sense for their vacation so I wouldn't start a thread like - "Why do you bring cases of water on board?"

Thanks for posting a valid and good reason to the OP's question. I don't believe the OP had any ill intent, but simply wanted to know why as did many others including me. Also, the package the OP had mentioned was different than yours - it included a bottle of sparkling cider (not champagne) and the included treats were identical to the free treats that you can get in Cove Cafe. That said, based on how you enjoy sail away, it sounds like a perfect extra cost item for you. For us, it doesn't make sense as it mostly went uneated or unopened -- and we spent hours on our balcony over the course of the cruise. To each their own and neither family is wrong IMO.

Which is exactly why I said I wasn't being judgemental but just had a curiousity and a genuine desire to know. I had hoped that was really communicated in my original post. I think it's ony a problem when you say, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard" (which I wasn't). When we strive for a greater understanding of others' behaviors and are willing to learn from the information we gain, that benefits us. I still may not agree with the person's point of view, but hearing their reasoning gives me another perspective that obviously I hadn't thought of.

But, although I felt that I should respond to your post by explaining my motivation, I'm hopeful that your comment wasn't directed at my starting this post

Finally, I learn something every day from reading this Dis. Reading the responses to this thread has opened my eyes to the possibilities of getting a gift basket with "movie treats" or Martinelli's, both of which are available onboard. (I also got a big laugh out of the comment about everyone being envious of the cheez-its ) In the case of a "why would you bring a case of water onboard" I honestly think that if a person asked that question and read the responses, they might say "I hadn't thought of that" and may even bring their own case of water next time . Thanks to those who shared both the reasons they get a food basket and the reasons why not. Feel free to continue to contribute to the conversation.

Because people are quick to be critical of others (not meaning you, but people in general) I think it's easy for a question like this to be misinterpreted. Sorry to be so longwinded on this reply but I really hope everyone understands that I'm not trying to stir a pot.

A very good response IMO.

 

[Suz D]

A very good response IMO.

Thanks! I didn't want to come across as being defensive.

 

[tvguy]

I don't get the food baskets, or bringing food on board either. Too much to eat on board. Our travel agent always has a bottle of wine waiting for us in the stateroom, that rocks.

 

[insureman]

I don't get the food baskets, or bringing food on board either. Too much to eat on board. Our travel agent always has a bottle of wine waiting for us in the stateroom, that rocks.

AAA travel should take note on the wine. Since they cut back on the OBC they have been giving the fruit basket for a welcoming gift. Like there's not enough free fruit on board.

 

[clawmachine]

I don't get the food baskets, or bringing food on board either. Too much to eat on board. Our travel agent always has a bottle of wine waiting for us in the stateroom, that rocks.

Lots of good dietary or medical reasons to bring some pre-packaged food onboard, actually. Some of us don't even know what it is like to travel anywhere without some kind of food always on hand. DS has a severe allergy and I was hoping to call ahead and be assured of the availability of safe treats that could be eaten between meals. We would have been happy with even just one snack option guaranteed, but all DCL would basically say is "only eat in the dining rooms and bring your own pre-packaged treats on board."

 

[woody73]

While I have never ordered a fruit gift basket, I have received them on several cruises.

Like any gift, I would accept it graciously and thank the sender.

Woody

 

[Suz D]

Lots of good dietary or medical reasons to bring some pre-packaged food onboard, actually. Some of us don't even know what it is like to travel anywhere without some kind of food always on hand. DS has a severe allergy and I was hoping to call ahead and be assured of the availability of safe treats that could be eaten between meals. We would have been happy with even just one snack option guaranteed, but all DCL would basically say is "only eat in the dining rooms and bring your own pre-packaged treats on board."

Claw...that is incredible that DCL wasn't more accomodating. I know at WDW they bend over backwards to make sure that people with allergies are taken care of.

When we ate at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) with a friend who had a nut allergy, the chef personally walked her through the entire buffet line. "This is okay, this is okay, this is not etc." He also told her to stay away from any of the desserts because of cross contamination and brought a special dessert to our table. Oh my gosh was it decadant! Oreos dipped in batter, fried and then piled in a big cone thing and covered with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

I can definately understand why you'd bring your own food onboard in your case. If you cruise again, it would be wonderful to have a custom basket delivered with treats your DS can eat.

 

[Bethshaya]

I think the answer is the same as why go out for dinner when you have food in your refridgerator.

The answer: Because you can.

It is something you wouldn't normally do that makes an already wonderful trip, even better.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I think the answer is the same as why go out for dinner when you have food in your refridgerator.

The answer: Because you can.

It is something you wouldn't normally do that makes an already wonderful trip, even better.

This sums up perfectly how I feel about this.

Corinna

 

[clawmachine]

Claw...that is incredible that DCL wasn't more accomodating. I know at WDW they bend over backwards to make sure that people with allergies are taken care of.

When we ate at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) with a friend who had a nut allergy, the chef personally walked her through the entire buffet line. "This is okay, this is okay, this is not etc." He also told her to stay away from any of the desserts because of cross contamination and brought a special dessert to our table. Oh my gosh was it decadant! Oreos dipped in batter, fried and then piled in a big cone thing and covered with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

I can definately understand why you'd bring your own food onboard in your case. If you cruise again, it would be wonderful to have a custom basket delivered with treats your DS can eat.

thanks Suz! Based on the wonderful reviews here, I really think DCL will be helpful to us once we board! I may have spoken to someone new or someone who was trying really hard to "CYA" because she kept refusing to give me any details about what might be available and kept insisting I would find all that out onboard. She only wants us to eat in the dining rooms and so when I asked about snacks, that's when she said we should bring our own. I think I may try to call back on another day and hope to get someone more helpful!!

 

[tvguy]

Lots of good dietary or medical reasons to bring some pre-packaged food onboard, actually. Some of us don't even know what it is like to travel anywhere without some kind of food always on hand. DS has a severe allergy and I was hoping to call ahead and be assured of the availability of safe treats that could be eaten between meals. We would have been happy with even just one snack option guaranteed, but all DCL would basically say is "only eat in the dining rooms and bring your own pre-packaged treats on board."

Of course medical issues would be different, but your's is the first complaint I have seen on 7 years on this board that DCL didn't bend over backwards for those with food allergies. Did you just e-mail them, or fill out the medical form?

 

[Suz D]

claw, not to hijack my own thread, but I bet there are lots of people on here who could give you suggestions of things that are available onboard. Definately lots of fresh fruit on deck 9.

 

[Plaid Princess]

DS has a severe allergy and I was hoping to call ahead and be assured of the availability of safe treats that could be eaten between meals. We would have been happy with even just one snack option guaranteed, but all DCL would basically say is "only eat in the dining rooms and bring your own pre-packaged treats on board."

They're always going to recommend eating in the dining rooms because the Chef can personally handle the allergy there. I'm allergic to shellfish, and while it's fairly easy for me to avoid, shellfish (and seafood in general) is more prevalent on a cruise than in most of the restaurants I frequent.

I always inform my servers on the cruise, just to be on the safe side. Each time the head server and the chef have spoken to me about the allergy, and on more than one occasion the chef personally modified a choice on the menu for me. This is harder to do with snack items, but don't worry, there's so much food on board, you'll be in great shape! Just make sure you do the medical forms so they're aware of what to have on hand if it's something like a Gluten intolerance that requires special substitutions. I'm very lucky that all they really have to do is leave the shellfish out and make sure the grill is clean.

 

[clawmachine]

Of course medical issues would be different, but your's is the first complaint I have seen on 7 years on this board that DCL didn't bend over backwards for those with food allergies. Did you just e-mail them, or fill out the medical form?

I spoke to a lady in special services on the phone for a half hour. They no longer need the medical form for food allergies and have in fact changed the format of it so there's no place to annotate them there. I really am not worried that we will be given safe food to eat once on board. I was just very disappointed that they were not willing to give me any specific food info ahead of time. DS is very anxious about food and it would have been nice to tell him a few things ahead of time. He has a peanut and tree nut allergy, so nothing they haven't seen before. I really think I got someone new and should call back.
Suz - thanks again. I did indeed start a thread on this a few days ago and got some good info!