oct cruise cancelled

[Amberle3]

I cannot believe all the ill-wishes I'm reading on this thread. Yes, I'd be completely devastated if my cruise were cancelled. But boycotting whoever has chartered the ship? Wishing them a ruined cruise?

Anyone ever stop to think that maybe the "corporation" that's chartered the ship is something like the Make A Wish foundation or something similar?

And as for DCL being heartless and uncaring by cancelling the existing reservations - DCL is just doing the same thing every other cruise line does. In the interest of customer relations they will work with anyone they've inconvenienced to try and make alternate arrangements. Legally they don't even have to do that. If DCL truly didn't care about their customers they'd be leaving them to fend for themselves. And BTW every other travel-related company is free to bump paid guests for a group too too, from airlines to tours to hotels. Should Disney be expected to operate contrary to industry standard just because they're Disney?

No, being bumped from your cruise isn't nice. It isn't "fair". And yes it just plain sucks. But Disney is well within their rights and within standard industry practices to do so, and from what I can tell is doing more to accommodate those affected than many cruise lines would.

 

[Disneyallthetime]

Since Dsiney has not deemed it appropriate to disclose who chartered the boat to those most affected by the charter, I doubt they have any such intention to do so in the future. We have only the facts as Disney has presented them, simply that someone else chartered the boat during your vacation, so you lose (though I'll bet they said it nicer.) Disney has offered no excuses. It is a high probability that the current speculation is probably accurate. Use Occam's razor, most likely some corp. or really wealthy individual has chartered it for private use. That is the primary source of ire here. This isn't one of those "things" happen situations. This is a business decision by DCL that gave less weight to the displaced guests than it did to the new business offer. It is not WHAT happened that is so egregious, it is WHY it happened that is at issue.
Whoever chartered the boat is clearly more important to Disney than the guests that were bumped to make room. Its like flying space available in the military, anytime a higher ranking officer wants your seat, you lose.
I wonder how some of the people going on the charter would feel if they had any idea that their cruise caused such grief for others? I know I would be extremely uncomfortable and embarassed.

 

[makaylee]

Originally posted by Amberle3


Anyone ever stop to think that maybe the "corporation" that's chartered the ship is something like the Make A Wish foundation or something similar?

I'm sure people have thought of this and come to the conclusion that if this was the case DCL would more than likely be telling people this as they know it would ease their frustration. I for one know I would not be upset if I knew it was a Make A Wish type foundation that was bumping me as long as DCL refunded my expences. Im sure others feel the same way also.

 

[Amberle3]

Disney cannot, nor can any other cruise line, legally disclose who has chartered a particular booking.

I was going to include this in the other post, but I'll throw it in now. About 2 years ago I read a trip report from someone who had been on a cruise (not DCL) that was almost fully chartered. There were some cabins that the group did not have, but it was estimated that they had roughly 75% of the cabins. The group was entirely the mentally challenged (or whatever the PC term is these days) and their caregivers. The poster said that they ate dinner in the dining room one or two nights only, and it was like being in an institution. Most meals they ordered room service, and they did not enjoy the cruise at all. Nothing against the physically or mentally challenged, I have a relative that's challenged, But most people would not want to spend their vacation around several hundred people with very special needs.

This then sparked a big discussion about groups chartering cruises, and several phone calls to various lines from different posters. The result was the same from every cruise line - they cannot legally disclose group or charter information. This is for many reasons, among which are financial (don't want to risk others cancelling) and the safety and security of the group (in the case of say a gay group that might be the target of violence).

So the fact that Disney has not disclosed who has chartered the ship means nothing at all.

 

[Cruise04]

I have read most of this thread and I only have one thing to say -

I'm sorry about this to those who got bumped but be happy that you are able to go on a vacation at all. Do you know how many people will never get to go on the type of vacation you are going to get to go on? Do you know how many people will only get to go on a vacation maybe once in years and then maybe not get to go on another for years after? Do you know how many people dream of the things you and I get to do??? I talked to one last night and I felt for her.

If this were me, I'd be thankful I had the opportunity 1) to even go on a vacation and 2) that I would be getting some sort of compensation for the troubles.

Would I be upset - yes. Would I say some of the things you guys are saying? No, because chances are my opportunity would come around again and I'm guessing it will for you too. And I've seen many people here say this is not their first cruise. Think about that and then think about those that will never get to experience what you will or have experienced.

It's called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!!! Is this small? YUP - because you are alive and a free person!

 

[LAMPSKIES]

I agree with Makaylee.......if make a wish foundation, or a battered womens group etc. had chartered the ship it would have been disclosed. People wouldn'y have been so angry. But it arrogant corporate America threw a handful of cash and "baught" their way on without concern for the individuals who have saved for months and planned this sailing around their childrens fall breaks that would cause a couple hundred post response on some Disney forum.....wouldn't it? If corporate America wants to block some rooms let them, but they should have been told "we have this many left for these sailings. If they want more ask the people whom have already booked if they would like to change. DON'T TELL THEM THEY MUST!!!! I have made many suggestions on these boards and to DCL (after our cancelled 11/29/02 Eastern sailing) that the need a specific "customer relations mgr." to handle things when they go bad. Disney isn't used to things going bad.

I am the customer relations mgr, her is how I would have handled it........."Mr. and Mrs. Smith and family. That you for the booking of your 10/28/2044 sailing on the Wonder. I would like to give you the courtesy of knowing that a large corporation has charterd majority of the ship on the sailing dates you have reserved. Large charters to feel as if the "own the ship". We will do all we can to make your sailing as Magical as possible as always but, we would like you to know in advance of the charter. If you would like to change you sailing date we would understand and would like to offer you and your family a complimentary upgrade on another comperable sailing. If this is not O.K. with you we will refund all money recieved in full immediately. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we are looking foreward to seeing you on a future sailing. Sincerely......."
Now, doesn't that sound better than "We chartered tou sailing to someone else, sorry!"

 

[mrsltg]

I'm impressed at the level of civility on this thread - honestly, it's great!

I posted before that I am sorry for the displaced people, this stinks for them. 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 10 years... it's all the same, it's disappointing. No one wants to have it rain on their parade.

Now, for all those who are so insulted that Disney is "bowing to the almighty dollar", gimme a break. Do you think that they sail these ships out of the goodness of their hearts? They are looking to make money. They have an outstanding product, and they keep it this way to continue raking in the profits and carrying the money bags to the bank. They are a part of "corporate America" that so many seem to disdain. I am sure that the offer made for the Wonder for this time period was significant. If it weren't, there would be no reason for them to do this. I am also sure that they have been promised a beverage minimum higher than the yearly food expenditures for most third world countries. It's not as though this is happening 2 weeks before the cruise, they are cancelling 6 months in advance. It's not nice, but it's not unusual, either. They seem to be offering fair compensation, and that's what they are obligated to do. Disney is in it for the money, if they weren't they'd give everyone in the world a free cruise just to be nice.

Erin

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by 3DisneyNUTS
I don't know where I was reading this but someone had said that the Wonder is getting renovated could it be possible that they are doing all this so they can get the work done?

Nope, drydock is the first two weeks of October. If a delay there were to cause cancellations, the cruises on the 21st and 24th would also be affected. We were moved to the 24th and many others were moved to the 21st (so much so that the ship is sold out on the 21st now), so that's definitely not the case.

I also wanted to address Cruise04's comments. If you read this thread carefully, you will notice that those of us actually directly affected that were bumped off the cruise are taking this very much in stride. Yes, we are upset, but none of us have posted here demanding a thing. In fact, DH went out of his way to be extra nice to the cast member who worked with us. In turn, we were treated fairly. (Though I still take argument with the DVC points issue. I plan to write DVC directly about that.)

What you are reading is opinions of many others who sympathize and are expressing what they would or may have done in the same situation. I have yet to read of anyone actually bumped who demanded anything. I think we've all kept this very much in perspective and I for one don't appreciate the lecture.

 

[Cruise04]

I do know most of you are taking it in stride. I was adding my comments just as everyone else has and I was being civil at that. I could have come on here and told everyone to get a life but that wouldn't be appropriate.

Sometimes people don't think about what I was saying in my comments. It does upset that this is something that people get upset over and there are being dying or homeless or jobless that will never get the luxuries that all of these people are upset about losing.

Now I'm basically being told I shouldn't have expressed my comments. There are comments that have been made on here that people shouldn't even be thinking about - I didn't say they were getting them I don't believe. And of course no one ever knows how they would react if it were them but I definitely wouldn't make my first reaction as - what am I going to get out of this then?

Oh and what about all these other people on here "lecturing" about Disney is in it for the money, etc. Guess people can't handle it when things are brought to light to make them think there are worse tragedies in the world.

 

[Verandah Man]

I would like to start off by saying that I think I need to make a public apology to anyone that I may have offended on this thread, including DCL. I know I have probably over reacted after first reading what was happening here, but I still feel sorry for those cruisers that had to be displaced on the October 28th sailing. For my actions, and the things I said, know that I am truly sorry.

 

[Disneyallthetime]

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Should Disney be expected to operate contrary to industry standard just because they're Disney?
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Well, yes. That has been Disney's hallmark from the beginning and is what Disney has been losing steadily for the past decade plus.

Look at DCL as it stands, there are many non-standard or unique things they have done to enhance their guests experience.

1. Larger than average staterooms.
2. Dining rotation among several themed restaurants.
3. Special attention to style and quality in the ships( just read the history of these boats manufacture, quite interesting and impressive).

Those are just a couple of obvious things, and if you include the parks, there are a multitude of practices that were FAR above industry standards. Disney's attention to detail always included guest relations not just the facades.

Many of us choose Disney because it isn't JUST like every other company. If they are just like everyone else then there is no longer anything "outstanding" about the product and other competitors become equals, thus reducing their competitiveness in a recently very competitive market.

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No, being bumped from your cruise isn't nice. It isn't "fair". And yes it just plain sucks.
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No one is disputing Disney's right to suck. We're merely noting that exercising that right is hardly a great way to win friends and admirers. Its a shame and reflects poorly on the company. Sucking is optional. Trying hard to accomodate the displaced guests just means you suck less than many other comapanies.

Just ask yourself this. Do you think Walt would be smiling at this?

Maybe disney's new motto could be "We suck less"...?

In the long run we may just have to be grateful for that...


p.s. When you've experienced excellence, it is hard to watch it fade.

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by Cruise04
IAnd of course no one ever knows how they would react if it were them but I definitely wouldn't make my first reaction as - what am I going to get out of this then?

The first thing that went through my mind was "crap... now what do we do? I hope we can still take a cruise." Disney offered from the start to replace our cruise with another and help us rebook the WDW stay. We never asked for a thing and we never wanted anything other than to have our new plans match as closely as possible to the old plans. That's it. I don't doubt that some others have or would demand something more to try and gain from the situation, but nobody here has even hinted at having done so.

I don't think anyone here meant you shouldn't be posting or expressing your opinions, we just don't all happen to agree. If you read my earlier posts, you will see I'm absolutely grateful that we're even able to take this trip and I'm pleased with the cast members who have helped us. Just because I may be upset about the situation doesn't mean I don't have perspective. We all realize there are worse tragedies in the world, but they honestly have absolutely nothing to do with this.

 

[ColeenD]

Disneyallthetime......Amen to that!

 

[Greysword]

I was hoping to add a positive that could possibly come out of this in the long term. If the charter is a major corporation (like Wells Fargo or Microsoft for instance), allowign them to charter the ship at this stage could make things cheaper fro all of us in the long run.

1) The October sailings are not usually full, from what I hear, and all rooms appear to be paid for, thus Disney need not raise prices in the near future, and such a transaction could offset any additional costs relating to a future trip to and from Californina (if that is a possibility).

2) Disney may be engaging in a "scratch my back and I will scratch yours". They may have given a company a price break on par with what teh ship traditionally sells for at 75% (or whatever capacity that date sails normally) in return for significant discounts on software (in the case of Microsoft, SUN, Oracle, etc), supplies (such as coke, pepsi, Johnson & Johnson, etc) or extremely low interest rates on loans (from banks, mortgage company, etc). These deals are usually passed directly to the average consumer (us).

Just a thought I had.

I do appreciate the actions taken by those who are truely effected by the sailing change. You have more info than we do and understand whether Disney is truely attempting to make things ok or just acting badly. I would honestly like to believe if any of us were in the same situation as you, we would be able to act in the same positive, dignified manner. I am also grateful that you are willing to share these experiences with us, and are accepting our ideas and concerns along with yours. Thank you!

 

[DiznEeyore]

I've just finished this thread (whew!) and have to say I feel terrible for everyone who got bumped. I think it's a despicable (sp?) practice, even if it is "standard" in the industry.

Reading the fine print posted here got me thinking ... if Disney can cancel the cruise at any time for any reason and they state *in the contract* that they're not responsible for anyone's expenses/problems due to a cancellation, then what motivation would I ever have to book another cruise? I mean, if it can just be "cancelled" at their whim (after I've made arrangements, bought tickets, etc.) and I'm just out the money I use to make new arrangements, then what's the point?

I'm glad our family has had the DCL "experience" -- don't think we'll be cruising again anytime soon.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Cruise04
I have read most of this thread and I only have one thing to say -

I'm sorry about this to those who got bumped but be happy that you are able to go on a vacation at all. Do you know how many people will never get to go on the type of vacation you are going to get to go on? Do you know how many people will only get to go on a vacation maybe once in years and then maybe not get to go on another for years after? Do you know how many people dream of the things you and I get to do??? I talked to one last night and I felt for her.

If this were me, I'd be thankful I had the opportunity 1) to even go on a vacation and 2) that I would be getting some sort of compensation for the troubles.

Would I be upset - yes. Would I say some of the things you guys are saying? No, because chances are my opportunity would come around again and I'm guessing it will for you too. And I've seen many people here say this is not their first cruise. Think about that and then think about those that will never get to experience what you will or have experienced.

It's called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!!! Is this small? YUP - because you are alive and a free person!

Not for nothing but we work very very hard to go on vacation yearly. This isn't something that we should just be grateful for. We are in control of our lives what we spend money on and how we live to be able to afford to go on vaction. If anyone should be grateful it is Disney Cruise Lines and the fact that we chose to sail with them rather than a competitor. They should be grateful that we SPEND OUR MONEY to sail with them. I don't feel that anyone should just write this off to "not sweating the small stuff" and be "grateful" they have the ability to go on the cruise at all. It doesn't make it "right" that Disney accepts reservations and $$ only to rebook to someone else.

Trust me I have alot to be thankful for but it isn't the fact that we can go on vacation. We work hard and budget so we can go away. I just find it strange that you would go this way when in reality the people who are getting bumped have every right to be upset over this.

 

[Cruise04]

People in our society are so concerned about vacationing and money that when something like this happens it's an automatic DAMN THEM attitude as has been shown on this thead and, as I was told, on the DVC thread. Nice attitudes to push onto our kids and the future of the world.

I've stated my thoughts just as others have and they were not taking lightly, neither were some of the other posts I did read.

I do agree that what Disney did does not make it right. But I wouldn't expect more than what I paid for nor would I ask for it. That was part of what I was getting to. And to me this is small stuff - even it would have happened to me. I'd be happy getting dollar for dollar back but I would feel bad asking for more than that.

Edited to make people happy.

 

[Amberle3]

Originally posted by DiznEeyore
Reading the fine print posted here got me thinking ... if Disney can cancel the cruise at any time for any reason and they state *in the contract* that they're not responsible for anyone's expenses/problems due to a cancellation, then what motivation would I ever have to book another cruise?

Just wanted to reply to this. Don't let this sour you on Disney, cruising, or any other vacation. Yes, Disney can cancel your cruise on you at any time. It doesn't happen very often at all, but it can happen. Any cruise line can do it. Any hotel can do it. Any airline can do it. Technically speaking no reservation you make, even if fully paid, is ever "safe".

Hotels can (and do) overbook knowing that they'll probably have to turn people away. You've used a credit card to guarantee the room? Oh well. You have a prepaid voucher from your travel agent? So sorry, we'll refund your money. The bigger ones do have policies in place that require them to walk you over to another hotel and find you a comparable room.

Airlines overbook flights all the time, sometimes by as much as 50%. You show up at the airport, you have a prepaid ticket, but sorry you're not getting on the flight. I was bumped from a flight 2 days before departure because they had a group they were trying to accommodate - I was offered vouchers to make up for the inconvenience.

At least with cruises they let you know well in advance! These things happen very infrequently, but they do happen!

 

[ksouma]

Originally posted by 3DisneyNUTS
If anyone should be grateful it is Disney Cruise Lines and the fact that we chose to sail with them rather than a competitor. They should be grateful that we SPEND OUR MONEY to sail with them.

I agree 100%. With the current state of the economy you think DCL would be thrilled that people are spending hard earned money with them. And let's face it, Disney is more expensive than most other lines.

Someone posted earlier that they would never stay in a Value Resort because it was beneath them. They made reference that they would not stay in one even if it was free and made some reference to their $7,000 cruise and so on. I think attitudes like that are the ones who appreciate nothing. Most of us have to work our butts off and save for a vacation.

I work my tail off year long, I save, and I penny pinch so that my son and I can take a vacation once a year. True we have to stay at off site hotels and yes we are in a Cat 11 room but my son has never been and will never be taught to be a snob. I work overtime and save my tax refunds so that we can afford a vacation. It is not handed to me on a silver platter...

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Cruise04
People in our society are so concerned about vacationing and money that when something like this happens it's an automatic DAMN THEM attitude as has been shown on this thead and, as I was told, on the DVC thread. Nice attitudes to push onto our kids and the future of the world.

I've stated my thoughts just as others have and they were not taking lightly, neither were some of the other posts I did read.

I do agree that what Disney did does not make it right. But I wouldn't expect more than what I paid for nor would I ask for it. That was part of what I was getting to. And to me this is small stuff - even it would have happened to me. I'd be happy getting dollar for dollar back but I would feel bad asking for more than that.

Edited to make people happy.

BUT you see it would be nice if we lived in that kind of world but we don't. Disney's own cancellation policy protects themselves if say I were to cancel my trip even 6 months ahead (I used DVC points for our cruise). If I wanted to rebook now I would be charged a fee. Why can't they be held to the same expectations that they hold us to? They certainly don't feel bad charging us when we need to reschedule.

I do agree that people should not get carried away but a gesture to "make it right" should automatically come from Disney's end. For example the situation where hotel would cost more for people or airfair etc (since Disney changed the terms) the traveller shouldn't be stuck holding the extra bill. Plus small things like this should not be going on right now it is bad for Disney as a whole. Right now they don't need to be causing bad blood with people who are loyal to them.