Opinions on last cruise before dry dock

[FLmomof2]

Finding out that the Fantasy is going into dry dock the day after our cruise, I'm a little nervous.

I'm curious to know what others experience has been. Will the staff already be checked out, will they close certain parts of the ship or start renovations while we are still on board?

I found another thread on it but it was back in 2009.


Thanks in advance!

 

[Steelers0854]

Most dry docks are actually for warranty service, or routine maintenance that cannot be done at sea. That said there are dry docks that, like the wonder, have major changes in store, but those happen much less often and are generally well publicized. In my experinice staff personalities are person dependent and doesn't have a lot to do with the ships status.

That said I know the Dream had some changes when she dry docked late last year, but it's anyone's guess until something is officially announced.

 

[cruizincathi]

When is Fantasy dry dock scheduled?

 

[eskimoinparadise]

Did it once on Magic, and If we ever got caught in that situation again, I would go into it with an open mind. The last two days of our cruise (7-night Eastern), they started closing off sections of the pool deck so they could start ripping up the flooring; covered other sections with plywood so they could get a head start on painting. Nothing that really impacted the cruise, as long as you avoided the work areas.

 

[FLmomof2]

It goes into drydock April 30th I believe.

That's not cool they start the work while the cruise is going on. Now I'm a little bummed!

 

[clten]

We were on a cruise on the magic one year right before she went into dry dock. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The crew was in better than normal spirits (everyone we interacted with was either going home or participating in dry dock and it was just going to be a change in pace for them). For us it seemed like it upped the positive atmosphere of the whole cruise. Now the last day or two, they did start to line the elevators with plywood and mark off some areas but it really had very little impact on what we were able to enjoy.

 

[FLmomof2]

We were on a cruise on the magic one year right before she went into dry dock. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The crew was in better than normal spirits (everyone we interacted with was either going home or participating in dry dock and it was just going to be a change in pace for them). For us it seemed like it upped the positive atmosphere of the whole cruise. Now the last day or two, they did start to line the elevators with plywood and mark off some areas but it really had very little impact on what we were able to enjoy.

Thank you for sharing! I'm so glad to hear a positive experience!

 

[Trera]

I prefer to get on right after the dry dock.

 

[Quellman]

I think that you are in a much better position than those people who are scheduled to cruise right after the dry dock. The Magic dry dock in Cadiz was a nightmare. It took a few weeks for the ship to actually be completed. They even cancelled a few trips. The Dream dry dock went much more smoothly. There might be some prep work, but the dry dock for the Fantasy should be in Freeport and it is a long scheduled one, so impact to your cruise should be minimal.

Most dry docks are actually for warranty service, or routine maintenance that cannot be done at sea. That said there are dry docks that, like the wonder, have major changes in store, but those happen much less often and are generally well publicized. In my experinice staff personalities are person dependent and doesn't have a lot to do with the ships status.

That said I know the Dream had some changes when she dry docked late last year, but it's anyone's guess until something is officially announced.

On our last cruise our server was waiting final word as to if he will be released for home early or not. We enjoyed him and the service wasn't lacking, but I could tell he was a bit preoccupied since he wasn't told he would be disembarking until 11PM the last night he needed to pack and close out his shipboard stuff. So I would certainly think that like any job, people have good and bad days, especially if there is troubling news at home.

When is Fantasy dry dock scheduled?

April 30 - 19 May 2017 are the dates that cannot be booked for the Fantasy. She is due for her inspection, so it would seem appropriate that there be some updates and refresh aboard the ship.

Most dry docks are actually for warranty service, or routine maintenance that cannot be done at sea. That said there are dry docks that, like the wonder, have major changes in store, but those happen much less often and are generally well publicized. In my experinice staff personalities are person dependent and doesn't have a lot to do with the ships status.

That said I know the Dream had some changes when she dry docked late last year, but it's anyone's guess until something is officially announced.

At a minimum the arcade will go away, the concierge sundeck will be upgraded a bit, I also expect there will be a refresh in the kids spaces. All of which occurred on the Dream, whose dry dock was shorter.

I also theorize that Enchanted Garden might be rethemed. Tianas Place on the Wonder differentiates itself from the Magic. It shows that Disney is looking to break the mold on the third dining room. All ships have Animators (in some form) and all have a Royal/Prince/Princess Inspired place. As to what the Enchanted garden could be based on? I won't even begin to guess.

 

[FLmomof2]

Would love to see it updated but unfortunately we can't change the date since that's our kids vacation week.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

You are indeed the last few days start is see some things being moved around and small areas where they maybe taking things apart. I doubt you will see any major work.

AKK

 

[RedSox68]

When was the last time the Magic was in dry dock?