Our experience on Fantasy Dec 26-Jan 2

[Freeman867]

I think it was 400 denied, not 400 positives. Remember that an entire party is denied if only person tests positive.

While yes, it was 400 denied boarding and not 400 who tested positive, the end result is the same. It’s a huge hassle to figure out what to if you’re denied boarding. You can’t just hop on a plane home. It’s highly inconvenient to drive home (for us it’s a 25 hour drive). No one can clearly say what the policy is for someone who tests positive as far as renting a car or booking a hotel. It doesn’t sound like Disney is a whole lot of help in figuring this stuff out either. Those 400 people are highly inconvenienced and as those numbers go up (such as the cases in Florida are climbing astronomically right now), more people are going to cancel.

 

[Erica1016]

While yes, it was 400 denied boarding and not 400 who tested positive, the end result is the same. It’s a huge hassle to figure out what to if you’re denied boarding. You can’t just hop on a plane home. It’s highly inconvenient to drive home (for us it’s a 25 hour drive). No one can clearly say what the policy is for someone who tests positive as far as renting a car or booking a hotel. It doesn’t sound like Disney is a whole lot of help in figuring this stuff out either. Those 400 people are highly inconvenienced and as those numbers go up (such as the cases in Florida are climbing astronomically right now), more people are going to cancel.

I don't disagree with any of that. I just was just correcting the statement that it was 400 positives - that's the kind of thing that gets people scared. It's clearly an inconvenience and a risk of which we're all aware. We're to sail on Monday and have several contingency plans. We know that we could test positive at the port and are willing to take the risk. I don't really know what you want Disney to do about it. I think it's on us to determine what our backup plans will be. If one isn't willing to do that, knowing the risks, they probably should postpone a while longer.

 

[MomOTwins]

I don't disagree with any of that. I just was just correcting the statement that it was 400 positives - that's the kind of thing that gets people scared. It's clearly an inconvenience and a risk of which we're all aware. We're to sail on Monday and have several contingency plans. We know that we could test positive at the port and are willing to take the risk. I don't really know what you want Disney to do about it. I think it's on us to determine what our backup plans will be. If one isn't willing to do that, knowing the risks, they probably should postpone a while longer.

I read on another site that a passenger reported the actual number of positive cases was 250. If so, less than 400, but still a pretty sizeable amount. You have to factor in that it won't always be an isolated case where a single family member is testing positive: families are all in close contact so it is not uncommon for two spouses or a parent and kids to all test positive at the same time.

 

[lanejudy]

We are all driving to the port in separate cars, but at the same time. It will be best to all leave the port if this happens, I pick my grandkids up from school so we will be in close contact all week before the cruise. We will have to reschedule I guess.

Thanks.

With linked reservations I believe there is an option for all to not board. It sounds like that is your preference, not having part continue on the cruise while some quarantine or go home.

 

[rhinodadz]

We were also on this sailing and can echo the OP's comments. It was our 3rd cruise since the restart so we knew what to expect. The Covid protocols didn't detract from our enjoyment in the least. While most of the indoor activities were capacity restricted (i.e. trivia, crafts) we were able to do everything we wanted to with just a little planning. Pro tip - arrive 10-15 minutes earlier than you think you should. The sit down lunches were far superior to the offerings in Cabanas most days. There seemed to be a lot of newer crew members on board which caused a few service glitches but nothing awful. The navigator app worked much better for us on this cruise than our last two, but we know that's hit or miss and YMMV.

 

[FigmentSpark]

1. Did all the service (Cabanas and hot drinks, seating, etc) change the tipping suggestions? Were more people added to the list at the end or did you tip as you used their services?

2. For the arrival at the port, did you have to book a certain time to arrive and add that 40 minutes to it or was everything backed up for the covid testing?

3. Did you have to make reservations for the shows or for Cabanas?

4. How was the AquaDuck handled? Still the same or did they have to clean before each guest? How did that affect the line up?

 

[freshmanjs]

1. Did all the service (Cabanas and hot drinks, seating, etc) change the tipping suggestions? Were more people added to the list at the end or did you tip as you used their services?

2. For the arrival at the port, did you have to book a certain time to arrive and add that 40 minutes to it or was everything backed up for the covid testing?

3. Did you have to make reservations for the shows or for Cabanas?

4. How was the AquaDuck handled? Still the same or did they have to clean before each guest? How did that affect the line up?

1. They didn't add any names to the tipping suggestions or any additional names or dollars to the automatic tipping. We tipped people we wanted to tip with cash

2. We arrived at our stated time and then the 40 minute wait was after that. They did not seem to be allowing you to unload if you were early for your time

3. No

4. We didn't ride, so can't comment on this

 

[MomOTwins]

1. Did all the service (Cabanas and hot drinks, seating, etc) change the tipping suggestions? Were more people added to the list at the end or did you tip as you used their services?

2. For the arrival at the port, did you have to book a certain time to arrive and add that 40 minutes to it or was everything backed up for the covid testing?

3. Did you have to make reservations for the shows or for Cabanas?

4. How was the AquaDuck handled? Still the same or did they have to clean before each guest? How did that affect the line up?

1. No. The automatic tips are the same as pre-covid. But you can always tip people more as you go.
2. Your port arrival time is the time you can arrive at the port. Testing is after that.
3. No but you do have to show up earlyish to shows as they filled up. Cabanas does not do reservations but they are also not open for dinner any more—just breakfast and lunch.
4. No extra cleaning. Only difference is that the line is actually quite a bit shorter than before because there are fewer guests on the ship.

 

[MsSimone]

4. How was the AquaDuck handled? Still the same or did they have to clean before each guest? How did that affect the line up?
[/QUOTE]

They wiped down the rafts before you got on. There are markers for you to stand on so that the stairs don't get crowded.

 

[MomOTwins]

4. How was the AquaDuck handled? Still the same or did they have to clean before each guest? How did that affect the line up?

They wiped down the rafts before you got on. There are markers for you to stand on so that the stairs don't get crowded.
[/QUOTE]
Interesting, that must be new as they were not doing that last fall. I definitely feel like we need some sort of “here now” thread like they have on the theme park board to keep up with changes.

 

[Trera]

Overall, we had a great cruise. We were in Concierge. A few things that might be useful for others:

Arrival / Boarding
- We drove to terminal. Covid testing was done in the parking deck. It was stressful to wait. Took about 40 minutes to get the all clear. After a mini-celebration, we went straight in and had a very quick trip through security and to the concierge lounge to wait
- We were refreshing the embarkation page in the safe passage app to get our status. Cell reception for AT&T is not good in the garage, so that wasn't ideal, but it worked well enough

On board
-We were told by senior crew member that there were about 2100 people on board, which is about 45% capacity. They said there were a lot of late cancellations and also 400 people turned away at the port due to positive covid tests
- Cabanas had limited selections, but was well run and quick
- Having the staff serve everything at buffets is a little awkward, but much much cleaner and less chaotic
- Flo's area had 1 line for all stations. You can order any item from any window. You have to ask for all condiments, no self service
- Cold drink station was self serve. Hot drinks were served by crew
- Palo and Remy were operating normally. At Palo, we got printed menus (this was the only place where we did)
- Masks were required indoors but not outdoors
- Movies and shows filled up early because they are using about 1/3 of capacity. Every other row is kept empty and 3 seats are left open between groups
- They will not seat a partial group at the WD theater. You can easily wait for everyone to arrive or you can sit separately. Other venues (movies and bingo for example) would allow part of the group to arrive early and save seats for the rest
- For movies, arriving 15 min before start time seemed to be sufficient for the movies we saw. Eternals and West Side Story were the most crowded
- Crew was awesome all around. They have very tough conditions. We talked to several who have not been allowed to leave the ship (other than to work at Castaway Cay) for 7 months!
- As you probably know, we were not allowed to leave the ship at St. Thomas. We stayed in port for an hour or 2 and then left for a surprise sea day. The crew did a great job of adding new activities and making the best of it. We got a $200 credit per room and a 20% discount on a future cruise

Concierge
- Crazy expensive, but wow, what a great experience
- Concierge lounge and sundeck are a great refuge from the craziness on board
- Staff is absolutely outstanding

Departure
-Express walk-off is awesome. We were among the first people off the ship once the all clear announcement was made at 7:10am. We were in our car by 7:25, at the airport at 8:10. Easily made our 10:25am flight
- We found that renting a car and parking at the terminal was a lot easier than dealing with the busses. Highly recommend this option. The cost ends up being pretty close to a wash.

Happy to answer any questions!

P.S. - Ask for the curry at dinner!

who were the concierge hosts for your cruise?

 

[kathi]

who were the concierge hosts for your cruise?

Andy, Jose and Kennan

 

[Trera]

Andy, Jose and Kennan

thanks. Have hand Andy and Jose before and they were both great.