Panama Canal Cruises Changing?

[tap & dap]

Read this on the collector's boards, looks like the panama canal cruises may be changing. Looks Like changes for the better.

DCL 2005 Repositioning Cruise - Updates!!! Urgent
URGENT

There are alot of our pin friends going on these special
sailings and maybe getting some very special pins!!!!

This is the most recent UPDATE - PLEASE READ

In order to provide a premier experience for guests sailing on the Panama Canal cruises, changes have been made to the itineraries of these two sailings. On the westbound cruise, which departs on May 14, 2005, a stop at the port of Mazatlan, Mexico has been added. On the eastbound cruise, which departs on August 20, 2005, the Acapulco day visit has been extended to an overnight stay to give guests more time to enjoy this popular port. In both cases, Puerto Quetzal has been eliminated from the itinerary.

Responses to Guest Questions

1. Why did you eliminate Puerto Quetzal?

We always offer premier experiences for our guests at our ports of call, and the opportunity to make these changes offered an even better overall guest experience from the previous itinerary.

2. Should I be concerned that you made this change for security reasons?

Not at all. This change is being made to ensure a great guest experience. There is no other reason for the change.

3. Are you doing this to cut costs?

We are doing this in order to make these two very special voyages even better than they were before. We believe our guests will be pleased with the updated itineraries.

4. Why are these itineraries better than going to Puerto Quetzal?

Mazatlan, Mexico and Acapulco are extremely popular port destinations, and we believe our guests will have an incredible time at these ports. We are always looking for the best possible itineraries for our guests.

5. Why are you adding Mazatlan on the western journey and not on the eastern journey?

The timeline for the return trip does not allow for a stop at Mazatlan, which is why we’ve lengthened the stay in Acapulco.

6. Can I get a refund on my cruise because of this change?

Guests may receive a full refund on any Disney Cruise Line voyage when cancellation is made more than 60-days prior to their scheduled voyage.

7. How can you expect guests to be at sea for so many days in a row?

Our guests have always told us that they love having days at sea for a variety of reasons. For one, it gives guests the chance to enjoy our vast offerings on the ship from special entertainment to premier movies to special activities, and of course, our children’s offerings are extensive. Having time at sea also gives guests the chance to slow down the pace of their vacation. We believe our guests will have an incredible time during each day at sea.

Take Care
Dana
beanie-babies@att.net
S.S. PIN TRADERS GROUP
VILLAINS ON THE HIGH SEAS 2004

 

[kpgclark]

I don't think these changes are for the better. The East bound cruise has lost a port and gained nothing. An overnight stay in Acapulco is not a big deal since you have to be back on the ship for dinner anyhow.

 

[piglet33]

Originally posted by kpgclark
I don't think these changes are for the better. The East bound cruise has lost a port and gained nothing. An overnight stay in Acapulco is not a big deal since you have to be back on the ship for dinner anyhow.

You don't have to be back on the ship for dinner. You can always stay in Acapulco or just go back after dinner.

Since I wasn't going to go ashore in Puerto Quetzal anyway, I kind of like this idea.

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

The stop in Puerto Quetzel was only going to be for five or six hours. This is a better alternative. I think things may change several times as they develop the cruise.

 

[kpgclark]

Let's hope it changes because there are too many sea days in a row for me.

 

[Scratch42]

We can now definately see the Cliff Divers and maybe at night!

Pass the Maracas! CHA CHA CHA!

Scratch

 

[tap & dap]

I think on the Westbound Cruises stopping in Mazatlan is much better than stopping in Puerto Quetzel. Just not sure how the days at sea and which days we are in port will be effected. Sounds Like Mazatlan may be after Acapulco, so that could mean 4 days at sea, figuring we do not get off in the Panama Canal.

Perhaps they will end up stopping in Costa Rica or some place like that to breakup the time at sea.

Guess we just have to wait and see.

 

[jin diesel]

I'm not super-crazy about all the stops in Mexico. It would have been a little more interesting to stop elsewhere (Costa Rica). But, hey - at least I speak the language

 

[cotomom]

I'm with jin... Mazatlan really isn't spectacular... We probably won't even get off the ship if that's a port.

MUCH rather get somewhere exotic versus a cheap college spring break destination!

 

[MM2U2]

I'm on the east bound cruise (Aug. 20) and this upsets me. I was really looking forward to seeing Guatamala. I wish Disney would add a stop in Costa Rica then. A night in Acapulco doesn't do anything for me.

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by cotomom
I'm with jin... Mazatlan really isn't spectacular... We probably won't even get off the ship if that's a port.

MUCH rather get somewhere exotic versus a cheap college spring break destination!

Ah, I will still get off ship! Gotta try everything at least once! It doesn't look too *spring-breakish*. Check out mazinfo.com - there are a couple of excursion options there. Now Cabo, that's another story...

Originally posted by cotomom
I'm on the east bound cruise (Aug. 20) and this upsets me. I was really looking forward to seeing Guatamala. I wish Disney would add a stop in Costa Rica then. A night in Acapulco doesn't do anything for me.

There's still time...I'm sure it will change again.

 

[cotomom]

Ummm.... I'm speaking first hand regarding spring break Yep, been there done that!

Cabo isn't "run down" like Mazatlan. I equate Mazatlan to Ensenada...

But everyone is different, some may love Mazatlan!

I still vote for somewhere "exotic"

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by cotomom
Ummm.... I'm speaking first hand regarding spring break Yep, been there done that!

Cabo isn't "run down" like Mazatlan. I equate Mazatlan to Ensenada...

But everyone is different, some may love Mazatlan!

I still vote for somewhere "exotic"

Wait a minute: I thought Cabo was the *Girls Gone Wild* spring break craphole!!!??? LOL!!! I'm confused now...

I've never been to Cabo, Mazatlan or Ensenada, so I don't know what they're *really* like. You're gonna have to clue me in Something tells me you know more.... LOL!!!

 

[MM2U2]

Will the port fees on the east bound be lowered with one less port? I called DCL and spoke to a supervisor on this one and she had no clue what to say. I feel that Disney is still "in the dark." I have written a letter to DCL expressing my disatisfaction with the east bound ports of call. As for the added port of the west bound cruise, yes it is a wild and dirty town. Don't take the taxis because the drivers will drive you to a time share seminar and not take you back to the boat! If anyone else shares my opinion about the east bound ports of call you may write DCL at:

Disney Cruise Vacations
Atten: Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10238
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
32830

I have requested that DCL add a port of call in Costa Rica (instead of extending the time in Acapulco), where most repositioning cruises stop.

 

[cotomom]

Sssshhhhhh.... don't tell my husband!!!!!!

 

[tap & dap]

I agree that Costa Rica would be better than all the port calls in Mexico.

Let's hope Disney changes it.

 

[ceejay13]

I would prefer an overnight on CC instead of overnight in Acapaulco. As to the length at sea without a port, we took a 12 night around Hawaii and then back to the mainland and the sea days were as much fun as the island days. We loved having 5 days at sea. It was one of the most relaxing vacations we took.

 

[invaderzim]

There are two other threads going on about this....

I started one, and there is one under the August 20, 2005 Ship of Fools thread.

The general consensus is that the eastbounders are getting shortchanged. Many people are writing letters and emailing (my family has done both) to express our displeasure. We feel that we paid for a certain number of ports and we should have the same itinerary as the westbound -- we paid the same!!

YES, the Panama Canal part is the main reason for this -- but we would also like to experience some new ports and not spend five days in a row at sea (counting PC since you don't get off the ship). We thought the every other day at port and every other day at sea was great.

The overnight at Acapulco accomplishes nothing since we depart at 7:30 a.m.! So you don't even get the benefit of the next day. So we're paying port charges to sleep at dock! I really hope Disney does something to compensate the eastbound!

I spoke with two different DCL reps and both of them said they thought it stunk that Disney did this and couldn't explain why. They both said to write letters and express our disappointment.

The email address is: dcl.guest.communications@disneycruise.com.

The mailing address has already been listed in a previous thread.

There were actually some comments on the previous threads about "if you don't like the new itinerary, cancel your reservation". Not a very sensible or mature suggestion!

 

[laurenk]

I just sent an e-mail expressing my disappointment. Five days at sea is a long time, especially for a ship filled with children. We got a very good price on this cruise, but I have to say, I am starting to reconsider. We are HUGE Disney fans, as all of you are, but I would like a little bit of a break up. I can't imagine how the crew will handle five days at sea either. Even if they can't get off the ship, at least most of us can, and that gives them some sort of break.

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

I am booked on the May trip. For those of you that say we all paid the same price that is not true...when I called DCL the day the reservations were released they had a problem and the May booking could not be reserved right away. I asked the rep to quote me the Aug. trip so I would know the price range and if it was to high I would not take up anymore of her time. She gave me the price and I thought it was fine so I held on till they released the May date. When she gave me the price for May it was about $200 higher than the Aug sailing per stateroom.

Now with that being said, I know the Aug people are feeling ripped off but there is still a long way to go until sail date. Many changes can still be made. I personally don't care what ports we go to or how many consecutive days and sea we have. This is a trip of a lifetime for me those going with me. The three things I wanted to do are there, the Magic, CC and Panama Canal. Everything else is icing on the cake.

Don't worry....be happy