Port Change for July 9, 2017 12-Night British Isles

[Calfan]

Does anyone have any insight into the reason behind the switch in ports from Guernsey (St. Peter Port) to Portland on the July 9, 2017 12-night British Isles cruise? I received an email from DCL about the change a little while ago, but no reason was stated. There were a few Port Adventures that I was excited about for St. Peter Port. Hoping for some good PAs in Portland. I've been to Stonehenge (which is the plug DCL gave for Portland in the email), so I'm not jumping up and down about the opportunity to go there. Plus, we are doing Newgrange in Dublin, which is supposed to be even more impressive than Stonehenge (at least according to the Irish, LOL).

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does anyone have any insight into the reason behind the switch in ports from Guernsey (St. Peter Port) to Portland on the July 9, 2017 12-night British Isles cruise? I received an email from DCL about the change a little while ago, but no reason was stated. There were a few Port Adventures that I was excited about for St. Peter Port. Hoping for some good PAs in Portland. I've been to Stonehenge (which is the plug DCL gave for Portland in the email), so I'm not jumping up and down about the opportunity to go there. Plus, we are doing Newgrange in Dublin, which is supposed to be even more impressive than Stonehenge (at least according to the Irish, LOL).

There could be any number of reasons. Among them: too many ships in port; not enough port activities for everyone; port fees are too high; construction scheduled limiting port access.

Or something else.

If you read your cruise contract that you agreed to when you made your reservation, you'll find that DCL can change/cancel any port they wish, with no reason.

 

[Calfan]

There could be any number of reasons. Among them: too many ships in port; not enough port activities for everyone; port fees are too high; construction scheduled limiting port access.

Or something else.

If you read your cruise contract that you agreed to when you made your reservation, you'll find that DCL can change/cancel any port they wish, with no reason.

Thanks. I understand all that and also what the cruise contract says. (This will be my 12th DCL cruise.). I was just wondering if anyone had heard specifics (or specific rumors) about this port change.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I'm interested in why, too. I was really looking forward to walking around the island. Weird that no explanation was given. Two of my last three cruises have had port changes, and three of four European cruises! Not a great record.

 

[Flossbolna]

Actually Portland is a great port in my opinion. The Isle of Portland is part of the Jurassic Coast, a very beautiful stretch of England's coast line and a World Heritage Site. Their official website is: http://jurassiccoast.org/

There is no need to travel the long distance to Stonehenge, there is plenty to do and see close by if you want beautiful landscape and charming English countryside and villages.

 

[Calfan]

Actually Portland is a great port in my opinion. The Isle of Portland is part of the Jurassic Coast, a very beautiful stretch of England's coast line and a World Heritage Site. Their official website is: http://jurassiccoast.org/

There is no need to travel the long distance to Stonehenge, there is plenty to do and see close by if you want beautiful landscape and charming English countryside and villages.

Thanks so much for this information and your feedback!

 

[dvcdisney]

I'm interested as well. I received the email yesterday with no explanation for the change. I understand they can change the port, but I'm quite disappointed. I was looking forward to visiting Guernsey. It will likely be the only time we would be able to go there. I can understand that Portland is a great port, but if I wanted to see Stonehenge, it's a drive from London (yes, it's a 2 hr drive, but still just a drive). If I wanted to go to Guernsey, it would not be as easy....ferry or flight then ferry.

I know this may seems strange, but that was one of the ports I was really looking forward to see. Although I've never been to Portland, and I'm sure it may be more popular than Guernsey, I'm probably one of the few people who would be disappointed.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I'm interested as well. I received the email yesterday with no explanation for the change. I understand they can change the port, but I'm quite disappointed. I was looking forward to visiting Guernsey. It will likely be the only time we would be able to go there. I can understand that Portland is a great port, but if I wanted to see Stonehenge, it's a drive from London (yes, it's a 2 hr drive, but still just a drive). If I wanted to go to Guernsey, it would not be as easy....ferry or flight then ferry.

I know this may seems strange, but that was one of the ports I was really looking forward to see. Although I've never been to Portland, and I'm sure it may be more popular than Guernsey, I'm probably one of the few people who would be disappointed.

You aren't alone! I was really looking forward to it as well. I, too, was excited to visit a place that isn't as easy to get to. That's one of the reasons a big cruise like this appealed to me. I go to England frequently, but it isn't easy to get to the more our of the way places like Guernsey on one of our normal visits. As a Broadchurch fan, I know the Jurassic coast is gorgeous, so hopefully I can find a good excursion to walk around the cliffs--safely!

 

[dvcdisney]

You aren't alone! I was really looking forward to it as well. I, too, was excited to visit a place that isn't as easy to get to. That's one of the reasons a big cruise like this appealed to me. I go to England frequently, but it isn't easy to get to the more our of the way places like Guernsey on one of our normal visits. As a Broadchurch fan, I know the Jurassic coast is gorgeous, so hopefully I can find a good excursion to walk around the cliffs--safely!

Perhaps if we knew the reason for the change, it would be easier to understand. I know Portland is probably a wonderful place, but Guernsey is a big part of choosing this itinerary for my family.