Problems with 1/15/05 Magic cruise

[allears]

dancingbear, very well said!

 

[lbgraves]

From what I have seen onboard, it doesn't matter to alot of people when school is in session. On our 11/15/03 cruise there were over 750 kids ages 3-12 onboard and there were 700 on our 12/4/04 cruise. The majority of these kids were pulled out of school for their cruise. IMO this isn't a huge factor in the pricing of the cruises during certain times of the year.

 

[smchan]

From what I have seen onboard, it doesn't matter to alot of people when school is in session. On our 11/15/03 cruise there were over 750 kids ages 3-12 onboard and there were 700 on our 12/4/04 cruise. The majority of these kids were pulled out of school for their cruise. IMO this isn't a huge factor in the pricing of the cruises during certain times of the year.

Demand and cost-of-goods drives prices. Demand is probably the greatest when school is out of session. How else would you explain the fact that DCL pricing peaks occur during school breaks? If you have a Passporter, check out the 2003 rate trends table. The most expensive times are: President's Day, Easter, Summery Break (particularly mid-June to mid-August when school is out just about everwhere), Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Year's. There's a bit of a spike in January and March too which is probably due to MLK day and spring break.

I see next to no correlation to weather here. Prices at WDW are typically at their best in the fall as well and, IMHO, that's the best weather.

We homeschool our kids, so we travel off-peak to save money and avoid crowds. It's a well-known, secondary perk of home-schooling.

Sam

 

[cjsmith]

Demand and cost-of-goods drives prices. Demand is probably the greatest when school is out of session. How else would you explain the fact that DCL pricing peaks occur during school breaks? If you have a Passporter, check out the 2003 rate trends table. The most expensive times are: President's Day, Easter, Summery Break (particularly mid-June to mid-August when school is out just about everwhere), Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Year's. There's a bit of a spike in January and March too which is probably due to MLK day and spring break.

I see next to no correlation to weather here. Prices at WDW are typically at their best in the fall as well and, IMHO, that's the best weather.

We homeschool our kids, so we travel off-peak to save money and avoid crowds. It's a well-known, secondary perk of home-schooling.

Sam

Yes, but the fall is also hurricane season. Disney may be one of the only places that is so driven by school calendars, most other resorts and cruise lines are not as they are not marketed as much as a kid cruise.

 

[pixiedust519]

They miss the beauty of the experience of cruising. They don't like sea days because they feel there is nothing to do and the pools are crowded. If this is you then I say a cruise vacation isn't for you. To me the beauty of a cruise is the cruise itself. Sitting and watching the water - be it from a private veranda, a lounger on deck 4, or a chair up at Topsiders. It is getting to explore new islands and see how other people live. It is about exploring nature through snorkeling.

Those of us who can afford a cruise, especially a Disney cruise should count our blessings and enjoy it.

I really appreciate this comment. That entire post by WDWLVR is very worthy of reading and I respect the comments that were made. I really noticed that post because it really makes me sad to see the people who focus on the trivial things rather than experiencing the cruise as a whole experience. There are so many people in this world who would give anything to go on a Disney Cruise. They might save up for years and years and still never even come close to being able to afford it. There's people in this world who are a lot less fortunate than some of the posters on here and we should truly count our blessings that we can go--regardless of how many ports we can visit.

I understand the frustrations here but I think there are so many other things in this world that deserve more attention. Be thankful that you even got to go on the cruise. That alone should be a source of happiness. Enjoy the time you have with your families and learn to make the best of it. Create your own fun. Think of all those families who have passed away in the tsunami--entire families are GONE. You are lucky that you even got to be with your family on one of the greatest cruise ships in the world. It's not like Disney didn't TRY or didn't WANT you to go to those ports. I'm sure they did everything they could and were also disappointed that it couldn't be done. But the weather is not their fault. I think it is so rude and disgusting when people curse at the CMs and act like the CMs have control over the situation. It is disrespectful and especially to do it when children are around. How do you think that makes the CMs feel?? They are people too. I don't know if anyone on these boards did that so I'm not directing my comments to anyone in particular, but I have heard comments that this did indeed happen. Those people should be ashamed of their actions.

I don't want to cause any fights or stir up any mixed emotions. However, I do feel that in the grand scheme of things, there are more important considerations in life and although this is a disappointment, it could have been much much worse. Vacations come and go... Your family and the people you love will be with you forever so just treasure every moment you have with them rather than complaining about this one event.

Alyssa

 

[jazstar87]

I didn't know what thread to put my two cents in, since there is twenty to choose from, so i decide this thread becuase it hasn't gotten out of control. i wasn't on the 1/15 cruise and i am sorry for the people who didn't get to go to the two ports.
I saw that people were complaing about how other ships got to dock at GC. Does any one know what ships got to dock? They could have been smaller ships that could have been easier to steer or the ship could have more powerful engines.(disney magic/wonder is kinda bulky) Also it could be the captain/driver of the ship who had more experince and had more control during in those types of condition. I guess I am saying that there a thousands reasons for them not to dock. "But you guys are safe and didn't die , that's important. " as my little cousin would say, when ever somthing happened.
I would also like to say things happen and there is nothing you can do about it. It's has been like crap for me since the beginning of this year, and it sucks but its life, good things happen and bad things happen. Its kind of like the balance of life.
On the other had i am happy to see that some people did have a good time, dispite the port thing. I thank you for positive additude to show in the worse cases you can get some fun out of it. and i thank you again.

 

[DancingBear]

Alyssa, although I've posted on the opposite side from the disgruntled 1/15 cruisers, I don't have any reason to believe that any of them have their basic priorities in order, and I'm sure they understand that their complaints are relatively minor in the entire scheme of things. I certainly support their right to express their opinions on these boards, and don't think any harm will come of it.

 

[karebear1]

Thank you DancingBear. It's good to know that we aren't all that bad!

 

[karebear1]

Does any one know what ships got to dock? They could have been smaller ships that could have been easier to steer or the ship could have more powerful engines.(disney magic/wonder is kinda bulky) Also it could be the captain/driver of the ship who had more experince and had more control during in those types of condition. I guess I am saying that there a thousands reasons for them not to dock. "But you guys are safe and didn't die , that's important. " as my little cousin would say, when ever somthing happened.

Your little cousin is a cutie!!

 

[jennat]

Just wanted to post a support for the dissappointed people on 1/15. I realize there is a big difference between being dissappointed and negative and wanted to say you have every right to be dissappointed. I have been on a weather altered trip, that also had horrendous service. I still had a good time, but felt like I didn't get what I paid for (un-weather related). When I returned I found to be in good company. We just wanted to be frustrated and instead got attacked and called negative. It was frustrating. Sooooo for all you out there, you can complain to me....I'll listen and not judge (not saying any one is judging, just reliving my exp on another board).
All smiles here now and planning an up coming Disney cruise (NOT PRINCESS!)

ps DOn't expect much from that letter.

 

[jazstar87]

All smiles here now and planning an up coming Disney cruise (NOT PRINCESS!)

Haha I'll take anything over princess, fun but not disney.

 

[pixiedust519]

Sorry I didn't mean to come across as judgmental and certainly didn't mean to imply that the cruisers didn't have their priorities straight. I just wanted to offer another opinion (like the hundreds of others on here!!) to this whole situation. I wish you all the best of luck and happy sailing!

Alyssa

 

[EWL]

Haha I'll take anything over princess, fun but not disney.

Hi jazstar87 and jennat-- just curious how Princess compares (not well, I take it!) We went on them before we had kids and had a great time and just got back from the "infamous" 1/15 Magic and were just debating how Princess would stack up (they are less costly after all....)! Actually-- I'll start a new thread since this one has gone soooo long.

As for the 1/15 cruise, wow, never imagined threads like we've seen here. We were disappointed too but made the best of it, and certainly don't *expect* anything from DCL. I think folks are entitled to feel disappointed at missing two ports, but as has been said, safety comes first and Disney can't control the weather (at least "not yet", as one CM joked to us!) But if some choose to write to DCL, I think that's fine too-- maybe they did have an unusually bad experience. And if DCL chooses to do "something", that's up to them, but I don't feel that they somehow owe us (or the whole ship). We will just be hoping for better weather next time!

 

[allears]

As I've posted previously, we were on this cruise and had a fantastic time. Yes, we were dissapointed with missing two ports, especially CC. I think the problem with some of these threads and posts is that they make it sound like the whole cruise was miserable for everyone and DCL should do something about it. We are all entitled to our opinion and certainly it is valid to be dissapointed. But it works the other way too, many of us had a great time and thought DCL did an excellent job.

I also think the other hot button is the idea that if your cruise didn't meet your expectations, you are entitled to some compensation. I can only speak for our experience and it certainly wasn't extreme enough to warrant any kind of compensation. Certainly the challenges were not as dramatic as during some of the hurricane crusies. During one of our vacations to Myrtle Beach, a hurricane hit town and we lost over two days of our vacation hunkering down during the storm. Now MB advertises itself as the Sun Fun Captial of the world, and feeds your expectations of carefee days lounging on the beach or enjoying countless out door activities. Does the city owe me a refund since my vacation experience didn't live up to those expectations? I don't think so.

Hear this clearly, I totally empathize for those who were dissappointed. I especailly feel for those folks who were going to CC for the first time and may never get the chance again. I also understand that in some individual situations other circumstances created a less that ideal vacation. That's a shame. But also understand that not everyone thinks DCL did a lousy job or that the crusie was horrible. We're just as entitled to have enjoyed our vacation and appreciate Disney as those who don't.

I know by posting I'm contributing to keeping this thread alive. I hope they all die off soon. Sure this is a forum for expressing opinions, but I think many of us come here because we enjoy the DCL experience and want to share that enthusiasm with others, as well as get some incredibly useful information. These particularlly negative threads, like the ones during hurricane season, just make the boards a lot less fun to visit. Lets all move on.

 

[karebear1]

Allears- I hear what you're saying. And I agree- if you were on that particular cruise and you enjoyed it- then I can respect your view of your experience. I am truely happy that you and your family had a great time. But, I have to say, that if I had read some of those hurricane threads before our cruise- I would've been better prepared- instead of going onto this cruise with rose colored glasses on. My hope is that these experiences will help all cruisers be more realistic when it comes to their vacations. It sure would've helped me!

 

[allears]

karebear1, I agree with you and don't think people shouldn't post the things that didn't go right. I have gotten a lot of useful information and have been better prepared for changes because of these shared experiences. I just get turned off by the ones that make it sound like everything was bad, Disney stinks and they are owed something. There is a big difference between stating facts and being let down and being totally negative and beligerent toward the company. I also think as a society in general rather than learning to accept some of life's less serious sitations with grace, we look for someone to compensate us.

This was our 5th cruise and the first one without our children. I was once again amazed that DCL continued to meet and exceed our expectations, which are pretty high, once again. Sure some days the weather wasn't great, sure we missed two ports. Perfection would have been nice, but none of these factors were DCL's fault or under their control. And as far as our experience went, anything that was under their control went great.

 

[cjsmith]

karebear1, I agree with you and don't think people shouldn't post the things that didn't go right. I have gotten a lot of useful information and have been better prepared for changes because of these shared experiences. I just get turned off by the ones that make it sound like everything was bad, Disney stinks and they are owed something. There is a big difference between stating facts and being let down and being totally negative and beligerent toward the company. I also think as a society in general rather than learning to accept some of life's less serious sitations with grace, we look for someone to compensate us.

This was our 5th cruise and the first one without our children. I was once again amazed that DCL continued to meet and exceed our expectations, which are pretty high, once again. Sure some days the weather wasn't great, sure we missed two ports. Perfection would have been nice, but none of these factors were DCL's fault or under their control. And as far as our experience went, anything that was under their control went great.

What a wonderful post allears! No matter what happens in both life and on our vacations, I always look for the good in it. I don't know if I can say that I've ever had a perfect vacation, is there such a thing? I think sometimes we look forward to something too much and have our expectations too high and when that doesn't happen it may ruin the experience for us. Disney is wonderful, I spend a lot of time and money with Disney, but it's far from perfect and I understand that. But boy, I'd jump on a Disney cruise tomorrow is I could!

 

[dwkwootton]

Allears, you stated something like "certainly this cruise didn't carry the challenges of the hurricane cruises" but two CM's I was chatting with found this cruise to be much worse than the hurricane cruises in terms of the challenges, weather, staffing, etc.

I'm older than dirt at this point and probably look worse, but in all these years this is the first time I feel that some type of restitution is in order, including 7 other Disney Cruises and 20 or 30 times at Disney World.

I thank you that you are being so much kinder today but its still really a downer to hear you almost lecturing us like we're just negative people for the sake of negativity and that we're looking for compensation just if the cruise didn't meet a particular expectation. You're not correct and you really shouldn't speak as though you know the inside scoop on another person's personality or character.

And I'm going to be quite blunt with you. I'm especially having trouble with your words when you have put yourself above them. You were sailing on a voucher issued to you for a problematic cruise. Had you opted to not cash in your voucher, even if I you and I remained in disagreement, I would be the first one to applaud and respect your deep principles.

 

[MickeyB426]

...in all these years this is the first time I feel that some type of restitution is in order, including 7 other Disney Cruises and 20 or 30 times at Disney World.

Sorry, I can't buy it.

You had bad weather. As a good-will gesture, DCL bought you drinks.

That should be enough. To expect more is, well, in my mind, greedy.

And I say this having somewhat been in your position - we lost Grand Cayman, got diverted twice on our itinreary and sent to Costa Maya (DCL's first time there), and had two days of hellacious sea-sickness on the boat (25+ foot waves) where people were laying down and vomiting in the hallways.

 

[Regina]

Hey guys, we all know that a cruise itinerary can change at the drop of a hat.

Every single one of us who has missed a port/s is entitled to feel disappointed, and I have no problem with letting that be expressed. I never have and I never will.

I wish that when this happens that you'd step back and think "you know, they just got back, it didn't go the way they expected, let them vent a bit."

Why don't we just let them get it off their chest rather than turn this into an ongoing debate that's only going to create hard feelings?

That's all. I'm putting the soapbox back in storage. Please resume your regularly scheduled thread.

AndMickeyB426, they didn't vomit, they had "protein spills."