Returning guests - how do they know?

[kellyb2000]

I am real worried that I might miss out on some of the benefits of being a returning cruiser!! Like the little gifts you get and especially the reception for us (can someone say free drinks!) How do they know who is returning and how do you get informed? Is it on the navigator? This is our second time cruising so obviously it's never been explained well to me.

Once again, just wanting to make sure I get my money's worth!!!

 

[DisneyKids]

...and you shoudl get your money's worth...and the free gift!

Just tell the reservation people that you are a Castaway Club member and all of the benefits will happen for you. Have fun!

 

[KeenHo]

Our friends received their "free gift" (a black & red DCL duffle bag) on their bed in their stateroom when they arrived. They received an invitation (on their bed in their stateroom) inviting them to the reception. DCL knew from the reservations that they were return cruisers. They invited us along to the reception since we were travelling together. Yes, there were free drinks (plenty) and a lot of delicious food to enjoy. We also got to personally meet Capt. Hans and other cruise staff members. It was fun!
I hope you enjoy it.

Howard

 

[BeanoC]

I realize that the answer to this question is your Castaway Club membership - MY question is, how stinkin' long does it take them to enroll you?!!

We took our 1st Disney cruise last October, and have still not heard anything from them. We cruise again this Oct., so hopefully by then they will have it straight! Cheat ME out of free drinks, will you? I think NOT!



'Beano'

 

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

Just want to know a little bit about the duffle bag - is it a good size or is it small, like the size of a shaving kit??

We are also traveling with other people - they would be able to come to the reception even if they are first time cruisers and my husband and I are Castaway Club Members? We have about 21 people - that may be pushing the limit in having them come with us, but I am sure they would love it.

Let me kow the scoop on this one!!

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[taswira]

If you cruised DCL but did not receive any Castaway Club info after a few months, you should call DCL and ask them to add you to the Castaway Club. It will expedite matters if you can give them the ID number from the previous KTTW from the cruise (the ID card/room key).

As for the reception for return cruisers, it was my understanding that it is for return cruisers only (or immediate family in the same stateroom), not for just everyone a return cruiser chooses to invite. That could lead to an extremely crowded reception and would take away from the camaraderie of everyone being a return cruiser. Can anyone on this board who is actually employed by DCL confirm that?

 

[pgesler]

How many people are at his party? Is it just a few or 1/2 the ship?

 

[taswira]

The poster above said he has about 21 people in his group, which is why he thought it would be pushing the limit having them (apparently not CC members?) go to the reception with him. But my question (of any DCL employee on this board) is whether CC members have the right to invite non-CC members. If so, fine. But I would like to know, because I know there are often MANY return cruisers on DCL. If most of them invited non-CC friends, it could get VERY crowded. And if anyone can attend, then it isn't a CC private party as it is supposed to be.

 

[atigeg]

If you want to see a good photo of the bag, here is the link to one of my closed listings on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1084925743
We had 7 of them floating around (soon to be 8 after our cruise next week!) so we started selling them, and I had to take a pic. I used one as a gym bag, and it's very handy. They used to have a blue one in a different style, but they stopped giving it out a while back. It is larger, like a beach bag, so I still use one of those as a carry-on when we fly.
The parties used to be pretty sparsely attended, but now that DCL has been around for a while, they are getting more crowded. Of course, I remember the days when there was no such things as a returning cruiser's party (our first return cruise in Jan. 1999)! The Magic's tends to be a LOT more crowded than the Wonder's. We love the photo op with the Captain and other officers (and of course the free drinks).
If you don't hear from Disney, call them and request your CC number. Then bring it with you when you sail...if you don't get your gift or the invitation, ask Guest Services (that's why you should always have that CC number with you).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[albiats]

We had our Castway Club number within a couple months of our first cruise in early 2000. After our second cruise when we were not recognized as return cruisers, I started making sure that DCL noted our CC number on our current reservation and we have always been invited since then.

I'd recommend that if you don't already have your Castaway Club number that you call and ask for it (800-449-3380) and then make certain that they note it on your cruise reservation, even if you don't qualify for the CC onboard credit for sailing again within the specified time.

Here's a link to the Castaway Club Benefits page on the DCL Webiste :
CC Benefits

 

[Tluvs2talk]

We really have enjoyed our ship credit and duffle bag's as returning cruisers. Unfortunately we have not made it to the returning cruisers reception yet. We have cruised with Disney 3 times and always plan to go, bur never make it. Am I missing anything great??????

 

[KeenHo]

The return cruisers reception party we attended was not crowded at all. There may have been 50 people plus staff. Definitely not 1/2 the ship or anything close. I guess attendance will depend on the make-up of the cruise passengers and their own DCl cruise history.

The "free gift" shown through the link above is a good size, a gym bag type which (I believe) came with a water bottle. Although we attended with friends we were traveling with (8 [4 adults, 4 kids] of us total) I would tend to think 21 people would attract some attention.

We are greatly looking forward to our "Western" cruise which is now 91 days away! We will definitely make time to enjoy the reception as true return cruisers ourselves this time.

Howard

 

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

I will not be inviting anyone that is not a Castaway Club Member. I just wasn't sure if anyone can go if they knew a CC member.

Just my DH, myself and DD are going to go to the meet and greet with the employees of DCL. The other 18 family members will not be attending - they will only attend when they are return cruisers on the DCL!!

Lisa

 

[Jobro2]

So am I correct to assume our the kids are invited the the reception also? Do they have drinks for them? Also, when is this reception usually held? Thanks!

 

[trishy]

Excellent question - are the kids invited? Would there really be anything entertaining for them there? Or would they be bored?
Thanks for bringing it up Jobro2.

 

[atigeg]

Yes, there are always kids at the party. There are non-alcoholic beverages and some chocolate goodies that they enjoy, as well as some kid-friendly options among the finger food (e.g. chicken wings, poppers). However, it would probably get boring for them after a while, as it is mainly chit-chatting and picture taking once you have eaten.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[KeenHo]

Kids are definitely invited to the party. There were age appropriate "tropical drinks" for them to enjoy with the umbrellas and swords (a big hit) which held some pineapple chunks or cherries.

The crew seemed to really enjoy talking to our children, as did they in return. I don't recall the actual day of the party, if I had to guess, I'd say it was the first or second day in the (late) afternoon.

Enjoy.... sorry some of my details are sketchy.

Howard

 

[sandee]

My DGDtr attended the CC reception with us in Sept. They had non alcoholic punch. Really not a lot for anyone to do at this - just stand around and chat with other CC members and great photo -op with captain. We didn't stay too long as there were no seats available and it was awkward trying to balance small plate of finger food and drink in one hand and eat with the other. We did appreciate the free drinks. If kids want to go to kids club or lab instead they won't be missing much.