Room change due to dry dock

[dianthus]

Rae~

Sounds to me it's the "Drone", scripted mentality that you experienced dealing with DVC that has bothered you the most in this situation. You didn't create the problem, or change - it was involuntary. DVC should be charging only for a VOLUNTARY change in itinerary.

I experienced a different problem with DVC shortly before my 2nd cruise in 2002, but came up against the same scripted, inflexible, mentality, so I know your frustration... The DVC and DCL executives are not that way... You just need to get to one ASAP, so your needs can be met.

Call member services and ask to speak to the Manager of Guest Relations. Tell them this is a time sensitive matter. I do not have the party's name I spoke with, but he said he'd look into the matter & call me before we sailed. I also wrote to Matt Ouimett, Pres. of the cruiseline with my concerns. A week before the cruise I received a call from Ouimet's Asst. All was taken care of properly and efficiently, no scripted droning, just apologies and wishes for a great cruise. The DVC exec called shortly thereafter to tell me everything was straightened out & apologized for the stonewall I came up against.

I think if you call them and deal with an executive, they will see your concerns are valid and will make every effort to accomodate you.

I think DVC employees are so well trained with rules & guidelines ( as they need to be) that they don't know how to handle the "gray" areas...

Good Luck!

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Originally posted by rae519
I will take my original documents with me and when I embark, I will ask for 5622. [/B]

Rae, I think Dianthus' advice is excellent - and, I would do everything in my power to get this straightened out before you embark. I would be very anxious about going to port the date of the cruise with your docs, asking for your room as booked, being told not available, and then getting whatever was left over (which could be either a good thing or a bad thing.)

I know you will include in your letter and/or phone conversation a listing of every ridiculous phone conversation you have had -- they need to know exactly what kind of service is trickeling down to the "guests".

My goodness, I have never treated a guest like that in my home, nor, I am sure, have you.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by rae519
Dean, respectfully, her postings were about a cancelled trip that she was upset about her personal compensation for - not a DCL change that required a room change. Things may not have been fair for all concerned but her issues was personal compensation. It was and is my understanding that all involved with this change had some challenges and Disney did provide some compensaiton, whether it was equal or in an individual's judgement "enough" - I can't say. Our Western last year was diverted due to a Hurricane - yes, we had excursions planned but we just "went with the flow" so to speak.
Life is full of disappointments - we just have to learn how to deal with them.

In my situation, I had not agreed to the room change - I was told this is what you now have. I wasn't asking compensation or an upgrade, just give me what I paid for! I paid for a plexiglass balcony and did NOT want a solid one - due to safety concerns for my now 8 year old son having to stand up to see the water.

I found it insulting when the DVC rep repeatedly state that if "I" made another change I would have a fee. I was and am happy with the room I requested and had booked - and if it's available when I get to port, I'll be back there!

Happy days,

Rae

Rae, I think they're far more similar than different. DCL made a decision which negatively impacted the cruiser. With the cancelled cruise those affected using cash were treated royally. Those affected using points were shafted, plain and simple. It is true that there were decisions to be made by all concerned and that one has to live with the decisions. You have/had decisions to make also though they may not be the same ones. I think they should give you the type room you want if possible without a change charge. But what if they can't, what if all the other cabins are taken that fit your desires. The truth is they could have changed you at any time, for any reason. You could have gotten to the ship and they "upgraded you". They would have already given the room you had to someone else and maybe they already checked in. I also bet you could cancel and get your points back in this situation though you'd have to go up the corporate ladder to do so.

Sorry you had this happen. You should not be charged. I understand it's important to you but overall it is a minor item.

 

[Mojomanny]

I have found it better to rent out my points and pay for the cruise in cash.

My upcoming cruise would have required 618 points. I rented these out for about $10 pp ($6180). I then booked through costco and paid $4349, leaving plenty of money left over for airfare and more.

 

[dianthus]

That's a great idea! I always forget about renting them...

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by Dean

Sorry you had this happen. You should not be charged. I understand it's important to you but overall it is a minor item.

I have not been charged - the comment was that "if I made "another change" that I would be".

It's time to get back on the topic here and find out if anyone else has had their room changed due to the refurbishing the staterooms was not completed during dry dock.

Rae