September 29,2013 - DVC Member Cruise

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Hopefully this happens with our cruise - holding ours "hostage" till they decide when to actually insert the DVC cruise, with any luck it would be the 9/15 cruise.

I'm sure we all wholeheartedly agree with Paula. And if they move the cruise to another date that will put a whole different lot of people out of luck. Not right at all on DCL's part.

In the meantime, on the chance that we don't get on this cruise and if DCL DOES allow you to change to any other 4 night cruise at the price this was booked at, we will probably switch to the Dec 29th 4 night Bahama. DH always wanted to cruise over New Years, so might as well take advantage if we can.
Hope it doesn't happen, but we have an alternative to our advantage if it does.

I love the idea of doing a new year cruise. That is on our wish list at some point also. You Might as well try and salvage something from the shipwreck! Wish we could join you but our flights would be very expensive at that time of year. Unless DCL want to foot that bill which I doubt lol....

 

[Johnny Quest]

Christine and I have been going over it again and again and every time we come back to the same thing.... Our cruise, no matter what date it ends up being, will just not be the same without the Royal suite. It is going to be the centerpiece of a 4 day celebration and we want our new and old friends to be able to enjoy it with us, so keep up the positive vibes!


We heard that the DVC is going to make some "big" announcement from New York on Wednesday so keep your fingers crossed. Who knows?

 

[Henlady]

JQ & PI
I really, really hope that things work out. I know how excited you were about getting the Roy Suite, and Don and I were happy that you thought to include us in your plans. I'm saying prayers that everything stays status quo. With a bit of luck, it will all work out in the end. It would be more than sad to have plans dashed. But we'll keep the good vibes going.

 

[poison ivy]

I call DCL again this morning for about the 4th time. My DD is kind of uspset and most moms would agree I think, we don't like seeing our kids upset, we love seeing that Disney smile on there faces. I was told (again) no private charter has been confirmed yet and to keep calling back. I think that it might as well be a recording, the answer is always the same. But I also think we should be voices heard, so if anyone has the time...call and inquire. For some of us it's not just an easy "switch to a different cruise with an on board credit". We chose this cruise for a reason. We've been here longer..."they" need to pick another.

I agree. We've called about a dozen times to both DVC and DCL. Each time we learn a bit more, but are ultimately told they cannot discuss specifics until a formal announcement is made.

We are pushing for the optimal resolution - which is a seemless transition to remain onboard and will include anyone here who wants the same. We have two cabins already reserved thru DVC (pd in full) and two cabins reserved thru DCL (on deposit).

The incentives to move may be very enticing but for us, they sadly cannot replace the reason we chose this date of sail. (obviously an upgrade isn't necessary in our case) OBC's may not amount to much when we divide them up. So this doesn't leave us with much to work with.

Apparently the "Company" charters the boat - not the DVC, eventhough it's promoted and sold as a DVC "members" cruise. Also, the "company" retains control of our royal cabin. Not sure whether this includes the "locked" adjoining cabins or not but if I were to hazard a guess I'd say yes.

I'm going to assume they hold back a number of concierge suites as well which would explain the comments I've read stating they were among the first to go along with the inside cabins on past cruises. Probably very little inventory was made available on decks 11 & 12.

So we're at the mercy of the company. Who they allow to stay where at this point is completely at their discretion and will depend on what guests they bring onboard. Does "ducky williams" deserve the roy? Not if I can help it!!!!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Just a thought do you think that we have anymore rights being paid in full than on deposit? We are currently on deposit and wondered if I should go in a pay in full.


Thoughts?

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Well, we officially changed. I am sorry we will not be cruising with you all.

This will be the first time that we have not had a verandah but we do get to check out the new virtual portholes and we did do two staterooms instead of one.

And the ship will be decorated for CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

This will be our fourth cruise. 3,3,4 night so this will be out first 7 night!

Lots of planning to do. I have not paid a lot of attention to info on the Fantasy because I didn't want to tease myself with something I couldn't have. So if you know of any good threads about the Fantasy, please let me know.

Thank you again PI and JQ for all that you have done.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[aan1701]

Just a thought do you think that we have anymore rights being paid in full than on deposit? We are currently on deposit and wondered if I should go in a pay in full.

Thoughts?

No. The only way you will be allowed on the ship is, again assuming this is becoming a DVC cruise, is if you are a DVC member.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

No. The only way you will be allowed on the ship is, again assuming this is becoming a DVC cruise, is if you are a DVC member.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

Thanks.

 

[aan1701]

Your welcome. Sorry to sound cold, it's just the way it is. I know some of you have this date set in stone and DCL is ruining your plans. For that I feel for each of you cause that sucks, unfortunately it's just the reality of it that we will not be on this cruise.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

 

[poison ivy]

Well, we officially changed. I am sorry we will not be cruising with you all.

This will be the first time that we have not had a verandah but we do get to check out the new virtual portholes and we did do two staterooms instead of one.

And the ship will be decorated for CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

This will be our fourth cruise. 3,3,4 night so this will be out first 7 night!

Lots of planning to do. I have not paid a lot of attention to info on the Fantasy because I didn't want to tease myself with something I couldn't have. So if you know of any good threads about the Fantasy, please let me know.

Thank you again PI and JQ for all that you have done.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Regina I'm really happy for you!!! Sounds like a very exciting trip and so soon!! It's bittersweet we're not able to cruise with you but your plans are really great so far. You'll love the Fantasy. She's a really beautiful ship.

So did you forego any potential DCL incentives by switching now vs later?

 

[poison ivy]

No. The only way you will be allowed on the ship is, again assuming this is becoming a DVC cruise, is if you are a DVC member.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

Alan,

Paula is DVC so I'm not sure this answers her question.

I've been trying to find out if an existing cash rsvp in DCL's system is able to be switched over to the DVC rsvp system as a cash only booking without incident for members and guests in our situation. I know they have the capability but I'm not sure what it would take to greenlight it and if we'd be afforded any time to settle up first.

 

[aan1701]

Well I have never done a members cruise, and never plan on it, but from what I understand from my friend that works shoreside concierge, all member cruise booking are done through member services. DCL does not take the reservations. I too am DVC and I have no intention on staying on this sailing as of now. I am worried I will not get contacted cause I am DVC.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

 

[poison ivy]

Alan,

Is there anyway you can find out if the Cat R's were used on the Sept 2012 member cruise? We think they're open on the upcoming Jan 2013 sail.

btw I'm sure you'll be contacted. Hope you are well taken care of.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Regina I'm really happy for you!!! Sounds like a very exciting trip and so soon!! It's bittersweet we're not able to cruise with you but your plans are really great so far. You'll love the Fantasy. She's a really beautiful ship.

So did you forego any potential DCL incentives by switching now vs later?

From reading about other cruises that have been chartered/changed, it seems the offer is $200 on board credit and price guarantee for another cruise of same length. It seems the offer can not be used for a different length cruise or with another discount and the discount we got for this cruise was a way better deal than a $200 on board credit.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[aan1701]

Alan,

Is there anyway you can find out if the Cat R's were used on the Sept 2012 member cruise? We think they're open on the upcoming Jan 2013 sail.

btw I'm sure you'll be contacted. Hope you are well taken care of.

Weill I would love to help you out, but can't right now. When I can and if this thread is still going I will.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

 

[poison ivy]

thanks,

may not be needed though as I did post a few questions on the recent dvc members cruise thread and a concierge guest was kind enough to reply.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2844617&page=49

here's the excerpt:

Response to Concierge Questions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by poison ivy
I have a few questions hopefully you can help with -

Who were "billed" as celebrity on this cruise?
Anyone here happen to stay on concierge?
If so, did you notice if anyone was using the royal suites?
Also, did concierge appear to be more DVC members or special guests?

I haven't found any trip reports so any thoughts you can share regarding who is onboard thru the company or otherwise, would be helpful

thanks

We stayed in Concierge for the first time on this cruise in room 12508. Nice room with close access to the concierge lounge. No one used the royal suites other than DVC using them for private tours for those in Concierge. It was a mix of DVC and special guests because Concierge is on two floors of the Dream (deck 11 and 12). you can't put magnets on these doors b/c they are glossy wood. The only drawback to this room is that when the pullout bed pulls out, it blocks the verandah door and desk cabinets. Minor inconvenience.

As far as celebrities, there were the four Broadway stars who did the Broadway show. The guy currently playing Mufasa on Broadway in the Lion King; one that originated Tarzan; one that originated Mary Poppins and one other. The host of the various "workshops" was on this level as well as the Disney illustrators who were presenters and drew various Disney characters and gave them out via raffle. There was also the guy who was the voice of Goofy plus the SVP lady who leads DVC. Sorry i can't remember names. We sat near this huge table of folks every night.

This was the best cruise ever for us. It was during a school week so normally the Dream would have about 4,000 people and 1200 kids; this cruise had 2,000 and 200 kids. The gifts each evening that you found on your bed were great (DVC watches, DVC miniature suitcases with hats, water bottle, mini electric fans, etc), DVC monopoly sets, etc. Being in concierge, you got extra things like a signed lithgraph by the original Disney illustrator.

DVC says they will do two a year. I will most likely do the fall one every year. Well worth it.

Obviously each cruise will be different but I found this very helpful.

Just a thought do you think that we have anymore rights being paid in full than on deposit? We are currently on deposit and wondered if I should go in a pay in full.


Thoughts?

I still haven't been able to find a solid answer on this. If you read through that other link I posted earlier, you'll see where one member initially booked directly thru the DVC was allowed to remain onboard with no additonal fees. They were also refunded the $95 booking fee. Since these cruises include gratuities, they saved money there as well.

Still researching what happens to cash reservations in our case - whether pd in full or on deposit. But I suspect this situation may be handled differently than in the past as these cruises have a much lower demand compared to what they once were.

We are debating on converting the remaining Cat V we have on cash deposit with DCL over to the DVC now by putting the 3rd passenger on pts.

This would hopefully lock in the third cabin #12504 - leaving the Roy in limbo along with the other cash only cabins many on here have. Right now, DVC won't move a cabin over unless at least one passenger is on pts. But for DVC cruises, they lift this requirement.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

thanks,

may not be needed though as I did post a few questions on the recent dvc members cruise thread and a concierge guest was kind enough to share -

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2844617&page=49

Obviously each cruise will be different but I found this very helpful.

I still haven't been able to find a solid answer on this. If you read through that other link I posted earlier, you'll see where one member initially booked directly thru the DVC was allowed to remain onboard with no additonal fees. They were also refunded the $95 booking fee. Since these cruises include gratuities, they saved money there as well.

Still researching what happens to cash reservations in our case - whether pd in full or on deposit. But I suspect this situation may be handled differently than in the past as these cruises have a much lower demand compared to what they once were.

We are debating on converting the remaining Cat V we have on cash deposit with DCL over to the DVC now by putting the 3rd passenger on pts.

This would hopefully lock in the third cabin #12504 - leaving the Roy in limbo along with the other cash only cabins many on here have. Right now, DVC won't move a cabin over unless at least one passenger is on pts. But for DVC cruises, they lift this requirement.

Hi. Do you know of any member cruise where any DVC member was able to stay in the Roy? I do hope you get to keep it!

 

[poison ivy]

Hi. Do you know of any member cruise where any DVC member was able to stay in the Roy? I do hope you get to keep it!

So far I haven't been able to find anyone but that doesn't necessarily mean nobody has. They began these cruises in 2003 on the Wonder. So 2013 will mark the 10-yr anniversary. (just add that to the list!!!!)
From 2003 to 2010 members could book a Cat 11(inside) thru Cat 3 (1 bdrm).
The cat 2 (2 bdrm) and cat 1 (royal) suites were not controlled by DVC.

I've never sailed the wonder so I am not familiar with how many 2 bdrm suites there are.

But given there are only 2 "royal" suites per ship and with only 9 prior cruises, were talking about 18 possible reservations in 9 years. It's a small population to find.

 

[Henlady]

Good morning fellow cruisers. It is a damp and dreary morning here in central PA.

It looks like none of us have heard word one from DCL, which has me wondering - maybe they aren't exactly sure what they're doing with this cruise. Maybe like last year - pick one cruise, then change it to another.
We all can only hope.

You all have a great weekend. Ours will be a bit busy: DD is going to see her BF in Philly for the weekend, so we're heading to Pittsburgh (2 hr) this afternoon, pick up the grandson from school, go somewhere for supper, take the little guy to soccer practice in the morning, then back to Altoona with him late Sat morning, then on Sunday drive down to Bedford (45min away) to meet DD on her way back from Philly and give DGS back. Just a typical weekend for us . Oh, and DD says to me last evening, while you're over here, why don't you clean my kitchen for me. KIDS!!!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

So far I haven't been able to find anyone but that doesn't necessarily mean nobody has. They began these cruises in 2003 on the Wonder. So 2013 will mark the 10-yr anniversary. (just add that to the list!!!!)
From 2003 to 2010 members could book a Cat 11(inside) thru Cat 3 (1 bdrm).
The cat 2 (2 bdrm) and cat 1 (royal) suites were not controlled by DVC.

I've never sailed the wonder so I am not familiar with how many 2 bdrm suites there are.

But given there are only 2 "royal" suites per ship and with only 9 prior cruises, were talking about 18 possible reservations in 9 years. It's a small population to find.

Yes that is true re small population. Keep us posted! I didnt realise it had been going 10 years!