Stay away from the Disney Wonder

[abuck75]

While it's debatable if it's the right move, it would not surprise me if the expanded areas allows them to turn more category 4 rooms into V concierge in the near future.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

No matter what their thoughts are behind it, I find it more segregating. I for one do not like separating "class" and it makes me feel much better about going elsewhere. It's like a step behind in time rather than forward. I have been a big cheerleader for DCL and I am a Platinum cruiser but this has turned me off big time. Viking has beautiful huge suites and they get perks but when you step outside your room you are treated equally as the rest of the guests. Believe me, those in the suites are fine with it and mingle with everyone else. That I admire.

 

[cruiser21]

No matter what their thoughts are behind it, I find it more segregating. I for one do not like separating "class" and it makes me feel much better about going elsewhere. It's like a step behind in time rather than forward. I have been a big cheerleader for DCL and I am a Platinum cruiser but this has turned me off big time. Viking has beautiful huge suites and they get perks but when you step outside your room you are treated equally as the rest of the guests. Believe me, those in the suites are fine with it and mingle with everyone else. That I admire.

Concierge guests pay a boat load of money for those rooms. I don't mind them having their own space that's what they pay for. It's disappointing that they are taking a space away. Of course guests that have never sailed on the Wonder won't know any different. There has never been anything to lead me to believe DCL cares about their repeat cruisers. It's obvious from the lack luster perks we get that it's not a priority to them. A concierge guest will spend what I would spend in 7 or 9 cruises. That's big money.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Concierge guests pay a boat load of money for those rooms. I don't mind them having their own space that's what they pay for. It's disappointing that they are taking a space away. Of course guests that have never sailed on the Wonder won't know any different. There has never been anything to lead me to believe DCL cares about their repeat cruisers. It's obvious from the lack luster perks we get that it's not a priority to them. A concierge guest will spend what I would spend in 7 or 9 cruises. That's big money.

Concierge guests/Suite guests on other lines pay more money as well. I specifically mentioned Viking because we just got off the Viking Star and I like that all 900 of us stepped onto that ship some paying more than others and yet we all got equal treatment with <gasp> same viewing areas and same lounges. Suites do get perks like booking specialty restaurants and tours before the rest and then the free laundry and alcohol provided in room.

 

[wombat_5606]

Of course guests that have never sailed on the Wonder won't know any different.

They might not know any different as it pertains to the Wonder, but a seasoned cruiser might not appreciate the fact that the concierge passengers are the only people that can sit inside out of the weather, yet have a nice place to sit and enjoy the view of the sea.

Most of the cruise ships I have been on maintain a low key Concierge Lounge.

The new trend to take over deck space for the privileged few(in ratio to non-conceirge passengers) is a low in my book and I will adjust my travel plans accordingly.

 

[BruinEd03]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Now that we're getting off the ship, our final resolution was basically this:

We finally got a real call back from someone in guest services who essentially said "is there noise today? No? Ok then have a nice day."

When I didn't like that answer, they offered to send up a bottle of wine to the room which was average. They also told me they would refund me for a spa package we paid for, but alas they still charged me for it.

This unfortunately will be my first and last experience on Disney cruise line. While some folks on this thread seem to take personal offense to me referring as Disney as being premium price/service, this is how they market themselves and price themselves. I get better service and amenities at Disney world in a deluxe resort so I will be sticking to that and using other cruise lines when I want to sail.

The staff on this sailing (minus guest services) was fantastic. I imagine most folks sailing this ship after me will be fine. I apologize again if my original post/post title was a bit hyperbolic but this is what happens when vacations encounter issues. And vacation issues have always been where the Disney brand shines. This is the first time I have been truly disappointed with both Disney AND their response to the issue.

The good news is the all the money I will save with Royal Caribbean will let me go on vacation more often.

I would suggest you e-mail Disney Cruise Line with your comments and providing a phone number for a follow-up (even if you have no intention of cruising with DCL again0. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/website-technical-help/feedback/

If nothing else, as a favor to those who will continue to sail with DCL in the future. If they don't know how inadequate the response was by guest services, or how badly they have costed DCL, then they won't make changes. Let them know you are voting with your wallet.

I don't think you have anything to apologize for. You spent good money on your vacation. Issues will always happen, but how a company responds to those issues is what differentiates an Ok company and a Great Company. Clearly, DCL has failed for you.

 

[cruiser21]

They might not know any different as it pertains to the Wonder, but a seasoned cruiser might not appreciate the fact that the concierge passengers are the only people that can sit inside out of the weather, yet have a nice place to sit and enjoy the view of the sea.

Most of the cruise ships I have been on maintain a low key Concierge Lounge.

The new trend to take over deck space for the privileged few(in ratio to non-conceirge passengers) is a low in my book and I will adjust my travel plans accordingly.

I'm not into "class envy". If you want to pay 20-60k for suite on DCL more power to you. I wish I had your income. I don't consider concierge "privileged".....Why is someone with a high income "privileged"? They worked hard an earned the right to be there. I liked the upstairs portion of the Cove, but it's certainly not a deal break for me. I'm not sure how low key other cruiselines are they all have their concierge spaces.

 

[wombat_5606]

Why is someone with a high income "privileged"?

They are privileged in the sense that they are allowed to sit in a very desirable space, that had previously been public.

Yes, but my point is that I won't be sailing on those ships that take over previously public spaces and deny a passenger a unique space.

I'm not into "class envy" either. I just resent Disney whittling down my space onboard the ship to cater to their more well paying cruisers.

I find it amusing that concierge passengers pay for these oversized suites with their corresponding large balconies and then cruise lines have to give them more space on decks previously enjoyed by everyone.

 

[cruiser21]

They are privileged in the sense that they are allowed to sit in a very desirable space, that had previously been public.

Yes, but my point is that I won't be sailing on those ships that take over previously public spaces and deny a passenger a unique space.

I'm not into "class envy" either. I just resent Disney whittling down my space onboard the ship to cater to their more well paying cruisers.

I find it amusing that concierge passengers pay for these oversized suites with their corresponding large balconies and then cruise lines have to give them more space on decks previously enjoyed by everyone.

I agree with you that Disney shouldn't have taken away that space. It bums me out too. It's just when people use terms like "privileged" it sound derogatory to me. I don't consider wealthy people privileged...I assume they earned it.

 

[wombat_5606]

I agree with you that Disney shouldn't have taken away that space. It bums me out too. It's just when people use terms like "privileged" it sound derogatory to me. I don't consider wealthy people privileged...I assume they earned it.

"Privilege" has nothing to do with wealth. The definition of the word and pertaining to the manner in which I used it refers to

1) having special rights, advantages, or immunities.
2) having the rare opportunity to do something that brings particular pleasure.

 

[ELKA]

They are privileged in the sense that they are allowed to sit in a very desirable space, that had previously been public.

Yes, but my point is that I won't be sailing on those ships that take over previously public spaces and deny a passenger a unique space.

I'm not into "class envy" either. I just resent Disney whittling down my space onboard the ship to cater to their more well paying cruisers.

I find it amusing that concierge passengers pay for these oversized suites with their corresponding large balconies and then cruise lines have to give them more space on decks previously enjoyed by everyone.

I am going on a DCL cruise this month. For the first time I am going concierge. I am going on another DCL cruise next July non concierge. I am paying more for the July cruise than the one this month. Did you ever use the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder? I know that Cove Cafe isn't going anywhere. I also know that the Magic used space that wasn't being used for the concierge lounge, now they are just using the same area on the Wonder. Some concierge guests are not in the suites as you call it with large balconies.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Now that we're getting off the ship, our final resolution was basically this:

We finally got a real call back from someone in guest services who essentially said "is there noise today? No? Ok then have a nice day."

When I didn't like that answer, they offered to send up a bottle of wine to the room which was average. They also told me they would refund me for a spa package we paid for, but alas they still charged me for it.

This unfortunately will be my first and last experience on Disney cruise line. While some folks on this thread seem to take personal offense to me referring as Disney as being premium price/service, this is how they market themselves and price themselves. I get better service and amenities at Disney world in a deluxe resort so I will be sticking to that and using other cruise lines when I want to sail.

The staff on this sailing (minus guest services) was fantastic. I imagine most folks sailing this ship after me will be fine. I apologize again if my original post/post title was a bit hyperbolic but this is what happens when vacations encounter issues. And vacation issues have always been where the Disney brand shines. This is the first time I have been truly disappointed with both Disney AND their response to the issue.

The good news is the all the money I will save with Royal Caribbean will let me go on vacation more often.

This is where we have ended up with DCL too. Customer service ultimately does not care-- night and day compared with WDW (love WDW and DL). DCL is all sizzle no steak. Just not worth it. Huge difference between the marketing and the reality. So... totally agree with you. Every other line we have tried has been better, so happy sailing and happy marriage!!

 

[cyclenut]

Sailed the Wonder in January. They had already converted most of the upstairs of the cove cafe to Concierge lounge area. The discussion at that time was that Disney wanted to offer a similar experience to concierge guests that they received on the larger ships. I was very disappointed, but I have to admit, that area was very much underutilized. That's one of the things we liked about it.

One of the other things we observed in January is that the ship was still undergoing renovation. It's as though they made a decision about what had to be done in drydock and what they could do while still collecting money from guests. On our cruise they were replacing deck boxes. The large wood boxes on the deck that hides trash, towels, maintenance equipment, etc. They would rope off an area with caution tape, move the old box out and put the new box in. The new boxes required some decking work as they were not exactly the same size as the old ones. No way that was being done to fix something that recently broke. This was planned. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a long list of things that they knew would need to be done after and it's possible they didn't realize the noise that would be created in some instances. It's also possible that some of the dry dock changes didn't work out as well as hoped and they decided to modify.

I remember a cruise I took a few years ago where they docked overnight in San Francisco. That cruise was a real bargain. They told us when we boarded that we may notice some remodeling work being done throughout the ship and that's one of the reasons they stayed in San Francisco for two days. Maintenance crews. Of course, we were not informed of this when booking. Fortunately it didn't bother us much.

Point being, Disney has made a habit out of doing more than just a little work while they are still sailing with passengers. It isn't just unplanned maintenance. It's one of they key reasons the ships always look so nice, but it's also annoying.

 

[wombat_5606]

I am going on a DCL cruise this month. For the first time I am going concierge. I am going on another DCL cruise next July non concierge. I am paying more for the July cruise than the one this month. Did you ever use the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder? I know that Cove Cafe isn't going anywhere. I also know that the Magic used space that wasn't being used for the concierge lounge, now they are just using the same area on the Wonder. Some concierge guests are not in the suites as you call it with large balconies.

Did I ever use the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder? Absolutely, in fact, every single day for 2 weeks while going through the Panama Canal. That's why I know the loss of this area is a deal breaker for me. When it is atrociously hot and you want to sit inside in the air conditioning and still see the ocean, it's the only place to do it on a Disney ship.

I am Platinum on Disney and have been on 5 other cruise lines, starting my cruising in 1980. I have seen the changes to the cruise industry and I don't care for it. It's not progress, it's regression.

On your cruise, sit in the Cove Cafe and tell me what you see when you look out the window. Then while you enjoy the concierge lounge, come back and tell me what you see when you look out the window. Which view do you prefer?

 

[Cackyschmackers]

I am going on a DCL cruise this month. For the first time I am going concierge. I am going on another DCL cruise next July non concierge. I am paying more for the July cruise than the one this month. Did you ever use the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder? I know that Cove Cafe isn't going anywhere. I also know that the Magic used space that wasn't being used for the concierge lounge, now they are just using the same area on the Wonder. Some concierge guests are not in the suites as you call it with large balconies.

This is my question: How is this being handled on the Magic (I ask since they are sister ships; not sure anymore after the dry docks how similar they are). On the Magic, has the Cove area already been converted over to Concierge? Is there any indoor seating place with a good view that is not concierge and also not adult only? We'll be doing a Bahamian itin in Nov and I know it will be chilly on deck for the first and last few days. TIA

 

[Jennifer777]

With hotels, even WDW, there's a disclaimer on their website at the time of booking that warns you if construction is going to be taking place and what areas of the hotel will be unavailable to guests during a certain time frame. They often discount rates during these times since guests aren't getting the full experience and/or full use of amenities. There is no reason why passengers shouldn't expect the same courtesy from DCL.

 

[cruiser21]

This is my question: How is this being handled on the Magic (I ask since they are sister ships; not sure anymore after the dry docks how similar they are). On the Magic, has the Cove area already been converted over to Concierge? Is there any indoor seating place with a good view that is not concierge and also not adult only? We'll be doing a Bahamian itin in Nov and I know it will be chilly on deck for the first and last few days. TIA

The Magic does not have a upstairs in the Cove. The upstairs cove area was built on the Wonder specifically for Alaska. The views from there were really nice.

 

[abuck75]

One thing that has become clear reading this board is how unique everyone's personal travel preferences are. On one hand, Disney is trying to accommodate those differences with more luxury offerings, but may be risking the experience of others, most notably frequent DCL travelers. It is a bit of a contrast to airlines and hotels that allow concierge lounge access based on how often you travel, in addition to what class you are traveling in. That also likely makes sense from those companies perspective, because business travelers may travel 25 + times a year and the loyalty has huge recurring revenue. While the annual loyalty should not be taken for granted, the higher status cruise customers may only travel once a year (or less), so the loyalty is easier to replace (from purely a business sense).

In addition, it's clear there are a lot of long-time customers who believe the service has potentially declined and/or become less of a value compared to competition. We will be taking our first Disney Cruise in February and are very fortunate/privileged to have the opportunity to cruise concierge on the Wonder. I would say our primary motive is the additional space on our first (and maybe only) cruise, but it is really an absurd amount of money for one week that I could argue would be better used on multiple trips.

What does stand out to me in regards to general perception vs this board there are many factors. We decided to take a year off from the parks (where we generally rent a house) at much greater cost mostly because of the dozen or so people we know who have taken DCL, every last one of them raved about the experience. We are not "cruise" people, and generally don't like the idea of being confined, etc. but we've had enough people with similar interests to us tell us how great DCL was for them (and we love Disney enough) that we wanted to do it one year. For us, it's an opportunity to both spend family time, but also get that far too rare adult time in a nice atmosphere. Given that, I would be disappointed if it was severely impacted with construction on board. I also think it's important for a company like Disney to find the best way to offer premium experiences, WITHOUT negatively impacting the experience of others, and it sounds like this has likely gone too far. For example, while I definitely like the idea of a "free" pre-dinner drink, it wouldn't have been hard for them to keep a common space and just have their billing system adjust out drinks of concierge guests during that window.

 

[mmmears]

Did I ever use the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder? Absolutely, in fact, every single day for 2 weeks while going through the Panama Canal. That's why I know the loss of this area is a deal breaker for me. When it is atrociously hot and you want to sit inside in the air conditioning and still see the ocean, it's the only place to do it on a Disney ship.

I am Platinum on Disney and have been on 5 other cruise lines, starting my cruising in 1980. I have seen the changes to the cruise industry and I don't care for it. It's not progress, it's regression.

On your cruise, sit in the Cove Cafe and tell me what you see when you look out the window. Then while you enjoy the concierge lounge, come back and tell me what you see when you look out the window. Which view do you prefer?

Good point. I was thinking that this would really mostly be an issue for the colder weather cruises (like the one we took in Alaska, where that area was great), but I forgot about needing a cool place during the really hot times. This wouldn't be an issue to me if there were more areas just like it, where one could see the beautiful views from indoors. But the Wonder doesn't offer that and yeah, that may make it a deal breaker for my family. The have taken the best area and blocked it off from 90% of their guests or more. That just doesn't make sense to me. While I often stay CL at WDW, I have no desire to book concierge on DCL, where there are "free" food and beverages all day long.

 

[ELKA]

Did I ever use the Outlook Cafe on the Wonder? Absolutely, in fact, every single day for 2 weeks while going through the Panama Canal. That's why I know the loss of this area is a deal breaker for me. When it is atrociously hot and you want to sit inside in the air conditioning and still see the ocean, it's the only place to do it on a Disney ship.

I am Platinum on Disney and have been on 5 other cruise lines, starting my cruising in 1980. I have seen the changes to the cruise industry and I don't care for it. It's not progress, it's regression.

On your cruise, sit in the Cove Cafe and tell me what you see when you look out the window. Then while you enjoy the concierge lounge, come back and tell me what you see when you look out the window. Which view do you prefer?

I am going on the Magic which has never had anything above cove cafe. I have sat in cove cafe on my Panama Canal cruise, didn't go upstairs. I also sit on my balcony, usually I have a verandah. All views are nice and actually my best camera shots on the Panama Canal cruise was through my navigators verandah, one showing the "parking lot" of ships waiting to transit the Canal and the other shot was the Gatun lock building when a worker was just waving at our ship as it was passing by and when he noticed me taking his picture. Oh and my concierge room coming up doesn't have a large verandah.