Thoughts/questions on some DCL future cruising post test.

[Snowwhyt]

1. If the Dream is first to test, then which will be the next or last to test in the US.
2. Do you believe 2 day cruises will continue as the only option for about how long?
3. Why and when do you think a 3, 4, 5, 7, or more, cruise will restart? I’m especially interested in the 7 day answer.
My response:
1). I think the Wonder will be the last. No idea about Magic or Fantasy because I suspect they will be shorter sailings. I also feel the last one will start up slowest not because of Covid protocols but because it will need trained staff.
2). I think the 2 day cruises will last for 3 weeks and announcements for longer cruises will start on the 3rd week.
3). I have no clue here. All I know is I have a ticket to be on the 3rd, 7 day cruise offered on the Fantasy for Aug 28. But I suspect I will be informed of a change to a shorter cruise.

Yes, I know, I’m asking for speculation. But I feel relaxed when I’ve had time to consider plans A, B, C, D,… for a while. I can better adapt if I have the time to think and feel my decision is not rushed. I like time to consider options or prep to not lose money on non-refundable components to the trip.
By the way, thank you for giving me things to think about.

 

[JWG]

I actually think Magic will be last since it’s in the UK. I think there’s a lot of discussion about what to do with the Wonder and AK season, though I think Fantasy next out of Canaveral makes the most sense to get back to a FL cruise schedule.

 

[bcwife76]

I think the Magic will be the last to test (Fantasy will follow the Dream, and then the Wonder). No I don't think they will stick to 2 day cruises. They are 'allowed' to sail up to 7 nights and just today, the 8 night October 2021 Fantasy cruise showed up on the website again after being taken down months and months ago.

 

[Snowwhyt]

I see what you both mean. They have a good thing going in UK and probably plenty of employees to help with training future crews. Although would they have to later transfer crew by ship since it can be difficult by air with passport/employment issues.

I actually think Magic will be last since it’s in the UK. I think there’s a lot of discussion about what to do with the Wonder and AK season, though I think Fantasy next out of Canaveral makes the most sense to get back to a FL cruise schedule.

I think the Magic will be the last to test (Fantasy will follow the Dream, and then the Wonder). No I don't think they will stick to 2 day cruises. They are 'allowed' to sail up to 7 nights and just today, the 8 night October 2021 Fantasy cruise showed up on the website again after being taken down months and months ago.

Well looking at the 8 night back on the schedule. I guess my 7 night has a chance then. I better get some flights then.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

I don’t see why any of the revenue cruises would have to be 2 nights only. I suspect that’s the minimum needed to comply with the test cruise rules, but will not limit the subsequent revenue cruises to that time span. Of course, no cruises longer than 7 nights until the CDC modifies its order or the order expires, but the Dream sailings are usually alternating 3- and 4-night offerings.

 

[kathi]

I think the Magic will be last since it's in UK till early October.

I don't see any reason why they wouldn't pick up with the schedule as booked for the Dream once they have authorization to take on paying passengers.

I think the Fantasy will be next to take on US passengers and I wonder if it's possible they will go for the 95% vaccinated route for those 7 (and 8) night sailings. That would permit them to skip the test cruises. The Dream could sail with less than 95% vaccinated on the shorter itineraries.

So hard to say about the Wonder - I agree that saving Alaska seems unlikely. Maybe they will get her crewed up and sail out of TX?

 

[HiStitch626]

Maybe they will get her crewed up and sail out of TX?

Maybe Disney is considering this. Both of the Carnival ships that sail from Galveston, the Breeze and Vista, are there and plan to begin sailing in July. They have not stated whether vaccines or testing will be required. Disney already has relationships with the Port of Galveston and vendors there, so if they decide not to send her through the canal, will they have her wait until November when the Galveston cruises are supposed to begin or add some earlier trips. I would guess Texans (and New Mexicans, Oklahomans, and Louisianans) would be happy to fill the ship.

 

[Cheburashka]

Maybe Disney is considering this. Both of the Carnival ships that sail from Galveston, the Breeze and Vista, are there and plan to begin sailing in July. They have not stated whether vaccines or testing will be required. Disney already has relationships with the Port of Galveston and vendors there, so if they decide not to send her through the canal, will they have her wait until November when the Galveston cruises are supposed to begin or add some earlier trips. I would guess Texans (and New Mexicans, Oklahomans, and Louisianans) would be happy to fill the ship.

If so, I hope they'd offer a refund/FCC option to those who had booked cruises sailing from the West coast.

 

[Jim Libasci]

where ever they have to go to guaranty the 95% vaccinated is where we'll go.

 

[HiStitch626]

If so, I hope they'd offer a refund/FCC option to those who had booked cruises sailing from the West coast.

Why wouldn’t they offer refunds/FCC for canceled cruises? They’ve offered refunds/FCC for every other canceled cruise.

 

[Cheburashka]

Why wouldn’t they offer refunds/FCC for canceled cruises? They’ve offered refunds/FCC for every other canceled cruise.

I would assume it would be considered canceled, but it could possibly also be considered a change of venue. Just putting my concern out there because I do have one booked.

 

[HiStitch626]

I would assume it would be considered canceled, but it could possibly also be considered a change of venue. Just putting my concern out there because I do have one booked.

I cannot see how that would be an issue as you are sailing from a port that's 1500 miles from the original departure point. This is not the same as changing the order of a itinerary.

 

[Cheburashka]

I cannot see how that would be an issue as you are sailing from a port that's 1500 miles from the original departure point. This is not the same as changing the order of a itinerary.

Agreed. That's why I said I hope that's why they'd treat it as a cancellation for those who don't want to change. They might give people booked the chance to keep the reservation, just with a new departure port, and others the chance to cancel/get FCC.

 

[lanejudy]

Agreed. That's why I said I hope that's why they'd treat it as a cancellation for those who don't want to change. They might give people booked the chance to keep the reservation, just with a new departure port, and others the chance to cancel/get FCC.

I can’t imagine they wouldn’t cancel. A Galveston cruise in no way would be priced at the Alaska premium DCL charges.

 

[Cheburashka]

I can’t imagine they wouldn’t cancel. A Galveston cruise in no way would be priced at the Alaska premium DCL charges.

My cruise is a Mexican cruise out of San Diego. The pricing for that is similar to a cruise out of Galveston.