Trip Report / Justification

[Lloyd Dobler]

The main complaints/suggestions I hear from people who have missed Castaway Cay are 1) why can't they go to another port? and 2) why don't they have tenders?

(Let me qualify this by saying I'm in no way trying to say that people have no right to complain or be upset with this, just trying to add perspective)

I would first suggest that unless there is a storm bearing down on the island, the ship would have to go there and at least try to dock. I think that it would be worse to tell passengers a day (or more) in advance that the ship can't dock at Castaway Cay and as a result it's going to such-and-such a port. While I haven't missed Castaway Cay, I have missed other scheduled ports and been re-routed, and have heard the complaints when passengers were told on Saturday that they wouldn't be able to call at St. Thomas on Wednesday. Given that, I don't think they can really skip Castaway Cay without even trying to dock. That leaves trying, failing and then going to plan B.

The closest cruise ship ports are probably Freeport and Nassau. Nassau is less than a hundred miles away, but in the opposite direction from Port Canaveral, so in addition to an almost four-hour trip, the stay there would have to be shortened by the same amount of time in order to get back to Port Canaveral on time. Basically, the ship could do a drive-by, but that's about it. Freeport is about 100 or so miles away, but is at least is a bit closer to Port Canaveral than Castaway Cay. With Freeport, you're looking at another four hours to get there, so even assuming you could dock, you'd only have half a day. I've been to Freeport, and frankly, I'd rather have a day at sea than a full day there.

Regarding tenders, as was stated, they would need to keep a tender fleet on the island or else use lifeboats as tenders. If the currents and winds are such that the ship can't stay in the channel to dock, I'm not sure you would want to be on board a tender. I can't see them keeping a fleet on the island to use maybe 10 times a year. It's just not cost-effective.

Also, having tenders available doesn't necessarily make everything OK. I know that a couple of years ago, RCCL passengers were stranded on one of their private islands (can't remember which one) because the seas became too rough for tendering and they were no longer able to ferry passengers back to the ship. The ship actually had to head out to sea to escape the weather and come back the next day to pick passengers up.

I'm sure that DCL has given a lot of thought to the question of what to do when the ship can't dock at Castaway Cay. I think you could reasonably argue that the best alternative is to have a day at sea.

All in all, the ships are able to dock 95% of the time, a statistic that means very little to the 5% who miss the island, I'm sure.

 

[logan1_2000]

Grumpy 1--

You seem to have gotten a supportive response, and fellow DISers have shared appropriate perspectives. Easy to forget in an age of high technology that we still can't control the weather or nature. St. Thomas and St. Martin by their location really are such a great "almost" guarantee of good weather--though as soon as I have said that now watch a storm ruin the next cruise's day in port (Sorry folks!). We're going back to those islands for a 3rd cruise, 2nd on Disney, for Spring Break.

I love that so many suggested you book another cruise! I'll tell you what, don't book in winter again--though there is no guarantee any other time, either. Its all a game of chance--as is any vacation--just ask folks who were headed to WDW or DCL last September...

Sound like motion sickness is an issue, or at least while crossing the gulfstream. Won't help w/ DCL, but perhaps consider RCCL out of the port of San Juan, where we first sailed from. No gulfstream issue, can do St. Thomas and St. Martin easy. But don't go on the little bucket, the Empress of the Seas...

To the Poster who suggested Freeport as an alternate--other than the bottom line that others have mentioned that it isn't easy to just pop in to another port at the last minute, I was on a $ night Wonder when Freeport was part of the cruise instead of a day at sea, and our entire travelling party agreed we'd have preferred the day at sea. Nasty industrial port area, made Newark look like a paradise (here come the NJ Flames....)

Mostly--Glad you got so much out of it, as you said yourself. And the others were all an enthusiastic yes for going again? Then do it! We're parents, our lives are over, the best we can do is feel good that we made the kids happy ('cuz how often to we plan, research, and spend, and they still are unhappy), and you succeeded. Hurray! Now declare victory and go again. And knowing more, as you do now, if you don't want to run up a bar bill, ...DON'T.

(NOTE: I overstate the "life is over" line about parenthood, just as a joke, okay--before any very devoted parents FLAME me--hey, its a joke, entire television shows are built around the genre of the put-upon parent, okay!!?? Its just a joke!!-)

Sounds like you learned a lot, and enjoyed a lot, and had some bad luck with weather is all. Big victory in making the rest of the family happy--well done!!

 

[armyfam]

Grumpy1,

First of all, "Welcome to the boards!"

I don't think any of your expectations were "unreasonable", just "hopeful" that it would go that way. We as a family decided to be "flexible" before we left home. The reason being that things don't always go the way we plan, whether at home or on vacation. This way, when things aren't "perfect" we can still keep a "positive mental attitude".

Our experience was as follows:
1. our first disney cruise; second cruise ever.
2. travelling with one teen and one pre-teen
3. inside, deck 2 stateroom

Expectations--("flexible hopes"):

we hoped for great warm weather (being from NE, we had quite the snow storm a week before we left)--achieved. Yes, a little breezy at times, but shorts were worn all week with a sweatshirt and or windbreaker when chilly.

we hoped for no illness--not achieved. Both boys came down with fevers and ended up spending two days each in the cabin---talk about wishing one had at least an oceanview!!! This caused us to miss St. Maartin and St. Thomas. We were grateful that we hadn't booked any excursions.

we hoped for cc--not achieved. We knew we were cruising in high risk season. We paid more than you, but that was because I didn't know any better. I now know better! (Also, the captain mentioned that around 3 times per year, they are unable to dock.)

Overall impression:
We had a blast. Being together as a family was our priority--in sickness and in health---we got that!
We enjoyed all of the activities we went to--sailaway party, pirate night and party, Palo's, spa, shows, activities, kids/teens clubs, and meeting people on this board! Of course, meeting the characters was a blast and guest services was outstanding.
We also spent some unexpected time on deck 1 in the infirmary. Not the best way to spend almost 2 hours, but things happen in life. We saw many crew billboards and announcements that way. (I had wondered how people got pictures of those things!)

Before we left, we had a "family meeting" and reviewed our main reason for the vacation. Family time. If any of our expectations were not met, we were going to keep that PMA, as it does effect the rest of the family. Just keep and eye out for the good that did happen and you realize the Magic was there.

As to the add on expenses....those smoothies and specialty coffees do add up! We find that a budget does help...ie. each person can charge X amount to their key to the world card per day or per trip. That way you can really monitor the costs.

I hope this helps you sort through the vacation and its ups and downs.

 

[lookingforward]

I can understand your frustration and dissapointment. I sailed during a "hurricane" and we missed a lot of the "traditions" like normal sailaway, CC, we stayed in Nassau for almost 24 hours YUCK!, etc. We had some really wonderful times onboard but definately did not have any WOW factor other than the nice staff we met. It IS a huge investment and more expensive than other lines too. I am going to try DCL again, during a VERY calm and warm month that has absolutely no chance of being bounced around by bad weather or hurricane!

 

[jennat]

Just to give you my perspective.....Our first cruise was on the Disney Magic. Overall, I think I was disappointed. You have so much built up in your mind (with this or any vacation for the first time (Mexico for another)). The tips were a surprise, Nassau was, well...Nassau, the ship didn't wow me......That being said, like you we had a really good time and decided to go again. We have been on a cruise every year since then. We love it. Funny, but what we love is that now we know exactly what to expect. There is never (hardly) any disappointment. We know how much to budget, what the islands are going to be like (is it an island where you really need to take an excursion or an island where you can venture off on your own), we know where to go to get questions asked (here or other discussion board), we know what the potential for weather is (we always go in Sept...last year we got to experience a hurricane) so if we want to chose a different month we can. I always wore the patch and then realized I didn't need it. most of the time it is very stable. It sounds like from the weather, motion and berthing you just had bad weather. If you find the desire to try again, I think you will be much happier now that your expectations are aligned. And what is funny is, my expectations went realistic and my desire to go, love of cruising, feeling of best vacation there is, etc went sky high. I love it. Nothing can live up to movie expectations (I mean nothing mean spirited about that...I have had them too...on every vacation until my second cruise). What I love about cruising is that everyone there is there to have fun. When you go to a destination, you have the banker and cab driver and trash people and hurried accountant there to pass their bad mood on to you. Just doesn't (usually) happen on a cruise. Hope this helps.

PS BAD WEATHER IS A BUMMER AND CAN RUIN A TRIP. When our cruise was shortened to 4+ days I was bummed. Still had a good time but definately put a damper on the experience. Try not to confuse the two (weather and cruise)...most of the time, the weather is grand!!

 

[jclark3]

As other posters have said, weather in FL/Bahamas/Caribbean is hit or miss from Jan-April. I've been sandblasted on a Freeport beach in March. During our Eastern cruise in '03 (first week of April) the captain succeeded in docking at CC after his third attempt, but all the fun excursions (banana boat, etc.) were cancelled anyway. CC was gray and windy that day. HOWEVER, when we returned to Atlanta, we heard that while we were having a sunny ole time in the Virgin Islands (first part of cruise), people who were at WDW were treated to a cold, rainy week!
Mid-April to May is hailed as the best time for cruising in the Caribbean; the winds have died down and the intense heat (and hurricanes) hasn't taken over yet. It's all got to do with the temp of the ocean. But we're a slave to the school spring break schedule.

 

[Bama4Disney]

Dear Grumpy:

We too where on the Feb 5th Magic sailing and we had a blast. This was our second time on the Magic. The first being in May of 2003. It was disappointing to miss CC but we still had fun with the kids at the Oceaneers club and dancing with them and the characters that day. I even caught a movie which was a treat since we have a 4 year old and and an 18 month old. ( I never get to watch a movie all the way through)

I agree that the cost can be high on Disney but I think it is worth it. The cast members where exceptional. Our wait staff made our dinner. William and Oka entertained our boys so we actually got to chew our food and talk to each other. The sign of a true vacation with children. Also, we have found ways to save. If you can travel last minute, Expedia, who buys in blocks, can have good deals. We booked a week before our May 03 cruise and paid $2000.00 for 3 ( actually 4 as the wife was pregnant with our second then) of us and where upgraded. Always book the cheapest inside cabin and you could get upgraded. We booked a cat 12 this time and where upgraded to a cat 10. Still it was inside but with small kids it was great for sleeping and was cozy at night. We didn't miss seeing outside. We paid $2800.00 for 4 of us. Also, we booked with the Disney credit card and you can take 6 months interest free to pay off the cruise package with no interest. Also, we have had the Disney card since our May 03 vacation and we had accrued 640.00 dollars in Disney dollars which we used for our onboard account. ( We use the credit card like a debit card and log it in the check book as if it was withdrawn right then. When the statement comes we reconcile it and pay it off in full each month. We accrue dollars quickly as we charge every expense we can) Plus we got a 50.00 onboard credit for using our Disney card to book the trip. That is almost $700.00 in free money. We spent $1050.00 including tips and we did and bought everything we wanted too. ( Wife had a spa treament for Valentines day) Not bad for a net cost of $350.00 for the onboard account. Also, when you take you next Disney cruise, always ask when you board if the ship is sold out. If it isn't, ask for an upgrade, you never know if they can/will give it to you. I am told that they have to get approval from the office but if your nice, the cast member will inquire and obtain if for you if possible.

We will go again in a few years once the kids are older and our 18 month can go to the Oceaneers club. Our next trip will be to Disney World in March 2006.

This is our 7th cruise in 6 years and Disney is the best by far. RCCL is great too but with kids, Disney is the way to go. We recommend it to all of our friends as it is truly the Magic.

Kevin M.

 

[missnancy1955]

My hub and I live in Florida and only go on a Disney Cruise when we get the Florida Resident rate - which is about 50% off and makes one heck of a difference. We feel Disney is way over priced also and would never go unless we got the discount. Don't get me wrong - it's a classy ship for sure, but so is HAL's Oosterdam - our favorite so far. Same size and same passenger ratio. We are cruising on the Magic this May 7. Our first cruise was on the Wonder - we liked it but only paid half price - so it was well worth it. However we got completely rained out at Castaway Cay.
As for weather - can't do a thing. But a good thing to remember, if you want the perfect trip - take the kids out of school and travel during May. Very slow season for all cruise lines and great weather with warm water. September also good rates, but you will be dodging hurricanes which we've done before - but still great prices.
I've been told some needed changes have been made on the Magic like having the buffet open for dinner. When we went, only breakfast and lunch were available. My hub and I love to vacation "casual" and very rarely use the formal dining rooms but rather eat when we like. We found Disney only offered burgers, hot dogs and pizza if we didn't opt for the dining room for dinner. So hopefully this buffet option at dinnertime will make a big difference. Also a very good tip we've learned over the years - book a private guide on line for the islands you visit. You get the true feel of the place and it's tailored to where you want to go and see. Bon Voyage

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Hey Bama4disney! We were on the feb 5 magic also and we also had William and Oka for dinner! We were on early seating, I assume you were on late? We LOVED them. I think William was promoted to server the week after we left. Yea for William!

 

[Skuba2]

Even land vacations are subject to weather and such. We went to Universal before one of our cruises and basically got rained on the whole time. Didn't even make it to Disney because of it. But, we went to Universal anyway. Bought some ponchos and splashed our soaked feet in the puddles. The hardest part is getting your rear-end wet on that first rain soaked ride. The upside---it wasn't crowded at all. LOL!!

I work for a local party boat (a steamboat people rent out for parties). I am so often asked "What do I do if it rains?" I always have to reply that you are not renting an hotel room, you are renting a boat that is subject to rain and wind. It could be 95 degrees out and sunny and we couldn't go out because the winds are too strong. So, I try and make sure they understand that they will have the boat no matter what the weather and they will have their party no matter what the weather. It may not be out on the water though and that is the gamble they take when they plan something on a boat, but the upside can be amazing. I have had one company who have rented the boat every year for the past 3 and it was only in the last year that they got out of the dock. They made it fun anyway and keep coming back.

So, to any future cruisers out there the advice I give is that you have to try and get past the "postcard" image and enjoy yourself with what you are presented with at the time. It is a lot of money but we should all go into it with the knowledge that plans don't always go as planned. When things aren't perfect, that is when one can either enjoy what they can or get upset at what they are missing. I prefer splashing in the rain puddles instead of worrying about getting wet.

Everyone is right, it does sound like you came out of it with a good attitude. Don't give up on cruising.

DG

 

[NickandLivvysmom]

MissNancy1955-
My brother would love to take my niece on a cruise but just can't afford it.....
He lives in Flordia. Can you please tell me how he could check into the FLordia Resident rate?

 

[aalan]

you simply didnt do your research. and i think you feel cheated. but if i was spending the kind of money you did, i would have done a great deal of digging around online and at the library. my family has been on two cruises during march, a somewhat risky time of year: our first cruise had excellent weather with seas like glass. however, on our second cruise, we constantly dodged a storm, missed going to grand cayman, and suffered through 24 foot waves one night. so it goes. we knew the risks and still had a good time. i do agree that having bad weather can especially take away from the cruising experience, but one just has to make the best of it. maybe if you cruise again, you will have great weather and visit all the ports and you will see how much fun and relaxing it can be.

 

[MMcCarthy]

I just booked our third cruise with Disney. We went on the Wonder in Nov 2004. Had a wonderful time and wanted to do it again as possible. First night we had 10 to 15 foot waves. I couldn't keep anything down. The next morning, one of the housekeeping staff said that the captain was even cleaning carpets. One guy told me to just keep drinking--at least you have a reason for walking funny. The rest of the cruise was wonderful. Castaway Cay was definitely the high light of our trip. We went to Nassau--but won't do it again. We went to Freeport--I got left at the city but Disney Cast made sure I made it back to the boat--told me if nothing else he would drive me. Castaway Cay was very relaxing. We got back to Cinti and told mom how much fun we had--so she booked herself, my family, and my sister and nephew on a spring break three night. The trip was much different from our first one. It was cold--too cold I thought to swim but the kids loved it. We went to Nassau and just went off the ship and took the glass boat trip--my mom had cruised two other times and never done a shore excursion. we got to Castaway Cay and all off shore excursion had been cancelled due to high winds. the disney staff was great in letting us know. the castaway cay people were very disappointed since that is how they make their money.

I booked our 7 night cruise this weekend because it is February 26th, we are expecting more snow this week, it was almost 60 degrees at times this week. My flowers are budding and I know that winter is still not over. We are going in December 2006. I wanted a cruise when the holiday decorations are up.

I don't know how over priced Disney is. all I know is that I get what I pay for. I expect to be treated extremely well. I know there will be other costs associated with the cruise. I also want a cruise that the whole family can enjoy. I don't want a cruise where I have to keep a close eye on my kids. My youngest got lost on the ship on our first cruise. He checked himself out of the lab--which he was allowed to do--but took the wrong elevator. the disney cast members helped us find him and also helped calm him down.

I believe that the Disney experience is what you make it. We really splurged on the first cruise--pictures, shore excursion, and souvenoirs. We really were tight on the second cruise. I know the seven day will be much more on board expensive than the other crusies.

I can't wait. I hope you will give Disney another chance. They will try to get you to spend as much as possible on board. That is where they really make their money.

 

[dwkwootton]

Short answer, no I don't think it is unreasonable to expect what was represented to you.

Longer version, this is just plain weird. Some people react in like a panic mode when someone is disappointed in missing Castaway Cay on their Disney Cruise or suggests that Disney did not do as good a job as could/should. The weather is going to dictate a miss on Castaway Cay at times. That's not the issue and you are not the issue.

It is unreasonable to put the responsibilty on you and state that you didn't do your homework and the blah blah that accompanies. It is simply strange to suggest that, oh of course Disney is going to paint the rosiest picture possble, and if it doesn't happen that way, its the consumer's fault. So, if you believe Disney's advertising, there's something wrong with you? No, I think not. An area of weakness has been ID'ed in Disney. And that's ok.

The litmus test for whether or not your cruise was or should have been good for you, should not be to compare it to the oddities that have been used, be it root canal, a blizzard, or being hit by a tsunami.

Back when the 1-15 cruise was the hot topic on the board, one of the things was that the consumer should be prepared to take the responsibilty to be beware (and bring plenty of books) if they cruised in Jan, Feb, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov and should be at least heads up if they cruised in March or Dec. That is just simply ridiculous.

My position after the 1-15 cruise was, and is, and as pertains to your question, is real simple and at least one other poster has already stated such on this thread. Disney is not responsible for the weather and the sea currents. But they are responsible to be prepared. Disney should absolutely have a back up plan in place and a darn good one. It should not be considered acceptable for anything less and there's no excusing it, no matter how hard you try to undermine the character of the person who is justified in their disappointment.

The main thrust of the discussion should have been and should be, creative supportive discussion that could lead to solutions. Disney has exhibited that they can and will improve an area of weakness. Let's look at breaking this dead end that goes nowhere off into two threads, one for those who want to argue right/wrong, good/bad, character strengths/weaknesses and one for those who want to partcipate in a discussion designed to improve that which your presence on this board suggests you care enough about to want more from it than to throw it away.

 

[Tricolours]

In January, we wanted to go somewhere warm and decided to try a different cruise line. (It was a lot cheaper than Disney.) The ship was lovely (less than a year old); the service was really great; all the lunches and dinners were very good; and as long as you didn't mind, every breakfast was cold. Oh, and don't let me forget to mention the smoking. The only place we could get away from the constant assault from all the smokers was our cabin, the dinning room and the theater. People smoked in their cabins, the halls, on the elevators, in all of the bars, lounges, coffee shops, common areas, pools...you name it, they smoked there. Even the crew smoked while on duty during the life boat drill!!! So, tell me again, how miserable your Disney cruise was?



<a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/">
<img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10100;119/st/20050409/e/Disney+Cruise/k/5ec7/event.png"></a>

 

[jennat]

Here here DWKWOOTEN! I had a bad experience with hurricane Jeanne (not with the weather as much as with the cruise line PRINCESS) and while expressing frustration, (and I did not let it ruin my cruise, just wanted them to take accountability for it (once again, the service, not the weather)) I got assasignated and attacked. I think people have a right to expect more if they don't get what is promised. That being said there are negative people out there and we don't want to hear all that but I don't think for the most part, people who are negative hang out on these boards. These are people who are obsessed with cruising and probably in need of therapy LIKE ME!!! And of course, DISCLAIMER we can't control the weather

Tricolours, I'm sorry you had a bad experience. It is funny, we (DH and I)were just discussing this the other day, saying how we had never had any problem with smelling smoke on the ships (save that occasional and very annoying cigar smoker ). I hate that you did, but it is not indicative of cruise travel on other ships...just poor luck .

 

[MassDisLovers]

I hear exactly what you are saying about your February cruise. We took our first two in April and August, so we had the mind-set that you did...sunny,, warm, itineraries as expected. Imagine our surprise when we went on a President's week cruise and it was COLD, windy, excursions cancelled at Cozumel, etc. I guess we both learned an expensive lesson.... no more February cruises for us!

 

[allears]

Weather is fickled. We've done two 7 day cruises in February and had stunning weather both weeks.

 

[WDWLVR]

Weather is fickled. We've done two 7 day cruises in February and had stunning weather both weeks.

Same here. We did the DVC Member Cruise in Feb. of '03. This cruise made two stops at Castaway Cay and we had no trouble docking either time. The weather was warm and beautiful. The water was a little too cool for our tastes, but many others did go in. You just can't count on beautiful weather at any time of the year.

 

[natdencro]

Sorry you were so disappointed in your cruise.

It is a well known fact that you could cruise virtually the same destinations for half the price paid on the Magic. It doesnt take much investigation to find out similar cruise-line options.

The weather is out of anyone's control. Other cruise-lines have exactly the same problems and similar back-up plans - which may, or may not be to your liking.

Should you suffer from motion sickness, then perhaps cruising is not the best policy. Also, if you plan to enjoy beach activites/snorkelling - then maybe a beach holiday is the best plan, and certainly MUCH cheaper than a cruise.

Dont be put off by one bad adventure. We have cruised 6 weeks on the Magic - all between Jan-March, and had approx 4 days in all when the weather wasnt particularly good. The seas have been variable, but we have never missed any port of call - thanks to the skill of the captain and his team.

We chose to cruise as we like the days at sea - which is what cruising is all about for us. If we wanted to visit certain islands, then we would fly there - it's the ONLY guaranteed way of seeing them.Castaway Cay is indeed a lovely place, but NOT the highlight of the week. For us, it is just a beach - much like many others. Granted, Disney do make a big deal of it, but it shouldnt sway anyone into making the decision to cruise with them.

Give it another go! You may go with rather less expectations next time and be pleasantly surprised. We have enjoyed all our trips, and we dont "nit-pick" over silly complaints - which some people do, and ruin their own holiday by getting so stressed about them. Sit back and enjoy the ride, and make the most of what you HAVE got, and not what you HAVENT! Many people never have the option of taking a cruise - through no fault of their own.Nat