TWO of THE NEW DCL SHIPS WILL BE HOMEPORTED IN PORT CANAVERAL

[Disney1fan2002]

They are literally missing the boat on the NYC cruises! They MUST sail during the summer. Many people/families cannot travel in Oct/Nov!

Not to mention, it is darn cold in NYC in Oct, Nov. Sure, we are sailing to the Bahamas, where it is warm, but it takes 2 days to sail down there, so it is pretty frigid for the 1st 24 hours or so before we are in a warmer climate. Then coming back up to NYC, the last day can be pretty frigid, because we are back in the colder climate.

I like the idea of finding a permanent port for the Magic and Wonder. One on the east coast,(NYC, BOS, or Maryland) one on the west coast. Then having the Dream and Fantasy travel to different ports.

 

[vacationer1954]

Makes me wonder why they announced plan back in March 2016. It seems like there was a delay at some point. Probably the original plan was to have inaugural sailing in early 2021 instead of early 2022.

I'm not sure it is the same situation, but if you recall the first couple of ships were also delayed because DCL was bumped back in the construction schedule by the shipyards in favor of ships from other (bigger) cruise lines.

 

[vacationer1954]

Not to mention, it is darn cold in NYC in Oct, Nov. Sure, we are sailing to the Bahamas, where it is warm, but it takes 2 days to sail down there, so it is pretty frigid for the 1st 24 hours or so before we are in a warmer climate. Then coming back up to NYC, the last day can be pretty frigid, because we are back in the colder climate. I like the idea of finding a permanent port for the Magic and Wonder. One on the east coast,(NYC, BOS, or Maryland) one on the west coast. Then having the Dream and Fantasy travel to different ports.

I think we shouldn't underestimate the impact of the cold with regard to cruises from New York, Boston or Baltimore in winter. The speculation about perhaps basing one of the older ships at these ports makes sense as part of a split home port arrangement, with the ship sailing out of the northeast during summer and then relocating (perhaps even to Texas) for the winter.

As far as the west coast, perhaps there is a possibility to put another of the ships in Vancouver for the summer (and Galveston for the winter).

 

[dcassetta]

I think we shouldn't underestimate the impact of the cold with regard to cruises from New York, Boston or Baltimore in winter. The speculation about perhaps basing one of the older ships at these ports makes sense as part of a split home port arrangement, with the ship sailing out of the northeast during summer and then relocating (perhaps even to Texas) for the winter.

As far as the west coast, perhaps there is a possibility to put another of the ships in Vancouver for the summer (and Galveston for the winter).

I agree about concerns with New York in the late fall early winter. Embarkation day was uncomfortably cold, and we would not of been outside at all if we did want to see the Statue of Liberty. The first couple of days the seas were pretty rough also. I'm not bothered by sea sickness, but quite a few people on the ship were, including some of the crew. I enjoyed watching the waves splashing against the porthole in our deck 2 cabin, my mom did not feel the same!

 

[Dug720]

I think we shouldn't underestimate the impact of the cold with regard to cruises from New York, Boston or Baltimore in winter. The speculation about perhaps basing one of the older ships at these ports makes sense as part of a split home port arrangement, with the ship sailing out of the northeast during summer and then relocating (perhaps even to Texas) for the winter.

As far as the west coast, perhaps there is a possibility to put another of the ships in Vancouver for the summer (and Galveston for the winter).

I agree about concerns with New York in the late fall early winter. Embarkation day was uncomfortably cold, and we would not of been outside at all if we did want to see the Statue of Liberty. The first couple of days the seas were pretty rough also. I'm not bothered by sea sickness, but quite a few people on the ship were, including some of the crew. I enjoyed watching the waves splashing against the porthole in our deck 2 cabin, my mom did not feel the same!

However, other lines (NCL, RCCL) go year round out of the NYC area and have little problem filling their ships... It can be done.

That said, I'm definitely on board if they run a ship out during school breaks!

 

[RedSox68]

However, other lines (NCL, RCCL) go year round out of the NYC area and have little problem filling their ships... It can be done.

That said, I'm definitely on board if they run a ship out during school breaks!

I, too, don't see any reason why Disney can't join the fleet of many ships who sail from the East Coast (NYC, Baltimore, etc.) year-round. That being said, even summer itineraries to Bermuda and south, and Fall itineraries to the north for Fall colors would certainly fill the ship as it would prevent may cruisers from the flying aspect (which I am all for). I'd rather drive 5-6 hours to a port than fly

 

[Dug720]

I, too, don't see any reason why Disney can't join the fleet of many ships who sail from the East Coast (NYC, Baltimore, etc.) year-round. That being said, even summer itineraries to Bermuda and south, and Fall itineraries to the north for Fall colors would certainly fill the ship as it would prevent may cruisers from the flying aspect (which I am all for). I'd rather drive 5-6 hours to a port than fly

It would be my cheapest way to a cruise EVER! A swipe of my MetroCard - which I have the unlimited and it comes out of my paycheck pre-tax! LOL.

 

[RedSox68]

It would be my cheapest way to a cruise EVER! A swipe of my MetroCard - which I have the unlimited and it comes out of my paycheck pre-tax! LOL.

I hear ya. Still cheaper for us to pay the tolls and port parking than fly. Our last 3 cruises and our next one this month were all done without flying. I've gotten spoiled and hate the whole airport fiasco of getting there, check in, security, etc., along with obnoxious (and sometimes smelly) passengers that you're stuck with for 3-6 hours with no escape I'm going to be soooo out of practice the next time we have to fly.

 

[vacationer1954]

However, other lines (NCL, RCCL) go year round out of the NYC area and have little problem filling their ships...

They are much larger cruise lines and in order to grow must take risks like placing ships where they face challenges beyond just other competitors. A lot of people live in New York but with 25 ships in its fleet Royal Caribbean still has only one ship home porting in New York year round. The point we've been making is that it isn't clear that even when DCL gets to seven ships that they would be in the same place as the big guys are, for the same reason that Disney doesn't build a fifth gate in Orlando even though the land is there for it: Only when superior options run out will they seek other opportunities for growth.

 

[Dug720]

They are much larger cruise lines and in order to grow must take risks like placing ships where they face challenges beyond just other competitors. A lot of people live in New York but with 25 ships in its fleet Royal Caribbean still has only one ship home porting in New York year round. The point we've been making is that it isn't clear that even when DCL gets to seven ships that they would be in the same place as the big guys are, for the same reason that Disney doesn't build a fifth gate in Orlando even though the land is there for it: Only when superior options run out will they seek other opportunities for growth.

We can dream and we can put the interest out there. A lot more people use the NYC area than just NYC. It is a much easier (and cheaper) port to get to for many people than Port Canaveral or Miami or Galveston. Yes, this year they're cruising exclusively during the school season (and clearly on a not so popular route since they have not had as much trouble filling the Magic in the past without weird one-ways), but a few years ago they did actually sail out of here while school was still out and you could not get a cabin on the ship.

 

[RedSox68]

We can dream and we can put the interest out there. A lot more people use the NYC area than just NYC. It is a much easier (and cheaper) port to get to for many people than Port Canaveral or Miami or Galveston. Yes, this year they're cruising exclusively during the school season (and clearly on a not so popular route since they have not had as much trouble filling the Magic in the past without weird one-ways), but a few years ago they did actually sail out of here while school was still out and you could not get a cabin on the ship.

Agreed -- if they could sail out of NYC during summer, I bet they'd fill the ship every time. The problem might be getting a summer berth in Manhattan as so many ships sail out of there. They could even look into sailing out of Cape Liberty, NJ if they use the Wonder or Magic. So many wonderful opportunities -- here's hoping they branch out more.

 

[Pens Fan]

A lot more people use the NYC area than just NYC.

This is so true. We live about 45 minutes east of Pittsburgh, but love sailing out of NYC. It's an easy drive so there is no need to fly, we can take whatever we want, etc. As you said in another post, both Royal and NCL have a presence in the area year round. They sail out of NYC, Boston, Cape Liberty, NJ, Baltimore - maybe not year round at all of those ports, but there is always at least one of their ships (often more than one) sailing from somewhere in the North East. Also, some of the ships they sail from the NE are their mega ships - that's a lot of cruisers each week. The market for cruising is certainly here. Disney just needs to get the timing and itineraries right (well, and the pricing ).

 

[RedSox68]

This is so true. We live about 45 minutes east of Pittsburgh, but love sailing out of NYC. It's an easy drive so there is no need to fly, we can take whatever we want, etc. As you said in another post, both Royal and NCL have a presence in the area year round. They sail out of NYC, Boston, Cape Liberty, NJ, Baltimore - maybe not year round at all of those ports, but there is always at least one of their ships (often more than one) sailing from somewhere in the North East. Also, some of the ships they sail from the NE are their mega ships - that's a lot of cruisers each week. The market for cruising is certainly here. Disney just needs to get the timing and itineraries right (well, and the pricing ).

Oh how I love that ability to take whatever we want. And that includes packing at the end of the cruise -- you don't have to configure what should go in your "checked bag" and what in your carry on. It makes it so much easier to throw it all in whatever suitcase it fits in and then throw it in the car. Oh, and then if need be, you can bring that extra shopping bag or two without worries of how you're going to get it on the plane or fit it in overhead.

 

[Corfam]

Additional info posted on Scott's blog tonight:

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/20...y-oks-negotiations-for-a-new-cruise-terminal/

Blog article says one larger is ship to be deployed in Miami in January 2023 and another in January 2024. Since first new ship sailing out of Port Canaveral is suppose to be Jan 2022, this makes it likely that for 2022 the Dream, Fantasy, and one new ship will be out of PC.

 

[Intr3pid]

Several cruise lines (incl. Disney) are grossly over-estimating the demand for Caribbeans cruises outside of the winter months. The likes of MSC are entering the market with big discounts, and even Disney is having trouble filling the ships outside of the school holidays. Cue those "special offers".

Carnival (the group) has been the most circumspect - doubling down on Alaska and Northern Europe with Princess and HAL. NCL is catching on. RCCL is behind the curve. And Disney - oh our Disney - is still in the "build it and they will come" mode.

My feeling is that DCL still wants to go after the new cruiser/weekend cruiser crowd. The 2-, 3-, and 4-night itineraries. Or the families who want a no-hassle beach vacation in combination with a WDW trip. All good, but it isn't really a growing demographic. Your double your capacity, but there isn't a 2x demand lurking around the corner. Plus, the new cruisers of yesteryears are looking for different places to travel.

So, my prediction is that there will be plenty of razzle-dazzle in Florida with the new ships. At some point, however, Dream and/or Fantasy will have to venture out. In the summer, two ships in Europe and two in Alaska would probably pad the bottomline the most. The Asian ship could be an exclusive or the second Alaskan, repositioning to Asia through Hawaii after the summer.

 

[vacationer1954]

At some point, however, Dream and/or Fantasy will have to venture out.

Depending on the current economies of the various nations at the time perhaps re-purposed to serve a non-US market.

 

[ScooterScott44]

Depending on the current economies of the various nations at the time perhaps re-purposed to serve a non-US market.

Probably a good bet if Disney see articles like this-
https://money.cnn.com/2018/09/06/investing/world-richest-people-cities/index.html

 

[ScooterScott44]

 

[Cruisin Castaway]

I wonder if the 3rd new ship will go to Miami or if they will send the Dream or Fantasy down there.

 

[ivanp91]

I wonder if the 3rd new ship will go to Miami or if they will send the Dream or Fantasy down there.

It seems that at least one of the Dream class will end up in Miami at some point. The Miami agreement allows for one larger ship year-round, with another larger ship seasonally (with the passenger numbers quoted they will need to be bigger than the Magic class). This would mean that, at the very least, it will be one of the new ships + a Dream class, or both Dream class ships down there together.