We missed Castaway Cay :(

[scubamomma]

We just got off the 7 night Eastern that had to divert twice for medical emergencies and did not get to dock at CC. First, let me say I'm glad the people got the medical attention they needed, I'm a nurse and I get it. But that does not help with the disappointed feeling my family has because of the missed day at CC. I don't expect DCL to reimburse anything other than port fees and missed excursions. But, has anyone gotten a discount on a future cruise or something similiar because of the missed CC? Maybe we could try a double dip and get a better shot at docking on the island.

 

[lmhall2000]

I'm so sorry for your kids! We've never sailed on that side of the states and we've planned our first in 2012, that's all my kids talk about (besides the Aqua Duck) is CC...so I know the disappointment must be great!

I know in all those long legalease writings that are in our documents that I'm sure they've covered themselves from being held to a 'gift' for missed stops..but Disney does really go farther than most cruise lines to make amends. I would write a letter if it means that much to you asap and just express the disappointment but also pointing out the good...ya never know!

I did read where one poor family had FOUR cruises in a row that missed the CC....I for sure would be writing a letter after FOUR cruises!!

Glad to see those with health crises were attended to promptly and hope they have recovered.

Tara

 

[BriarRosie]

We just got off the 7 night Eastern that had to divert twice for medical emergencies and did not get to dock at CC. First, let me say I'm glad the people got the medical attention they needed, I'm a nurse and I get it. But that does not help with the disappointed feeling my family has because of the missed day at CC. I don't expect DCL to reimburse anything other than port fees and missed excursions. But, has anyone gotten a discount on a future cruise or something similiar because of the missed CC? Maybe we could try a double dip and get a better shot at docking on the island.

I missed Castaway Cay on my first Disney cruise back in January 2003, a 7 day on the Magic. It was due to weather conditions, not a medical emergency, but I knew from the start that we were not guaranteed to make the port. We just had an extra day at sea instead.

We weren't offered a discount on a future cruise, and I hadn't expected one.

 

[martincorral]

We just got off the 7 night Eastern that had to divert twice for medical emergencies and did not get to dock at CC. First, let me say I'm glad the people got the medical attention they needed, I'm a nurse and I get it. But that does not help with the disappointed feeling my family has because of the missed day at CC. I don't expect DCL to reimburse anything other than port fees and missed excursions. But, has anyone gotten a discount on a future cruise or something similiar because of the missed CC? Maybe we could try a double dip and get a better shot at docking on the island.

Sorry you didn't get to go to the wonderful castaway cay. On one of our cruises we missed going to CC, I don't remener the exact reason, but they gave full paying passengers a $500 credit on a future cruise.

 

[PoohJen]

I'm really sorry you missed CC - especially if this was your first DCL cruise! I do hope you'll get to go back - if so, definitely try booking a cruise with two stops at CC "just in case". Good luck!

 

[PBader]

We have been lucky enough to have only missed docking at CC once. The time we missed we didn't expect anything from DCL. Sure it is disappointing when it happens, but it is just a part of cruising that sometimes for whatever reason you may not make your expected ports.

 

[mollygirl13]

I'm sorry you missed CC.

CC is the one of the main reasons we sail DCL! We just absolutely love Serenity Bay. We only do the itineraries that have 2 stops at CC.

 

[ssanders79]

Too bad things like this do not happen on a Nassau day.

 

[Timmbco]

I totally know how you feel. We missed Castaway Cay due to weather last September. We were so upset, we were looking forward to our day there for months ahead of time and to not get there was so disappointing for us.

My problem was that there was no acknowlegement that this was a bad thing. All the CM's were making it seem like it wasn't a big deal and we should just be happy to be on the ship. A free drink or kind word of acknowlegement would have gone a long way.

 

[insureman]

They can change or cancel itineraries anytime. See below from the DCL contract.

Right to Change Itinerary/Detention
Disney Cruise Line may in its sole discretion and without prior notice change, substitute, postpone, cancel or deviate from any scheduled sailing, itinerary or call at any port, and may substitute another vessel for the ship, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by a Guest as a result of any such change, substitution, postponement, cancellation or deviation. The Guest shall pay any and all expenses incurred if a Guest is detained on board ship or elsewhere at any stage of a voyage because of quarantine, port regulations, prevailing applicable law, illness or other cause.

 

[mmmears]

So sorry you missed your CC day. We were very worried about missing it on our cruise, but we were lucky. If I could pick a cruise, I'd pick one with 2 days at CC since it's important to us to get there. But then, even so the ship may not be able to dock.

The only times I read here about "compensation" was for a cruise that was shortened by one day and also missed their ports.

 

[disneyfanforever]

We missed Castaway Cay due to weather on our last cruise, and we were incredibly disappointed. I know there was nothing they could do, but we were so looking forward to it. There was no compensation or anything extra due to the missed port but we did end up in Nassau (but still nothing like Castaway Cay). Sorry it happened to you.

 

[Fjobe]

I guess I didn't even realize this is something that happened. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

We missed CC back in 2000. We had been on the Magic in 1998 and brought friends with us in 2000 on a 3 night cruise. We were all so excited to go to CC. In fact, it was the only reason I wanted to do the 3 night cruise. The captain tried for at least an hour or two to try to dock at CC but the undercurrents were just too strong. I was sooooo disappointed because, like I said, it was the ONLY thing I was REALLY looking forward to on that particular cruise. I'm not a beach person, but I LOVE CC. I was really super bummed...and to this day I am bummed because our friends still have not had another opportunity to go on another DCL cruise. So they still haven't been able to see CC.

I totally know how you feel. We missed Castaway Cay due to weather last September. We were so upset, we were looking forward to our day there for months ahead of time and to not get there was so disappointing for us.

My problem was that there was no acknowlegement that this was a bad thing. All the CM's were making it seem like it wasn't a big deal and we should just be happy to be on the ship. A free drink or kind word of acknowlegement would have gone a long way.

I totally understand what you mean about maybe a free drink as consolation. But I kind of understand why the CM's made it seem like it wasn't a big deal. I mean, it's obvious that most DCL cruisers look forward to CC more than any other port of call. The CM's jobs are to keep the passengers happy during their vacations, so if they're moping around because of missing CC, imagine what that would do to the passengers' attitudes! I'm sure deep down under their Disney smiles, they are just as disappointed as the passengers.

 

[hopare]

My kids would be devastated if this happened. It has me reconsidering my choice, maybe I should book a 5 day instead.

 

[melmar136]

We missed CC on my 1st DCL cruise in Aug 1998 due to weather. They gave us a few free drinks.
I hope we make it there this time!

 

[simbasmom2]

Sorry...I feel your pain. I have been there twice, but raining/storming. Atleast I was able to go! Most of both days were dark and rainy, had an hour or 2 of decent weather. I would be very sad to not go at all. I booked a double dip for august...now 2 chances for a nice day!!



Sorry...just another reason to rebook

 

[jbuckent]

Our first cruise was a 4 day. CC day they couldn't stop due to the weather and tried again the next day, which again we couldn't dock. This was our 4th cruise and again we miss CC. Anyone know how often this happens, as in a percent of cruises? Its 50% of the time for my family.

They did throw in some extra pixie dust. We had free drink of the day from 1-2:00 at the pools, but I had 5 of them and not even a buzz. LOL Not sure there was any rum in them. They also did a show that was only done for the Mediterranean cruises. We also go the New Year Eve celebration in the lobby which was really fun. It sure was disappointing but at least they tried to make it more than just another day a sea.

 

[UncleLarry]

We missed out on Castaway Cay on our last cruise in March 10. We were disappointed, but the kids took it surprisingly well. I hear what you are saying getting "a little something" for missing out, but if you look at it from Disney's point of view, they are missing out on revenue earnings as well. Sure, you are still on their ship on the "at sea" day, but I found the KTTW card coming out of my pocket a lot more while on the island. There are all the refunds from Disney ran excursions as well.

All that being said, I don't think a free Pina Colada is going to put Mickey in the poor house either.

 

[AKMOUSE]

We missed CC on ou march 10 cruise. There was a huge line at guest services of people demanding something for missing out.
We never did ask, so no idea if they did anything.