Westbound Repo Ship of Thieves-Remember the Magic!

[Tracyvp]

So John and I are sitting here laptop to laptop having coffee....he doesn't go back to work until tomorrow. Naturally, we discussed the subject of Back to Back on the Tortola cruise.....we think we will do this too with everyone else. We decided that we like the Caribbean much better than the West Coast of Mexico. In the Pacific we had to deal with the jellyfish while snorkeling and some said the water was too cold. I'm spoiled, give me the Caribbean!

We're glad we did the PC crossing, but we won't do it again. We didn't love the ports of call......we loved the people we cruised with. Our favorite ports of call so far were on the 11 night Southern Caribbean. We would do that one again in a heartbeat.

For today, we're planning a one week visit to Orlando and WDW this September for our 18th wedding anniversary and then we'll do the back to back Tortolla in Sept 09. We're so used to travelling in Sept for our anniversary, that we really have gotten spoiled because of the lesser amount of crowds at the Parks and the discounted pricing. We're also more used to being out in the Florida and Caribbean sun at the end of the Summer and not at the beginning. We really had to watch it out in the sun this time around.

So we're home for one day and we're already planning our next two Disney trips. Remember......Resistance is futile!

I could NOT have said it better myself! I only did this cruise because of its length and the opportunity to do something (go through the canal) that not a whole lot of people get to do. (And of course, the opportunity to cruise with all of YOU wonderful people!!) I never was excited about the Mexican ports of call. Being from Southern CA, the Pacific didn't hold a lot of allure for me to begin with, and once we left Puerto Vallarta, we might as well have been at home for how the weather was.

Give me the Caribbean ANY TIME! I'm only sad that there will not likely be a 2 week Caribbean, so the only way to do it is back 2 backs, which I THINK would be more expensive, but maybe not.

Unfortunately we already have our next year planned, so we probably won't be joining you all on the Sept B2B adventure, but maybe in a year or two.

We DID buy into DVC this cruise, so we are planning to take advantage of it to go to WDW in early December of this year, then next year we want to go to Disneyland Paris and London. That will pretty much wipe out our points through 2009, so it will be 2010 before we'll be able to save enough points to cruise again (If I have the points calculated correctly!)

But I'd probably do another repo cruise again, even if it WAS this one, just for the chance to hang with everyone again and to spend 2 weeks on the Magic!

 

[mishoe01]

Monica I needed that hug that last day because the cruise was over. It was so wonderful meeting you. Maybe we can meet up again at DW or another cruise in the future.

It was great meeting you too....I loved seeing you as I walked around the ship. You can get hugs from me ANYTIME!! Let me know when you head back this way and we'll get something planned

 

[mishoe01]

What are the dates for the B2B? I think we're booked on one of the two, might book the second ...

The 12th of Sept is the 1st one (eastern w/ Tortola) followed by the western on the 19th.

 

[mishoe01]

Lisa:

I hope you made it to the doctor. If not, GO! I've gotten over the worst of the cough (now it's a dry cough) but I'm so tired. Naps each day break up the time I spend sitting on the couch. I had to walk a bit yesterday and it wore me out.

The house not a good place...

Nan - hope you're feeling better.....I stayed home today as still not 100%. I see the dr in the am.

I woke up on and off all day before finally getting out of bed at 2pm scared1: ) and the really scary thing is that I could have easily fallen back asleep.

 

[mishoe01]

I am sooo with you on this one V! I am trying to finalize our next WDW trip so that I can start planning. Usually those are pretty easy, but this time we are taking my niece so it will be different going with a 3 year old again. By the way, the family is seriously considering a move to Florida in the next few years. I need to stay in WA for another 18 m due to my grant from the state...but.............

COME ON DOWN!! THE MORE THE MERRIER!

 

[nskjerven]

Nan - hope you're feeling better.....I stayed home today as still not 100%. I see the dr in the am.

I woke up on and off all day before finally getting out of bed at 2pm scared1: ) and the really scary thing is that I could have easily fallen back asleep.

Monica, glad you are resting and seeing the doctor.

I am sounding much better, but so darn tired. I have the feeling that I may have blown it with my new client. I sent an email last week and haven't heard back. I may be getting a long rest (unpaid ) but at least I'm not feeling the pressure of work.

 

[littleaussie]

I too was on this cruise and I had a chance to meet a few of you. I had a great time with the ones I did meet, wish I could have meet more but I was to involved with my work friends. Anyway here is to great memories and to the next time.

Hey there! Not sure if it was your group or not but if so, I apologize for the funny memory. . .

On the 3rd day (Sea Day), I went to the late show of Ricky - the adult hypnotist by myself in the RBD. There was a group of 2 or 3 couples seated to the left, as you walk in the main doors before the show. One of them looked like he had a suspicious hat on (like the one you told me you would be wearing!). I took a seat near the doors in the raised area. I kept looking at that group, mostly because I was trying to figure out if they were Disers or not (they weren't wearing any identifying items. . .). I must have been so obvious because they they kept glancing at me also.

So either they were trying to identify me also or they thought I had "stalker" written all over me. So sorry if that was your group! I was alone and was trying to inconspicuously find a group of Disers to sit with and thought it might have been your group. I probably came across as some sort of staring weirdo. . .

Maybe I shouldn't have told you guys that, there's probably gossip around the ship about that woman that went to all the events alone and then stared at people all evening. . .

Cheers!

 

[mishoe01]

Wow, what a cool picture! What is it?

That's Mt Grizzly (I think) in DCA.

 

[mishoe01]

Is anyone taking advantage of the new DCL promotion?? You can book a res now and just put down 1/2 of the deposit......2nd 1/2 is added into your final pymt.

Tempting......

I have the b2b booked right now....and a 4nt to be moved to 2010....maybe onto 2011. Do I REALLY need another res????

 

[mishoe01]

Must say that thanks to being sick I've already lost the 2 lbs that I gained on the ship.....hopefully I'll start getting my energy back so that I can start back on the bike.

 

[mishoe01]

Most of you probably read the posting that Will added about our server (Alonso) being fired the last night of the cruise. Well, I sent my own email to DCL about this.....

Here's what I wrote:
I just got off the Magic after the Panama Canal crossing. Everything
was amazing until the last morning and I feel like I need to let my
feelings known as to my disappointment.

This is regarding an incident that we were made aware of by another
guest concerning our server Alonso (from Costa Rica teamed up with
Grissell from Peru).

First of all I must say that the two of them are the best pair of
servers I have had on any DCL cruise (this was my 4th) and had been
planning on requesting their services on my upcoming cruises upon the
Magic (am booked for a b2b in September of 2009). Both of them were
amazing and because of their level of service I have a really hard time
knowing that Alonso was let go on the last evening.

I want to let you know a bit of my "history" with Alonso. We started
out the cruise with me being the recipient of many of Alonso's jokes and
teasing (all done with laughs from me too). I remember the 1st Tuesday
morning my travel mates & I went to breakfast and after being seated,
all of a sudden I found someone jumping right next to me and saying
"boo". You guessed it - it was Alonso. Needless to say I jumped (and
probably did my share of screaming too). Fast forward to later that day
- I ended up getting sick due to the motion of the ship so I decided it
was best for me NOT to go to dinner that night and went to bed early.

The next morning my friends told me that Alonso was worried about me the
night before - he first thought I was upset with him that he was teasing
me but when the boys told him that I wasn't feeling well, they told me
that he (Alonso) wanted to personally bring me something to eat to make
me feel better. The next evening when I walked into the restaurant, as
soon as Alonso saw me he came running up to me and gave me a BIG hug and
said he hoped I felt better.

While I have ALWAYS had good service from my servers on board, I really
must say that Alonso & Grissell were above that bar and FAR exceeded my
expectations. I have never given an actual GIFT to any of the prior
servers (not tip) but I felt moved to share something with these 2
people as they had touched my life in a most memorable way.

When his departure was explained to us on that last morning it crushed
us all. Not exactly the way I wanted to have this amazing cruise end.
We were told that his departure was basically due to a guest who seemed
to have had a bad encounter with Alonso. It was explained that this
guest was upset as she didn't get the dessert she requested. We were
also told that she requested a change of server which was done. I don't
discount that people don't always click or get along with each other,
however Alonso had been with DCL for 9 years and I really don't get how
DCL could let him go. True we may not have seen what happened and there
MAY have been more to this, it just doesn't seem right.

I really hope DCL will do what is right by Alonso and reinstate him.


NOW for DCL's response:
Dear Monica:

Thank you for your e-mail.

On behalf of the entire Disney Cruise Line team, I would like to say
that we are very appreciative of your kind words for our cruise ship,
service, and crew. We wanted to create a unique and incredible vacation
experience that matched the quality of the Disney Theme Parks and Disney
Resorts with crew members who continually exemplified those standards
that have been established by our company's heritage. It's always
gratifying to hear in what areas we have succeeded, and I also
appreciate the time you took to tell us about Alonso and Grissell. I
have been sure to share your e-mail with all of the appropriate
shipboard and shoreside individuals.

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. We look forward
to the chance to welcome aboard you and your family again one day soon.

Sincerely,

Joel
Guest Communications
Disney Cruise Line

Does anyone else notice no comment on the fact that he was fired and my disappointment at DCL?

 

[mishoe01]

Funny how being home from work makes you talk to yourself on this thread *HAHA*

 

[edna mode]

Wow, what a cool picture! What is it?

That is our state bear (the Grizzly) at Grizzly River rapids. We call it Bear Moutain around here or "our bear" at California Adventure. I think it is hilarious that none of us in our house or neighbors know the name of the mountain (as Monica did!)

During Xmas and Halloween they project images of snowflakes and spiders onto the bear's head.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Hello everyone. I've been busy the last few days and haven't been on here. Does anyone know how to get to the last thread? There were some pictures on there that I didn't save yet.

Gaylean, if you click on User CP and then on list subscriptions (on the left) you can see every thread you've ever posted on!

Monica I needed that hug that last day because the cruise was over. It was so wonderful meeting you. Maybe we can meet up again at DW or another cruise in the future.

Uh, Tortula...you're both booked!

What are the dates for the B2B? I think we're booked on one of the two, might book the second ...

Man...IF I even get on this cruise, how am I going to get OFF, when you are all staying ON?

Lunch break over....back to work!

.

 

[tink1963]

That is our state bear (the Grizzly) at Grizzly River rapids. We call it Bear Moutain around here or "our bear" at California Adventure. I think it is hilarious that none of us in our house or neighbors know the name of the mountain (as Monica did!)

During Xmas and Halloween they project images of snowflakes and spiders onto the bear's head.

I call it Grizzly Peak.

 

[aan1701]

Hey there! Not sure if it was your group or not but if so, I apologize for the funny memory. . .

On the 3rd day (Sea Day), I went to the late show of Ricky - the adult hypnotist by myself in the RBD. There was a group of 2 or 3 couples seated to the left, as you walk in the main doors before the show. One of them looked like he had a suspicious hat on (like the one you told me you would be wearing!). I took a seat near the doors in the raised area. I kept looking at that group, mostly because I was trying to figure out if they were Disers or not (they weren't wearing any identifying items. . .). I must have been so obvious because they they kept glancing at me also.

So either they were trying to identify me also or they thought I had "stalker" written all over me. So sorry if that was your group! I was alone and was trying to inconspicuously find a group of Disers to sit with and thought it might have been your group. I probably came across as some sort of staring weirdo. . .

Maybe I shouldn't have told you guys that, there's probably gossip around the ship about that woman that went to all the events alone and then stared at people all evening. . .

Cheers!

Nope that was not us. We were sitting in the booth right next to DJ Mike's booth. We sat there every night. Acctualy we never got our lanyards as everytime there was a meet we were either doing something at WDW or on the ship. Oh well, it would have been cool to meet you.

 

[granmaz]

Most of you probably read the posting that Will added about our server (Alonso) being fired the last night of the cruise. Well, I sent my own email to DCL about this.....

Here's what I wrote:
I just got off the Magic after the Panama Canal crossing. Everything
was amazing until the last morning and I feel like I need to let my
feelings known as to my disappointment.

This is regarding an incident that we were made aware of by another
guest concerning our server Alonso (from Costa Rica teamed up with
Grissell from Peru).

First of all I must say that the two of them are the best pair of
servers I have had on any DCL cruise (this was my 4th) and had been
planning on requesting their services on my upcoming cruises upon the
Magic (am booked for a b2b in September of 2009). Both of them were
amazing and because of their level of service I have a really hard time
knowing that Alonso was let go on the last evening.

I want to let you know a bit of my "history" with Alonso. We started
out the cruise with me being the recipient of many of Alonso's jokes and
teasing (all done with laughs from me too). I remember the 1st Tuesday
morning my travel mates & I went to breakfast and after being seated,
all of a sudden I found someone jumping right next to me and saying
"boo". You guessed it - it was Alonso. Needless to say I jumped (and
probably did my share of screaming too). Fast forward to later that day
- I ended up getting sick due to the motion of the ship so I decided it
was best for me NOT to go to dinner that night and went to bed early.

The next morning my friends told me that Alonso was worried about me the
night before - he first thought I was upset with him that he was teasing
me but when the boys told him that I wasn't feeling well, they told me
that he (Alonso) wanted to personally bring me something to eat to make
me feel better. The next evening when I walked into the restaurant, as
soon as Alonso saw me he came running up to me and gave me a BIG hug and
said he hoped I felt better.

While I have ALWAYS had good service from my servers on board, I really
must say that Alonso & Grissell were above that bar and FAR exceeded my
expectations. I have never given an actual GIFT to any of the prior
servers (not tip) but I felt moved to share something with these 2
people as they had touched my life in a most memorable way.

When his departure was explained to us on that last morning it crushed
us all. Not exactly the way I wanted to have this amazing cruise end.
We were told that his departure was basically due to a guest who seemed
to have had a bad encounter with Alonso. It was explained that this
guest was upset as she didn't get the dessert she requested. We were
also told that she requested a change of server which was done. I don't
discount that people don't always click or get along with each other,
however Alonso had been with DCL for 9 years and I really don't get how
DCL could let him go. True we may not have seen what happened and there
MAY have been more to this, it just doesn't seem right.

I really hope DCL will do what is right by Alonso and reinstate him.


NOW for DCL's response:
Dear Monica:

Thank you for your e-mail.

On behalf of the entire Disney Cruise Line team, I would like to say
that we are very appreciative of your kind words for our cruise ship,
service, and crew. We wanted to create a unique and incredible vacation
experience that matched the quality of the Disney Theme Parks and Disney
Resorts with crew members who continually exemplified those standards
that have been established by our company's heritage. It's always
gratifying to hear in what areas we have succeeded, and I also
appreciate the time you took to tell us about Alonso and Grissell. I
have been sure to share your e-mail with all of the appropriate
shipboard and shoreside individuals.

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. We look forward
to the chance to welcome aboard you and your family again one day soon.

Sincerely,

Joel
Guest Communications
Disney Cruise Line

Does anyone else notice no comment on the fact that he was fired and my disappointment at DCL?

Seems like they half read your email and thought you were just praising the 2 servers. Dim!!! I would send it again.

Funny how being home from work makes you talk to yourself on this thread *HAHA*

I think now the cruise is over we will all have times of talking to ourselves!

 

[MouseFaninQueue]

Most of you probably read the posting that Will added about our server (Alonso) being fired the last night of the cruise. Well, I sent my own email to DCL about this.....

Here's what I wrote:
I just got off the Magic after the Panama Canal crossing. Everything
was amazing until the last morning and I feel like I need to let my
feelings known as to my disappointment.

This is regarding an incident that we were made aware of by another
guest concerning our server Alonso (from Costa Rica teamed up with
Grissell from Peru).

First of all I must say that the two of them are the best pair of
servers I have had on any DCL cruise (this was my 4th) and had been
planning on requesting their services on my upcoming cruises upon the
Magic (am booked for a b2b in September of 2009). Both of them were
amazing and because of their level of service I have a really hard time
knowing that Alonso was let go on the last evening.

I want to let you know a bit of my "history" with Alonso. We started
out the cruise with me being the recipient of many of Alonso's jokes and
teasing (all done with laughs from me too). I remember the 1st Tuesday
morning my travel mates & I went to breakfast and after being seated,
all of a sudden I found someone jumping right next to me and saying
"boo". You guessed it - it was Alonso. Needless to say I jumped (and
probably did my share of screaming too). Fast forward to later that day
- I ended up getting sick due to the motion of the ship so I decided it
was best for me NOT to go to dinner that night and went to bed early.

The next morning my friends told me that Alonso was worried about me the
night before - he first thought I was upset with him that he was teasing
me but when the boys told him that I wasn't feeling well, they told me
that he (Alonso) wanted to personally bring me something to eat to make
me feel better. The next evening when I walked into the restaurant, as
soon as Alonso saw me he came running up to me and gave me a BIG hug and
said he hoped I felt better.

While I have ALWAYS had good service from my servers on board, I really
must say that Alonso & Grissell were above that bar and FAR exceeded my
expectations. I have never given an actual GIFT to any of the prior
servers (not tip) but I felt moved to share something with these 2
people as they had touched my life in a most memorable way.

When his departure was explained to us on that last morning it crushed
us all. Not exactly the way I wanted to have this amazing cruise end.
We were told that his departure was basically due to a guest who seemed
to have had a bad encounter with Alonso. It was explained that this
guest was upset as she didn't get the dessert she requested. We were
also told that she requested a change of server which was done. I don't
discount that people don't always click or get along with each other,
however Alonso had been with DCL for 9 years and I really don't get how
DCL could let him go. True we may not have seen what happened and there
MAY have been more to this, it just doesn't seem right.

I really hope DCL will do what is right by Alonso and reinstate him.


NOW for DCL's response:
Dear Monica:

Thank you for your e-mail.

On behalf of the entire Disney Cruise Line team, I would like to say
that we are very appreciative of your kind words for our cruise ship,
service, and crew. We wanted to create a unique and incredible vacation
experience that matched the quality of the Disney Theme Parks and Disney
Resorts with crew members who continually exemplified those standards
that have been established by our company's heritage. It's always
gratifying to hear in what areas we have succeeded, and I also
appreciate the time you took to tell us about Alonso and Grissell. I
have been sure to share your e-mail with all of the appropriate
shipboard and shoreside individuals.

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. We look forward
to the chance to welcome aboard you and your family again one day soon.

Sincerely,

Joel
Guest Communications
Disney Cruise Line

Does anyone else notice no comment on the fact that he was fired and my disappointment at DCL?

Monica, I know here in Canada it isn't surprising there is no mention of the firing. Companies can get into a lot of trouble up here for mentioning that type of thing about ex-employees. So usually it is best not to say much but give the letter to the powers that be and provide the writer with "lip service" to do your due diligence. However, what the letter may do behind the scenes is something altogether different.

So I just took it as someone trying to provide you with a courteous response, and at the same time not saying too much that may get him/her or the company into too much trouble - C.Y.A. style.

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Here is a shot of Cheri in the position I think she was in all day for the crossing of the Canal.

At least everytime I wandered by I saw her there!

Not all day, but all morning! I wouldn't have believed that was me, except I recognize my fingernails, camera & shirt. Boy, my hair looks really different from the back!!

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Marilyn,

Find a room avail for the 1st week and then even if it doesn't come up avail for the 2nd - type in that orig stateroom nbr...5124 is avail for both.

If not, just book what ever then call DCL and ask them to do the search for a room avail for both.

Yes, that's what I did. The room I booked for the first week wasn't listed as available for the second week, but when I put the number in where it said something like "check a specific stateroom" it came up and I was able to select it.