What would you like to see on the new ships?

[mcd2745]

I'm sure mine won't be popular opinion, however:

I would love to see them bring back the original design of Animator's Palette to the new ships. I'm not a fan whatsoever of the new studio design on the Dream and Fantasy, and I grew up with the black and white to color dinner display on the Magic and have been in love with it ever since. On that premise, while new ships warrant new experiences, the nostalgia of original designs accompanied with how well the restaurant was done would make a great addition to the new ships (and pay tribute to the old as well).

I also believe it's important to have a stricter, more encouraged formal dress code for at least one night out of the cruise. I don't believe it is too much to ask for formal wear on one evening (cocktail to long gowns for women and slacks with a button down collared shirt for men) as these are staples of most wardrobes, and the classic cruise line experience includes a formal night. As adults, the chance to wear formal attire (outside of work depending) is slim to none, and it's a fun and unique experience in and of itself. If there are those who don't want to participate, so be it - but to more strongly encourage formal wear would help get cruisers into the theme and more excited for the experience.

I'm also hoping they will start to offer new itineraries to other countries (ie: Asia, Africa, Japan.) These would be a great addition to Disney Cruise Line as they offer options for many of these countries for DVC and Adventures by Disney - why not expand to cruising as well?

I agree with you 100%.....these won't be popular.

 

[mrswillson]

I agree with you 100%.....these won't be popular.

I'm not in the business of being popular - I'm in the business of giving my opinion. That's what makes the world go around.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Interesting comments about Animator's Pallette! I tell everyone who asks me about a 1 time DCL cruise that they should do it on the Fantasy because of their version of Animator's Palatte! I love it!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Interesting comments about Animator's Pallette! I tell everyone who asks me about a 1 time DCL cruise that they should do it on the Fantasy because of their version of Animator's Palatte! I love it!

I like both versions of Animator's. But I love the black & white to color concept more than the Crush show.

 

[squirk]

And the corollary of this: forward elevator making you walk through the adult area to get to the family pool

Please refer to my #9.

 

[squirk]

NO MORE Pirate nights. It's run its course. Nobody likes the MDR menu that night (we usually make that our Palo night). You can still have fireworks one night, it doesn't need to be tied to pirate night.

Just because it's old hat for some of us doesn't mean it should be retired. Lots of new cruisers on every sailing who've yet to experience it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Just because it's old hat for some of us doesn't mean it should be retired. Lots of new cruisers on every sailing who've yet to experience it.

I like Pirate night. I love dressing in costume. And, there's a new Pirate night menu, from what I understand.

 

[squirk]

I like Pirate night. I love dressing in costume. And, there's a new Pirate night menu, from what I understand.

Quite so. Many veterans still love it, too. I still like it. I've never dressed up for it, but I love watching my kids take in the deck show. I love the "buzz" around the decks as people get into costume or emerge from BBB and head to dinner.

 

[truck1]

"out" as in making the overall shape wider?

No. If you look at the classics, the balconies line up with the edge of the ship. Its 1 smooth line straight up. The Dream class, look like floating Ibeams. The balcony cabins are inset from the edge of the ship. From talking to Capt Henry, he said it was the way the contract was worded. DCL wanted a ship that was so wide by so long, with a given amount of rooms and so many tons. It was the tonnage that dictated the weight. If DCL stays true to the dimensions they posted, which are identical to the Dream class in everything but weight, it would seem like on the surface, the Improved Dream class for lack of a better term, would be shaped more like the classics.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Ah.... got it. But, in essence, it's going to make it look bigger by bringing that middle section out to join the line. Won't it make it more boxy, much like some of those "milk carton" type ships?

 

[truck1]

View attachment 214572
Ah.... got it. But, in essence, it's going to make it look bigger by bringing that middle section out to join the line. Won't it make it more boxy, much like some of those "milk carton" type ships?

I don't think so because the ships still retain classic lines, which is something other mega ships don't. Disney still put curves on their ships and makes them look more elegant and retro for lack of a better term.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I also believe it's important to have a stricter, more encouraged formal dress code for at least one night out of the cruise. I don't believe it is too much to ask for formal wear on one evening (cocktail to long gowns for women and slacks with a button down collared shirt for men) as these are staples of most wardrobes, and the classic cruise line experience includes a formal night. As adults, the chance to wear formal attire (outside of work depending) is slim to none, and it's a fun and unique experience in and of itself. If there are those who don't want to participate, so be it - but to more strongly encourage formal wear would help get cruisers into the theme and more excited for the experience.

While I love the idea of dressing up and agree, most people have clothes that would pass for formal or at least business wear, the one thing that makes me think twice about bringing it for one night is the shoes. Okay, I may be able to get away with some strappy heels that will fit easily in a corner of my suitcase, but my DH and boys all have bigger feet and need a full shoe for formal or business wear. These take up a lot of room. I know this is the reason DH doesn't want to bring anything dressy.

I'll still pack a dress and my heels, but I'm sure he won't go more than 'business casual' with his sneakers. The boys? Sneakers and crocs or water shoes. It makes me worry what we're going to do when we go to Narcosee's post-cruise for dinner. I haven't mentioned they have a dress code, yet.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

need a full shoe for formal or business wear.

My husband and sons all just wore black walking shoes. The ones they wear for daily wear. Those work.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Hmm. For the kids, that's an idea. My older DS needs black shoes for his uniform at school, so he could just take those. The younger one is partial to his neon blue shoes, but maybe I could convince him...

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hmm. For the kids, that's an idea. My older DS needs black shoes for his uniform at school, so he could just take those. The younger one is partial to his neon blue shoes, but maybe I could convince him...

Well, maybe have him wear a matching pair of pants and that would work, also.

That said, I'm in the camp of "everyone should have basic black shoes in their wardrobe".

 

[Bear3412]

.....the Improved Dream class [future ship build] for lack of a better term, would be shaped more like the classics.

Are you sure the shape discussed is frontal and not from the side? ? ?

All the new mega ships I thought were built like the Dream Class for a reason. (I beam shape)
They had to be. They needed a wide base near water line, to offset the massively huge vertical superstructure.(mega cabin decks)

Is there mega ships in service without that "I beam look?"

I thought they're all built that way now forcefully, due to physics, given the incredible heights involved.

What am I missing?

I haven't seen a smooth line from deck 3 to deck13 since the DCL Magic. Of course I'm not looking.

But I look at all the new builds. Please share any new builds without the "I bean look"

Off course there is the Oasis Class. Which somehow appears to violate the I beam theory.
Of course Oasis Class violates many rules. lol.

I always loved the Magic Class and other vessels that wrapped the lifeboats within the vertical lines.
That too apparently has left the marine architecture of modern day.

I thought that the lifeboat recess davit issue was a SOLAS rule for new builds.

Are you implying you have knowledge that DCL will keep the lifeboats within the vertical lines?

Do you have knowledge that DCL will not build and I beam vessel like the Dream Class vessels?

Just for clarity for all. I beam vessel.
DCL Cream Class;
Ironically looks top heavy.

DCL Magic Class. Not I beam.
Beautiful clean lines from the sea to the top deck.

Does this qualify as a non I beam structure? RCCL Oasis Class; Ignore the towing ship. lol.
But see the lines on Oasis. This violates the I beam rule. ? ? ?
Perhaps because the width is soooo wide? ? ?
This is unusual now a days unless the beam is 200 ft like Oasis Class. ? ? ?
The life boats are still protruding, even though may not be obvious in this frontal pic.
See following pic. The lifeboats still protrude from the sides.

I would love and prefer Magic Class clean lines on the sides.
The often advantage is views down for all.

But few vessels provide that now a days.
Those vessels with I beam configuration, often with boats hanging over the sides restrict many/some cabins from looking directly down to sea.
In fact most I beam configurations eliminate the direct view down to sea for most pax.

This is one of many reasons many pax prefer the old builds.

Here is NCL's Breakaway/Getaway Class;
Notice the lifeboats hanging even farther off the sides. Blocking even more views down to sea.
But that NCL Class has a Waterfront boardwalk with restaurants, etc. But you see the boats right there. So , ......

My thoughts for the night.

Bear

 

[m3owbox]

Are you sure the shape discussed is frontal and not from the side? ? ?
Does this qualify as a non I beam structure? RCCL Oasis Class; Ignore the towing ship. lol.
But see the lines on Oasis. This violates the I beam rule. ? ? ?
Perhaps because the width is soooo wide? ? ?
This is unusual now a days unless the beam is 200 ft like Oasis Class. ? ? ?
The life boats are still protruding, even though may not be obvious in this frontal pic.
See following pic. The lifeboats still protrude from the sides.

Bear

*GASP* Did you just say ignore the Titanic lol?

 

[Dug720]

Just because it's old hat for some of us doesn't mean it should be retired. Lots of new cruisers on every sailing who've yet to experience it.

And not everyone hates the pirate night menu. It's one of my favorites!

*****

Regarding the nasty "freestyle" coke machines, leave a couple of the traditional ones around (or make sodas free from the bars) for those of us who hate tasting the remnants of whatever disgusting fake flavor(s) the person prior used in their beverage. Not all of us want that grossness.

 

[RedSox68]

Free popcorn available at non-movie times as snacks.

Oh my -- they had fresh popped popcorn on both Princess and HAL for all their movies -- free. It was wonderful. Great suggestion.

 

[truck1]

Are you sure the shape discussed is frontal and not from the side? ? ?

All the new mega ships I thought were built like the Dream Class for a reason. (I beam shape)
They had to be. They needed a wide base near water line, to offset the massively huge vertical superstructure.(mega cabin decks)

Is there mega ships in service without that "I beam look?"

I thought they're all built that way now forcefully, due to physics, given the incredible heights involved.

What am I missing?

I haven't seen a smooth line from deck 3 to deck13 since the DCL Magic. Of course I'm not looking.

But I look at all the new builds. Please share any new builds without the "I bean look"

Off course there is the Oasis Class. Which somehow appears to violate the I beam theory.
Of course Oasis Class violates many rules. lol.

I always loved the Magic Class and other vessels that wrapped the lifeboats within the vertical lines.
That too apparently has left the marine architecture of modern day.

I thought that the lifeboat recess davit issue was a SOLAS rule for new builds.

Are you implying you have knowledge that DCL will keep the lifeboats within the vertical lines?

Do you have knowledge that DCL will not build and I beam vessel like the Dream Class vessels?

Just for clarity for all. I beam vessel.
DCL Cream Class;
Ironically looks top heavy.

DCL Magic Class. Not I beam.
Beautiful clean lines from the sea to the top deck.

Does this qualify as a non I beam structure? RCCL Oasis Class; Ignore the towing ship. lol.
But see the lines on Oasis. This violates the I beam rule. ? ? ?
Perhaps because the width is soooo wide? ? ?
This is unusual now a days unless the beam is 200 ft like Oasis Class. ? ? ?
The life boats are still protruding, even though may not be obvious in this frontal pic.
See following pic. The lifeboats still protrude from the sides.

I would love and prefer Magic Class clean lines on the sides.
The often advantage is views down for all.

But few vessels provide that now a days.
Those vessels with I beam configuration, often with boats hanging over the sides restrict many/some cabins from looking directly down to sea.
In fact most I beam configurations eliminate the direct view down to sea for most pax.

This is one of many reasons many pax prefer the old builds.

Here is NCL's Breakaway/Getaway Class;
Notice the lifeboats hanging even farther off the sides. Blocking even more views down to sea.
But that NCL Class has a Waterfront boardwalk with restaurants, etc. But you see the boats right there. So , ......

My thoughts for the night.

Bear

Ok. Where to begin. Yes, no, maybe, kinda sorta. J/k

I use I Beam look to describe the Dream class for lack of a better term. It looks like someone dropped an I beam on a hull. And yes its from the front to back view. Where the center portion of the ship is recessed. Truthfully I love all 4 ships for different reasons, but I love the Magic class lines.

In all seriousness, yes the basic hull shapes changed slightly to accommodate the designs. Mostly in width. The wider you build something the more stable it becomes. What really changed is the stability rules or center of gravity. Prior to the Panama Canal expansion, ships were built to Panamax standard, which is what the Magic class is built to. They basically use the canal locks as the limiting factor in the design. Now with the new locks, they can go bigger and taller. The more weight you put on top, the less stable, unless you make the hull wider again. Its a trade off. Going back to what you were asking about if there are ships that have lines similar to the Magic class. The answer is yes. The Carnival Vista, which came out late last year, has lines very similar to the Magic class. I'm sure there are others, but that was off the top of my head. Another way they get around the height/width issue, is what they build ships out of. They use more aluminum and light weight material up top to help limit weight. Something I noticed with the Fantasy class and the Magic has it also, are fixed fins up top of her aft mechanical room. It looks like a radar arm, but has horizontal fins coming out. Im thinking that's for stability also. Another thing they have to watch is the draft of a ship. Most ports are dredged to between 40 and 50 feet give or take. If they make a ship too big, and she has a deep draft, shell never get close to a pier because shell sit too low in the water, and either scrape bottom, damage her running gear, or suck up debris in her intakes all of which are bad. Its a true balancing act. Add in the tonnage requirement and things get interesting real quick.

Ill agree with you that the Oasis class are pretty much a class to them selves. Theres really no other class of ship to compare them to. But they do have the flush deck design similar to the DCL Magic class.

Lifeboats. Those I think are more influenced by the designer and contract obligations then anything else. Basically as long as they meet ISO, IMO, SOLAS and the rest of the alphabet soup organizations, everyone is happy. The SOLAS change that came about which often gets confused with cruise ships was for cargo and freighter type ships. I looked for a long time and could not find any mention of a change for cruise ships, only cargo vessels. I forget off hand what the change was. The Breakaway Class was built and designed by the same people that built and designed the Dream class. And now the new Carnival Vista. In all honesty I think a lot of what we see, is from what the line wants, vs what they can get. If the line says we want say 500 balcony cabins, and say 200000 tons, the only way they may be able to do that is to hang the lifeboats outside the ship as opposed to recessed.

At the moment, I don't have any inside info on how the lifeboats are going to sit on the new class. Just using what I have gathered from different media sources, it really sounds like the basic size of the ships will be similar if not identical to the Dream class, just heavier. When I sat back and tried to think where the extra weight would come from, the only thing I could think of off hand was that they would go back to a Magic class line. The new class will have the exact same number of cabins, so it leaves the cabins out as weight. Looking at the Dream class layout, they could easily change some things around, like clubs, and entertainment, but that's not too heavy. Thats mostly decoration. The only thing I could think of off hand, was to push the exterior walls out so the cabins line up with the edge of the ship. It was actually Capt Henry, who is the 2nd longest serving Capt behind Commodore Tom, that gave me the idea. He was the one that told me on a cruise that the Dream class look was dictated by how the contract was worded. And that's what the designers came up with and what got approved.

In all honesty I think a lot of what we see, is from what the line wants, vs what they can get. If the line says we want say 500 balcony cabins, the only way they may be able to do that is to hang the lifeboats outside the ship as opposed to recessed.