When does excursion info come?

[FantasticDisFamily]

So I called DCL and made our final payment today. Which means I should be able to make excursion reservations as soon as we hit the 60 day mark right?

So when do they send the information on excursions? Obviously since documents don't come until a couple weeks before the cruise it should be separate? Or do I need to pull something off the internet?

Getting to the logistics stage of things!

TIA!
Deb

 

[ToDisney]

Ours came about 70 days before we're scheduled to leave. It gave us time to go over the material (and ask here) about the excursions. I also got the same packet again yesterday though.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Thanks, that was good to know. We have lots of information on the excursions from these boards and our Passporter but weren't sure about those logistical details.

Deb

 

[Wishing on a star]

We also just paid off our cruise in full.... In the email confirmation that we got back, it said that with current policy, we can book our excursions now, not having to wait until the 60 day mark!

I imagine that you could find good information on the shore excursions on the DCL web site.

Happy planning

 

[Wavegirl]

You don't have to wait if you book them on your own. There are links and info all over this board with great operators so you can book shore excursions on your own. You have more options, better prices and usually smaller groups so you might want to shop around.

Excursion Discounts in Grand Cayman Here is a good example but there are many out there

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Wishing on a star - that is interesting. I called DCL when I made my payment and they didn't mention that. Wonder if the information will come in the mail with payment confirmation.

Wavegirl - I know that excursions on your own can be booked at any time. But we'll book through DCL. For most of the excursions we are looking at either/and a) the price difference isn't that great, b) we've heard good reports, c) if for some reason the ship doesn't make the particular port the refund process is easier.

Thanks all!
Deb

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hhhhhmmm???

Deb, I sent you a pm....

 

[laurenk]

Wishing on a Star- If I pay off my October cruise now, are you saying that I can book my excursions now? That would be helpful for hard to get excursions.

 

[newhampshire4]

Just got excursion info from DCL in the mail last week, came with final payment bill. It says that shore excursions can be made 60 days prior to sailing (as long as final payment has been made). (Or you can fax in your excursion form.)

 

[eva]

We are down to 50 days for our Wonder cruise and haven't received any excursion info yet. Should I be concerned yet? We really aren't planning any excursions for Nassau so I am not too worried about that. My main concern is that the documents that need to be filled out arrive before the trip. I know that they come later a few weeks before the trip, but if the excursion info doesn't get here then I will be a bit worried about the cruise documents. Also, do you reserve equipment and outings for Castaway Cay ahead of time like the other excursions? That could change my mind about whether I get the excursion info.

 

[newhampshire4]

I would definitely call and check on it if you are only 50 days out and haven't received excursion info yet.... yes, you can reserve castaway rentals, etc in advance.

 

[eva]

Thanks! I'm going to give them a call. I really wonder if DVC members who use points get put on the back burner with documentation. It seems like most posts about late documents seem to come from people using points.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, I did receive an email thru our TA, once our cruise was all paid, that said that we could now book excursions. Our cruise is not until Sept.

But, since this came from my TA, and I have not followed the links to book any excursions. ( We will only be a Nassau, and will probably just be on our own if we do anything ashore...) I do not really have any further details!

If you all have booked directly through DCL, I would suggest calling again until you find a CSR who knows about any change in this policy.

Good luck!!!

 

[Grumbo]

We never did get any info re shore excursions for our March 2003 Wonder cruise. I just went on to the DCL site and got the info and called them and booked.
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ok folks just an update. I called the excursion booking number last night and here is the scoop.

DCL has NOT changed their policy about being able to book excursions more than 60 days in advance. The CM I spoke with was very nice and spent time checking the web site and her policy documents to see if there was a recent change. She even spoke with her supervisor.

The supervisor reported that she was aware of travel agents who "automatically send the you are now able to book excursions message" when final payment is made because most folks don't make that payment until right about that 60 day mark.

I was able to get a great deal of additional information on the excursions, including a BUNCH of time changes especially in Cozumel from what the website says, which don't always match the Passporter. For instance the Advanced Snorkel Excursion was listed as 1:30 on the website but is now set up for morning.

So I have April 22nd marked in big, bold letters in my planner as the day I can call to book for our June 21 Western!

Deb