When will '09 dates be released?

[MrsG]

I think it would not be practical for Disney to move the port elsewhere as many people back their cruises with stays at WDW. I see them losing more money than they may be saving.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

One thing to remember is that last year at this time, Disney's permit to dock at Los Angeles had not even been filed yet. It was sent to the Board of Commissioners for the port on Dec 27, and not approved until Jan 18. If they use similar timing this year, that means that they have not even applied for final permits and may very well still be in negotiations with multiple ports.

That is a very good point as the permit wasn't out till then and the Special cruises for Mexico and panama were not released to January 31st.

Now you would have thought however there must have been lots of planning, and costing etc before then, with all of the ports to be visited, the shore excursion providers the food providers etc, otherwise there wouldn't complete and also couldn't ''price' the cruises.

There are two things, the release of the normal cruises and the release of the special summer ones.

So far these have been separate dates and staggered, the First part of 08 to April came out earlier and then the rest of the year and finally the special cruises.

In some years the specials have come out as late as May.

Cruisers on the Magic speaking to the on-board sales reps have come back with the impression ALL dates will be released in early December.

They have have never released ALL together before, but there again the first batch of cruises have been released by this time last year fueling the debate.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I think it would not be practical for Disney to move the port elsewhere as many people back their cruises with stays at WDW. I see them losing more money than they may be saving.

Hi,

When they first set up they looked around all the Florida ports and choose Port Canaveral for that very reason, so it has an advantage. 60 mins from WDW.

But 1/ they are negotiating with Port Canaveral and DCL feel they can get a better deal, thats been posted here. Also 2/ Fuel costs are going up and up, and whilst there would be fuel costs to bus people to Tampa or Miami, reports say DCL are at a big disadvantage having to travel up and down from Port Canaveral at 22 knots, when other cruise lines can get to the Bahamas so mush quicker and cheaper from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

There are considerable fuel savings for Caribbean and Castaway if they moved.

It could mean either two hours on a coach or four hours, but that is doable.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hi,

When they first set up they looked around all the Florida ports and choose Port Canaveral for that very reason, so it has an advantage. 60 mins from WDW.

But 1/ they are negotiating with Port Canaveral and DCL feel they can get a better deal, thats been posted here. Also 2/ Fuel costs are going up and up, and whilst there would be fuel costs to bus people to Tampa or Miami, reports say DCL are at a big disadvantage having to travel up and down from Port Canaveral at 22 knots, when other cruise lines can get to the Bahamas so mush quicker and cheaper from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

There are considerable fuel savings for Caribbean and Castaway if they moved.

It could mean either two hours on a coach or four hours, but that is doable.

It may not matter to most people, but for me and my family I cannot see us riding 4 hours on a bus to get to the port. Two hours maybe. Four hours, absolutely not. I like being able to combine WDW with the cruise and Port Canaveral is close enough for us to do that. If Disney changes ports and we're looking at a 4 hour ride, then we would probably pick between the cruise or a WDW vacation. JMO

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

It may not matter to most people, but for me and my family I cannot see us riding 4 hours on a bus to get to the port. Two hours maybe. Four hours, absolutely not. I like being able to combine WDW with the cruise and Port Canaveral is close enough for us to do that. If Disney changes ports and we're looking at a 4 hour ride, then we would probably pick between the cruise or a WDW vacation. JMO

Suppose another factor is here is the home ports will be for all four Ships when they are built and in service, one looks certain for Los Angeles and go up /down the west coast.

New new ships most likely could take over the existing 3/4 and 7 night trips, leaving a ship, maybe to go to Miami in winter and maybe Europe in Summer, or supply 10/11 night Caribbean trips.

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Have the Western Alternative cruises (CCx2/CMaya/Coz) been popular enough for DCL to keep this in the rotation further into the future past next fall? I'd like to do that in 2009! Or at least some sort of 7 night with a DDip. I know they're doing one a month in Sept-Dec 2008, and I'd love to see it on the schedule again (summertime especially--that is, if the Magic stays in the Caribbean). I would think that they are very popular, but I'm just guessing, so I'm wondering if anyone else knows for sure.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Have the Western Alternative cruises (CCx2/CMaya/Coz) been popular enough for DCL to keep this in the rotation further into the future past next fall? I'd like to do that in 2009! Or at least some sort of 7 night with a DDip. I know they're doing one a month in Sept-Dec 2008, and I'd love to see it on the schedule again (summertime especially--that is, if the Magic stays in the Caribbean). I would think that they are very popular, but I'm just guessing, so I'm wondering if anyone else knows for sure.

I did one in 2006 and the Magic was full,I do not know how they have sold, and issue is the state of Costa Maya damaged by a hurricane I have read reports here that the port will not be open to late 08, so not sure if DCL would risk it not being open, or the facilities nearby.

 

[cdndizzylizzy]

It may not matter to most people, but for me and my family I cannot see us riding 4 hours on a bus to get to the port. Two hours maybe. Four hours, absolutely not. I like being able to combine WDW with the cruise and Port Canaveral is close enough for us to do that. If Disney changes ports and we're looking at a 4 hour ride, then we would probably pick between the cruise or a WDW vacation. JMO

We are in the group of folks who will continue to intentionally cruise with DCL vs. other cruise lines but have absolutely no desire to combine the trip with a visit to WDW. So we would be fine with a change in port. Depending on how many of us there are, it may be that Disney is considering having ships at PC AND other ports.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We are in the group of folks who will continue to intentionally cruise with DCL vs. other cruise lines but have absolutely no desire to combine the trip with a visit to WDW. So we would be fine with a change in port. Depending on how many of us there are, it may be that Disney is considering having ships at PC AND other ports.

I think DCL would prefer to link in Cruises with their theme parks for cross sales, but with four ships they can spread there wings, Barcelona proved that, DLP is a long way away, but the Med trips were full.

Again I think they would prefer Port Canaveral, but they wouldn't like to be held over a barrel on it.

People can fly in and out of other Airports for other ports and do not necessarily go to the parks each vacation.

 

[angipoo]

Just another thought - recently read that DL is getting a major multi-year overhaul - new restaurants, a "Cars" land, a Little Mermaid ride and an interactive Walt Disney experience. Wondering if that is going to affect where the ships are going to be in '09 or maybe getting ready for the new fleet?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Just another thought - recently read that DL is getting a major multi-year overhaul - new restaurants, a "Cars" land, a Little Mermaid ride and an interactive Walt Disney experience. Wondering if that is going to affect where the ships are going to be in '09 or maybe getting ready for the new fleet?

Yes I think long term LA will become a second base for DCL, its position is good for cruises up and down the coast, the cross sales for DCL and Disney with the parks is good, even the Disneyland hotel has changed the name of its towers to MAGIC WONDER and DREAMS, clue there for the new ship?

The development of DCA park through will go on to the end of 2009 at least, so maybe 2010 is better?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

This thread is very popular and a lot has been discussed I know people find it hard to look back on posts to find what they want. So TO SUMMARIZE -what we know, from the posts on this thread.

One of the other talking points is the longer than usual dry dock for the magic in 2008.

2008 Dry-dock Plans
The Magic will be in dry-dock September 6-27, 2008.

Now some have mentioned including the Dispodacst team this longer dry-dock might be to assist with modifications to the pool areas for a possible Alaska trip.

DIS-PODCAST

Say Alaska Summer 2009
They also said the Wonder would do 3-4 nights and 7 night cruises in the Caribbean if the Magic goes on its travels.

DCL AGENTS ON BOARD

Say cruises will start to be released early December, and the ship will be closer to its home than the previous two years. Hint Bermuda but also various Caribbean ports mentioned.

RESPECTED TRAVEL AGENTS

Have sent e-mails saying Caribbean.

CAPTAIN TOM

Said in the Med a strong hint for Northern Europe. This was mentioned again just recently on the Wonder.

RELEASE DATES

We are told first 2 weeks of December, not sure if all of 2009 or just the first part.

Historically they have usually have started releasing dates in November for the first part of the following year, say January to April standard 3/4 Wonder cruises, and standard Magic cruises for 7 nights.

We are overdue, conjecture; DCL is negotiating now with Port Canaveral, they are unhappy with costs and restrictions on the port calls to keep their pier exclusive to DCL. Miami port has said soon they will sign up a big cruise line, Would DCL move to Miami or Tampa, its this a reason for delay.

PAST YEARS
The Special summer cruises have come out later,

FOR 2005 May 5th 2004
FOR 2007 April 3rd 2006
FOR 2008 January 31st 2007.
The summer 2006 cruises were double dips in the Caribbean.

Front runners:-

Alaska
Caribbean special trips maybe Bermuda.

Outside runner

Europe but a lot of people have recently discounted the Med or Northern Europe now.

Fuel Prices

Will the rising fuel costs make cruises cost a lot more?

SO what are you recommended to do?

Well do not panic!

Standard cruises i.e. 3-4 nights Wonder and 7 night Magic ones will not have a problem. For any special cruises:-

Register with a specialist quality DCL Disney authorised travel agent, or keep you eyes on this board. There has always been an announcement and a tip off here first.

Dreams unlimited the sponsor of this board is an option.

You can book yourself direct with DCL by phone or website, but on ‘special cruises’ they have had long waits on telephones and the website has been under pressure.

Please do not instruct multiple travel agencies as in past years this has pushed up all the prices to all cruises supply demand and the cruises tier price system.

Release date time is often 8am but there sometimes has been a press launch at WDW or Disneyland and bookings opened up after that at 1pm EST.

 

[MJGirl]

Just wanted to say thank you Andrew for the great update. I've been away on Business and had lost track of this thread. You have helped immensely. I now feel in the loop. I have already forewarned my TA that she is going to be busy when the dates get announced!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Just wanted to say thank you Andrew for the great update. I've been away on Business and had lost track of this thread. You have helped immensely. I now feel in the loop. I have already forewarned my TA that she is going to be busy when the dates get announced!

Thanks lets hope we keep getting information from various sources including those off the ship today.

 

[NancyIL]

Please do not instruct multiple travel agencies as in past years this has pushed up all the prices to all cruises supply demand and the cruises tier price system.

It's not just multiple travel agents that cause problems. Just 1 travel agent booking a cruise PLUS the individual doing it himself/herself creates the same mess. There were also a LOT of complaints here from folks who let a TA book their Panama Canal cruise, and didn't get the lowest prices.

By the way - thanks for summarizing the contents of this thread, Andrew!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

It's not just multiple travel agents that cause problems. Just 1 travel agent booking a cruise PLUS the individual doing it himself/herself creates the same mess. There were also a LOT of complaints here from folks who let a TA book their Panama Canal cruise, and didn't get the lowest prices.

Understood,

I hope DCL release the cruises in a staggered fashion, so for example on January 31st one repo only, then Feb 1st the other repo, then 2nd the Mexico trips, then rest of year.

It would take pressure of everyone from DCL staff, to cruisers to website to TA's.

 

[kaseyC]

SO what are you recommended to do?

Well do not panic!

Standard cruises i.e. 3-4 nights Wonder and 7 night Magic ones will not have a problem. For any special cruises:-

Register with a specialist quality DCL Disney authorised travel agent, or keep you eyes on this board. There has always been an announcement and a tip off here first.

Dreams unlimited the sponsor of this board is an option.

You can book yourself direct with DCL by phone or website, but on ‘special cruises’ they have had long waits on telephones and the website has been under pressure.

Please do not instruct multiple travel agencies as in past years this has pushed up all the prices to all cruises supply demand and the cruises tier price system.

Release date time is often 8am but there sometimes has been a press launch at WDW or Disneyland and bookings opened up after that at 1pm EST.

Excellent post, Andrew!!
Just felt this part needed repeating especially the bold part. Either choose an agency you are comfortable with and can trust to make the booking for you or do it yourself directly through DCL. Making multiple bookings just drives up prices to the highest tier and they don't come back down.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Excellent post, Andrew!!
Just felt this part needed repeating especially the bold part. Either choose an agency you are comfortable with and can trust to make the booking for you or do it yourself directly through DCL. Making multiple bookings just drives up prices to the highest tier and they don't come back down.

Thank you.

I can understand people worrying about booking things such as the REPO's, but the best thing is to have a plan and stick with it, do not try to cover each base, as for the REPO's it has increased prices before.

In fact only the Eastbound repo in 05 and for 08, sold out same day, or in hours, the Westbound took a day or so.

All other cruises didn't have an issue on the first day.

 

[NancyIL]

Excellent post, Andrew!!
Just felt this part needed repeating especially the bold part. Either choose an agency you are comfortable with and can trust to make the booking for you or do it yourself directly through DCL. Making multiple bookings just drives up prices to the highest tier and they don't come back down.

Unfortunately, some of the people who put their trust in a travel agency and didn't try to book the cruise on their own were the ones whose repo cruises were booked later in the day, at higher prices.

 

[kaseyC]

Unfortunately, some of the people who put their trust in a travel agency and didn't try to book the cruise on their own were the ones whose repo cruises were booked later in the day, at higher prices.

Unfortunately for many that was the case but I believe that was a "trickle down" effect of people making multiple bookings. TAs had a difficult time getting through to DCL as well. Some folks literally had two or three TAs booking for them and at the same time they were calling DCL and/or trying to book online themselves.
IIRC, there was one poster on here who had multiple bookings on both PC Repos, some made directly herself and some booked by TAs. That's just nuts.