When will '09 dates be released?

[Andrew DEREK UK]

OK, does anyone coming off the MAGIC yesterday or WONDER today have any more news, information or rumours?

Thank you.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

There is a lot of Alaskan programming on the Travel Channel today!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Yes We know 'on ship' they are saying the Magic WILL stay closer to home.
The Dis podcast says Alaska.
One Travel agent of high reputation says CARIBBEAN in 2009.
On ship they say NOT the Med.
Captain hinted in the summer about Northern Europe that seems dead now.

So Alaska or Caribbean. I now side with Caribbean, but longer cruises, there is a chance up to Bermuda and New York?.

But I think on the lines of the Wonder cruises a few years back for 10/11 nights to southern Caribbean.

Ahhh...Southern Caribbean, Bermuda or alternate CC-double-dippers would be nice. ALthough, we're seriously thinking about Christmas 2009 so it'd be nice to do some special itinerary for that time period as well.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

There is a lot of Alaskan programming on the Travel Channel today!

Is this ALL cruise lines, presume not Disney.
Might be an omen.

Ahhh...Southern Caribbean, Bermuda or alternate CC-double-dippers would be nice. ALthough, we're seriously thinking about Christmas 2009 so it'd be nice to do some special itinerary for that time period as well.

That would be great!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Is this ALL cruise lines, presume not Disney.
Might be an omen.


That would be great!

It seems to be all non-cruise related and just some specials on Alaska. Prior to the programming on Alaska, they did show a Royal Caribbean special. Perhaps they're teasing us!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

It seems to be all non-cruise related and just some specials on Alaska. Prior to the programming on Alaska, they did show a Royal Caribbean special. Perhaps they're teasing us!

Many cruisers keep saying that on the ships the comments are ''Much closer to home'' after two years away in the summer.

One T/A is quoted as saying the Caribbean not Alaska.

First release of cruise dates is early December.

 

[Disney Fans]

I don't think there will be an Alaska DCL for now. I was told by a TA that the 2 current ships are not made for colder weather and would not pass inspections to be able to go that far north. But that maybe the 2 newer ships could be made for that possbility.
So I am guessing that there won't be an Alaska cruise for 2009 but maybe if the new ships or one of them gets finished by 2010 then maybe there could be a trip to Alaska or the northern parts of Europe like Sweden, etc.

Just IMOP

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I don't think there will be an Alaska DCL for now. I was told by a TA that the 2 current ships are not made for colder weather and would not pass inspections to be able to go that far north. But that maybe the 2 newer ships could be made for that possbility.
So I am guessing that there won't be an Alaska cruise for 2009 but maybe if the new ships or one of them gets finished by 2010 then maybe there could be a trip to Alaska or the northern parts of Europe like Sweden, etc.

Just IMOP

Good points, previous posts here say that DCL will have 'optional' covered pools for the new ships making it possible to go to colder climes and also allow the pools to be fully used-all of the time.

 

[mmouse37]

Though it would be nice to have a covered pool while cruising in Alaska it is not mandatory and I don't believe the ships have to be built to any special code to cruise in Alaskan waters.....they only travel there in the summer (I know there is still ice in the summer but I don't think it would affect a cruise ship that badly).

Many cruiseships sail the inside passage without being specially built.

I just came acoss this article from this past May and if that river boat can cruise the inside passage of Alaska (Juneau to Juneau with a repo cruise from Seattle to Juneau) I think the Magic or Wonder could handle it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18654864/

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Though it would be nice to have a covered pool while cruising in Alaska it is not mandatory and I don't believe the ships have to be built to any special code to cruise in Alaskan waters.....they only travel there in the summer (I know there is still ice in the summer but I don't think it would affect a cruise ship that badly).

Many cruiseships sail the inside passage without being specially built.

I just came acoss this article from this past May and if that river boat can cruise the inside passage of Alaska (Juneau to Juneau with a repo cruise from Seattle to Juneau) I think the Magic or Wonder could handle it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18654864/

Cruise ship runs aground, but band plays on
All passengers safely evacuated; cause of accident remains unknown

I think what has been posted on this thread before is ''comfort'' of people using the pools, and in particular kids, would they be dissapointed if the pools were cooler than they are used to if travelling there.

The ships can go there, but the question without the option of covered pools is comfort of passengers on the pool decks.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Bumping to ask again.

OK, does anyone who came off the MAGIC or WONDER this weekend have any more news, information or rumours?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Please keep in mind that the Magic goes to a three week dry dock in September 2008 instead of the usual 2 weeks.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Please keep in mind that the Magic goes to a three week dry dock in September 2008 instead of the usual 2 weeks.

Kevin is that a further 'hint' they will be making modifications say for a '' optional covered pool'' for Alaska?

What do you think about the comments coming from the on-board DCL sales rep saying they will be staying closer to home in 2009? Is this DCL playing games?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Not a hint as I dont have any official statement from DCL.

But let's keep something else in mind....if you had a product that usually took months to sell (ie. Carribbean sailings) or could put out a product that causes mass frenzy, phone lines being jammed, computer systems to crash and pretty much sold out in a few short days (i.e west coast, pc cruises) which would you do?

Also...even though the med cruises took a bit longer to sell due to the higher price, they were extraordinarily popular and reached the top tier pricing very quickly and stayed that way except for the transatlantic crossings.

these are just ideas to kick around

 

[mmouse37]

Cruise ship runs aground, but band plays on
All passengers safely evacuated; cause of accident remains unknown

I think what has been posted on this thread before is ''comfort'' of people using the pools, and in particular kids, would they be dissapointed if the pools were cooler than they are used to if travelling there.

The ships can go there, but the question without the option of covered pools is comfort of passengers on the pool decks.

I was responding to the reference that someone heard the DCL ships had to pass some sort of inspection to sail in colder water or be built to a "special code" for sailing in Alaskan waters, which I do not think they have to be. Definitely comfort is an issue....I know I would want a covered pool area in Alaska!!!

I think a bigger concern would be if DCL complies with environmental issues in Alaska...I know Alaska is very strict when it comes to ships being environmental friendly. See link..

http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/cruise_ships/index.htm

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Not a hint as I don't have any official statement from DCL.

But let's keep something else in mind....if you had a product that usually took months to sell (ie. Caribbean sailings) or could put out a product that causes mass frenzy, phone lines being jammed, computer systems to crash and pretty much sold out in a few short days (i.e west coast, pc cruises) which would you do?

Also...even though the med cruises took a bit longer to sell due to the higher price, they were extraordinarily popular and reached the top tier pricing very quickly and stayed that way except for the transatlantic crossings.

these are just ideas to kick around

I completely agree with you, there are points I have made before, on this thread, as well, Summer in the Caribbean is low season and also, a heavy discount time.

As well as selling out, the MED cruises were far more expensive and DCL must have taken shed loads of cash for the shore trips which were very well subscribed and also add ons like photos more than the usual trips, pictures of Rome, Pompeii etc.

As they have two new ships coming they have in my opinion to be bold and reach out to new places, get a foothold in new cruise markets rather than retreat back to the Caribbean only.

You podcast, if confirmed is being bold and taking on the market in a strong fashion.

DCL needs to bring in the cash and Alaska would be a 'banker' the same as West coast and the Med.

Its just reports coming from the ship and one ''quality DCL'' T/A specialist keep saying the Magic is staying closer to home and in fact quoted as the Caribbean on one e/mail from the specialist T/a, who was the only person to tell me the 2008 Panama cruises would be '15' days well in advance of DCL's confirmation.

Alaska is bold but discounted by some Dissers re the 'coolness' which could render the pools uncomfortable for kids and a priority often for the kids.

Keep us posted, its all very interesting.

 

[kaseyC]

Not a hint as I dont have any official statement from DCL.

But let's keep something else in mind....if you had a product that usually took months to sell (ie. Carribbean sailings) or could put out a product that causes mass frenzy, phone lines being jammed, computer systems to crash and pretty much sold out in a few short days (i.e west coast, pc cruises) which would you do?

Also...even though the med cruises took a bit longer to sell due to the higher price, they were extraordinarily popular and reached the top tier pricing very quickly and stayed that way except for the transatlantic crossings.

these are just ideas to kick around

Excellent points DisneyKevin!! I am in a wait and see mode and not banking on one set itinerary. If what ever is announced appeals to my family, I will try to book it.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Excellent points DisneyKevin!! I am in a wait and see mode and not banking on one set itinerary. If what ever is announced appeals to my family, I will try to book it.

He does know his stuff doesn't he, I just hope we get to hear soon, BUT, we do not have the frenzy, but they 'stagger' all release dates over days/weeks to avoid pressure on their phones, website, does it have the 'bandwidth'' annoyed cruisers on hold and worn out travel agents.

Maybe release them a day at a time for each summer cruise.

 

[kaseyC]

BUT, we do not have the frenzy, but they 'stagger' all release dates over days/weeks to avoid pressure on their phones, website, does it have the 'bandwidth'' annoyed cruisers on hold and worn out travel agents.

Maybe release them a day at a time for each summer cruise.

From your keyboard to DCL's Ears!! It would be great if booking day was not so crazy. Staggered releases would be awesome.

Another thing is the double and even triple bookings. Folks need to make a decision - either enlist one TA to book for you or book it yourself. IIRC, last year some people had multiple TAs booking for them as well booking themselves. That just drives up the prices and they never come back down.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

From your keyboard to DCL's Ears!! It would be great if booking day was not so crazy. Staggered releases would be awesome.

Another thing is the double and even triple bookings. Folks need to make a decision - either enlist one TA to book for you or book it yourself. IIRC, last year some people had multiple TAs booking for them as well booking themselves. That just drives up the prices and they never come back down.

You are so right on this, 'Do not panic' I think if they staggered The release this would happen far less anyway. It ends up as a contest or a challenge like getting Cinderellas Royal table breakfast, at MK.