When will '09 dates be released?

[JLDSMD]

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.

If Costa Maya is an issue, why not run the DDip to Grand Cayman instead of Costa Maya? Should be about the same distance.

I for one could do without Key West (sorry in advance to those of you who like the stop).

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I hope they give advance notice of itineraries and prices for each cruise CAT by Cat, and guarantee no increases in price on the first day.

I remember May 5th 2004, we herd the Panama was going to be released at 1pm, but didn't know prices for Cats or the exact dates, that in itself caused confusion on booking, I went for a CAT 10, after always being in a Cat 4, as I didnt know the price, later I upgraded to Cat 4 on a guarantee as the price wasn't to bad.

January 31st this year was better as we had an idea of price and the dates, DU did mine for me fine.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

If Costa Maya is an issue, why not run the DDip to Grand Cayman instead of Costa Maya? Should be about the same distance.

I for one could do without Key West (sorry in advance to those of you who like the stop).

Is possible,

I would love to go back to Jamaica, I did that on Princess, Curacao I did that on DCL, would be a longer trip.

 

[JLDSMD]

Is possible,

I would love to go back to Jamaica, I did that on Princess, Curacao I did that on DCL, would be a longer trip.

Any chance they could do an Eastern DD?

I know they sail less than top speed on the two sea days down to St. Maarten, wasn't sure since they can do St. Thomas to CC with one day if it is possible.

If not StM and StT, what two could you do in the Eastern?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Any chance they could do an Eastern DD?

I know they sail less than top speed on the two sea days down to St. Maarten, wasn't sure since they can do St. Thomas to CC with one day if it is possible.

If not StM and StT, what two could you do in the Eastern?

After leaving StT, its fast to Castaway isnt it, so you would have to drop one maybe StM, I don't think they like to rush as it uses more fuel up.

The Western generally is a like for like swap of Key West for CC and Costa Maya for Cayman, ( distance rather than destination swaps)

 

[caitlinsdad]

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.

I think it was full as it was the last double dip cruise in 2006 before the schools went back in sessions in the states.

We were on the Aug cruise and it was fun but we never felt it was too full.

 

[JLDSMD]

After leaving StT, its fast to Castaway isnt it, so you would have to drop one maybe StM, I don't think they like to rush as it uses more fuel up.

The Western generally is a like for like swap of Key West for CC and Costa Maya for Cayman, ( distance rather than destination swaps)

I asked the rebooking CM on the Magic last month about that, but she said adding an extra CC and dropping StM would not give the new cruisers much in the way of ports.

Sorry, the highlight of cruisers, both new and repeat, is Castaway. I think they'd be surprised how much it fills up. Basically you'd be giving up StM for CC. A great trade-off if you ask me.

Maybe a short stop in San Juan would work. 5 hours or so in the afternoon. Much later customs than the 6:00 a.m. in StT. Then maybe we wouldn't have to get up early for StT (US territory to US territory).

 

[jajomo0118]

I asked the rebooking CM on the Magic last month about that, but she said adding an extra CC and dropping StM would not give the new cruisers much in the way of ports.

Sorry, the highlight of cruisers, both new and repeat, is Castaway. I think they'd be surprised how much it fills up. Basically you'd be giving up StM for CC. A great trade-off if you ask me.

Maybe a short stop in San Juan would work. 5 hours or so in the afternoon. Much later customs than the 6:00 a.m. in StT. Then maybe we wouldn't have to get up early for StT (US territory to US territory).

As a first timer last time...lol.. and an repeater in '09.(fingers crossed)
I would love a DD on the Eastern (or Western).
We also could do with out St M.

I really hope they do some standard cruises in the summer of '09.
We just can't do the longer ones yet and I really don't like the idea of combining a 3 and 4 nighter

 

[Ski-and-Sea]

I really hope they do some standard cruises in the summer of '09.
We just can't do the longer ones yet and I really don't like the idea of combining a 3 and 4 nighter

We hear ya.....I was so excited at the rumor of the Wonder taking over some of the 7-night cruises in the summer of '09 as the biggest downside of the standard Wonder cruises is that there is only one port choice: Nassau.

But this whole rumor of the Magic "staying closer to home" is just so confusing and to be honest, a bit stressful. I would have been happy with the Wonder doing the standard eastern/western itineraries.

But now we're on pins and needles wondering where the Magic will go and for how long.

Its tortuous.

To add to the comments about Costa Maya.....I was surprised DCL decided to back there in the fall of 2008 (tentatively, that is). We had the best time ever there but I know a lot of people didn't like that tourist area at the port.

My guess is DCL is trying to give people more choices than the standard eastern/western. When we were there in August 2006, the Magic was the only ship in port that day. It was great to have the place to ourselves.

 

[denise]

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!

You can't book without us MJ....

 

[Ashlotte]

I am sure this is mentioned somewhere in this thread, but it is so looooooooong, I thought I'd ask (again). When they release the dates, do you think it will be all of 2009, or just a few months worth?

 

["Got Disney"]

Sure wish they would offer more 10 day cruises....7 days are tooooo short. No sooner are you getting on... next thing you now it's time to get off

when we took the 14 day Repo in 2005 it was great!!!! than the 10 day Christmas in 2006 that was great also....all the others in the past have been 7 days and they have been to short I tell you ...tooo short.

We will be doing the summer cruise to the Mexican Riviera in 2008 but will add on 7 days at DL to make the trip 14 days.

If it turns out to be Alaska we will be on that one for sure. Just can't seem to save any money and it is all DCL fault get off one cruise and start saving for the next year after that...and O'ya I blame WDW and DL also. We have to go there all the time to...Don't forget DVC...gee who else can I blame for all this fun

Could someone please be so kind to give me some of your money so I can bye DVC at Hawaii and Grandcalifornin and for the 2011 and 2012 DCL new ships...pleasssssssse hmmmmmm maybe I'll win the lottery....NOT

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I am sure this is mentioned somewhere in this thread, but it is so looooooooong, I thought I'd ask (again). When they release the dates, do you think it will be all of 2009, or just a few months worth?

Read all the postsabove, all very interesting thanks.

On this quote question, we do not know,

Reports from the ship are ALL dates will come out in early December, however, this is a change form previous years, the first part of 08 was out by now, they released up to April first.

I have quoted in the summary above the release dates for previous special cruises, the earliest they have come out, so far was January 31st.

 

[Ashlotte]

Read all the postsabove, all very interesting thanks.

On this quote question, we do not know,

Reports from the ship are ALL dates will come out in early December, however, this is a change form previous years, the first part of 08 was out by now, they released up to April first.

I have quoted in the summary above the release dates for previous special cruises, the earliest they have come out, so far was January 31st.

Thanks!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks!

No problem.

A summary of what we know or have gathered.



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.

 

[Ashlotte]

A summary of what we know or have gathered.

So it sounds like we simulateously know a lot and nothing at the same time? Are you saying that people are being put on wait lists NOW for the special cruises, not knowing what the special cruises are, or did I read that wrong?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

So it sounds like we simultaneously know a lot and nothing at the same time? Are you saying that people are being put on wait lists NOW for the special cruises, not knowing what the special cruises are, or did I read that wrong?

No DCL waitlists but people do get on Travel agent lists and for special cruises the TA's book these on a waitlist, first come first served basis, I have had Travel agents e.mail me asking if I want to go on their waitlist.

And yes no one knows exactly where the ships will be.

DCL only accept waitlists for the CAT1-3, and then only a limited amount in advance.

 

[Ashlotte]

No DCL waitlists but people do get on Travel agent lists and for special cruises the TA's book these on a waitlist, first come first served basis, I have had Travel agents e.mail me asking if I want to go on their waitlist.

And yes no one knows exactly where the ships will be.

DCL only accept waitlists for the CAT1-3, and then only a limited amount in advance.

Thanks for clearing that up. It seems no matter how much time I spend lurking here doing "research," I always learn something new!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for clearing that up. It seems no matter how much time I spend lurking here doing "research," I always learn something new!

No problem.

As we do not work for DCL, in the head quarters we will never know the itineraries fully until they are released.

I have seen more than 10/15 threads open up re 2009, many Dissers are interested in knowing whats going to happen and want to plan their holidays.(Vacations).

As Fans of DCL we can speculate and gleam information from slips or hints, hopefully when the information is released we will be able to look back on this thread and see we got some of it right.

In previous years some good detective work by Dissers has revealed things such as DCL booking LA port again, for 08 before an announcement, and also seeing the Magic on the port schedule for Villafrance before any announcement.

There is some enjoyment and ''hope'' in second guessing where the might go, we have seen popular choices such as New York, Alaska, The Med bing championed.

Lets hope there is something for everyone, and the prices do not increase to much, and we are let in on the secret as soon as possible.

Hopfully people on the Ships or just off can add to our knowledge now.

 

[yndygo]

Hopfully people on the Ships or just off can add to our knowledge now.

Just got off the Magic yesterday - no new news here. The rebook agent confirmed that they don't expect to know the new dates any earlier than first week of December.