while I am on a roll, suggestions for DCL management

[CRSNDSNY]

Some of my suggestions have already been posted by others, but here is what I think (after 2 Wonder 4-days and 1 7-day Magic):

1 - Change the DCL bus times from the Resorts. I hate getting to port so late when staying at WDW pre-cruise. In fact, I hate it so much that I will now pay someone else to take me to Port -- even it is more expensive.

2 - New ports of call and another cruise ship. Can we go to Hawaii, Bermuda or southern Caribbean? I personally have no interest in the Western ports, but would 'settle' another Eastern...it would be great to have other Ports in the rotation to choose from!

3 - I would love to have Castaway Cay day NOT the last day of the cruise for many of the reasons already mentioned. I understand that it is a great way to end the cruise, but there is just not enough time on that wonderful island! I would love at least a few more hours there or maybe some night activities? It just makes the most wonderful day of the cruise also the most rushed day of the cruise.

Other than that, DH and I *LOVE* Disney Cruises and will keep on booking anyway! It doesn't hurt to have a wish list, does it?

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Scott5150
3. I would worry that if the tips were pooled and guaranteed, the level of service would suffer. A gratuity is just that - a reward for good service. I would reduce or eliminate a gratuity for poor service, but luckily I have never had to do it on the Magic.

Scott

I agree, Scott. I went to an all-inclusive resort this summer in Nassau and we were strictly forbidden from tipping because they do not work for tips. Let me just tell you that the service was TERRIBLE! I think that if they are working for tips, you get much better service.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by inkkognito
Most of the non-smoking section is literally right in front of smoking, so yo will have someone smoking right behind you and blowing their smoke into your hair...ugh. Even though we sit as far away as possible, my clothes still reek of smoke when we leave.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: ww.castawayclub.com

That's actually one of the biggest reasons I don't hang out in the clubs district at night. I usually stay for the 'lip syncing contest' or whatever is going on, but leave shortly afterwards. It's just not worth not being able to breathe , my contacts fogging over and not lasting very long and my clothes and hair stinking.

 

[Empire Day]

A better reservation system. ({alo, Spa, Tea with Wendy etc.)

A better reservation system. ({alo, Spa, Tea with Wendy etc.)

We had this same problome

We stayed at WDW and took Disney Transport. We arrived at the ship shortly after 1:30 and everything was already gone.

But still enjoyed every miniut, you would think that those who spend all the extra $$'s on staying at the world and using WDW trans. they would get us there in time to make the mad dash or a pre boarding reservation system as they have at the resorts...

I'd hate to have smoking banished everywhere
I am a smoker and used the secret/and open decks for the most part to ruin my lungs, as long as there was no one trying to relax there,and also our vehranda (This wasent the plan untill both our nieboring cabins were smokers also )
The clubs do get awfuly filled with smoke (even for a smoker) although Cadilacs seemed to have a great air exchange system as I never once noticed smoke

 

[thatmom]

Hi,
I was told that the Paradise from Carnival is still a nonsmoking ship. When did this change? TA just told me its the only one...
thanks,
Carla

 

[wide awake]

Carnival Paradise is switching from non-smoking later this year. It will be replacing the Ecstasy on the 3 and 4 day Mexico cruises.

 

[auntrenae]

To the smoking ban! I love to dance and tried my first two cruises on the Magic, but I had to leave to use my athsma inhaler. I think any habit that affects the health and happiness of so many others, while still within their rights, should be made to partake in an area that only affects them. The same goes for smoking on deck. I would love to spend some time relaxing in a deck chair on deck 4, but I can't breathe when smokers are always coming to sit or walk right by me. It goes along with the saying, 'Your right to swing your fist ends where my face begins, or in other words, your right to blow smoke ends where my air space begins!
Hear us, DCL management!!!!

Renae Hale!

 

[kjw86ca]

I agree with everything here. Although I am a non-smoker, however, I think that DCL shouldn't BAN smoking. Smoking is what "smokers" enjoy. They shouldn't be banned for doing something; especially on vacation. I DO think that they should have a designated area. I think a great spot would be the Deck 7 overlook. While so many people love this spot, the smoke from the smokestacks often blows RIGHT into that spot because of the forward motion of the ship.

Also, ALL clubs shoudn't be banned from smoking guests, either. I think they should designate one bar for smoking guests. If it's the Cadillac Lounge that has the best ventilation system, then make it the Cadillac lounge.

Just my .000002 cents

-Kyle

 

[auntrenae]

Sorry for the misunderstanding, folks.
I didn't mean that they should ban smoking altogether, just from places where it bothers others too much. Although I would be happy to sail on a ship that was smoke free, and I feel that many others would too, I just want to be free to join in the fun, 50's night and so on, and to be able to enjoy the promenad deck without having to hold my breath. I think that isn't too much to ask from a cruise line that is so pro-family.
I hope that clears up the issue for you,
Renae

 

[moocow35]

I think that smoking should be banned from all enclosed inside areas. There are many cities/states that are now phasing in the banning of smoking inside public areas including bars. Most smokers will make noise about it in the beginning, but I'm sure when all said and done, they will just take a smoke break outside. Smoking has to be one of the most unhealthy things a person can do. Second hand smoke is as bad, some officials say it is worse. Not to mention it soaks into the fabric of your clothes, and then even non smokers stink.

I also would be very happy with new ports. We have done the land and sea to Nassau, 2 Eastern routes, and soon the 2nd Western route. Normally by this time our next cruise is booked 1 1/2 years in advance. I'm sorry to say, after our cruise in 3 weeks will be our last one for a while.

A new port, as well as more for the 18-20 year old group, would inspire me to book another. My DD will be 17 on this cruise, and she has already said, I don't want to go and be with "old" people!

Robin

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

im a smoker that goes out of my way to smoke whare others dont get offended. i have always done this. now all i hear is it stinks i hate it. i also wish DCL would put the smoking areas in places where others wont get offended. most of the smoking areas are out doors. DCL does look at one good point, if you drink and smoke you buy more drinks. i also know of one true fact, drinking kills more people every day then smoking. but i dont go bashing drinkers. its a choice and it is thiers. this is america last i checked. so i will do my best with my smoking. so please "let's all get along" GOD BLESS AMERICA

 

[rcomputers]

Absolute agreement on any new non-smoking policies. If even one club were non-smoking, we might sail Disney more often and enjoy it more.
I am puzzled that DCL has not considered the effects of smoking.
Gail

 

[auntrenae]

I want to tell you how much I appreciate your being careful not to bother others with your smoking. It means a lot that you would care about others that way. Unfortunately, it seems that not many others feel the same way. Thank you for your great attitude!
Renae

 

[rae519]

Ann - thanks for starting this excellent post!! (little humor there, yeah, very little!)

Totally agree on the no smoking in public areas for health reasons, free soda, change the tipping policy, get rid of the EXCELLENT speech, change the survey, and let those who pay first have their choice of making Palo and Spa reservations right then and there rather than have to join the mass confusion and mobs upon embarkation.


I guess this is my biggest gripe about DCL - the way reservations for Palo are handled. The first in line at the terminal can "race" to the designated area and bascially "get what they want" - if you are on the DCL transportation from resort or airport, you generally arrive later and are (my experience here, folks) unable to secure any type of reservation at Palo.

We have been very lucky because on several cruises, we were invited to brunch by a DISfriend who was staying in one of the Disney Suites - and of course, if you are in the Suites, you can get any reservation you want (which is only fair considering the cost of the room).


I also think a change of itinerary would be wonderful - such as the ones they are doing in 2004 - and the 10 night cruise. After a few times of Eastern and Western ports and excursions, there isn't much else to look forward to. Maybe with 2005 and it being the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, DCL will head over to the West Coast and we can try something new and different! (My lips to God's ears!)

AND I think that CM's should be allowed to mingle with guests - the entertainers are able to, so why not the CM's???

Rae

 

[cadburysmom]

Not being much of an "island" person as I see most Caribbean islands as basically the same (same t-shirt, different island logo), I would vote for first and last days of the cruise at Castaway Cay with the rest being "at sea" days.

The only thing I would miss is how beautiful the scenery is while in and leaving port in St. Thomas...absolutely breathtaking!!

Mom from NC

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by cadburysmom
I would vote for first and last days of the cruise at Castaway Cay with the rest being "at sea" days.

The only thing I would miss is how beautiful the scenery is while in and leaving port in St. Thomas...absolutely breathtaking!!

Mom from NC

We had first and last days at CC on the Magic-al Mystery Cruise of September '02! It was wonderful. Very relaxing to get there and just enjoy the island while you were still "wound up" and needed that type of break. And it was nice on the last day because you knew you'd have it to look forward to and could do somethings you may not have done the first day!!

Ditto on St. Thomas - were you a pirate in another life?! I swear, I could just live there and breathe in that scenery day in and day out!!!

Rae

 

[goingbacksoon]

I don't know about the tipping, because DCL is already more expensive than its less-themed cousins. Adding automatic gratuity could make the cost seem insurmountable for some, even though they pay in the end anyways.

With that said, I think an optional pre-charge for tips would be good. If the cruiser so desires, add gratuities when you check in or even beforehand when you make the reservation. That way, you don't suffer the problem of CMs not "working" for their tips by keeping it anonymous.

Also, you could allow certain things to be arranged for cruisers as they reserve, such as Palo and Spa. Maybe not reserve a time, but reserve a spot.

Here in California you can't smoke anywhere so the smoking thing in Wavebands was a surprise. But, you can't ban smoking without risking alienation of your smoking clients. I do like the idea of "smoke outside" except that the wind is sure to put out a match, lol.

goingbacksoon

 

[Werner Weiss]

On our 2002 Disney Magic Cruise, the smoking rules in the Beat Street club area were:

• Smoking allowed across the entire raised tier of Rockin' Bar D
• Smoking allowed in the smoking section of Sessions
• No smoking in Off Beat

I understand that the current smoking rules in the Beat Street club area of the Disney Magic Cruise are:

• Smoking allowed across the entire raised tier of Rockin' Bar D (after 9:00 p.m. only)
• Smoking allowed in the smoking section of Sessions (after 9:00 p.m. only)
• Smoking allowed in the smoking section of Diversions, which replaced Off Beat (after 9:00 p.m. only)

The good news is that they no longer allow smoking during family shows and other daytime and early evening events.

The bad news is that they've gone from one non-smoking club to zero non-smoking clubs in the Beat Street club area.

Rockin' Bar D really should be 100% non-smoking. It's an entertainment location. It should be available to all adult passengers at night.

I think an acceptable compromise would be to limit smoking to a designated area in Diversions, and to make the rest of Beat Street non-smoking.

If DCL feels that people must be allowed to smoke in Rockin' Bar D, then the smoking area should reduced so that it no longer stretches across the entire raised tier of the club. Even then, ventination needs to be improved.

The awful air quality in Rockin' Bar D is far and away my biggest complaint about the Disney Magic. And it would be one of the easiest things for DCL management to fix.

 

[dianthus]

Werner ~ You make a good point about the changes DCL has already made. Promenade is also non smoking now, so they have made great strides addressing the problem. Rockin' Bar D does get a bit smokey & is an entertainment venue, so if they permit smoking in Diversions or Sessions only that would probably make most happy.

It's not right for people not to have a place to light up indoors at all if they wish. They are on vacation too. Most people I know who smoke are very considerate. How would everyone like it if they had to go outside to have a drink?

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by dianthus
It's not right for people not to have a place to light up indoors at all if they wish. They are on vacation too. Most people I know who smoke are very considerate. How would everyone like it if they had to go outside to have a drink?

I agree that most smokers are considerate. Most smokers courteously observe smoking and non-smoking areas — which is why those designations should be made carefully by Disney Cruise Line, with consideration for smokers and non-smokers.

I think it's fine to have some designated indoor smoking locations — even though there are more and more state, local, and private bans on indoor smoking. (I don't know why airports don't have enclosed indoor smoking lounges with ventillation to the outside. Smokers could smoke before and after their non-smoking flights, and non-smokers wouldn't be bothered by the smoke.)

On the ship, indoor smoking locations should not be at the expense of those who want to (or need to) avoid second-hand cigarette smoke. Nobody should be prevented from enjoying the ship's entertainment.

If the act of drinking indoors somehow resulted in alcohol being forced into digestive systems of evreyone else in room, then drinkers should have to go outside. But that's not the case. However, the act of smoking indoors is different — the smoke does not just wind up in the lungs of the smoker; the smoke is "shared" by everyone who is breathing the same air.

With a little effort, DCL could fine-tune their smoking rules without hurting the cruise experience for smokers.