Will Disney cruising return during 2021?

[xuxa777]

This definitely won't be for everyone, but I definitely would not mind making a reservation to attend Trivia or Bingo or whatever. Yes, a cruise is meant to be a relaxing vacation where you can easily "wing it" but I love to plan things and if it means I have to make a reservation to play Disney Tunes Trivia, then I will make that reservation lol. The big "deal breakers" would be things like eliminating deck parties, requiring masks, the things that make DCL special. However, only time will tell what will be required when they restart operations.

I just hope they update the question more frequently.

 

[DisneYE]

I actually used to be in the camp of I am not going to pay this much money until it's back to somewhat normal. I do totally understand some families may not feel this way and that is absolutely okay! The more I started to think about it, the more I started to be okay if we had some restrictions until there is a vaccine readily available. There are already reservations for so many things, if we add more and are able to sail safely then maybe it's okay.

• Maybe adults can reserve an hour or two at the pool and actually get a seat without dirty towels taking them all.
• Maybe families can select evening show seats (like how a movie theater currently does it) on the Disney app and have seats waiting for them.
• Maybe you have to wear a mask when walking within the halls of the ship, but can remove it on top decks or when eating/drinking.
• Maybe you have to reserve your trivia or game shows like how you have to reserve drink tastings or some other events.
• Maybe reduced attendance (while no vaccine) on a cruise ship would be somewhat nice.
• Maybe this causes us to slow down and fully relax more on vacation.

Again, this definitely will not be for everyone, but I am just trying to keep positive until everyone can sail "normal" again.

You make excellent points.
I think DCL will eventually implement some of your ideas above, I'm OK with all of them.
In fact, I'm one of those who would LOVE to cruise on a 50% capacity ship and I'd be willing to pay a serious premium to have this kind of experience.

IMO the absolute best strategy cruise lines could come up with right now is to start cruising at 20% capacity and see how the experiment goes. Then gradually increase it over months until eventually this virus becomes manageable with treatments and vaccines..

 

[MickeyWaffles]

If WDW was not open right now I would agree completely, but that shows possibility to me.

I don’t think WDW and DCL can be compared at all.

The theme parks have the gift of space. Lots and lots of outdoor space. Cruises have always had trouble with highly contagious viruses due to the nature of cruising.

One of the reasons WDW can’t have the college program is due to the highly dense housing situation. The housing situation for DCL crew is even more problematic. An asymptomatic guest gives covid to a crew member and BAM, it’s going through crew quarters like wildfire.

I’d love if covid magically mutated into nothing. I just can’t see cruising happening while covid is out there with no proven treatment, vaccine, or really anything.

 

[otten]

This definitely won't be for everyone, but I definitely would not mind making a reservation to attend Trivia or Bingo or whatever. Yes, a cruise is meant to be a relaxing vacation where you can easily "wing it" but I love to plan things and if it means I have to make a reservation to play Disney Tunes Trivia, then I will make that reservation lol. The big "deal breakers" would be things like eliminating deck parties, requiring masks, the things that make DCL special. However, only time will tell what will be required when they restart operations.

I would be shocked if any attempt to restart while the pandemic is still very active did not include eliminating deck parties and quite possibly the live shows also.

 

[Snowwhyt]

This definitely won't be for everyone, but I definitely would not mind making a reservation to attend Trivia or Bingo or whatever. (......)I love to plan things and if it means I have to make a reservation to play Disney Tunes Trivia, then I will make that reservation lol. The big "deal breakers" would be things like eliminating deck parties, requiring masks, the things that make DCL special. However, only time will tell what will be required when they restart operations.

I don’t believe the first cruises would be able to start without masks. But I don’t think they will be worn very long either after cruising resumes.
Do you know what kind of I find a bit of a concern? I’m worried for the earning my ears, not castaway club member cruisers. Platinum will have their choice, goals will do quite well securing everything they need outside of a cabana(New concierge rooms), Silver will get quite a few good things as well. But what the heck is going to be left on the actual paid in full day? I used to stay up until midnight to make sure I got what I wanted for the family.

I don’t think WDW and DCL can be compared at all.
The theme parks have the gift of space. Lots and lots of outdoor space. Cruises have always had trouble with highly contagious viruses due to the nature of cruising.
One of the reasons WDW can’t have the college program is due to the highly dense housing situation. The housing situation for DCL crew is even more problematic. An asymptomatic guest gives covid to a crew member and BAM, it’s going through crew quarters like wildfire.
I’d love if covid magically mutated into nothing. I just can’t see cruising happening while covid is out there with no proven treatment, vaccine, or really anything.

I think WDW and DCL can be compared a little. Because WDW has so many small spaces that all of its patrons want to visit. If you removed walkways between the rides and restaurants and connected the balance all together it would be pretty close to the density of ships.
Crew members are supposed to have their own rooms when they return. I suspect they will keep that for a short period of time until we get back to full attendance on the ships again. I also believe that with the ships reduced capacity Disney will use one of two plans. Alternate using rooms every other cruise. Or have each family have a room with a window or most likely a veranda for air circulation.
I would love to have the Pandemic disappear but I don’t think there’s enough pixie dust for that to happen. We also don’t have confidence from the scientists this will happen either. 40% of the public votes not to get the vaccine. I have no judgment there but realize that’s not gonna help this disappear.
I’d also love to have the virus mutate in to nothing,....but shhh!!!!.... don’t jinx it and let’s let the scientists be wrong!

 

[nancipants]

That's why they're having attendance issues and having to reduce park hours due to nobody showing up. They're trying to make it out like people are not coming for fear of the virus but that is simply not true. People aren't coming because they don't want to wear a mask in Florida heat for 6 to 8 hours. Even though Disney World wants to operate at 50% capacity, they cannot even get 30% capacity to show up.

Check the recently back thread in the Theme Parks board. The most common comment is that crowds have been increasing the longer the parks have been open. I’ve been to Epcot 3 times and AK once and the crowd level on the first Epcot day compared to the last was extremely different.

 

[T & R]

Check the recently back thread in the Theme Parks board. The most common comment is that crowds have been increasing the longer the parks have been open. I’ve been to Epcot 3 times and AK once and the crowd level on the first Epcot day compared to the last was extremely different.

On August 4th, Disney CEO Bob Chapek and CFO Christine McCarthy stated their was decreased attendance and more cancellations than they anticipated since re-opening. Consequently on August 7th Disney announced Disney World will reduce their park hours starting in Sept. I will differ to their expertise on the matter over the twitter heard.

It is my belief that people don't want to go and wear a mask for 6 to 8 hours in the Florida heat. I know that is the only reason keeping us from going and we're fanatical Disney fans. Maybe as the weather gets cooler, things may change.

 

[nancipants]

On August 4th, Disney CEO Bob Chapek and CFO Christine McCarthy stated their was decreased attendance and more cancellations than they anticipated since re-opening. Consequently on August 7th Disney announced Disney World will reduce their park hours starting in Sept. I will differ to their expertise on the matter over the twitter heard.

It is my belief that people don't want to go and wear a mask for 6 to 8 hours in the Florida heat. I know that is the only reason keeping us from going and we're fanatical Disney fans. Maybe as the weather gets cooler, things may change.

I mean, a lot of people don't want to travel during a pandemic. Or they can't due to quarantine restrictions in their states/jobs/schools.

 

[pumpkinqueen93]

On August 4th, Disney CEO Bob Chapek and CFO Christine McCarthy stated their was decreased attendance and more cancellations than they anticipated since re-opening. Consequently on August 7th Disney announced Disney World will reduce their park hours starting in Sept. I will differ to their expertise on the matter over the twitter heard.

It is my belief that people don't want to go and wear a mask for 6 to 8 hours in the Florida heat. I know that is the only reason keeping us from going and we're fanatical Disney fans. Maybe as the weather gets cooler, things may change.

For me personally. I work at a theme park, so I'm used to wearing a mask in the hot weather. I wouldn't mind going to the parks, mostly cause of the short wait times. Everyone is different tho, and have different opinions and points of view. For now we have to wait and hope for the best when it comes to DCL.

 

[lds0191]

I'm assuming most people reading this thread have been on a previous Disney cruise so let me ask you this....is there ANYONE that would pay for a Disney cruise where you would have to wear a mask all day and make reservations for the pool. What are they going to do....no one else allowed on deck 10??? It would be impossible.

We are platinum and are booked for January 2021 but IF the cruise does happen and masks are required everywhere and lthere are limited access to activities, we will not be going. I can deal with some covid related changes but not to where cruising is no longer fun and an escape from the normal day to day reality. Too much $$ for that type of an experience. We love DCL because of the onboard experiences and I really believe it would be sad and depressing if I couldn't go sit by the pool or see a movie or have character experiences as I have in the past.

 

[Uncleromulus]

You make excellent points.
I think DCL will eventually implement some of your ideas above, I'm OK with all of them.
In fact, I'm one of those who would LOVE to cruise on a 50% capacity ship and I'd be willing to pay a serious premium to have this kind of experience.

IMO the absolute best strategy cruise lines could come up with right now is to start cruising at 20% capacity and see how the experiment goes. Then gradually increase it over months until eventually this virus becomes manageable with treatments and vaccines..

I doubt DCL could operate successfully at only 50% capacity----

 

[Uncleromulus]

I would be shocked if any attempt to restart while the pandemic is still very active did not include eliminating deck parties and quite possibly the live shows also.

And buffets, bingo and crowded pools.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We just moved our original March 2020 cruise, rescheduled for Feb 2021, back to November 21st. I think they will be cruising come February but I doubt we will be comfortable with it that early. By November, hopefully things will be back to normal. Of course that was our thinking when we changed it to February but fingers crossed the vaccine will be out by end of the year.

And we all remember when the "experts" said it would be pretty much over in 2 weeks---

 

[cdavishb]

On August 4th, Disney CEO Bob Chapek and CFO Christine McCarthy stated their was decreased attendance and more cancellations than they anticipated since re-opening. Consequently on August 7th Disney announced Disney World will reduce their park hours starting in Sept. I will differ to their expertise on the matter over the twitter heard.

It is my belief that people don't want to go and wear a mask for 6 to 8 hours in the Florida heat. I know that is the only reason keeping us from going and we're fanatical Disney fans. Maybe as the weather gets cooler, things may change.

I could not agree more with the opinion that a majority of those cancellations occurred because of the mask requirement. I cancelled solely for this reason. My sons family did as well. He has a 2 year old who just won’t wear a mask. Many people would go if masks were only required inside or where proper distance cannot be maintained. Masks everywhere is a huge deterrent.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Many people would go if masks were only required inside or where proper distance cannot be maintained. Masks everywhere is a huge deterrent.

The issue with that is - taking masks on and off can transfer germs quicker. And, how about the "I'm just stepping inside the store to see if XXX is in there" or "I'm not within 6 feet of anyone while inside" or "I'm outside, standing in line, I won't be anywhere close to others" mindset of people?

It would be more difficult to enforce "only when inside or where proper distance cannot be maintained" protocol than to just say "must always wear a mask".

 

[nancipants]

I would definitely NOT go to Disney if masks weren’t required everywhere.

That said, I’m not sure if I’d take a cruise or not it masks were required. If they’re still required at that point I probably won’t feel comfortable traveling at all.

 

[mickey0624]

If cruising doesn't come back until 2022, there will not be a DCL. It will be back be Jan 2021. Possibily by the end of the year for the short Bahama cruises

Just don't see any way possible ships are sailing in January...I think Spring 2022

 

[mickey0624]

I actually used to be in the camp of I am not going to pay this much money until it's back to somewhat normal. I do totally understand some families may not feel this way and that is absolutely okay! The more I started to think about it, the more I started to be okay if we had some restrictions until there is a vaccine readily available. There are already reservations for so many things, if we add more and are able to sail safely then maybe it's okay.

• Maybe adults can reserve an hour or two at the pool and actually get a seat without dirty towels taking them all.
• Maybe families can select evening show seats (like how a movie theater currently does it) on the Disney app and have seats waiting for them.
• Maybe you have to wear a mask when walking within the halls of the ship, but can remove it on top decks or when eating/drinking.
• Maybe you have to reserve your trivia or game shows like how you have to reserve drink tastings or some other events.
• Maybe reduced attendance (while no vaccine) on a cruise ship would be somewhat nice.
• Maybe this causes us to slow down and fully relax more on vacation.

Again, this definitely will not be for everyone, but I am just trying to keep positive until everyone can sail "normal" again.

the sounds like more work than vacation...so much for a relaxing cruise

 

[disneygeek401]

Just don't see any way possible ships are sailing in January...I think Spring 2022

There is no chance DCL would resume ops in Spring 2022. They and virtually all cruise lines would likely go bankrupt if the shutdown lasts that long. But I do agree I think January 2021 is a little optimistic.

IMO, I think we'll see shorter Bahamian cruises start up in maybe April, with the longer Caribbean cruises start up in July/August, as long as if the shorter sailings go well.

What restrictions/policies are in place will depend on the pandemic, obviously. Not to turn this into vaccine talk, but as of now one is projected to be ready in January or maybe February, depends on the status of the stage 3 trials. With all of the time and attention they put into development of this vaccine, I can only imagine it will get distributed in record time. At least I hope.

I have a Dec 2021 cruise that Im fairly confident that it will sail, but only time will tell. The next 6-8 or so weeks will be critical for the cruise industry as the Health and Safety Panel from CCL and NCL is presenting to the CDC at the end of this month, and the CDC is analyzing the cruiser feedback comments after the due date of 9/21. That way they can produce their recommendations for how the industry should restart, and then the other cruise lines can develop their policies. Obviously this is subject to where we are in the process with the cases, deaths, vaccine, and so much more.

 

[mickey0624]

There is no chance DCL would resume ops in Spring 2022. They and virtually all cruise lines would likely go bankrupt if the shutdown lasts that long. But I do agree I think January 2021 is a little optimistic.

IMO, I think we'll see shorter Bahamian cruises start up in maybe April, with the longer Caribbean cruises start up in July/August, as long as if the shorter sailings go well.

What restrictions/policies are in place will depend on the pandemic, obviously. Not to turn this into vaccine talk, but as of now one is projected to be ready in January or maybe February, depends on the status of the stage 3 trials. With all of the time and attention they put into development of this vaccine, I can only imagine it will get distributed in record time. At least I hope.

I have a Dec 2021 cruise that Im fairly confident that it will sail, but only time will tell. The next 6-8 or so weeks will be critical for the cruise industry as the Health and Safety Panel from CCL and NCL is presenting to the CDC at the end of this month, and the CDC is analyzing the cruiser feedback comments after the due date of 9/21. That way they can produce their recommendations for how the industry should restart, and then the other cruise lines can develop their policies. Obviously this is subject to where we are in the process with the cases, deaths, vaccine, and so much more.

I really think people are in denial about hw quickly these cruises will resume. Just because a vaccine is approved does not men everything will return to normal. It will take 6 months to year beyond that to get everyone vaccinated. Disney is a lucrative enough company that it will be fine, but I do agree some lines will go under. I hope Im wrong but i thing a cruise in December of this year has absolutely no chance of sailing