Will GS help with future cabana reservations etc.

[BCV23]

In November we board our cruise on the day that I can book reservations for our following cruise. Will Guest Services help me try to grab a cabana (I know it is a very long shot), make Palo reservations, etc.?

Ironically, this will be our 5th DCL cruise. Too bad we're not sailing 15-16 days earlier. Or maybe we don't become Gold until we disembark?

 

[DMMarla07860]

In November we board our cruise on the day that I can book reservations for our following cruise. Will Guest Services help me try to grab a cabana (I know it is a very long shot), make Palo reservations, etc.?

Ironically, this will be our 5th DCL cruise. Too bad we're not sailing 15-16 days earlier. Or maybe we don't become Gold until we disembark?

You usually don't become the next level till your cruise is done

 

[BCV23]

Thanks. That's good to know.

BTW I am enjoying your TR.

 

[DMMarla07860]

Thanks. That's good to know.

BTW I am enjoying your TR.

Thanks for reading it, next part should becoming by Tuesday

 

[lbgraves]

GS would probably direct you to the internet package and offer to let you use a laptop to do so.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for reading it, next part should becoming by Tuesday

I will look forward to your next installment.

GS would probably direct you to the internet package and offer to let you use a laptop to do so.

Really. That doesn't seem like good service if they have the ability to help. Akin to GS at WDW telling you to book a dining reservation on your own rather than help. Of course, I would not approach GS unless it was a very quiet time. Haven't you found GS to be helpful? With one exception, I've found them very helpful but then I'm a relative newbie.

Thanks for your reply, Lisa.

 

[Dug720]

In November we board our cruise on the day that I can book reservations for our following cruise. Will Guest Services help me try to grab a cabana (I know it is a very long shot), make Palo reservations, etc.?

Ironically, this will be our 5th DCL cruise. Too bad we're not sailing 15-16 days earlier. Or maybe we don't become Gold until we disembark?

If it's the day you board, couldn't you just be online at midnight to try and get one, then nap until your PAT?

 

[justmestace]

I will look forward to your next installment.



Really. That doesn't seem like good service if they have the ability to help. Akin to GS at WDW telling you to book a dining reservation on your own rather than help. Of course, I would not approach GS unless it was a very quiet time. Haven't you found GS to be helpful? With one exception, I've found them very helpful but then I'm a relative newbie.

Thanks for your reply, Lisa.

Lisa and I both have at least 13 Disney cruises under our belts...each....so we're pretty experienced.
Most of the time, there are only two people working the Guest Services desk. There are times when it's quiet for them, as you mentioned trying to choose a time like that. But honestly, and I'm not trying to be rude, but booking future shore excursions, Palo, etc....for an upcoming cruise....is not in their job description, and it most likely is not even something they are capable of doing, since it requires being online, connected to the DCL website. It's just not a perk (or whatever you might call it) that they are even capable of doing at this time. It's not that they wouldn't want to help you....but I don't think they have the resources for it.

Then you also get into the area of if they do it for one family, they'd end up doing it for everyone eventually, and wouldn't get their own jobs done. And you have to know that while YOU may be polite and choose a time when it looks as though they aren't busy, not all people are going to be that nice and thoughtful.


Maybe it would be a good idea for DCL to have a dedicated desk with one or two people, to handle this type of thing. I think that's something that people would really love, and I know that none of the other cruise lines that I've been on offer this as a service.

 

[BCV23]

If it's the day you board, couldn't you just be online at midnight to try and get one, then nap until your PAT?

That's what I plan to do if it turns out they can't help. However, I don't take my laptop on cruises. Any luck with doing it on a phone?

Lisa and I both have at least 13 Disney cruises under our belts...each....so we're pretty experienced.
Most of the time, there are only two people working the Guest Services desk. There are times when it's quiet for them, as you mentioned trying to choose a time like that. But honestly, and I'm not trying to be rude, but booking future shore excursions, Palo, etc....for an upcoming cruise....is not in their job description, and it most likely is not even something they are capable of doing, since it requires being online, connected to the DCL website. It's just not a perk (or whatever you might call it) that they are even capable of doing at this time. It's not that they wouldn't want to help you....but I don't think they have the resources for it.

Then you also get into the area of if they do it for one family, they'd end up doing it for everyone eventually, and wouldn't get their own jobs done. And you have to know that while YOU may be polite and choose a time when it looks as though they aren't busy, not all people are going to be that nice and thoughtful.


Maybe it would be a good idea for DCL to have a dedicated desk with one or two people, to handle this type of thing. I think that's something that people would really love, and I know that none of the other cruise lines that I've been on offer this as a service.

Yes, I know many on this forum are experienced cruisers which is why I asked here. I hope someone who has actually tried can help me.

I am an early bird and so guest services is usually not busy at all when I've gone for help.

Do you know for a fact they have to be online to book those things or can it possibly be in their system?

I doubt any of us know the exact parameters of their job descriptions other than DCL CMs. Obviously, helping people with current cruise issues is their first priority but in the Disney spirit of making magic for their guests, I would think they would be happy to help if it were in their power.

Thanks for your reply, too, Stace.

 

[Dug720]

That's what I plan to do if it turns out they can't help. However, I don't take my laptop on cruises. Any luck with doing it on a phone?

Yes, I know many on this forum are experienced cruisers which is why I asked here. I hope someone who has actually tried can help me.

I am an early bird and so guest services is usually not busy at all when I've gone for help.

Do you know for a fact they have to be online to book those things or can it possibly be in their system?

I doubt any of us know the exact parameters of their job descriptions other than DCL CMs. Obviously, helping people with current cruise issues is their first priority but in the Disney spirit of making magic for their guests, I would think they would be happy to help if it were in their power.

Thanks for your reply, too, Stace.

Oh, see I think of "the day of" as starting AT midnight - as in you wouldn't already be on board but boarding later that day. i misunderstood. Sorry!

 

[BCV23]

Oh, see I think of "the day of" as starting AT midnight - as in you wouldn't already be on board but boarding later that day. i misunderstood. Sorry!

You didn't misunderstand at all, Beth. But we plan to fly down the day before so will be in a hotel the night before embarking. Maybe we will be able to access a computer there. Thanks again.

I was thinking more about it. I remember how obsessive I get about checking for a cabana. I personally would not check more than once on a cruise but can imagine a few planners checking over and over which is exactly what I do at home.

 

[cats mom]

That's what I plan to do if it turns out they can't help. However, I don't take my laptop on cruises. Any luck with doing it on a phone?

Yes, I know many on this forum are experienced cruisers which is why I asked here. I hope someone who has actually tried can help me.

I am an early bird and so guest services is usually not busy at all when I've gone for help.

Do you know for a fact they have to be online to book those things or can it possibly be in their system?

I doubt any of us know the exact parameters of their job descriptions other than DCL CMs. Obviously, helping people with current cruise issues is their first priority but in the Disney spirit of making magic for their guests, I would think they would be happy to help if it were in their power.

Thanks for your reply, too, Stace.

I've never tried to get a cabana, but I understand they can go very quickly. Depending on the cruise Palo times can as well. If your booking window opens the day you board, wouldn't you want to get those things taken care of before you get to the ship?

I don't know where you're staying the night before you cruise, but could you see if a business center is available to you there?

While I don't know this for a fact, I'm betting the only way GS CM's on the ship would be able to help you would be to access the same online reservation system you, your TA, a CM at the DCL phone lines, or anyone else would.

I've chatted with CM's at the DCL phone reservations line while they waited for the same darn swimming fish I was seeing on my home computer to go away so they could actually get into the system.

Of course all the info gets transferred to the ships at some point, and they can go in and modify things then. When we did our B2B cruise we were offered some things that wouldn't have been possible in advance. I very much doubt that they have the information or ability that far out though.

Good luck, and congrats on bumping up a CC level.

 

[Dug720]

You didn't misunderstand at all, Beth. But we plan to fly down the day before so will be in a hotel the night before embarking. Maybe we will be able to access a computer there. Thanks again.

I was thinking more about it. I remember how obsessive I get about checking for a cabana. I personally would not check more than once on a cruise but can imagine a few planners checking over and over which is exactly what I do at home.

ah, got it.

 

[BCV23]

I've never tried to get a cabana, but I understand they can go very quickly. Depending on the cruise Palo times can as well. If your booking window opens the day you board, wouldn't you want to get those things taken care of before you get to the ship?

I don't know where you're staying the night before you cruise, but could you see if a business center is available to you there?

While I don't know this for a fact, I'm betting the only way GS CM's on the ship would be able to help you would be to access the same online reservation system you, your TA, a CM at the DCL phone lines, or anyone else would.

I've chatted with CM's at the DCL phone reservations line while they waited for the same darn swimming fish I was seeing on my home computer to go away so they could actually get into the system.

Of course all the info gets transferred to the ships at some point, and they can go in and modify things then. When we did our B2B cruise we were offered some things that wouldn't have been possible in advance. I very much doubt that they have the information or ability that far out though.

Good luck, and congrats on bumping up a CC level.

That's funny. How frustrating for them. Everything you wrote makes sense. Thanks for the congrats. I will be unreasonably excited.

ah, got it.

Thanks again.

 

[lbgraves]

I know that the information is not released to the ship until just prior to the cruise, so the CMs onboard do not have access to the same information/system that shore side CMs do. Those are two distinctly separate divisions of DCL. I found this out when handling an issue for a cruise last year. Though there did end up being communication between CMs in both divisions, I don't believe it would have happened if my incredible TA didn't speak directly to the manager onboard when she was on the ship before our cruise to help get the ball rolling. This applies to dining and all other aspects involving guest information. As has been noted, the only way to access that information onboard would be to access your reservation online using the internet service. GS will allow you to borrow laptops to make an OBB, but that is linked directly to their shipboard server and that is the only website that is accessible. It has the discount already applied to the cruise fare when you do this.

The CMs at GS are dealing with the onboard server at the front desk, not the internet. Communication in any form is more expensive when at sea -- both via cell phone and data. It's not like GS at the resorts on land where CMs have internet access on their computer terminals and can easily bring up anything online and print out directions for you or the like. Guests who need to check in for their return flights before the end of the cruise are also directed to the internet package. It's not that the GS CMs are trying to be difficult or unhelpful.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and personal experience, Lisa. Much appreciated.

I will somehow do it before we board. Thanks to all who responded.

 

[Tozzie]

In November we board our cruise on the day that I can book reservations for our following cruise. Will Guest Services help me try to grab a cabana (I know it is a very long shot), make Palo reservations, etc.?

Ironically, this will be our 5th DCL cruise. Too bad we're not sailing 15-16 days earlier. Or maybe we don't become Gold until we disembark?

Do you have a friend or relative that you can trust who could do this for you. Tell them what you want and ask them to book it, also give them alternatives if your first choice isn't available? I know that would mean giving your password to someone but you can change the password when you return.

 

[BCV23]

Do you have a friend or relative that you can trust who could do this for you. Tell them what you want and ask them to book it, also give them alternatives if your first choice isn't available? I know that would mean giving your password to someone but you can change the password when you return.

Thanks. That's a great alternative. I will keep it in mind if getting online access at the hotel won't work.

 

[lanejudy]

In November we board our cruise on the day that I can book reservations for our following cruise. Will Guest Services help me try to grab a cabana (I know it is a very long shot), make Palo reservations, etc.?

Ironically, this will be our 5th DCL cruise. Too bad we're not sailing 15-16 days earlier. Or maybe we don't become Gold until we disembark?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and personal experience, Lisa. Much appreciated.

I will somehow do it before we board. Thanks to all who responded.

Not to be a downer...but it sounds like you are counting on THIS cruise (the one you'll be boarding) to put you into Gold status and it's the Gold online check-in date that coincides with your boarding date. If so, I don't think your online check-in will be available at midnight, as you won't have even started that 5th cruise yet. Whether or not you'd become "gold" status during the cruise might be in question (only after you have boarded, though) - though the CC website indicates "Gold Castaway begins after your 5th completed cruise." You certainly should be able to do online check-in after you debark from that 5th cruise which (depending on length of the cruise) should still put you a few days ahead of Silver online check-in. But I don't think you can do Gold online check-in until after you finish the 5th cruise.

Enjoy your cruises - current and future!

 

[Belleluvswdw]

That's what I plan to do if it turns out they can't help. However, I don't take my laptop on cruises. Any luck with doing it on a phone?
.

YES! . I was thanking the iPhone gods when my laptop gave me the blue screen of death at 11:50pm! I was freaking out and cursing out Microsoft, lol. So I fired up the iPhone and crossed my fingers, and just at midnight I booked my Cabana and Palo ressies. My husband was holding his breath the whole time, hoping not to bear the brunt of my frustration if it didn't work, lol.

Can't speak to Android, but worked no problem with iPhone and Atomic Web app.