Southern Pirate
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2018
- Messages
- 183
We just returned from a 3 night sailing on the Wish. It was a birthday cruise and we had a wonderful time. This was not our first DCL cruise but it was our first Wish cruise. On the way home, my wife was reading some of the Facebook comments others on our cruise wrote. Some of our fellow cruisers had a good time and others claimed it was the worst cruise they had been on.
I would like to relay my thoughts on our cruise. First I would like to say that as of recently, I am not a big fan of the Disney corporation. With that being said lets get on with MY VIEWS.
Just for clarification we sailed as concierge guests and it was just the 2 of us. First of all, before the cruise began my wife stressed out over the COVID test. A week before our proctored test, she tested herself every day. Once the proctored test was completed, everything went very well. We left our hotel on the day of the cruise and arrived at Port Carnival way to early, about 9:50. We drove right up to baggage drop off and were told that drop off was at location 1 thru 8 only due to passengers leaving. After dropping off the bags we waited inline for the parking garage to open. Right at 10:15 they opened. As we were paying, we made small talk to one of the parking attendants. It was at this point the man in the car next to us stuck his hand out the window and started snapping his fingers to get the attendants attention. I really couldn't believe this and just started laughing in disbelief. The parking attendant, who was a very nice young lady, turned and look and said did that person just snap their fingers at me? Which understandably set her off. Anyway, the parking garage had changed back to the way it was before COVID which caught me off guard so we had to back up 10 feet and start again.
We arrived in the port after crossing over the walk way and our fellow cruises that arrived on the buses were already there. Going through security was a breeze, of course I always get the wand due to all my metal upgrades or as my granddaughter says, being part cyborg. Anyway, up the escalator and into the terminal, we were met and escorted to the new concierge lounge in the terminal. This lounge had more seats that the other small makeshift lounge they use to use. There were also cold drinks waiting for use. Speaking of drinks, I know that Disney has a contract with Coke and that is what you find on the ship. I have recently taken a liking to Diet Dr Pepper cherry so I brought a few cans with me. Also I know that their steak sauce of choice is A1, mine is 57, so I bring 57 with me. While here in the lounge we were told that we could now make reservations on the app for things on the ship such as Hyperspace lounge, which we did.
Once boarding began, we were escorted onto the ship and watched a little welcome show in the atrium. Then we were taken to the 1923 MDR where we had lunch and went over any needs or changes. It was here that I overheard my wife say that the online room gifts would not let her select the birthday package. I just turned 58 and really didn't need a birthday package but she did. After lunch we went to our mustard station and checked in then up the concierge lounge. My wife wanted to tour the ship as much as possible. She also wanted to hide her ducks.
After touring the top decks we decided to take a short break so we went to our room and unpacked and met our room host and assistant. They asked about special requests and anything that might be missing with our room. My wife thought the room was a little small but she was informed that the King size bed is what made it look like that. Once unpacking was completed it was off to explore again. We now made it down to deck 3 and worked worked our way up. Nothing was open but my wife wanted to set up her plan of attack. Now it was close to 5pm so back to the room to change for dinner.
Our 1st dinner was in 1923, table 604, our server, and assistant server were very nice and efficient. Once they knew what my wife liked, it was always waiting. I am simple, water, ice, butter for the bread and steak. My wife likes her sweet ice tea and will try all kids of stuff. We have been on all the other DCL ships and the food on this one was the best. I thought it was just the beef that was good but my wife said the things she order were better on the Wish. I wanted to sample everything that interested me and I did. So much so, I gained 9 pounds in 3 days.
Our 2nd dinner was in Marvels (same table). We were greeted by our head server and shown to our table. Once there, our drinks were waiting and the bread came very quickly. The night before my wife had said something about the honey butter and it was also on the table. (now I have learned to be careful about making comments about liking something to eat. I said once about liking Key Lime pie and had a whole Key Lime pie every night on a 7 day cruise. Day 3 I was sick of Key Lime pie). Steak was excellent again.
On our 3rd night we were in Arendelle. Again greeted by our head server and shown to table 604 but this time it was a table set next to the stage by ourselves. This was really very nice and as the characters came by they briefly spoke with us. Dinner again was very good and the show was also good. Our server timed everything just right and was able to end the meal with the show.
Our head server remember our table number each nigh, our server and assistant server remembered our preferences each night and everything was right on time. My wife said that someone commented about the long lines to get into the MDRs. Well here is the story. Normally people eat where ever. On other cruises it was not uncommon to see empty tables because they were eating at cabanas or flows or a specialty restaurant. On a new cruise ship with new MDR most everyone wanted to eat there. Yes the halls were crowded but they moved very quickly. The servicing staff really jumped to get everything served.
The 1st night we saw Seas the Adventure. We were escorted into the theater before the doors opened and were allowed to sit anywhere but the handicap places. Once the doors opened we could go out and get free popcorn. We were told to bring our drinks from either the concierge lounge or from our mini frig. The show was new and entertaining.
The 2nd show was on the 3rd night, The Little Mermaid. We decided to go to the 3:00 show. We did noticed that the show started a little later than 3. The only reason I mention this is because our Hyper Space lounge appointment time was at 4:15. Anyway, after a short delay the show started. Sebastian, I thought, was the star. The man and woman sitting behind us were the parents of Ursula and she was good also. (I only liked Sebastian because he sounded like the one from the movie). During the show there was a tiny problem with the lift they use on stage but a short intermission and it was all good.
After The Little Mermaid, we went strait to the Hyper Lounge. We checked in maybe 10 minutes late but were taken straight in. It was small but very nice. We do not drink alcohol and the waitress offered to get us something from the other bar. We enjoyed our drinks and got blasted into hyperspace a few times. Then it was diner time again.
My wife enjoyed the spa (several times), I roamed the ship and took in the new features and tried the food. I wanted to do the water slide but ran out of time. The ship was beautiful. The crew were amazing.
My wife read me some of the complains and I would just like to address a few. One was the pool was not covered and she would get wet if it rained. I thought this was a joke but wife says it was not. We went to Sea World and in the middle of the day it rained. We were told that the dolphin show was canceled because the dolphins do not preform in the rain. Figure that one out.
Another said the hallways were crowded to get into the MDR, how about this, don't get there before the doors open.
Someone said it took them a long time to get through the dinner because service was slow. The servers are doing the best they can. How would you do in a job that has an unknown quitting time. They are working from 7am until the last guest is finished eating and everything is set for the next guest. Trust me, the faster they get you in and out the better they would like it.
Complaints about dead ends. Guess what, I bet you didn't go that way again, if you did well maybe it was you.
One person pointed out they were a designer and she felt the ship did not flow. Have you seen the size of that ship. I can just about guarantee there was more than 1 designer. The things that Disney wanted to put in the ship had to be fitted inside the hull. Sometimes that is not the easiest thing to do. As a designer that person should know that. In addition the ship has to float and be stable in all weather.
Disembarkation lines to long and slow. I was told there was an ambulance at the port. I saw a fire truck but in Florida, firemen are also paramedics. Yes Concierge guest do get escorted off early but that is included with the perks.
After hearing about the complaints from this cruise, I just wanted to point out that not everybody had a bad time. For those who would say that being concierge gets you special treatment, I would like to say you are right. But I pay for that special treatment just as you can. If you want to be treated like a VIP then it will cost you. If you decide not to sail with Disney again just because of a few bumps on this cruise just remember, this is a new ship, the crew is learning just like you. I will leave you with this, It is and always will be your vacation. You can relax and enjoy it or you can find all the flaws and complain about it either way the mouse got your money.
I would like to relay my thoughts on our cruise. First I would like to say that as of recently, I am not a big fan of the Disney corporation. With that being said lets get on with MY VIEWS.
Just for clarification we sailed as concierge guests and it was just the 2 of us. First of all, before the cruise began my wife stressed out over the COVID test. A week before our proctored test, she tested herself every day. Once the proctored test was completed, everything went very well. We left our hotel on the day of the cruise and arrived at Port Carnival way to early, about 9:50. We drove right up to baggage drop off and were told that drop off was at location 1 thru 8 only due to passengers leaving. After dropping off the bags we waited inline for the parking garage to open. Right at 10:15 they opened. As we were paying, we made small talk to one of the parking attendants. It was at this point the man in the car next to us stuck his hand out the window and started snapping his fingers to get the attendants attention. I really couldn't believe this and just started laughing in disbelief. The parking attendant, who was a very nice young lady, turned and look and said did that person just snap their fingers at me? Which understandably set her off. Anyway, the parking garage had changed back to the way it was before COVID which caught me off guard so we had to back up 10 feet and start again.
We arrived in the port after crossing over the walk way and our fellow cruises that arrived on the buses were already there. Going through security was a breeze, of course I always get the wand due to all my metal upgrades or as my granddaughter says, being part cyborg. Anyway, up the escalator and into the terminal, we were met and escorted to the new concierge lounge in the terminal. This lounge had more seats that the other small makeshift lounge they use to use. There were also cold drinks waiting for use. Speaking of drinks, I know that Disney has a contract with Coke and that is what you find on the ship. I have recently taken a liking to Diet Dr Pepper cherry so I brought a few cans with me. Also I know that their steak sauce of choice is A1, mine is 57, so I bring 57 with me. While here in the lounge we were told that we could now make reservations on the app for things on the ship such as Hyperspace lounge, which we did.
Once boarding began, we were escorted onto the ship and watched a little welcome show in the atrium. Then we were taken to the 1923 MDR where we had lunch and went over any needs or changes. It was here that I overheard my wife say that the online room gifts would not let her select the birthday package. I just turned 58 and really didn't need a birthday package but she did. After lunch we went to our mustard station and checked in then up the concierge lounge. My wife wanted to tour the ship as much as possible. She also wanted to hide her ducks.
After touring the top decks we decided to take a short break so we went to our room and unpacked and met our room host and assistant. They asked about special requests and anything that might be missing with our room. My wife thought the room was a little small but she was informed that the King size bed is what made it look like that. Once unpacking was completed it was off to explore again. We now made it down to deck 3 and worked worked our way up. Nothing was open but my wife wanted to set up her plan of attack. Now it was close to 5pm so back to the room to change for dinner.
Our 1st dinner was in 1923, table 604, our server, and assistant server were very nice and efficient. Once they knew what my wife liked, it was always waiting. I am simple, water, ice, butter for the bread and steak. My wife likes her sweet ice tea and will try all kids of stuff. We have been on all the other DCL ships and the food on this one was the best. I thought it was just the beef that was good but my wife said the things she order were better on the Wish. I wanted to sample everything that interested me and I did. So much so, I gained 9 pounds in 3 days.
Our 2nd dinner was in Marvels (same table). We were greeted by our head server and shown to our table. Once there, our drinks were waiting and the bread came very quickly. The night before my wife had said something about the honey butter and it was also on the table. (now I have learned to be careful about making comments about liking something to eat. I said once about liking Key Lime pie and had a whole Key Lime pie every night on a 7 day cruise. Day 3 I was sick of Key Lime pie). Steak was excellent again.
On our 3rd night we were in Arendelle. Again greeted by our head server and shown to table 604 but this time it was a table set next to the stage by ourselves. This was really very nice and as the characters came by they briefly spoke with us. Dinner again was very good and the show was also good. Our server timed everything just right and was able to end the meal with the show.
Our head server remember our table number each nigh, our server and assistant server remembered our preferences each night and everything was right on time. My wife said that someone commented about the long lines to get into the MDRs. Well here is the story. Normally people eat where ever. On other cruises it was not uncommon to see empty tables because they were eating at cabanas or flows or a specialty restaurant. On a new cruise ship with new MDR most everyone wanted to eat there. Yes the halls were crowded but they moved very quickly. The servicing staff really jumped to get everything served.
The 1st night we saw Seas the Adventure. We were escorted into the theater before the doors opened and were allowed to sit anywhere but the handicap places. Once the doors opened we could go out and get free popcorn. We were told to bring our drinks from either the concierge lounge or from our mini frig. The show was new and entertaining.
The 2nd show was on the 3rd night, The Little Mermaid. We decided to go to the 3:00 show. We did noticed that the show started a little later than 3. The only reason I mention this is because our Hyper Space lounge appointment time was at 4:15. Anyway, after a short delay the show started. Sebastian, I thought, was the star. The man and woman sitting behind us were the parents of Ursula and she was good also. (I only liked Sebastian because he sounded like the one from the movie). During the show there was a tiny problem with the lift they use on stage but a short intermission and it was all good.
After The Little Mermaid, we went strait to the Hyper Lounge. We checked in maybe 10 minutes late but were taken straight in. It was small but very nice. We do not drink alcohol and the waitress offered to get us something from the other bar. We enjoyed our drinks and got blasted into hyperspace a few times. Then it was diner time again.
My wife enjoyed the spa (several times), I roamed the ship and took in the new features and tried the food. I wanted to do the water slide but ran out of time. The ship was beautiful. The crew were amazing.
My wife read me some of the complains and I would just like to address a few. One was the pool was not covered and she would get wet if it rained. I thought this was a joke but wife says it was not. We went to Sea World and in the middle of the day it rained. We were told that the dolphin show was canceled because the dolphins do not preform in the rain. Figure that one out.
Another said the hallways were crowded to get into the MDR, how about this, don't get there before the doors open.
Someone said it took them a long time to get through the dinner because service was slow. The servers are doing the best they can. How would you do in a job that has an unknown quitting time. They are working from 7am until the last guest is finished eating and everything is set for the next guest. Trust me, the faster they get you in and out the better they would like it.
Complaints about dead ends. Guess what, I bet you didn't go that way again, if you did well maybe it was you.
One person pointed out they were a designer and she felt the ship did not flow. Have you seen the size of that ship. I can just about guarantee there was more than 1 designer. The things that Disney wanted to put in the ship had to be fitted inside the hull. Sometimes that is not the easiest thing to do. As a designer that person should know that. In addition the ship has to float and be stable in all weather.
Disembarkation lines to long and slow. I was told there was an ambulance at the port. I saw a fire truck but in Florida, firemen are also paramedics. Yes Concierge guest do get escorted off early but that is included with the perks.
After hearing about the complaints from this cruise, I just wanted to point out that not everybody had a bad time. For those who would say that being concierge gets you special treatment, I would like to say you are right. But I pay for that special treatment just as you can. If you want to be treated like a VIP then it will cost you. If you decide not to sail with Disney again just because of a few bumps on this cruise just remember, this is a new ship, the crew is learning just like you. I will leave you with this, It is and always will be your vacation. You can relax and enjoy it or you can find all the flaws and complain about it either way the mouse got your money.
Tia!
