Your Milage May Vary

[Cruise]

I just wanted to post a little something for first time cruisers that might be helpful.

If you're reading here, you realize that some people have a great time and others find things not to be quite what they expected. Sometimes it's in perception, and sometimes it's in actual fact. When I "expected" something and didn't get it, I decided not to let it have an impact on my overall cruise experience, and thus, I had a great time even though a couple of things were missing. Reading some posts here reminded me of them so I just wanted to mention it.

Ice - our room steward did not bring us ice twice a day. In fact, she never *once* brought us ice during our entire cruise. I didn't know I could ask for it, or I would have done so. But, it wasn't offered. So if you need it, ask for it.

Towel animals - we never got one of these either during our entire 7 night cruise either. I had really expected this after reading things on the internet and hearing my sister talk about the towel animals they received. Again, I didn't let it bother me too much, but initially, it was a bit of a disappointment.

Both of these things may be explained by the fact that I think our room steward may have been one of the newer members of staff on board. We could have asked for the ice, but if she didn't know how to make towel animals yet....well, then she just didn't.

Anyone else expected something that didn't happen for you?

Julie

 

[callahanjulie10]

You are so right- the first 2 times we cruised we never got a towel animal. No big deal-

I guess what I have been the most disappointed with is that everytime we cruise, they do less and less.

The first cruise we took in 99 was the very best. We got our docs in a really cute and BIG travel trunk. Something like an 8x10. It was great. Everynight we got some chocolates and a little card with a saying and picture on it and a navagator. My DD also got her own personal navagator every night on her bed along with the chocolate and her animals arranged. They also had surf and turf in Parrotswith filet and lobster. I hear now there is no lobster or filet available on 3 or 4 nights. We even had lobster on CC because we were the first to go there because of a hurricane and they weren't prepared with the ribs, etc! It was totally amazing.
We were the 3rd group to go on the 7 night cruise in 2000 and I was expecting something really cool in the mail. The docs came in the blue enevelope that is usually in the "trunk." Just the blue eneveolpe this time though. Nothing really cool in fact less than we had gotten from our 4 night the year before. When we went to registar my DD in the club- guess what- 1 navagator for the whole trip for her- nothing left on her pillow but a chocolate and we got 2 of the little cards on our bed the whole trip. Also- our navs were shoved under the door! To make matters even better- they had to change the kids navagators and we were never told or given a new one until day 3 when I finally questioned why the activites were never correct!

On cruise #3, pretty much everything was the same as #2 no big changes. We did get towel animals this cruise and were excited about that!
The thing is- we love DCL and take what we are given and make the best- we go on #4 May 25 and I can't wait to see what adventures we have this time.

 

[pgesler]

We took our first cruise in June 2001

There were Towel animals everyday w/chocolate on our pillows.

No ice but we had a frig - my daughter is diabetic and needed one for the insulin.

Was a little disappointed with the quality of the food but didn't starve.

 

[inkkognito]

We have done 19 Disney cruises, and I am happy to say that we have seen steady refinement since our first trip on the Magic in Sept. of 1998. I probably would have been a lot more dissapointed on that first trip, except for two things: 1) It was our first cruise ever. 2) We had been reading lots of reviews on the internet and knew there were going to be problems. But I am always very impressed with the way in which Disney responds to guest comments and has continually improved their product and enhanced guest experiences. I urge everyone to be as honest as possible about both the positive and the negative on your comment cards. We have done four RCCL cruises, too, and we definitely prefer Disney because of the adult areas, the beautifully themed ships, but most of all because they have a great crew who cares about the guest experience.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DisneyKids]

I have to agree with Barb. DCL does care and seems to listen to guest comments and make changes. We saw this between our first ('98) and second ('02) cruises. There were several changes that were very much positive. As far as some of the details (towel animals, ice, ...), I agree that these are the little details that sets customer service apart but I guess we were lucky to receive those little pleasures. But, there are new cast members, those that really aren't up to DCL standards, those leaving the ship soon, etc. 2 things to remember...

1) If you want something (within reason), just ask. DCL is VERY eager to accommodate.
2) The survey/comment card at the end of the cruise is for your feedback. SEVERAL CM's told us how seriously these are taken and that your comments and responses to the questions are indeed considered.

Most of all, enjoy what is good about DCL and, as Julie who began this thread mentioned, don't let it bother your cruise!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Just bumping up...this seems to go along with some recent posts