Disappointed thus far!

Status
Not open for further replies.
Given that the reason for not docking was "high swells," tendering sounds like a pretty grim idea/bad plan.

I repeat: Ventriloquism is not an emergency.

And even if you assume your performers are good at being at sea, a tender in high swells can make even the best of sailors chunder. Which isn't the best lead-in to do a show.
 


I'm so sorry that things are not going well. I completely understand your disappointment. We spend months imagining and anticipating a perfect vacation, so it is disappointing when several things don't go as planned. Unfortunately, DCL really didn't have control over the problems you've experienced. I truly believe they want everything to go right.

Please be sure to talk to Guest Services and your Head Server about the Animator's Palette show. We also experienced a technical glitch that had only our table's drawings omitted but they arranged to include them on a different night and escorted us from our scheduled MDR to AP at the appointed time just to watch.

I really hope the rest of your vacation is magical.
 
Given that the reason for not docking was "high swells," tendering sounds like a pretty grim idea/bad plan.

I repeat: Ventriloquism is not an emergency.

And even if you assume your performers are good at being at sea, a tender in high swells can make even the best of sailors chunder. Which isn't the best lead-in to do a show.

As a former Naval Officer who's driven aircraft carriers, I can categorically state that if the seas prohibit a 135,000 ton vessel from pulling into a port, it's most likely that a small boat transfer is out of the question.

Chunder...great word. I've got to incorporate that into a conversation today.
 
As a former Naval Officer who's driven aircraft carriers, I can categorically state that if the seas prohibit a 135,000 ton vessel from pulling into a port, it's most likely that a small boat transfer is out of the question.

Chunder...great word. I've got to incorporate that into a conversation today.

I have ex-Navy friends, and they have said there is no such thing as someone who is immune to seasickness if the conditions are right.
 


Please be sure to talk to Guest Services and your Head Server about the Animator's Palette show. We also experienced a technical glitch that had only our table's drawings omitted but they arranged to include them on a different night and escorted us from our scheduled MDR to AP at the appointed time just to watch.

I just LOVE that they did this for you! Disney Magic at it's finest!

For the OP, I hope things turn around for you and you can experience some Magic too.
 
Please be sure to talk to Guest Services and your Head Server about the Animator's Palette show. We also experienced a technical glitch that had only our table's drawings omitted but they arranged to include them on a different night and escorted us from our scheduled MDR to AP at the appointed time just to watch.

I just LOVE that they did this for you! Disney Magic at it's finest!

I should clarify that, while disappointed, we didn't complain about it. Our tablemates, however, were completely devastated. None of us, though, asked for anything, the other couple just expressed their extreme disappointment. It was the Server and Head Server who arranged for our drawings to be added a different night. So yes, CamColt, truly "Disney Magic at it's finest!" :)
 
I've seen You tube videos of passengers that missed the ship being taken by smaller boat and tendered back on the ship. I can't imagine why this would be a problem unless the seas were really choppy and it was dangerous to tender.

I don't the think the issue is tendering. It's under what conditions you can tender, especially for non-essential staff/equipment/supplies. As you noted (and what apparently happened on this sailing), it was too rough for the ship to dock, so it was probably too rough to tender.

Missing the ship is a different story, as the ship in such a case was able to dock safely and was also able to cast off safely, suggesting acceptable weather conditions for tendering.

My question about the legal permissions was more about the actual rules, laws and regulations (port administration, tariffs, immigration, etc.) and whether or not a port had to disallow the tender (even if the captain felt it was safe) if the ship didn't dock.

@dad of 3 addicted to DCL knows more than me, so I'll shut up now.
 
I’ll start this by saying what we hear a lot from people, but I’d like to think it’s really true about me; I usually don’t complain and I’m not hard to make happy……... Anyway, our story starts as we are currently on a sea day on the Fantasy as our Port stop in Jamaica was cancelled due to weather (quick note, the Oasis of Sea and the Independence of Seas both made their scheduled visit to Jamaica today).

The issues began on day 3 as the Disney excursion we had booked 75 days ago was canceled after we disembarked and were waiting in line at the pier in Grand Cayman islands. The Disney employees were unsure why it was canceled and seemed confused as we were sent to another line to sign up for another Disney excursion. There was one Disney employee signing people up manually. In his defense, he did tell us that it takes very long to do it manually by paper. After one hour, we finally got to the front of the line only to be told that all the Disney excursions had already left for the day. We quickly booked an excursion with a private local company, I won’t go into detail, but this entire excursion was extremely frightening and dangerous. (But I will add one example, the van driver stopped at a local grocery store to go shopping for his family while my family waited and baked in the van.)

And then later in the day, during our dinner at Animators Palate, none of our families drawings made it onto the movie as we were told there was a technical issue. Our special needs son was extremely upset by this as we had shown him videos of what to expect and he had put a lot of effort into his drawing. Our server told us he would get back to us to explain what exactly had happened.

And now we have just learned that tonight's show at the Walt Disney Theatre of a Comedian Hypnotist and tomorrow's show of a Ventrilliquist, were both canceled and replaced with movies as the performers were suppose to be picked up in Jamaica and never made it on-board.

In addition, our server told us that there are over 5,000 guests on the ship this week. Which make sense due to school vacation week in the north east.. But DCL should be prepared for these numbers and we shouldnt have to wait 20 minutes to find a seat at Cabana's buffet.

Anyway, I’m am venting, as one would think that Disney would have a backup to the backup plans, which they obviously don’t. Disney Cruise line charges premium prices for their cruises and tell us that we should expect a magical time. Yes, things happen, and Disney will carry another group of passengers out next week that may be magical. But this was our week, our only week, and thus far it’s been far from magical.

It definitely sounds like you are having a rough week travel wise. And I am responding with great sympathy and hope that in the few days you have left that things turn around.
1. In regards to Falmouth...there are only 2 spaces available at that port and both were taken by RCL ships (they actually built the port and I am pretty sure would thus get first priority when it comes to docking) Still disappointing I am sure and that really is a bummer. DCL backup plan was to add a sea day and plenty of activities to entertain you while on board. Was it actually what they (or you) had originally planned? No, but it was a backup plan.

2. In regards to excursions and cancellations....those are vendors contracted via DCL and other cruise lines and are unfortunately subject to change with no warning. Is it disappointing? Yes . Is it something Disney controls? No. Did they have CMs trying to organize backup excursions or fill in spaces as they could with existing excursions...sounds like it (and like a backup plan) Now...Was the independent transport you hired on the island professional when he made a grocery store stop? No way. But I am not sure how that endangered you. You mention sitting in the van baking...did the van not have windows or were you unable to step outside the van while you were waiting? I am from Florida and I understand that sitting in a hot car with the windows closed and no air circulating would be uncomfortable...so I would take steps to make sure that I had proper ventilation if I am sitting there for any length of time. Was he/she driving erratically or under the influence? Did you report him/her to his office or the police if in fact they were driving in an unsafe manner?

3. Capacity of the Disney Fantasy is maximum 4000 people so evidently the CM was overestimating the number of guests on board.

4. Cabanas CAN and is busy at certain times during both embarkation day and sea days...but both sides of Cabanas are open as well as breakfast in the main dining room as noted on your Navigator. (backup plan)

5. Entertainment changes also happen from time to time and if they could not dock in Jamaica to pick up their entertainment, then that is not really anyone's fault either. So, they arranged for extra movies or activities, meet and greets etc to fill that time frame (back up plan) What if the entertainment had become sick and could not perform due to that reason but were on the ship...would that have been an acceptable change of plans? Then they would have done the exact same thing and arranged other entertainment and activities to offset the illness of the performers.

6. Animation show technical difficulties...was it just YOUR table that did not have their art shown or were there others as well? Again, I am sure this is disappointing and added to your other challenges this cruise, it seems overwhelming indeed..did the server ever get back to you on what the technical difficulties were?
I hope today (your scheduled Sea day) is sensational and that your day on Castaway Cay is magical and that you actually get to stop there (weather in January and February can be tricky) Good luck!
 
I’ll start this by saying what we hear a lot from people, but I’d like to think it’s really true about me; I usually don’t complain and I’m not hard to make happy……... Anyway, our story starts as we are currently on a sea day on the Fantasy as our Port stop in Jamaica was cancelled due to weather (quick note, the Oasis of Sea and the Independence of Seas both made their scheduled visit to Jamaica today).

The issues began on day 3 as the Disney excursion we had booked 75 days ago was canceled after we disembarked and were waiting in line at the pier in Grand Cayman islands. The Disney employees were unsure why it was canceled and seemed confused as we were sent to another line to sign up for another Disney excursion. There was one Disney employee signing people up manually. In his defense, he did tell us that it takes very long to do it manually by paper. After one hour, we finally got to the front of the line only to be told that all the Disney excursions had already left for the day. We quickly booked an excursion with a private local company, I won’t go into detail, but this entire excursion was extremely frightening and dangerous. (But I will add one example, the van driver stopped at a local grocery store to go shopping for his family while my family waited and baked in the van.)

And then later in the day, during our dinner at Animators Palate, none of our families drawings made it onto the movie as we were told there was a technical issue. Our special needs son was extremely upset by this as we had shown him videos of what to expect and he had put a lot of effort into his drawing. Our server told us he would get back to us to explain what exactly had happened.

And now we have just learned that tonight's show at the Walt Disney Theatre of a Comedian Hypnotist and tomorrow's show of a Ventrilliquist, were both canceled and replaced with movies as the performers were suppose to be picked up in Jamaica and never made it on-board.

In addition, our server told us that there are over 5,000 guests on the ship this week. Which make sense due to school vacation week in the north east.. But DCL should be prepared for these numbers and we shouldnt have to wait 20 minutes to find a seat at Cabana's buffet.

Anyway, I’m am venting, as one would think that Disney would have a backup to the backup plans, which they obviously don’t. Disney Cruise line charges premium prices for their cruises and tell us that we should expect a magical time. Yes, things happen, and Disney will carry another group of passengers out next week that may be magical. But this was our week, our only week, and thus far it’s been far from magical.

OP, have you spoken to Guest Relations? I would at least speak to them regarding the wait you had at Grand Cayman after your excursion was canceled. I'm not sure why they kept you in line that long if they knew all the excursions had already left. I would also speak to them to see if they could find you an alternative time to do the animation in Animator's Palate as others have suggested.

Unfortunately, DCL has no control over the docking issues and, as we've heard from other PP's, no ships docked there yesterday. I have a friend that was on the Dream during a Hurricane and they never docked anywhere during their cruise, they just sailed around the storm. Unfortunately, while extremely disappointing, these things happen. It appears that is also why the performers couldn't get on the ship.

As others have also pointed out, the Fantasy can only accommodate 4000 guests, so what your server told you was not true. We always find Cabana's to be incredibly chaotic whether it's a sold out cruise or not and tend to opt for the sit-down option or room service instead.

Anyway, I would politely speak with Guest Relations (or Port Adventures regarding standing in line for so long) to see if you could at least do the Animator's Palate show again.

Hope your cruise is better from here on out!
 
I hope some magic comes your way. While each of these things would be a little disappointing in an isolated situation, having all of these things happen on your trip would really start to add up. I read a lot of reviews and reports and try to set my expectations (and my kids' expectations) of what we are hoping to do, but understanding things may happen. That being said, this is the first I have read of the drawings not making it into the show and my kids would be really disappointed were that to happen - it is definitely a highlight of the Disney cruise experience for them. I appreciate you posting this and hope things improve for you.
 
FWIW, even though RCCL "owns" Falmouth dock, they can't just punt another line to move up a docking by a day of one of their own ships save for an emergency situation. Contracts matter, especially in that universe.
 
In my opinion, if you pay premium pricing, dcl really isn't worth it. When you are on the ship you realize this, or your subconscious does, which makes it hard to relax and enjoy your vacation. In the moments when they take you for granted as a passenger, it is glaring.

Never once felt this way on my cruise with DCL, despite it being the most expensive single vacation I've taken since I became an adult and started paying my own bills. I've hit a point in my life, though, where I don't look at vacations in terms of "is this cost per day/hour/minute worth it," but in terms of "is this the experience I want and do I have enough money to make it happen." Objectively speaking, any Disney vacation is a very high rate of cost versus time spent and frankly...I just don't really think about it once I'm on the trip. I wouldn't book a trip that would create a financial hardship for me, so once the money's spent, it's spent, and I'm not going to worry about it anymore. If a trip doesn't turn out to be an experience I'm excited to repeat I won't repeat it, but I'm not going to beat myself up over not getting the best value.

When I used to worry about monetary value on vacation, I'd do dumb things like eat cheap, prepackaged sandwiches from corner stores when I was in London. I could have eaten all kinds of food from all kinds of exciting restaurants, but -- I was worried about cost/value per meal, so I didn't. When I got back and mentioned it to my parents, my dad asked, "Why would you do that to yourself?" and I didn't have a good answer. So now I compile the costs, figure out how much money I need to have in order to do the things I want to do, and once I'm on my trip I don't worry about whether it's "worth" what I'm spending. Once it's in the trip budget, it's gone from my life -- it's a sunk cost and it makes no real difference anymore (google "sunk cost fallacy" if you're not familiar). I dropped something like $150 on a single meal at Napa Rose last fall. I'd never consider any meal "worth" that much money, would never dream of spending that much on an ordinary day, but we wanted the experience and were able to put it in our budget, so we did it, enjoyed it, and didn't worry about it.

Edit to add: I want to clarify that I'm not trying to claim that DCL is Napa Rose and other cruise lines are prepackaged sandwiches. I don't have experience with other cruise lines, and for all I know I'd love them as well. I'm just saying that if someone's drawn to cruise with DCL or visit WDW or any other high-priced vacation, there's something in the promised experience that speaks to them in a way similar offerings don't, and there's nothing wrong with paying more for what you really want if it's within your means, whether or not it's a good value.
 
Last edited:
Another vote for Guest Services - voice your disappointment. That's what they are there for. The comment card at the end of your cruise can only absorb so much feedback - personalizing your issues with Guest Services will be more impactful. Don't forget about the MDRs for breakfast and lunch as an alternative to Cabanas. I also have carted food from Cabanas back to our stateroom. Fortunately there are other activities options in the evening to replace the ventroliquist and hypnotist. But voice your happiness about the excursion (and I've been there as well - an excursion suddenly canceled and the Port Adventures desk not well-equipped to handle the guests trying to rebook) and the AP experience. And most of all - hope your cruise improves!
 
Another vote for Guest Services - voice your disappointment. That's what they are there for. The comment card at the end of your cruise can only absorb so much feedback - personalizing your issues with Guest Services will be more impactful. Don't forget about the MDRs for breakfast and lunch as an alternative to Cabanas. I also have carted food from Cabanas back to our stateroom. Fortunately there are other activities options in the evening to replace the ventroliquist and hypnotist. But voice your happiness about the excursion (and I've been there as well - an excursion suddenly canceled and the Port Adventures desk not well-equipped to handle the guests trying to rebook) and the AP experience. And most of all - hope your cruise improves!
We mentioned in passing one time to the CD that we were disappointed an entertainer who was scheduled to appear had to cancel due to flight issues. We had seen him on a prior cruise and we're excited when we learned he was going to be on our cruise. Later that day we had a nice gift package delivered to our stateroom compliments of the CD. It was totally unnecessary, but it was a very nice gesture.

MUN
 
You really expect DCL to employ the same protocols they use for medical emergencies in order to get The Incredible Burt Wonderstone onto the ship?

Make room on deck....here comes Mr. Wonderstone....being winched down from a helicopter!!! LOL Sorry the visual in my mind was too much!

OP I hope you find the rest of your cruise magical. Sounds like it was the "perfect storm" of things going awry.

MJ
 
I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but yes it would be disappointing if your drawing doesn't show up at Animators Palate. But why do people have to point out their children are Special Needs?

I would think all children would be disappointed if that was to happen. Just saying. Or is someone trying to look for special attention and use that as an excuse. I know it's hard to be put into that situation.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!














Top