Ours is one room that was returned to inventory today. As we are heading down under over the December holidays anyways, we will do a TransPacific probably in round 2. (We kept the Hawaii to Vancouver leg.)
I do hope they add more ports to this sailing in the future. I know the distance is huge - so, even with 14 days, they don't have the time to stop much. A workaround is to either start in Auckland, or make it a 16-18 nighter like other cruise lines do.
On a different, heads-up note, are there too many sea days? Truth be told, Wonder and Magic aren't built for long stretches of sea days on the trot. The ships have few dining options, and the adult areas get super crowded. It's the daily entertainment that will have to work its magic. On the big European sailings, the entertainers and contractors can get on/off in ports. And there is a ton of high-quality variety. This time, they will have to get everyone on board in Sydney. Some can leave in Fiji, but most will likely stay till Hawaii.
I agree that is many sea days. Though on the last Hawaii trip, the 5 days in a row went fast and I wasnt bored. Not sure if you were also on this sailing, but they did have activites, and guests from Aulani and some expert. Missing were still some activites.
The issue for us here is many the number of sea days in relation to number of port days.. that is too high. Plus coming from Europe we have other challenges (22 hours back home by flight is the fast option). Many who are booked on this are from Sydney and for them it's perfect or for those east coast US. I am happy for our Aussie friends to finallly have an opportunity closer to home.
Seeing how this booked out fast with a few lucky silvers and non... It's
Disney Cruise Line freaks ( I mean that postitively) who are booking this because it's Disney. Any other line would have issues filling this itinerary Plus many DVC member still have points to burn.
If Money and time were no concern ( and it seems it is for many it's not seeing how many are B2B from Cananda AND adding
ABD on) It's a nice, easy planning way to say I have been to Hawaii, the south seas and Australia.
We sail catagory 9 on these long ones ( Verandah is double the cost and more and for us noth worth it) and for us the per night cost is actually a good bargain seeing how much housing and food would be for these places.. IMO, the true cost for this sailing is time, you're really being asked to "pay" with time for those sea days and air/hotel depending on where you are coming.
My mom and I are keeping the westbound Hawaii as we feel this sailing gives us the more bang for buck, though it's a repeat, we loved it and still have much more to see. Logistics for us the better option too. For only 2 people still affordable. I will be honest and will say for our family if we all did this ( husband and kids) we would be looking at 20-25 grand. That tons of money... But the Disney crowd is different than the standard cruiser.. When I see what some are paying (50 Grand+) for a trip with these sailings is not uncommon to see.
FYI my gold hold for a 9D room: 1050 will expire I believe tonight I did book thinking "maybe" until reality set in..
But these sailings did expand my horizon in looking at other souther hemisphere trips... Celebrity has a great itinerary from Singapore one way that include Bali, NZ and Sydney.. That idea keeps popping in my head, at least one flight is taken off the total travel time and more ports.
