Walking off with luggage instead of not...

[Shanti]

My issue still is with the lack of a disembarkation system on Disney. Clearly I am in the minority among Disney cruisers or Disney would have put a system in place. But in 10 cruises, 9 on other lines, Disney's get off the ship when you want system was the most stressful. I prefer it when people wait in public rooms, with beverages and snacks available, exit in groups, usually based on their transportation/travel needs. Sooooooooo much more relaxing end to a relaxing cruise.

We've never had a problem with disembarkation on DCL. Twice we ate second seating breakfast and then left with zero lines. Once (this past December), we did Express Walk-Off for the moment the boat opened. There was a long line in the atrium until the boat opened, but the line moved very quickly once the boat opened. It took only 10 minutes or so for us to get off the boat once the line began moving, and we had been waiting in the hallway that leads to Animators.

So I'd say DCL has their disembarkation system down pat.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

For the last few years we have opted to skip are assigned MDR for breakfast and head up to Cabanas. Our system is leaving the cabin about 7:20 or so without our carry ons. We have breakfast in Cabanas and then go back to the cabin to pick up our carry ons and head down off the ship. It really is hit or miss if there will be a line waiting to disembark. We have walked right off and other times we need to wait in a line to get off the ship. No two cruises are the same in our experience. DCL wants you out of your cabin by 8:00 am and off the ship by the latest 9:30.

Cabanas is usually very empty as they don't always advertise that Cabanas is open in the am on the last day. It is always open but it might not be listed on the debarkation letter.

MJ

Thanks

We are doing DCL transport so I think we have to be at the buses by 9:30, IIRC. Which means I guess we need to get off by 9am to get through customs and get to the buses.

 

[Billinaz]

a little off topic, but we have never done Cabanas for breakfast on disembarkation day. We usually do late seating and like to get off as late as possible. Is Cabanas a madhouse? I was thinking of doing it this time - maybe sit outside and get a good view of PC before we head out.

We get off early because I usually book early flights (going West we add 2 or 3 hours to the flight time). I usually am at Cabanas when they open, and its empty. When we are done eating and leaving, there is probably only 25% capacity used. Its the way to go.

 

[Billinaz]

Why worry about what other people think? They make their choices and you make yours. There are plenty of unhappy people in the world. We can't please them all. You do you and don't worry about how they do them. I've heard plenty of grousing from non-Concierge people when we've walked past them with an escort. I won't stop cruising Concierge just because some people I don't know and will most likely never, ever see again, are unhappy about the added benefits afforded Concierge passengers.

That said, I'm not bothering with early release ever after seeing the insane mobs that fill the atrium in preparation for disembarkation. We took our time this last time and were almost the last people off of the ship after breakfast. It was *glorious.* We were still at the Boardwalk Inn by 10:30ish.

We take that option of the concierge walk off. Those grumbling can pay the extra for concierge, or stop complaining. They have no reason to complain. They have the power to be in the same position. If they choose not to sail concierge, then they have no reason to complain. Its not like they have to wait any significant amount of time. Just because the people waited in the concierge lounge instead of the atrium does not mean the concierge guests were given any particular privileged the other people were not able to obtain.

 

[MelSpees]

We take that option of the concierge walk off. Those grumbling can pay the extra for concierge, or stop complaining. They have no reason to complain. They have the power to be in the same position. If they choose not to sail concierge, then they have no reason to complain. Its not like they have to wait any significant amount of time. Just because the people waited in the concierge lounge instead of the atrium does not mean the concierge guests were given any particular privileged the other people were not able to obtain.

While I agree people should not be grumbling and complaining, I think you might want to be a little more careful about your attitude. Not everyone can afford the many extra thousands of dollars to sail concierge. It's not an option for them. It is not something they can "obtain". It sounds rather like you're talking down to them and I'm not sure that's your intent. I don't think you really want to offend people.

 

[Bearybear]

For our last cruise, we had early dining, so ate breakfast in the MDR (Animator's Palate) at 7:00. There was no line to get off and no line at customs. We caught a shuttle to the rental car place and were at our hotel by 10:30. This included the line at the rental car company. Honestly, the longest line we were in was to get into the restaurant for breakfast, as people were grumbling about having to leave their suitcases outside. We only had backpacks and purses. Everything else we put outside our door the night before.

 

[Billinaz]

While I agree people should not be grumbling and complaining, I think you might want to be a little more careful about your attitude. Not everyone can afford the many extra thousands of dollars to sail concierge. It's not an option for them. It is not something they can "obtain". It sounds rather like you're talking down to them and I'm not sure that's your intent. I don't think you really want to offend people.

You must be a mind reader if you can tell attitude from text.

The fact is that if it is that important to people, then they can put off the cruise to save to be able to get the perks.

Flying on a ULCC airline (Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant) then complaining because you didnt get to pick the seat you wanted and had to pay 5 bucks for a coke is the same type of thing.

I have seen people with 1 cruise under their belt complain that the Plats booked what they wanted, or that it isnt fair concierge gets to book the cabanas first. Complaining about the walk off is in the same category.

Dont pay half a much as someone else on your trip then complain when they are getting a perk that you wanted.

BTW, I dont speak to "offend" (usually), but I do speak the plain truth. Some may take it as gruff, but I tend to tell it like it is in real straight talk.

 

[MelSpees]

You must be a mind reader if you can tell attitude from text.

The fact is that if it is that important to people, then they can put off the cruise to save to be able to get the perks.

Flying on a ULCC airline (Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant) then complaining because you didnt get to pick the seat you wanted and had to pay 5 bucks for a coke is the same type of thing.

I have seen people with 1 cruise under their belt complain that the Plats booked what they wanted, or that it isnt fair concierge gets to book the cabanas first. Complaining about the walk off is in the same category.

Dont pay half a much as someone else on your trip then complain when they are getting a perk that you wanted.

BTW, I dont speak to "offend" (usually), but I do speak the plain truth. Some may take it as gruff, but I tend to tell it like it is in real straight talk.

True, people should not be complaining so much. You should understand what you are paying for. But, you don't seem to understand that there are many, many people who would never be able to save enough for concierge. They have to work hard to afford a cruise at all. You are in a privileged group, it would be nice if you could recognize that and be a little more gracious to those who aren't. If I misread your attitude, I'm sorry. Perhaps you need to be a little more careful about your writing style and word choices.
I'm glad that you can travel at the level you enjoy. Have a great time.

 

[AquaDame]

We take that option of the concierge walk off. Those grumbling can pay the extra for concierge, or stop complaining. They have no reason to complain. They have the power to be in the same position. If they choose not to sail concierge, then they have no reason to complain. Its not like they have to wait any significant amount of time. Just because the people waited in the concierge lounge instead of the atrium does not mean the concierge guests were given any particular privileged the other people were not able to obtain.

I disagree... there are some that will never be able to afford concierge, even if they scrimped and saved - some people do not have "the power" to be in that position, even if they do sail DCL. Of course, that goes for a lot of things that money can buy in life, but still... they can grumble. What they CAN'T do is make you feel guilty... I feel lucky we can afford these things but I can, and while we can we will, and use all the benefits afforded us when we do.

 

[Billinaz]

You must be a mind reader if you can tell attitude from text.

The fact is that if it is that important to people, then they can put off the cruise to save to be able to get the perks.

Flying on a ULCC airline (Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant) then complaining because you didnt get to pick the seat you wanted and had to pay 5 bucks for a coke is the same type of thing.

Dont pay half a much as someone else on your trip then complain when they are getting a perk that you wanted.

True, people should not be complaining so much. You should understand what you are paying for. But, you don't seem to understand that there are many, many people who would never be able to save enough for concierge. They have to work hard to afford a cruise at all. You are in a privileged group, it would be nice if you could recognize that and be a little more gracious to those who aren't. If I misread your attitude, I'm sorry. Perhaps you need to be a little more careful about your writing style and word choices.
I'm glad that you can travel at the level you enjoy. Have a great time.

Its the single vacation we take for the year. We probably pay way too much for the level, but we think sometimes you have to spoil yourself. The rest of the year is both parents working way too much for the man.....

 

[Qbie]

a little off topic, but we have never done Cabanas for breakfast on disembarkation day. We usually do late seating and like to get off as late as possible. Is Cabanas a madhouse? I was thinking of doing it this time - maybe sit outside and get a good view of PC before we head out.

We always pack up our luggage the night before (never had a line up leaving the ship) and take our leisurely time in Cabanas on the morning of debarkation. Most people don't realize that Cabanas is open and go to their assigned restaurant (if you are early dinner then that early morning breakfast is crazy early!) We made that mistake the first year but the staff are so rushed and they are told to get you moving to get off the ship. It's a terrible way to end your vacation!

 

[Billinaz]

I disagree... there are some that will never be able to afford concierge, even if they scrimped and saved - some people do not have "the power" to be in that position, even if they do sail DCL. Of course, that goes for a lot of things that money can buy in life, but still... they can grumble. What they CAN'T do is make you feel guilty... I feel lucky we can afford these things but I can, and while we can we will, and use all the benefits afforded us when we do.

Our first cruise we booked a regular family veranda room. Then there was an offer for only $1500 more for a concierge room. You gotta hand it to Disney, they know how to hook you on it and reel you in. Now we pay way too much for our single vacation of the year. But then I get to the gift shop and spend $50 on a $10 T-Shirt and think Im lucky to give all my money to the Mouse.

 

[MomOTwins]

Its the single vacation we take for the year. We probably pay way too much for the level, but we think sometimes you have to spoil yourself. The rest of the year is both parents working way too much for the man.....

I don't mean to be off topic, but I do think MelSpees raises a good point. I also work what I consider to be "way too much" (often 70+ hour weeks), and am fortunate to make what I think is a pretty good salary (although I am the sole breadwinner for our family of five). I might even be able to stretch and afford concierge once or twice. But I often remind myself when I am feeling down about my work that there are many people who work just as much and more (I know for a fact that the cleaning staff at my building works day shifts at one company followed by night shifts at ours, never get vacation or even sick days, and barely make a living wage--which is why our office organized a "bonus" drive at Christmas for them) and can never afford even a single Disney vacation for their families. And on the other end, there are plenty of people in this country who have millions of dollars and never worked a day in their life. It's not Disney's fault, obviously, but even if I booked concierge, I wouldn't begrudge anyone for complaining about second-class treatment when they are already paying a pretty huge premium above other cruise lines.

 

[iZon]

When you get your cruise booklet, there will be a page to sign up for Onboard Airline Check-In. I really recommend doing that to hand in when you check in at the port. The one time I handed it in onboard, they didn't get everything entered and my luggage tags weren't printed. Not a huge deal as it was just me , so I was able to get it and then put it on the bus to the airport. But still...could have saved that little bit of time.

Thanks. But we opted not to receive the booklet to save paper as it asked.

 

[Dug720]

Thanks. But we opted not to receive the booklet to save paper as it asked.

Hmm. I get it and recycle what remains when I get home. I like getting that booklet in the mail.

I'd say go to guest services ASAP to sign up for Onboard Airline Check-in.

 

[iZon]

Hmm. I get it and recycle what remains when I get home. I like getting that booklet in the mail.

I'd say go to guest services ASAP to sign up for Onboard Airline Check-in.

There are two options. One says send Guest Travel Booklet with high-level summary and the other says with expanded details. We are getting the first, the one I guess that saves paper. Maybe it will include the form.

 

[Henwen88]

So you (and your luggage) has to be out of the stateroom by 8am correct? Can they do room service (continental/coffee) or are the only options sit down vs buffet breakfast? This will be our first Disney cruise, and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) the lack of the cattle herding aspect of disembarkation.

 

[Dug720]

So you (and your luggage) has to be out of the stateroom by 8am correct? Can they do room service (continental/coffee) or are the only options sit down vs buffet breakfast? This will be our first Disney cruise, and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) the lack of the cattle herding aspect of disembarkation.

No room service debarkation morning.

 

[MelSpees]

So you (and your luggage) has to be out of the stateroom by 8am correct? Can they do room service (continental/coffee) or are the only options sit down vs buffet breakfast? This will be our first Disney cruise, and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) the lack of the cattle herding aspect of disembarkation.

If you're not in a hurry, just take your time. Eat in Cabana's and relax. You'll avoid a lot of the cattle.

 

[Billinaz]

I don't mean to be off topic, but I do think MelSpees raises a good point. I also work what I consider to be "way too much" (often 70+ hour weeks), and am fortunate to make what I think is a pretty good salary (although I am the sole breadwinner for our family of five). I might even be able to stretch and afford concierge once or twice. But I often remind myself when I am feeling down about my work that there are many people who work just as much and more (I know for a fact that the cleaning staff at my building works day shifts at one company followed by night shifts at ours, never get vacation or even sick days, and barely make a living wage--which is why our office organized a "bonus" drive at Christmas for them) and can never afford even a single Disney vacation for their families. And on the other end, there are plenty of people in this country who have millions of dollars and never worked a day in their life. It's not Disney's fault, obviously, but even if I booked concierge, I wouldn't begrudge anyone for complaining about second-class treatment when they are already paying a pretty huge premium above other cruise lines.

If the minimum wage earners (there is no such thing as a living wage, its just a political buzzword designed to inflame) are brought into this conversation you have sunk to the depths of looking for something to say. Those making minimum wage are probably never going to go on a Disney vacation, not due to Disney's policies or prices, but by their own lack of advancing to a better paying employ. Its not just a Disney vacation though, there are many more things on the purchase list before that....