Just embarked on Disney Dream and already disappointed

OP here. I haven't been online since we got back. So first off, I wasn't going to let this ruin my cruise. It was my son's birthday and we were going to make the most of it, but this was not the way to start it off. I did get online the morning we had access 75 days prior to sail. I signed on as soon as I woke up. That was one of the things that was so frustrating. I felt like I was penalized for never having cruised Disney before, when other lines do not do this. I did go to Guest Services (after first stopping at Port Adventures) and again begged and pleaded for some tickets and they put us on the waiting list.

 

Anyway, the information the first rep gave us was wrong, he said every princess at the gathering would make an individual appearance during the cruise, when in fact, this is not true. On our sailing, only Cinderella and Rapunzel did an appearance the first night. No other princess meet and greets the rest of the cruise (other than the gathering). Since his costume was Prince Charming, I decided that we would go only go to Cinderella's individual meet and greet, even though the one the first night was well past his bedtime. I dressed him up and got in line while Rapunzel was still there. The DCL handler told me we would be the first one in line for Cinderella. Perfect! My poor son was struggling. Anyone try and keep a 1 year old up past their bedtime knows it's not fun. Anyway, after Rapunzel left and while we were waiting for Cinderella to arrive, one of the crew spotted my son in his costume and came over. I had no idea who the gentleman was, but he fell in love with my son and his costume. He noticed how fussy my son was and asked if I knew about the Princess Gathering. I said I did and I had tried to get tickets both online and when we boarded but couldn't. He then asked for my name and stateroom number and said he'd see what he could do.

Anyway, we took the picture and finally dropped off our son at the nursery (he was asleep before we got there) and enjoyed some adult time. Then lo and behold, at the Match Your Match game show, we realize the gentleman was the cruise director. He spotted us and told us we should have a surprise when we got back to our cabin and when we did, we had tickets to not only the gathering, but also for Anna and Elsa (which we already had tickets for). I spotted him later on the cruise and thanked him profusely.

I did turn in one set of our Frozen meet and greets as I didn't want someone to not be able to go because I had two sets. But I did see that not everyone thinks this way. While in line at the gathering on Saturday, I did see several people there, who I saw again there on Sunday. One of which was an adult with no children. I don't know if this is a design flaw with the ticketing system or if people have learned a way around it, but I can't believe some people have the nerve to go twice when I saw several little girls there in tears because they hadn't gotten tickets. We were able to give my husband's ticket to a little girl and she stood in line with us.

So in the end, we were very lucky. I was very disappointed in the beginning, but then "let it go" (pun intended) and again, luck intervened and we got our tickets. But since these character meet and greets are the draw of a Disney cruise, I think DCL needs to work on how they are done. Especially with a large ship with a shirt duration.

In the end, I did not feel DCL was any better than RCCL. In fact, in many areas, I felt it was sub par. The characters are the only thing that is the difference IMHO. We had a great time and a great cruise (despite crappy weather), but I don't see us sailing DCL again, at least for a while until my son can truly appreciate the characters. He is obsessed with Mickey, but he can easily meet him at the parks anytime we go.

We have been on many disney cruises and also find their character meets frustrating- before and after they implemented the tickets, and then online tickets. There is a premium, a hefty premium, for dcl because of the characters and we also feel those characters should be more accessible. Why not have everyone get at least one set of tickets? Once on a Christmas cruise we were not able to see Santa because he was only available twice. We were really blown away by this at the time. Obviously practically every child on the ship wanted to see Santa (not to mention the adult children as mentioned in other posts), but only a fraction got to. For us, there was no reason to limit Santa- really we could just not understand it. But luckily your cruise had a happy ending! That is the one thing dcl does well, they allow their staff to focus on individual people/families to give them individually a special experience.

from where i sit, this thread wins the award for best example of how to set yourself up for disappointment when you go on a cruise...

 

especially around a child who couldn't care less about whatever it is that has you in the depths of despair....

 

no offense....

I don't disagree with you. But my disappointment was set up with bad information by DCL. I was told before the cruise that even though I could not secure tickets online, I would be able to get them on board providing I went and got them as soon as we boarded. When we boarded at 11:45am, that was the first thing i did and was told that no, they were not giving out additional tickets on board. If I had been told that when I called or even that, you may have to be put on a waitlist, then I would have been prepare and not disappointed once on board.

As far as being in the depths of despair, uh, far from it. I was never going to let the situation ruin my cruise. I moved on from it well before we got lucky. I will say though, that I hope this post gives some first time DCL cruisers a realistic expectation as far as tickets for events if not secured online. I had searched the board before our cruise and really didn't find much either positive or negative.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I don't disagree with you. But my disappointment was set up with bad information by DCL. I was told before the cruise that even though I could not secure tickets online, I would be able to get them on board providing I went and got them as soon as we boarded. When we boarded at 11:45am, that was the first thing i did and was told that no, they were not giving out additional tickets on board. If I had been told that when I called or even that, you may have to be put on a waitlist, then I would have been prepare and not disappointed once on board.

 

As far as being in the depths of despair, uh, far from it. I was never going to let the situation ruin my cruise. I moved on from it well before we got lucky. I will say though, that I hope this post gives some first time DCL cruisers a realistic expectation as far as tickets for events if not secured online. I had searched the board before our cruise and really didn't find much either positive or negative.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

The reason that you couldn't find more information on getting M&G tickets is because it started in June. I got my tickets 3 weeks before I left on my vacation, and 4 weeks before my cruise.. I follow a few boards and when it was posted about these ticketed events, I just went into my reservations and got the times I wanted. I guess it helped that my cruise was 7 nights with 2 sea days.

I guess it helped that my cruise was 7 nights with 2 sea days.

This is a huge part of it. A 7 night cruise on a smaller ship is hugely different than a 3 night (2 1/2 day) cruise on a larger ship. Even on the Fantasy with 4000 people, it is very different than on the short cruise with the same number of guests.

They just can't get everyone to every activity on the short cruises. That's why they don't do character breakfasts, etc.

This is a huge part of it. A 7 night cruise on a smaller ship is hugely different than a 3 night (2 1/2 day) cruise on a larger ship. Even on the Fantasy with 4000 people' date=' it is very different than on the short cruise with the same number of guests.

 

They just can't get everyone to every activity on the short cruises. That's why they don't do character breakfasts, etc.[/quote']

 

I am going on the Dream next month. A back to back and because I already had done the ticketed meet and greets, I decided to not to do them on this trip, so I only have one Palo brunch and one excursion. These cruises will be to enjoy the ship.

I am going on the Dream next month. A back to back and because I already had done the ticketed meet and greets, I decided to not to do them on this trip, so I only have one Palo brunch and one excursion. These cruises will be to enjoy the ship.

A B2B on the Dream will give you the full 7 nights, but a repeat of the shows, menu's in the MDR's and activities, along with the M&G's and any other activities they offer on a 4 day cruise.

Just out of interest, why did you chose a Dream B2B rather than a Fantasy cruise?

I can only presume because of dates?

ex techie

Having done a 4+3 B2B as well as many 7 night cruises, I prefer the 7 night. Our 4+3 had 2 reasons. First, we hadn't been on the Wonder, and secondly we couldn't make it to PC for the Saturday departure of the Magic.

As Techie noted, the was a total repeat of the menus and shows as well as the general issue of 3 night cruises--very rushed, lots of newbies with everyone trying to do "everything" in an impossible time frame, etc. On the positive side, you get 2 Castaway stops, twice the opportunity for adult dining.

On a 7 night you have 7 different menus, different entertainment (3 main stage shows + variety acts), more movies, more activities in general, no repeats of anything including kid programming, and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Solid points Moki'smommy!

Also no hassle of having to debark and embark again on changeover day.

ex techie

A B2B on the Dream will give you the full 7 nights, but a repeat of the shows, menu's in the MDR's and activities, along with the M&G's and any other activities they offer on a 4 day cruise.

 

Just out of interest, why did you chose a Dream B2B rather than a Fantasy cruise?

I can only presume because of dates?

 

ex techie

I picked a back to back on the Dream for a couple of reasons. I have been on the Magic and Wonder. Norwegian Fjords on the Magic, Alaska and Panama Canal on the Wonder. Haven't ever been to Castaway Cay and I would like to go. Never did a back to back before so I want to experience that, as I said I follow a few boards so I am well aware that the menus and shows on the 3 night and 4 night will be the same except for Pirate night. I also picked an inside cabin for the virtual porthole. I also will bump up my status on DCL, will turn gold after the B2B. I want to experience all the ships and the Dream had a good price for the B2B at this time. I paid less for 7 nights on the Dream than my Magic Cruise to the Fjords, I guess I'll miss the views of Norway! but I don't expect everything to be the same. As I also said for the 2 cruises I only have one excursion and one Palo brunch. It will be relaxing and I am looking forward to it.

I have been on 3 Disney cruises with family. We have done many meet and greets, and none of those pictures are on the wall in my daughters house! They have the pics of us on formal night dressed up standing behind different sets from each cruise. The pics with Princess or other people are in the albums, but not on display! So, do not stress - you can have some lovely pics, without booking ahead! Do not make pics the only thing you have to do! Try to relax and enjoy!

I picked a back to back on the Dream for a couple of reasons. I have been on the Magic and Wonder. Norwegian Fjords on the Magic, Alaska and Panama Canal on the Wonder. Haven't ever been to Castaway Cay and I would like to go. Never did a back to back before so I want to experience that, as I said I follow a few boards so I am well aware that the menus and shows on the 3 night and 4 night will be the same except for Pirate night. I also picked an inside cabin for the virtual porthole. I also will bump up my status on DCL, will turn gold after the B2B. I want to experience all the ships and the Dream had a good price for the B2B at this time. I paid less for 7 nights on the Dream than my Magic Cruise to the Fjords, I guess I'll miss the views of Norway! but I don't expect everything to be the same. As I also said for the 2 cruises I only have one excursion and one Palo brunch. It will be relaxing and I am looking forward to it.

Thank you for your reply, and sorry for not noticing it, or replying to it sooner!

And your reasoning makes a lot of sense!

ex techie

A B2B on the Dream will give you the full 7 nights, but a repeat of the shows, menu's in the MDR's and activities, along with the M&G's and any other activities they offer on a 4 day cruise.

 

Just out of interest, why did you chose a Dream B2B rather than a Fantasy cruise?

I can only presume because of dates?

 

ex techie

My family just returned from a B2B on the Dream. The points on the repeat shows and menus are well taken. Those weren't a big deal, but it is a factor. For us, for this particular year, the B2B let us get seven nights, get the 10% on-board booking discount, and minimize missed school days for the kids. If I recall correctly, booking the Dream instead of the Fantasy was less expensive even before the booking discount came into play.

Of course, we did need to work around a disembarkation, which does blow a big hole in the day. We were told to be off the ship by 9:00. We didn't get back on the ship until just before 11:30. The kids were pretty tired from the previous 4-nighter, so we went straight to the cabin (ready by 11:30 for B2B) and took full advantage of the on demand video. (We did a B2B on the Magic last March in Port Canaveral, and we both left the ship later and re-boarded sooner. The whole process on the Magic was much smoother, and the documentation provided in the cabin was clearer.)

MokisMommy pointed out two shots at Castaway with a B2B. On the 4-night we had a great day at Castaway (and I admit I don't care for Castaway). On the 3-night leg, the weather was terrible (this was Sun 1/8). With around 40-knot winds, the Dream couldn't dock. I wasn't bothered by it, but many passengers were none too pleased.

Next year, in order to hit a birthday of one of our kids, we're biting the bullet and doing the Fantasy over New Year's. It will be our first time on the Fantasy.

Some guests do get pretty miffed when Castaway is missed.

Since the Dream's dry dock, I think you'll find the Fantasy and the Dream to be quite similar. Most of the features that made the Fantasy "better" were incorporated into the Dream. Can't say I'm a fan of the Fantasy shows though.

Thanks for your post chemistrynerd!

I am surprised that the documentation varied from ship to ship for the same port. DCL should standardize that!

If you feel so inclined, it might be worth emailing DCL and letting them know that you felt the letter sent out on the Magic was clearer than on the Dream?

If they don't know they cannot fix it!

I'm glad you weren't too bothered about missing CC the second time, but sorry for those who did.

An unfortunate learning curve for some that not every cruise will make every port if the weather is against you. I hope the crew were not abused.

Hoping you have a fantastic cruise on the Fantasy!

ex techie

The procedure for a B2B has varied for us based not only on port and ship, but also on how many people were doing the B2B.

The procedure when we were the only guest cabin doing it was totally different than another cruise where there were 125 cabins. Interestingly, the one where we were the only family doing one was the one where they didn't follow their own info letter. But a sweet officer helped us (yeah, we saw the steam coming from his ears.....)

Thanks for your post chemistrynerd!

 

I am surprised that the documentation varied from ship to ship for the same port. DCL should standardize that!

If you feel so inclined, it might be worth emailing DCL and letting them know that you felt the letter sent out on the Magic was clearer than on the Dream?

If they don't know they cannot fix it!

 

I'm glad you weren't too bothered about missing CC the second time, but sorry for those who did.

An unfortunate learning curve for some that not every cruise will make every port if the weather is against you. I hope the crew were not abused.

 

Hoping you have a fantastic cruise on the Fantasy!

 

ex techie

All in all, the process was the same for both ships - disembark, clear customs, go straight back into the terminal, wait for check-in to open, wait in the concierge lounge, and get early boarding once DCL gives the all clear.

In one detail, the Magic cabin instructions (Mar 2016) were more full service. All B2B folks were told to gather in a lounge for an escorted group disembarkation at 9:30. On the Dream, we were simply told be off at 9:00. The result in both cases is the same, but the Magic did feel nicer.

The Magic did have a downside. The instructions directed us, once back on board, to go to an adult-only lounge for snacks. We went there, but we got kicked out because our kids are under 18. Irritating, but it's not like we were truly hungry (is anyone ever truly hungry on a cruise ship?).

On the Magic, we should have gone to our cabin, but we felt weird about crossing the barriers (cabins ready at 1:30). We ended up cooling our heels on deck. Candidly, we weren't ready for this downtime. There isn't much to do before main embarkation. Everything is closed as the crew is working to make the ship ready.

On this last cruise on the Dream, there were two places for snacks, one for adults only and another for families with younger kids. That was perfect. This time around, we felt bolder about crossing the barrier. A crew member (head cabin steward?) was very friendly about confirming our B2B status. I feel he was expecting to see us. We then laid low in the cabin until all staterooms were open.

The biggest difference between the two B2B experiences was the time in the terminal. The Dream wait was much longer (2+ h vs. 1 h). In fact, before we were allowed to board, some of the early, bona fide concierge passengers were checking in and wondering who all the posers were in their waiting area. There's probably a chain of events that leads to the B2B boarding. Sometimes it's shorter and other times longer.

The Castaway cancellation was a disappointment for many. There was a collective groan in Cabanas when the captain made the announcement. Even if the ship had been able to dock, the Castaway experience would have been rotten. Everyone was better off staying on the ship. Unfortunately, if Castaway is a no-go because of weather, the pool area is also going to be less than ideal. It's just a "make lemonade" situation. I didn't hear many complaints, and the crew was extra apologetic (and extra helpful) all day. I was impressed that a new Navigator was delivered to every cabin in no time (30 min?).

We are going on a cruise in March. I will post on the roll call to see if anyone is not going to use their tickets. I went on the day of and didn't get the meet and greet tickets either. Do we need to get a ticket for just the child or everyone in our party?

Of course, we did need to work around a disembarkation, which does blow a big hole in the day. We were told to be off the ship by 9:00. We didn't get back on the ship until just before 11:30. The kids were pretty tired from the previous 4-nighter, so we went straight to the cabin (ready by 11:30 for B2B) and took full advantage of the on demand video. (We did a B2B on the Magic last March in Port Canaveral, and we both left the ship later and re-boarded sooner. The whole process on the Magic was much smoother, and the documentation provided in the cabin was clearer.)

I have done b2bs on other cruise lines where all of the b2bers were instructed to meet at an appointed time where we were walked off the ship, showed our passports to immigrations and escorted back to the ship right away. So we did our waiting on board the ship and not in the terminal. RCCL arranged a special luncheon in their upcharge restaurant which was a nice touch.

I have done b2bs on other cruise lines where all of the b2bers were instructed to meet at an appointed time where we were walked off the ship, showed our passports to immigrations and escorted back to the ship right away.

We've had this on DCL as well...when there were many cabins doing a B2B. When we were the only guest cabin doing a B2B, DCL did not even do what they told us in their letter they would and we waited in the terminal for about 45 minutes. But we then had about an hour on the ship before anyone else was allowed to board. In one non-US port we were not required to disembark at all; the entire transaction took place at Guest Services!

On DCL, it depends on the port, and the number of guests doing B2B. I'm not sure if the ship matters or not as we've seen more variation on a single ship than between ships!

My only B2B was on the Southern caribbean out of San Juan and then repo back to Port Canaveral. There were an unusually large group of B2B (about 800). We all met in one place, were walked off the ship, waited in the terminal for maybe 30 minutes, and then let back on. With that many B2B cruisers, ther terminal felt like any normal embarkation, it was so crowded.