kstetser

I don't think this will change much in terms of the nightclub and lounge attendance. Most people on DCL are traveling with children and they need to go TO BED since the kids will be up early (and need to go to sleep also). We always have late dining and will go to a lounge (usually Meridian or Oh La La) prior to dinner and then maybe for one drink after dinner, but by then it's 10:30/11:00 and we need to pick up our daughter and get her to bed!

This policy would be reasonable if DCL cruises were in the same price point as other similar lines (RCL, NCL, Celebrity). But they are NOT. We are getting ready to go on DCL cruise Number 17 - so clearly we are fans, but this is one more perk being taken away that may make us at least try some other lines. We have always justified the higher prices of a DCL cruise with the onboard wine/liquor policy. In all the years we have been cruising DCL, we have never seen drunken disorderly people milling about in the public spaces - Disney just doesn't draw that kind of crowd.

The service, food and quality on DCL is amazing, but this is not sitting well with me. Feels like a money grab when they are already charging significantly more.

Kathi

We were on the Magic the first week of September 2013 out of NYC to Canada (5 night). There were only about 300 kids on board. I thought this would be a good thing....not so much. We booked last minute and all the Palo brunch reservations were taken and the adult areas were overrun with (many rude) adults. I'm sure for the folks traveling with kids, it was great because the kid areas were not crowded. So be careful what you wish for!

Thank goodness for this thread. We are headed to St. Thomas next week and I wanted to check on the latest for Sapphire (we have never been, but it was top on our list for this cruise).

A few months ago I had read that the iguanas were "aggressive" at the beach. Not sure if that is true or what an aggressive iguana even means. Is this a problem?

Thanks!

Kathi

Thanks so much!!!

Kathi

Thank you blue water - do you recommend any particular location on the beach? We will rent chairs from the dive shop and get some drinks from them (do they have food also?). I'd like some shade if possible. We have a 9 year old daughter who loves to play in the water but none of us are snorkelers.

We are really excited to spend some time on Sapphire Beach - it looks really beautiful and laid back in the photos I've seen. Exactly what we are looking for.

Kathi

Thank you for the link. I had my days wrong. We are in port on 12/4 and that looks like the really busy day. The 5th, there is only one ship in port (wish it were ours).

We were thinking of getting up and off the ship as early as possible and taking a taxi to Sapphire Beach. Do you think if we get moving early enough we might beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful morning? It sounds like Sapphire Beach does not generate the crowds that other beaches do.

I'm reading that there will be 21,000+ cruise guests in port on 12/5. Can anyone confirm this (not sure where to look) and if it's true, will it be like Disney World on Christmas (i.e. so crowded it's not fun).

We were thinking about taking a taxi to Sapphire Beach. We just want to relax and enjoy a day at the beach.

Will this be possible or should we just stay on the ship?

Thanks!

Kathi

We have always been able to secure Palo brunch or dinner once getting on board. Go to the designated location (usually a lounge) upon embarkation and they should be able to help you.

You can also stop by Palo in the evening and see if they have availability or call up to the restaurant from your cabin phone.

The first night is usually pretty empty in Palo and Remy since most people want to go to MDR. If you are willing to go on the first night, I'm almost sure you will be able to get in.