BartmanLA

I suspect that the article got the name wrong, first off they quoted the size and passenger capacity wrong for the Fantasy, the numbers they used fit more with the Magic. The specifications for entrance to the harbor also make the Fantasy much too large than what is allowed for length and draft. There is a LOT of speculation that DCL is going to send the entire fleet to Europe since they're going to probably allow cruising to start there sooner than in the US and Caribbean waters, but that's a huge leap of conjecture. The Fantasy is also slated for dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas later this summer/fall so I kind of doubt they'll be sending her across the pond with work needing to be done on her so soon. 

On 6/29/2020 at 6:26 AM, gometros said:

 

That "since March 1" makes it sound worse than it was. I was on the WBPC that ended up in San Diego on March 19. At that time there was only one suspected case on board.  The majority of the cases occurred after the ship went into quarantine. All passengers that tested positive were post-cruise. Who knows where they contracted it?

EXACTLY! The Miami Herald also participated in a TV documentary from the UK called Billion Pound Cruises - All At Sea, where they made a distinct effort to paint the cruise industry as one of the primary sources of Covid-19 being spread around the world. The show barely touched on the fact that most of the cruises that were going on prior to the international lock down of the cruise industry had originated from ports that were NOT affected at the early stages of the virus, Nor did they go into much detail over the facts that all the cruise lines that were operating at the time were doing so under the guidance of several international government and industry organisations and when the shut down did happen none of the cruise lines violated any of the rules on the shut down. They continue to insinuate that the Cruise industry was willfully and forcefully sailing willy nilly with guests just to earn money. When in fact all the cruise lines shut down and were one of the first industries to do so at the beginning of the pandemic. 

From info I have been able to gather online the past few days, they're switching crew members around the ships, moving those that are from Europe, Asia and Australia to the Magic, then they will sail and possibly drop off crew members in countries that will allow them transit to return to their homes then she will sail apparently to Dover which I think is the final destination, once there the Magic will go into Cold Shut Down (utilizing shore power and water) which means they'll be able to offload most of the crew (skeleton crew to remain for daily upkeep), the ship will remain this way until there's word about resumption of operations as long as Europe is shut down. If they can resume operations it will take about 2 weeks to return the ship to readiness level (return crew, supply the ship etc) if they isn't any practical date to pick up again, the Magic will eventually put back to sea and sail down to Cadiz, Spain for her Dry Dock period in September with the hopes that they "might" be able to conduct a WBTA itinerary after. 

5 hours ago, MarLieb said:

 

Well, here you go - direct from the CDC:  

The Wonder reported four crew members who have tested positive for COVID-19. Two of the four are now hospitalized, the two others are isolated on the ship; an additional three former passengers (from the last voyage who disembarked) are also positive. 

 

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/No-Sail-Order-Cruise-Ships_Extension_4-9-20-encrypted.pdf

 

Don't think you can question the source on this one . . . 

I saw that, and again the original article on "cruiselawnews" said over 35 had tested positive... so that was what I was adressing, the claims that article made, I didn't dispute that there were people that tested positive. Again I was responding to the fact that the article was alarmist and meant to panic people. That's all. Hoping everyone involved on the Wonder recover and are able to return to their home and families. 

On 4/8/2020 at 11:24 AM, gometros said:

 

That article is so filled with incorrect information, it's absurd to be even considered journalism. Whatever happened post cruise, it is not in any way DCL's fault. As I previously stated, they did everything in their power to keep us safe. If a passenger exhibited symptoms and did not go to medical, it's on them.

I agree, but consider the source of the article, the site is run by a lawyer who's firm specializes in suing cruise lines, much of the info is "reported" or does not contain factually verified information, most is second hand or hearsay info, it's only meant to stir panic and worry among crew and passengers, to drum up business for his law firm. That's pretty blatant about how it's worded. I wouldn't consider worthy journalism in any stretch of the imagination. 

The most recent dry dock in Victoria saw the Promenade Lounge remade into the French Quarter Lounge, they removed all the upholstered bench seats and chairs replacing them with wrought iron seating and small wooden benches, not very comfortable for long periods of time, there are tables there to play games and such but the acoustics of the new space makes it a little loud since there's many hard surfaces for the sound to echo off of. On previous WBPC's on the Wonder we saw many people playing games on Deck 9 along the outside portions of the lido deck, where there is protection from the wind somewhat. That or you could possibly find space to play games in the Crown & Fin Pub during the daytime. Hope this helps!  

Cabanas is a regular buffet style restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch, but dinner it is a sit down style casual dining, no set times or table assignments, but they do offer MDR menu food at that time. So no there's no "whenever" buffet restaurant in the evening or late night on the ships.

With the higher number of ships, the need to have a alternate "Disneyfied" terminal is more necessary, in addition while I'm not saying this is going to be the absolute case, but they could use the 2nd location for expanded or more frequent Sea/Park trips where a ship would overnight in PC while the passengers go to the parks. Since it's won't be used exclusively for DCL, the opportunities for them to do something like this is easier logistically. As for Asia, sure there's a HUGE market there, but many utilize cruises there because of the availability to gamble, and unless DCL is going to configure one ship solely for that market and install a casino, it might not prove to be as desirable as they think, also it's unlikely they'll create itineraries that involve sailing from the US to Asia, (or even Hawaii to Asia) so the people here in the US and Canada would need to fly 12-16 hours just to get on a ship, and cost factor would make that pretty pricey vacation alternative for many.

Its time for cruise lines to join the 21st century and offer unlimited free internet. Even my local bar does that. C'mon Disney, the 90s are over. Free wifi is a reasonable expectation nowadays. Build in into the cost if the cruise if you have to.

 

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That's all well and good for land based situations, internet at sea is like on an airplane, it comes from Satellites and they're very expensive to purchase bandwidth from. It's unlikely that there will be any "unlimited"high speed internet on many of the cruise lines anytime soon. The ultra exclusive (read expensive) lines like Seven Seas offer services like that, but you pay for them big time.

It's adequate for things like web surfing, email, online messaging, but it will NOT support video streaming and unlikely to do video conferencing very well. Plus you're charged by the MB, depending on the package you purchase once you're on board. You get a free 50 MB when you board on embarkation day, once that's gone you'll have to purchase a package in order to connect online. Using the Disney Navigator App is free, you can connect it through the WiFi on the ship but it's limited to the app's features only.

Even with 7 total ships, its unlikely they'll all be based in PC full time, Miami has become a 2nd home to the Magic when it's CONUS based after the European trips in the summer. I have NO clue about what DCL is going to do with all the ships once they finally are commissioned, but I would imagine they're already looking at other home port locations for a few of them. I am sure they'll try to make use of as much of the Caribbean for continued cruising as long as they can fill the ships, so it makes sense to expand the main port facility they have to accommodate more than one ship in port at a time. Also sharing it with Norwegian will probably be more cost effective for DCL so they don't have to build an entirely new structure.

MarineTraffic.com has the Fantasy's destination as Castaway Cay as the next stop.

You can consolidate multiple Disney gift cards onto one (up to $1000) at disneygiftcard.com and that will save you having to manage multiple cards, then when you get on board just go to guest services anytime and present the card(s) and they'll be applied to your stateroom account and you can use them to charge for the duration of your cruise.

Another alternative, if you can wait you can try to see if your cell phone provider offers any decent international roaming packages for you to use while in PORT. that might help alleviate some of the sting using on board internet.

Additionally I got myself a SkyRoam Hotspot device, they offer them for sale on their website and on Amazon, it's $150, you use Day Passes that give you unlimited 4G WiFi (of the in PORT cellular network) for $8 for a 24 hour period, you can connect up to 5 devices to it (PC, tablet, phone) and use it to surf the web, email, voice apps like iTalk etc.You can buy the day passes in 5 unit bundles and if you don't use them they don't expire. It's a great way to save your onboard net service while you're in port. The device is rechargeable and fits into your pocket or in a pouch on a backpack, so you can use it while on the go. I used it on the last WBPC trip at each port, they work in over 150 countries on their cellular network. (disclaimer I am NOT getting any compensation for recommending this, I just think it's a great way to stay connected when traveling).

No, DCL doesn't offer an Unlimited Internet Package on any of the ships, the best you can do is pay like $90 to get the highest level of service that gives you 1GB of data, and you can keep renewing that package as needed, they also offer a pay as you go service for $.25 cents for 1 Meg at a time, then 100Mb for $19, then 300Mb for $39 and then the $89 package, it's adequate for surfing and doing email etc. but not for video streaming or online gaming at all.

Yes after you drop off your bags curbside at the Disney Terminal (F as has been noted) you can then pull into the parking structure, there's no reservations, although if you have a large RV or motorhome you might need to speak to someone about the location you can park it for the duration of your cruise. Be SURE that you leave your parking ticket visible in your car, I've heard that they will tow a vehicle that isn't displaying a current ticket. When you return to Miami, you can exit and pay for your parking then circle around and pick up your bags curbside if you wish, or take them with you to the structure to save a trip. Have a Magical cruise!

We stated at the Hyatt MCO in April before the Westbound Panama Canal Cruise on the Wonder in April, we loved the hotel and the convenience it offers, going right from baggage claim to the hotel and checking in, signing up for the Hotel to Port baggage transfer is a godsend, we had dinner at one of the many restaurants in the airport so we never had to leave the property. The next morning we got up and got ready and just before we left to go have breakfast the staff came by to pick up the bags to take to the port. We had a quick meal then went down to the transportation center to get the bus (be SURE you sign up for Disney transfer before the cruise) the bus was quick and easy and we got the port in 50 minutes. Once we got through security we checked in, we waited less than an hour before boarding started and then another 10 minutes for our number to be called. Very easy and there was little or no stress I can't highly recommend going to your cruise this way.

We sailed on the 2017 WBPC trip this past April, the ship looked wonderful, granted they still do work on the ship while underway, I think ALL ships have maintenance going all the time. The new remodeled areas of the ship are wonderful, the Atrium is fresh and new, the Adult areas have been updated completely (even the Cadillac Lounge got some updating), Tiana's Place is great and Animator's Palette got a tech update, Cabanas is redesigned too. Our stateroom (Deck 7 forward) was wonderful, always clean and neat, our room attendant kept things spic & span so I have no complaints about how the Wonder looks. Sure it's a older ship, and there's going to be some age that comes along with it, but it's one of the "Classic" ships that DCL started in the cruising business with and it still shines and looks amazing every time I get on board.

We've been on the Wonder both pre and post dry dock, the changes are significant, yet it still retains the "Classic" feel that the Magic & Wonder are known for. The changes from the dry dock are wonderful, Tiana's Place is a great change from Parrot Cay, while some might feel the atmosphere is too busy or even loud, the food is great and very tasty. The live music and show are fun and you can participate or not. The refurbishment of the Atrium is great, the removal of the starboard staircase really opened up the platform to host live performances and other activities and gives the space much more room. The Adult After Hours area has seen the most changes, with Azure and Crown & Finn pub being completely redone,with Azure being lighter and having a under the sea motif, while the C&F is quintessential Britsh Pub style, lots of comfy seating and deep leather booths and chairs. The common spaces surrounding it are nice too, with a new look and style. Cabanas has been redesigned to accommodate more seating and a much better flow than before with 2 complete service lines for the buffets. Studio Sea is now the D Lounge with a sleek new styling and great aesthetic with new seating and a open lighter design. The Kids Splash Zone is also new with fun activities for toddlers and little ones. The also installed a brand new Funnel Vision screen, with super sharp and bright HD quality video that really makes the movies they show on them pop and look great. They also added a Bibbity Bobbity Boutique for the kids makeovers to princesses and prince as well as pirate nights! The ship exterior was stripped completely and they repainted it with a beautiful new paint job. It still remains the Classic style that the Wonder always had, but the improvements have improved the flow and experience on the ship and will give it a longer life for many years to come! We've already booked the 2019 WBPC trip! Can't wait!

This is what the Dream looks like now as she departed Port Canaveral today after her cosmetic repairs. Apparently she is still fit for duty and sailed away on her next cruise.

Fingers crossed that Castaway Cay escaped the brunt of the storm and there's little or no damage. Until the CM's are returned to the island there won't be any real news. But I'm sure it's going to be coming soon, the Dream which evacuated the CM's from CC is starting to head north from where she was positioned near the Fantasy in the Yucatan Channel for the past few days. So it's possible she may be headed to CC to evaluate the condition of the island and see if there's any work that she can assist in accomplishing before returning to Port Canaveral to return to passenger service.

Until the COTP (USCoast Guard Captain Of The Port) officially re-opens the port for ship traffic, no ship can enter the port or even position off the entrance to wait. It's primarily to keep the port available for emergency traffic or further evacuation. I'm sure I recall them saying that nothing would be done for Port Canaveral (I can't speak about Miami) until at least Tuesday where there will be the next official announcement.

Actually that location was over a day old, the AIS location services are severely hampered due to the storms, since they work off Satellite location, there have been reports of crew on board that the ship is west of Cuba now and they're going to lay off the Yucatan Channel for the duration along with dozens of other cruise ships. The Dream left a few hours earlier and is near the same area. They'll remain there until he storm passes well north of the Florida peninsula and it's safe to return to Port Canaveral. However a lot of that will also be based on if the port incurs any significant damage to docks and piers that would prevent the ships from entering the channel. The COTP (USGC Captain Of The Port) will make the announcement as to when Port Canaveral reopens for ship traffic, it probably looks to be maybe Tuesday at the earliest.

There's going to be massive amounts of speculation about the new ships, where they'll be based, the disposition of the rest of the fleet, but when it comes down to it, it is utterly pointless to make any guesses until the first of the new ships sets sail, in 4 years, then 5 years for the next and 6 years for the final ship. Until then all we can do is wait and see what DCL decides. There's so many factors involved that will have a bearing on what they're going to do with the new ships, I'm sure they already have a long term plan in place, but as Disney does, they always allow for changes. There could be many factors that predicate where they'll finally locate the fleet, political climate in various countries (including the U.S.), economic changes that could send the industry into a tail spin, and of course cost of operating in many ports or countries could be too prohibitive for DCL to even consider them. Sure it's great to wish for itineraries in many new and exciting places but DCL has to stay conscious of their bottom line and to their shareholders about responsible operations. I'm not so much worried about where the ships go as I am about getting more information about the design, features, venues and of course the construction of the ships (from a behind the scenes standpoint) Learning about the ships as they're built might give an indication about their intended use and destinations. Anyway this is just my opinion about the issue.

In February we sailed on the Magic and my 13.5 yr old nephew was allowed to go to Vibe, the staff said that since he was with in 6 months of turning 14 (he was actually less than 2 months) he could be allowed access to that club, he went to both Vibe and Edge but ultimately ended up making more friends in Edge and decided to spend the bulk of his cruise there.