DCL Has Their Protocol Out!!!

[lanejudy]

What if you have a 10 year old child? Do they need to be tested or buy insurance or are there no requirements? Thanks!

All unvaccinated passengers will need to be tested twice -- once in advance and once at embarkation. Under age 12 has no cost at embarkation but will need to pay for the earlier test; age 12+ unvaccinated will need to pay for both tests.

It looks like travel insurance is only required of those 12+ who do not prove vaccination status. But they "strongly encourage" adequate travel insurance for all individuals. If you opt not to insure your child's trip, you should be prepared to cover expenses related to the child even if the adult's expenses can be reimbursed.

 

[armystrongice]

They gotta start somewhere just to get going again. By the time our November and December cruises roll around, they will have updated/different policies and procedures in place. Current rules are not something we'd consider, but Double dip on Castaway ain't a bad way to start up cruising again on DCL!!

 

[dvcdisney]

My family is fully vaccinated but coming from Canada. That’s an $325 US plus the testing I need to do here. We have travel insurance but I’m not sure if it covers Covid illnesses as I heard some removed that. So not including insurance we would need to pay at minimum $1000 just for tests. Not including what I need on the way back.

Perhaps once the border opens, we will also be included in the vaccination exemption....that's a deal breaker for us. Our cruise isn't until Dec so hopefully, that will change. Otherwise, I'm okay cancelling it and hope our cruises in 2022 will have us included.

 

[laceltris3]

Currently on The Disney Magic Cruises, mask enforcement is very high. The cm's are telling people to wear masks.


This is what is currently happening on the Magic UK cruises, people have managed just fine


Currently on The Disney Magic UK cruises paper menus are available on request but they recommend every uses the QR codes


This is the same as on The Disney Magic Uk cruises, no Fish Extender holders allowed outside the stateroom doors


This is the same as The Disney Magic UK cruises. They have Freezing The Night Away Deck party and its scheduled twice, so that each MDR sitting can see it. There is limited capacity on the deck area, with designated spots where parties have to stand, or you can watch it from the upper deck area.


This is the same as on The Disney Magic UK cruises


This is the same as on The Disney Magic UK cruises


This is the same as on The Disney Magic UK cruises


Yes on The Disney Magic UK cruises people are decorating the stateroom doors



This is the same as on The Disney Magic UK cruises

So if everything is the same as on the UK cruises, it's even more frustrating that it took this long to announce.

I understand that things can be tweaked and nothing is in stone, but they could have said long ago they were starting with the UK protocols, subject to future refinement.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

WOW, 9 pages of information and it's still early morning. Glad our cruise isn't until next July and hopefully, things will have settled out.

 

[Eeyore's the Best]

Anyone been able to find anything to indicate what vaccines are accepted to confirm someone as vaccinated? Are they accepting Canadians with mixed doses as vaccinated?

 

[Chrissy-Mickey]

They're only doing one show per cruise, with a lot of showings of the same show, so it actually shouldn't be hard for people to find a time to see that show once during the cruise.

Which would have been great if they would have posted which show that one show would be!

 

[I_love_Cruising]

Is there anywhere a clarification for this part?
Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and Embarkation Day testing requirements (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements.

Does it mean same day arrival or even if I spend a week in Florida before embarkation?

 

[EmilyS92003]

“Disney Ever After
Magic fills the sky during our exciting Disney-themed fireworks show at sea. The upper decks spring to life as a pre-show playlist of favorite Disney songs echoes through the night leading up to a dazzling light show underneath the stars”

so no pirate night or show

 

[KashasMom]

If you want to complain, the CM's that book cruises isn't really the appropriate place. They have no power and other than venting, it really serves no purpose other than to clog up the already too busy phone lines. It's much more effective to email them.

We have a spring cruise and while there are a couple of protocols that would cause us to cancel, I'm waiting to see what happens by then. 6 months is long time.

Isn't that what we all said a year and a half ago??

 

[lizzyb]

Anyone been able to find anything to indicate what vaccines are accepted to confirm someone as vaccinated? Are they accepting Canadians with mixed doses as vaccinated?

Anyone outside of the us you still need the test.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

Anyone been able to find anything to indicate what vaccines are accepted to confirm someone as vaccinated? Are they accepting Canadians with mixed doses as vaccinated?

https://www.disboards.com/threads/saw-an-article-about-some-canadian-cruisers-being-denied.3846365/

 

[BadPinkTink]

I am concerned about the dining description "Serving up diverse global cuisines and classic casual bites inside themed restaurants peppered with Disney magic, Disney Cruise Line invites you to savor the finest dining at sea sure to surprise and delight—and promote health and safety. "

What does "classic casual bites" mean in Animator's Palette? Small plates? Dining not the same as before I guess and they want you out quicker...?

You need to watch the UK Disney Magic Vlogs, all the MDR are the same as before the shut down. You will still rotate between the restaurants on the different nights and your serving team will still come with you. The menus are now on QR codes. Only one party per table. Only every second table seated, so that means that the tables beside you will be empty. If an MDR has a show element, the characters are on a stage area and do not go table to table.

Photo Opportunities
Our professional photographers will be taking photos during dinner in our main dining rooms. Photographers will also be roaming the top decks and will be stationed at iconic ship locations and in front of fun photo backdrops for memorable shots with family and friends. Guests may briefly remove their face coverings to take photos while stationary and maintaining physical distancing.

Glad for the bolded above and what will probably keep me from cancelling my Nov cruise.

This is the same as The Magic UK sailings

Honestly, the lack of shuffleboard is the hardest for me. It’s a small thing, but we love playing. Everything else is in line with my expectations. We’re ready to sail!

This is the same as The Magic UK sailings

“Guests will be assigned ONE table for the entirety of the cruise.” Does this mean we will only be dining in one of the restaurants? Every night? For seven nights?? Nope nope nope.

NO you are wrong. You need to watch the UK Disney Magic Vlogs, all the MDR are the same as before the shut down. You will still rotate between the restaurants on the different nights and your serving team will still come with you. The menus are now on QR codes. Only one party per table. Only every second table seated, so that means that the tables beside you will be empty. If an MDR has a show element, the characters are on a stage area and do not go table to table.

You skipped a few things.
$174 for 1:45 in the Rainforest once? You used to be able to get length of cruise for that. Masks required for spa treatments. And since you have to reserve the Rainforest Room, I don't see how they can include that in your spa treatment, which has always been the case as well.

This is the same as The Magic UK sailings

It is almost like they expect you to sit in your room. At these prices I can sit at home much cheaper.

You need to watch the Magic UK sailing Vlogs, there is still a lot to do on the ship, the games, trivia character meets and so much more are still there but done slightly different

I feel like this price is a mistake. Are they kidding. I always do Rainforest and I don't normally have 9
people I bring along.

This is the same as The Magic UK sailings

I admit I haven't read the policy yet --- so asking a question I may be able to find by dedicating some time to reading. Is the booking of kids clubs for ALL the clubs? Our kids are in Vibe - older teens.

No the booking is just for Oceaneer Club, Vibe and Edge the kids can come and go

so I am clear is the expectation that the only show that will be played during the entire cruise beauty and the beast?

This is the same as The Magic UK sailings, they just have Disney Dreams. There is limited capacity in the theatre with seats marked do not sit here and every second row blocked off.

Any thoughts or info on concierge services? Will the lounge be open? Cocktail hour still a thing? Wondering if concierge prices will be worth the current experience.

You need to watch this video

 

[lizzyb]

Looks like they’ve offered relaxed cancellations on the dream for sailings up until March 2022. Must be cancelled by begging of august.

 

[I_love_Cruising]

Anyone been able to find anything to indicate what vaccines are accepted to confirm someone as vaccinated? Are they accepting Canadians with mixed doses as vaccinated?

It should be fine, as stated by the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-.../info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html
the part about Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccine products

 

[tvguy]

Legally, they cannot require vaccines when sailing from a Florida port.

Courts tossed that law out earlier this week.

 

[KashasMom]

So the phone CMs are supposed to encourage customers to take up their time by passively listening to long complaints about things that the CMs have no ability to change, while many other customers are waiting on hold to try to conduct actual business with the cruise line?

Sorry, but the CM blew the poster off - "The reason I’m posting is the reaction I got from the CM on the phone; when I started to share my displeasure at several aspects, she immediately told me she didn’t want to hear any negativity and we needed to talk about the positive." A good company listens to - and acknowledges - their customers instead of trying to blow sunshine... You obviously have no issues with the changes. Many people do.

 

[Karin1984]

So I called Disney just now to cancel our January cruise after reviewing the protocols. I know a lot of people will be excited/happy about the new rules, but I am not. I’m very sad to cancel, But this will now force me to try other cruise lines which Ive wanted to do. Like a lot of others, I’ve been looking at the Edge.

The reason I’m posting is the reaction I got from the CM on the phone; when I started to share my displeasure at several aspects, she immediately told me she didn’t want to hear any negativity and we needed to talk about the positive. ( I am assuming this is something Disney told their CMs to keep it positive but at this exact moment I am feeling sad.) I told her I am the customer and had a right to share my thoughts, so she basically allowed me to say a few things but rushed me along and didn’t acknowledge. I am not rude or loud, so it bothered me that apparently Disney isn’t concerned about how I feel. (I know, big surprise.) I know I’m only one person in their sea of customers, but Ive been a loyal cruiser and I’m sad to be canceling my cruise.

That is absolutely terrible customer service
I would go full blown Karen after that. Not to that CM as that would be useless, Although, I did tell an agent once that she sounded like a robot, and I told an agent who gave service via chat why his answers made the situation worse, so maybe I would tell her immediately.
More likely, I would hang up and write a very long, and for the CM very annoying e-mail to answer. I've worked in customer service for a decade and this just makes my blood boil. Bad customer service usually upsets me more than the actual problem.

I get what they are trying to do, only this is basically saying: Your opinion doesn't matter.
And you can THINK that as a company, but that's not something you should TELL your customer so clearly!
Yes, it's absolutely terrible for an agent to listen when you cannot help them. But you can listen. Listening to a customer, making sure the customer feels heard, is so valuable to keep your customers.
Telling a customer to think about the positives... that's something you tell a best friend going through a rough time.

 

[CmdrThor]

Sorry, but the CM blew the poster off - "The reason I’m posting is the reaction I got from the CM on the phone; when I started to share my displeasure at several aspects, she immediately told me she didn’t want to hear any negativity and we needed to talk about the positive." A good company listens to - and acknowledges - their customers instead of trying to blow sunshine up their... You obviously have no issues with the changes. Many people do.

Better the poster is blown off and end the call earlier than unnecessarily keep other guests waiting. There are appropriate channels to share your displeasure regarding the updated procedures and the reservations phone line is not one of them.

 

[Cheburashka]

Sorry, but the CM blew the poster off - "The reason I’m posting is the reaction I got from the CM on the phone; when I started to share my displeasure at several aspects, she immediately told me she didn’t want to hear any negativity and we needed to talk about the positive." A good company listens to - and acknowledges - their customers instead of trying to blow sunshine up their... You obviously have no issues with the changes. Many people do.

The CMs have very possibly been instructed by Disney to not waste time listening to complaints, because DCL knew there was no one set of protocols that wouldn't anger a subset of guests. DCL accepts complaints via email, and it's unfair to the CMs themselves to get emotionally exhausted each day listening to a lot of unhappy cruisers venting about something the CMs can't change.

As far as the changes themselves are concerned, DCL is doing these for safety and legal purposes in the midst of a pandemic. I'm fine with criticizing Disney for changes that are blatant cost-cutting, but for changes that are implemented to both preserve safety and follow local laws, I think it's silly to get one's undergarments in a knot.