Information from DCL or lack of?

[jrapps]

Regarding the additional test cruises on the Dream, I thought (and I could be wrong!) that the test cruises had to go to every port(s) to which the actual cruise(s) intend to sail. I believe the Dream didn't go to Nassau last week so that could be one of the reasons for the additional test cruises.

The only rules for ports are US ports, no rule about what foreign ports are visited on the simulated cruise

• If the cruise ship operator has entered into a Phase 2A agreement with the port or local health authority of more than one port and the cruise ship operator intends for the ship to dock at more than one U.S. port during restricted passenger voyages, then the simulated voyage(s) must include each U.S. port.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

So I’m hearing it’s more ‘cast benefit/thank you’ more than anything as quite a few DCL CMs are going with their families & friends.

 

[jrapps]

So I’m hearing it’s more ‘cast benefit/thank you’ more than anything as quite a few DCL CMs are going with their families & friends.

That is great! Good to see Disney doing this for their CMs.

If we see reports of children on these sailings, that also solidifies that they are not CDC test cruises, as those are 18+ only. Perhaps then we will also see some trip reports, social media posts, photos, etc from the families on these cruises.

 

[tvguy]

My wife and I were discussing how difficult this planning has to be for Disney with so much of their passenger load being children that can't be vaccinated. And the news about infections in the rest of the nation keeps getting worse by the day. Not sure they are going to be able to safely resume cruising anytime soon. And that isn't even taking into account the unpredictable political and legal changes that seem to be coming on a daily basis. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...ou-know-about-delta-variant-children-n1274536

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Honestly, I'd put solid cash on the kids' clubs not being open for early cruises.

The COVID-19 Operations Manual from the CDC for Restricted Voyages - which any voyage not running at 95% and that is running per test cruise qualifies as - requires testing for both unvaccinated adults and kids at embark, disembark, and with special guidance for B2B. Masks are required indoors are all unvaccinated passengers. Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos; bars; spas; entertainment venues; and dining areas, including self-serve buffets); this obviously wouldn't apply in any under-12 space. They are also supposed to put capacity restraints on any unvaccinated inside spaces, with specific rules around cleaning. I cannot see any of those rules working in the Club (and this is also probably part of why the UK Staycations are just saying "lolnoclub").

The math on kids is such that they probably cannot do a 95% standard even if that were their preference. And the Restricted Voyage guidance is what a lot of folks are not going to think fun.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I definitely don’t envy them on making decisions because at the end of it there isn’t a ‘right’ answer?
Do you ban children when even with the variant their chance of drowning on the ship is higher than long term Covid issues (based on generally accepted stats) or do you let them sail and gawd forbid there is an outbreak?

Parents have had to wrestle with this and school/daycare- do I send them and hope to not regret it or do we keep them safe but unsocialized? There isn’t a ‘right’ answer-

the math is definitely more complicated on Disney than say Celebrity or even Carnival..

 

[DCLMP]

I definitely don’t envy them on making decisions because at the end of it there isn’t a ‘right’ answer?
Do you ban children when even with the variant their chance of drowning on the ship is higher than long term Covid issues (based on generally accepted stats) or do you let them sail and gawd forbid there is an outbreak?

Parents have had to wrestle with this and school/daycare- do I send them and hope to not regret it or do we keep them safe but unsocialized? There isn’t a ‘right’ answer-

the math is definitely more complicated on Disney than say Celebrity or even Carnival..

Aren’t the kids clubs open on the U.K. cruises?

 

[belle032]

I know that Carnival kids clubs are not open. Their teen/young adult are, I believe, however only for those vaccinated.

 

[diablodancer]

Aren’t the kids clubs open on the U.K. cruises?

Yes, the only one that isn’t is the nursery. The ones that are open you have to book in advance.

 

[laceltris3]

I definitely don’t envy them on making decisions because at the end of it there isn’t a ‘right’ answer?
Do you ban children when even with the variant their chance of drowning on the ship is higher than long term Covid issues (based on generally accepted stats) or do you let them sail and gawd forbid there is an outbreak?

Parents have had to wrestle with this and school/daycare- do I send them and hope to not regret it or do we keep them safe but unsocialized? There isn’t a ‘right’ answer-

the math is definitely more complicated on Disney than say Celebrity or even Carnival..

I am certain that long covid in children is many many times more common than drowning. The absolute lowest I have seen is 2%, with 5% I think a good median on the studies.

 

[KashasMom]

I feel awful for people waiting to hear! This has been such a nightmare. There is no way DCL can force anyone to be vaccinated - not to mention that kids under 12 cannot be. And with possible restrictions we've heard about it isn't the way I want to cruise.

I would really love to cancel my already rebooked Feb 2022 cruise but can't get my deposit back. Disney showing no love to Concierge guests during the past year+.

 

[DCLMP]

I feel awful for people waiting to hear! This has been such a nightmare. There is no way DCL can force anyone to be vaccinated - not to mention that kids under 12 cannot be. And with possible restrictions we've heard about it isn't the way I want to cruise.

I would really love to cancel my already rebooked Feb 2022 cruise but can't get my deposit back. Disney showing no love to Concierge guests during the past year+.

The vaccination rate for teens is very, very low. If approved for under 12 I would expect it to be even lower. It’s very high for seniors. Maybe cruising will go back to being a seniors type vacation. It’s why NCL is so adamant about vaccines. Their primary demographic skews older. It’s a tough call for DCL.

 

[Sykes]

The vaccination rate for teens is very, very low.

I wouldn't say it's "very, very low". According to the CDC data tracker 35.4% of American kids 12-15 have had at least one dose, and 46.9% of teens aged 16-18. It's definitely lower than seniors, but there's plenty of a market out there if they want to pursue it.

I'm starting to think that Disney might sail the Wonder under 95%+ vaccinated protocols (probably still skipping the West Coast season) while allowing more kids on the Dream and Fantasy. It would be an interesting way of serving both those who have kids as well as those who would prefer to sail on highly vaccinated ships.

 

[DCLMP]

I wouldn't say it's "very, very low". According to the CDC data tracker 35.4% of American kids 12-15 have had at least one dose, and 46.9% of teens aged 16-18. It's definitely lower than seniors, but there's plenty of a market out there if they want to pursue it.

I'm starting to think that Disney might sail the Wonder under 95%+ vaccinated protocols (probably still skipping the West Coast season) while allowing more kids on the Dream and Fantasy. It would be an interesting way of serving both those who have kids as well as those who would prefer to sail on highly vaccinated ships.

I guess it’s how you define low. I do know very, very few families can afford DCL. Eliminating 55 to 70 percent of teens and kids under 12 eliminates a lot of customers. I’m not sure people are going to go out and kid their kids vaccinated for an over priced Disney cruise.

 

[dvcdisney]

I'm starting to think that Disney might sail the Wonder under 95%+ vaccinated protocols (probably still skipping the West Coast season) while allowing more kids on the Dream and Fantasy. It would be an interesting way of serving both those who have kids as well as those who would prefer to sail on highly vaccinated ships.

That may be a good option for DCL. Since there's a higher percentage of kids under 12 on Dream and Fantasy cruise, they may designate those 2 ships open for vaccinate and unvaccinated. While Wonder and Magic could be set for vaccinated guests. It may upset people some people, but it does give us options.

It would create less anxiety and apprehension if guests are aware ahead of time. It would only be for a little while until we all get back to some type of normal.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

I feel awful for people waiting to hear! This has been such a nightmare. There is no way DCL can force anyone to be vaccinated - not to mention that kids under 12 cannot be. And with possible restrictions we've heard about it isn't the way I want to cruise.

I would really love to cancel my already rebooked Feb 2022 cruise but can't get my deposit back. Disney showing no love to Concierge guests during the past year+.

Same here, although I wouldn’t mind moving it to February 2023. We rebooked a concierge January 2021 trip for February 2022. The unknown drives me crazy. When will Disney start cruising again? How much will be limited on the cruise? Concierge is not cheap and I’d kinda like to go when things are more back to “normal.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

That may be a good option for DCL. Since there's a higher percentage of kids under 12 on Dream and Fantasy cruise, they may designate those 2 ships open for vaccinate and unvaccinated. While Wonder and Magic could be set for vaccinated guests. It may upset people some people, but it does give us options.

It would create less anxiety and apprehension if guests are aware ahead of time. It would only be for a little while until we all get back to some type of normal.

If that is something DCL does do, then they should provide people the opportunity to switch amongst those cruise ships if possible.

 

[diablodancer]

I’m doubtful they’ll have different procedures for different ships. It’d be a nightmare for communicating to guests (and guests reading the measures online, this has already been an issue for the UK cruises with people not understanding and that’s with only one set of measures) and doesn’t lend itself to advertising.

 

[dvcdisney]

If that is something DCL does do, then they should provide people the opportunity to switch amongst those cruise ships if possible.

I agree and I'm sure DCL will do just that if they choose to do that.

 

[jujubiee4]

I wouldn't say it's "very, very low". According to the CDC data tracker 35.4% of American kids 12-15 have had at least one dose, and 46.9% of teens aged 16-18. It's definitely lower than seniors, but there's plenty of a market out there if they want to pursue it.

I'm starting to think that Disney might sail the Wonder under 95%+ vaccinated protocols (probably still skipping the West Coast season) while allowing more kids on the Dream and Fantasy. It would be an interesting way of serving both those who have kids as well as those who would prefer to sail on highly vaccinated ships.

I like this idea. Comes down to choice. Curious how they would/market advertise this. It does leave
a bit of uneasiness and may upset some. Example you can go on this ship but not this one. I know
Celebrity and NCL are playing hardball but that is different demographic. Businesses have to protect
themselves but still bring on some level of profit.

I personally want the choice to go on the one I feel is the safest for my family.