Coronavirus and DCL Megathread - Suspension of Departures for the fleet until early November. Booking only available from early December.

[Gentry2004]

I was just reading about it on the Princess boards. They are asking people who were on that cruise and are feeling ill to immediately contact their doctor. They sent a letter to the people who are onboard now that were also on that sailing asking them to remain in their rooms until medical has contacted them.

I keep reading Cruise Critic hoping Princess will follow Viking's lead and move the PIF date of our June cruise closer to the sailing. *fingers crossed*

According to the Points Guy, Viking is offering free cancellation on all cruises until 24 hours before departure through now through April 30! So impressive! I have never travelled with them but that is a big score in my book. I check every day hoping DCL will let me cancel/postpone my cruise. I hate the uncertainty.

 

[oceanbec]

I agree about the uncertainty. I'm booked for the 21st, so usually this is the time when things really get exciting while planning and counting down to go. Instead, I just feel like I don't even know for sure if we are going or what.

 

[Gentry2004]

I agree about the uncertainty. I'm booked for the 21st, so usually this is the time when things really get exciting while planning and counting down to go. Instead, I just feel like I don't even know for sure if we are going or what.

Yes, totally killing all of the fun anticipation. I'm supposed to be buying Pirate Night outfits and new flip flops and making a pedicure appointment. I'm doing none of that.

 

[hnthomps]

I agree about the uncertainty. I'm booked for the 21st, so usually this is the time when things really get exciting while planning and counting down to go. Instead, I just feel like I don't even know for sure if we are going or what.

Same (Fantasy 3/21). I can't decide whether or not to buy sunscreen, for example. We're planning to go, unless things change, but the uncertainty is just making it hard. I've stopped bringing it up with my kids, so that they don't get too excited in case we have to postpone or cancel. But they know spring break starts in 2 weeks, so they are talking about it anyway.

 

[Gentry2004]

Same (Fantasy 3/21). I can't decide whether or not to buy sunscreen, for example. We're planning to go, unless things change, but the uncertainty is just making it hard. I've stopped bringing it up with my kids, so that they don't get too excited in case we have to postpone or cancel. But they know spring break starts in 2 weeks, so they are talking about it anyway.

I have already told my kids we may not go. I have implied that it may not be our choice, even if ultimately it is our choice.

 

[LeiaOfAlderaan]

Another person on the Grand Princess cruise from SF to Mexico was diagnosed and has since died (they were “elderly with underlying health conditions”). Princess is asking people on the cruise to self quarantine for 14 days—but the cruise returned 2 weeks ago. Still planning on going on my DCL cruise to Mexico in a month but wondering how likely it is that it will be cancelled by DCL.

 

[Dreams&wishes]

Another person on the Grand Princess cruise from SF to Mexico was diagnosed and has since died (they were “elderly with underlying health conditions”). Princess is asking people on the cruise to self quarantine for 14 days—but the cruise returned 2 weeks ago. Still planning on going on my DCL cruise to Mexico in a month but wondering how likely it is that it will be cancelled by DCL.

I'm not even gonna mention this to my husband! I think my rational side in gone out of the window, thinking that going on a cruise it's still a good idea. Disney really messes up with my brain!

 

[MarkLT1]

I am currently searching for/reading every thread with complaints about DCL, in order to convince myself that missing out on our cruise wouldn't be such a bad thing. A good one to start with is right here on the front page, about a decrease in service with MDR. There are lots of other complaints to find if you search hard enough. (it really isn't working too well)

Also, again I am so glad that we decided to keep this whole trip a surprise for the kids. Come our departure day, they may notice mom and dad quietly weeping off and on all day... but they'll never know this pain.. (first world problems.. I know)

 

[Gentry2004]

I'm not even gonna mention this to my husband! I think my rational side in gone out of the window, thinking that going on a cruise it's still a good idea. Disney really messes up with my brain!

Princess cannot seem to catch a break!

 

[Gentry2004]

I am currently searching for/reading every thread with complaints about DCL, in order to convince myself that missing out on our cruise wouldn't be such a bad thing. A good one to start with is right here on the front page, about a decrease in service with MDR. There are lots of other complaints to find if you search hard enough. (it really isn't working too well)

Also, again I am so glad that we decided to keep this whole trip a surprise for the kids. Come our departure day, they may notice mom and dad quietly weeping off and on all day... but they'll never know this pain.. (first world problems.. I know)

Are you for sure not going?

 

[MarkLT1]

Are you for sure not going?

No. We're going to wait it out for a while and hope for the best. I spoke with DCL this morning, and found out the process, etc.. for cancelling, using the cancel-anytime insurance etc. So that we know what our options are.

Right now, my parents are still very keen on going. We'll see how that changes as the virus either spreads, or doesn't spread in the US. According to the DCL cast member I spoke with this morning, if my parents decide to cancel, even though my older son is in their stateroom, since both staterooms can sleep 5, they can just move him to our stateroom without issue. So that would be a possibility. I'm just in the process of "prepare for the worst, hope for the best."

Edit to say: part of it is that I have this nagging voice in the back of my head, saying "realistically, this cruise very well may not happen." Either being cancelled by DCL, or by my parents doing the risk calculation, and determining that it isn't worth the risk. Unfortunately, when I've gotten this feeling in the past, it has usually turned out to be true.

 

[Karin1984]

Same (Fantasy 3/21). I can't decide whether or not to buy sunscreen, for example. We're planning to go, unless things change, but the uncertainty is just making it hard. I've stopped bringing it up with my kids, so that they don't get too excited in case we have to postpone or cancel. But they know spring break starts in 2 weeks, so they are talking about it anyway.

I would just buy your sunscreen and other things, if the cruise is cancelled/you cancel you can still use it for a next cruise/ vacation. Most things you planned to buy probably do not have an expiry date.

 

[afan]

My understanding is that this rule is only for ships that are flagged in foreign countries (which most (all?) cruise ships are). The rationale is that this prohibits foreign-flagged ships from competing in within-US business (e.g., trade). I think if a cruise ship were U.S. flagged, this would be allowed. Please someone correct, if I'm wrong.

It has to do with labor laws. I think there's one ship on hawaii that's us flagged and therefore under us labor laws and us laws for lawsuits etc. To flag under another country so you don't have to abide by us laws you must visit a foreign port for any cruise that starts and ends in the us which is why seattle/alaska cruises always stop in victoria. It allows for the cheaper labor and can make lawsuits harder.

 

[smmco]

Same (Fantasy 3/21). I can't decide whether or not to buy sunscreen, for example. We're planning to go, unless things change, but the uncertainty is just making it hard. I've stopped bringing it up with my kids, so that they don't get too excited in case we have to postpone or cancel. But they know spring break starts in 2 weeks, so they are talking about it anyway.

You're worried about sunscreen? It's like 10 bucks. Just buy it on the ship if it's stressing you out that much.

 

[cvjw]

After much consideration, I think we will be cancelling our May cruise on the fantasy. We are past PIF, but are still in the period to just lose our deposit. It just seems that every day, the outlook seems a little bleaker.

Our son just started a new job, so he absolutely can not be quarantined for any extended period. I am going to wait to cancel until the last minute, but I will cancel before losing half of the cruise fare. At this point, we will just take a refund. I would book another cruise if Disney allowed us too with no penalty. It just seems to be in Disney’s best interest for people to rebook instead of outright cancelling their cruises.

 

[mmmears]

It's not looking good for cruises. Issues with another Princess ship. Now the CA Governor says they need to test people onboard. I'm thankful that we have taken our upcoming cruise before and have great memories, because at this point it's getting unlikely that we will be on the 2020 sailing (I really hope I'm wrong here).

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea...rus-California-death-tied-to-San-15105417.php

 

[KevinFL]

According to the Points Guy, Viking is offering free cancellation on all cruises until 24 hours before departure through now through April 30! So impressive! I have never traveled with them but that is a big score in my book. I check every day hoping DCL will let me cancel/postpone my cruise. I hate the uncertainty.

Yes I am very disappointed in Disney's treatment of it's client base (families with children) during a clear lethal health crisis pandemic. They have made more than enough money off of all of us over many years. We have a 7-Night on the Fantasy in May where we purchased 2 Concierge cabins; one of them being for two elderly Grandmas 70+ years old who now have zero desire to go on a cruise due to their higher risk factor with this pandemic. We have already paid in full and I called Disney today and they will take 50% ($5500) as a 'cancellation fee'. It would be nice for some Govt intervention on companies doing this to consumers during a pandemic as Disney clearly has placed its own financial interest above our health and lives.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes I am very disappointed in Disney's treatment of it's client base (families with children) during a clear lethal health crisis pandemic. They have made more than enough money off of all of us over many years. We have a 7-Night on the Fantasy in May where we purchased 2 Concierge cabins; one of them being for two elderly Grandmas 70+ years old who now have zero desire to go on a cruise due to their higher risk factor with this pandemic. We have already paid in full and I called Disney today and they will take 50% ($5500) as a 'cancellation fee'. It would be nice for some Govt intervention on companies doing this to consumers during a pandemic as Disney clearly has placed its own financial interest above our health and lives.

It's not a pandemic. A pandemic is described as (from Merriam-Webster)
Definition of pandemic

pandemic
noun
pan·dem·ic | \ pan-ˈde-mik \

: an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population : a pandemic outbreak of a disease

It's not over a wide geographic area, although, yes, it's in a lot of places, and it's not affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Do you have travel insurance? That's what would pay you back, if you've gotten cancel for any reason coverage. It's not Disney's fault that there's a new virus in the world.

If someone is afraid to cruise, for whatever reason, that's typically not a covered situation.

 

[IrishEye]

Yes I am very disappointed in Disney's treatment of it's client base (families with children) during a clear lethal health crisis pandemic. They have made more than enough money off of all of us over many years. We have a 7-Night on the Fantasy in May where we purchased 2 Concierge cabins; one of them being for two elderly Grandmas 70+ years old who now have zero desire to go on a cruise due to their higher risk factor with this pandemic. We have already paid in full and I called Disney today and they will take 50% ($5500) as a 'cancellation fee'. It would be nice for some Govt intervention on companies doing this to consumers during a pandemic as Disney clearly has placed its own financial interest above our health and lives.

While it has not yet reached the level of pandemic, I understand your concern about the current epidemic. I am not sure at what point I would expect Disney to shut down WDW or DL and port all ships, nor would I know when it would be appropriate to close all shopping malls and cancel all sporting events. The kids here are still going to school, theaters continuing performances and the airport remains open. DCL has sent us 2 notices regarding our cruise and how they are handling the Corvid-19 virus concern, which is just one of several that can pass around the ship. We will be taking personal steps to lessen our risk but are well aware there have always been virus risks on the ships.

 

[Disney_Fan_01]

It's not a pandemic. A pandemic is described as (from Merriam-Webster)
Definition of pandemic

pandemic
noun
pan·dem·ic | \ pan-ˈde-mik \

: an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population : a pandemic outbreak of a disease

It's not over a wide geographic area, although, yes, it's in a lot of places, and it's not affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Do you have travel insurance? That's what would pay you back, if you've gotten cancel for any reason coverage. It's not Disney's fault that there's a new virus in the world.

If someone is afraid to cruise, for whatever reason, that's typically not a covered situation.

This is an opportunity for Disney to step up and do right by the customer. At the very least move the PIF date closer to the cruise date. Customers want to know if Disney is just focused on making more money or find ways to alleviate anxiety of its clients. Do something to justify the exorbitant prices that they charge. Disney has a lot less at stake (4 ships only) compared to other major cruise lines; hence, they can absorb the loss. If handled well, they will win even more loyal customers; otherwise, I am afraid, many loyal customers will jump ship and cruise elsewhere.