There has been a fair amount of news from Disney Cruise Line this week. The big news is the dropping of mandatory face masks in indoor spaces starting March 11. Though guests are still encouraged to continue to wear masks while inside the ship.
Upgrade to the Reservation System
Disney Cruise Line is upgrading their reservations system starting Monday, March 7, 2022, 4:30pm (EST) until the morning of Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Guests will not be able to make new reservations, book port adventures, do online check-in or make payments on their cruises during this time. If you have a deposit or final payment during this time Disney has extended payment deadlines until Thursday, March 10, 2022, 10:00pm (EST).
Possible Changes
Hopefully, we will see some changes that will make the DCL reservations easier to use. I am hoping for an online option when using your OBB placeholder (onboard booking) when booking a new cruise. It would be so much easier to make changes to OBB online on opening day for new itineraries. I also hope to see the ability to cancel a cruise online instead of calling in.
One disappointing update is that moving forward category changes will reflect the date of the change instead of the original date of booking.
Disney Cruise Line Reservation System Upgrade Scheduled for March 7-9
Beginning at 4:30 p.m. (EST) on Monday, March 7, 2022, through the morning of Wednesday, March 9, 2022, the Disney Cruise Line reservation system will be upgraded.
During this time, Travel Agents and Guests will not be able to make or access a reservation online or through our Contact Center. Online Check-in and Cruise Activity and Port Adventure bookings will also be unavailable. Reservations with deposits or final payments due during this period will have until Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 10 p.m. (EST) to make their payment.Overall, the system updates being implemented are internal improvements to the reservations technology that supports our operation. As valued partners, you should see little to no impact due to the changes.
One new functionality to note is that moving forward category changes will reflect the date of the change instead of the original date of booking.
This aligns with all of our other existing policies regarding modifications.We look forward to assisting you with your cruise vacation planning once our systems return on Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Summer 2023 Itineraries
With this upgrade, I am anticipating the release of the summer 2023 itineraries. It will be interesting to see what Disney has in store for 2023.
The Disney Dream in Europe 2023?
The rumour is that the Disney Dream, or Fantasy, will be making its way to Europe in 2023. A Dream class ship has shown up on some cruise port schedules in France and Greece. I am excited at thought of cruising on one of the larger ships in Europe.
Increased Booking Window for Concierge Guests
UPDATE: Increased Booking Window for Concierge GuestsMarch 2, 2022
Beginning today, Concierge Guests on cruises embarking July 14, 2022 and beyond will have an expanded window to select activities prior to other Guests. These Concierge Guests can now book Port Adventures and select Cruise Activities at 130 days prior to their sailing by contacting their Concierge Specialist. As a result, the Concierge Team will send reminders at 135 days prior to their sailing.
If the Concierge Guests prefer to book their activities online, they will need to wait until the Platinum activity booking window opens at 120 days prior to sailing.
Please note: Guests on sailings prior to the 7/14/22 date will continue to be notified of their booking window 125 days prior to sailing.
St. Petersburg Port Dropped
Due to the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Disney Cruise Line will no longer be visiting St. Petersburg, Russia. Two cruises are affected by this change; the 11-night sailing departing July 30 and the 7-night sailing departing Aug. 10.
Disney Destinations March 2, 2022
The health, safety and security of our Guests and Crew remains a top priority for Disney Cruise Line.
We have made the decision to modify the itinerary of two Northern European sailings aboard the Disney Magic. The scheduled 11-night sailing departing July 30 and 7-night sailing departing Aug. 10 will now visit an alternate port instead of St. Petersburg, Russia.
We are currently in discussions with ports in other countries and plan to share updated itineraries later this month.
SeaMails are being sent to affected Guests and travel agents with Guests on these sailing.
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