For those who do not feel that people who weren't on the 11/30 cruise aren't affected by this thread and its outcome, and entitled to have an opinion, I respectfully disagree!!! First of all, as a stockholder of Disney, I am immensely interested in the outcome of this and I have a direct (albeit very small) financial interest in what Disney does and how their future reputation and finances are affected. Second of all, as a future cruiser, I have an interest in what happens and feel that am entitled to have an opinion about it.
Now to the facts: 1) the circumstances that caused the cancellation were not measurably within Disney's control; 2) the decision to actually cancel WAS within Disney's control, and for everyone's sake I wish they were able to give people more notice. I know that I would be very, very upset with my vacation changing at the last minute like this, so I do truly understand why people are upset and I would not trade places with you for a minute; 3) whether we like it or not, Disney only really has a responsibility to make one whole for the actual financial loss that one suffers because of the decision. Whether it is good business or not, their only real OBLIGATION is to refund the cruise that was paid for. Given that they have apparently gone well beyond that is commendable. Would I expect them to do that? Absolutely, YES!!! Would I push them (nicely) for everything I could get as compensation? YES!! Would I be reasonable in what I would expect them to actually do? YES!!!! (and I have been in such situations before).
What do I think is reasonable? I think in the circumstances, prompt refunds of the cruise fare and any incidental fees is the least that one can expect if desired. If I have planned my vacation and have nonrefundable airfares, I would at least like to be able to have the money to pay for alternative accomodations, etc. Given that it was a last minute cancellation and I would have my heart set on a cruise, I would also like to be able to take a cruise.
That said, the option that should have been available, IMHO, is that any cruiser who wished to take a "credit" for a future cruise (INSTEAD of a refund) would be offered something like the following choices (to be made by the cruiser): you may rebook the "same" cruise for next November and get a guarantee of the same category (including upgrades) or better on next year's cruise with no extra payment and receive a stateroom credit of a modest amount; OR you may choose to sail another cruise in value season within two years with a guaranteed upgrade of at least one category and a modest stateroom credit; OR you may choose a 50% discount off the lowest early booking rate for a given cruise (based on availability) and apply your credited amount against that cruise (and receive a modest stateroom credit).
It appears that some persons (but not all) have received offers that are even better than these. On the other hand, it appears that Disney is not treating the cruisers consistently--that is very bothersome to me, as some people are more assertive and effective at complaining/negotiating.
I had a feeling that the insurance issue would be as someone posted--that insurance wouldn't help given the nature of the cancellation (and even then it would have only paid the monetary damages incurred).
I might add that, in this era of nonrefundable airfares, I would hope that people might receive some compensation for that "loss" or inconvenience also.
Please understand that I really am on the side of those seeking to be compensated, as long as we are realistic about pointing fingers and in the expectations we have for what DCL can do.
Good luck!
