Disney Cruise Line new ships? About This Page:

[Disneymom62]

I was reading the Passporter for DCL over the weekend, and read that more/new ships may be in the works. Is there any word on that, or is that on hold due to the Board shakeup and upcoming replacement of Mr. Eisner?
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Cindy <font color="purple"> </font>

[Dave Marx]

Nothing much has changed since I wrote that report. I had a long talk with DCL president Tom McAlpin back on May 5, and he was quite patient about the whole thing. The Euro/Dollar exchange rate is way too high, and the Disney company can get better value at the moment by making its big investments elsewhere. With demand so high on the two ship "fleet," profitability is also quite high. Additional ships would mean lower occupancy levels per ship and more discounting. (Good news for cruisers, but not necessarily for DCL management unless demand exceeds projections). Naturally, if there is a change-of-leadership factor, he wouldn't say a word about it.

Meantime, Tom did hint that some "cool stuff" will be happening when the ships go into drydock this fall. I know the rumors have already been circulating on this one at DISboards, but it's nice to hear it from the boss's mouth. He noted that, since DCL has such great word-of-mouth and repeat business, DCL spends much less on marketing than other lines do, and DCL puts a chunk of those savings into a better guest experience, which of course, leads to even greater guest satisfaction, better word of mouth... Now what they'll be doing to enhance the ships won't be officially announced for about another six months, but I'm sure we'll hear some more rumors before then.

[JoanW]

Are both ships scheduled for dry dock this fall? The Wonder was just there in October.

[Dave Marx]

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Are both ships scheduled for dry dock this fall? The Wonder was just there in October.

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At the moment, I can only confirm that the Magic will be in dry dock. Normally the ships dry dock on alternate years, as the ships are one year apart in age. Still, I got the impression that they might be making these changes to both ships this year... It's probably my error, but you never know.

[GATechGal]

OK, so if they built another ship what would they call it? I vote for the Fantasy or Fantasia.

[angelalar]

I vote they name the ship - DREAM

[Joy J]

Now, if I could just talk my DH, who is a confirmed landlubber, into going on a cruise. I'd even settle for an "old" ship.

Joy

[hktmom]

Hmmmm, that is very interesting! It will be fun to get on board and see these changes for myself-

Self is wondering when Dave and Jen are planning to cruise next and if so which ship. That's an autograph session I'd love to not miss!!