Disney Cruise Line forums are all abuzz with people booking sailings on the new Disney Wish. Yesterday, Platinum Castaway Club cruisers with 25 or more sailings could make reservations, and today the process continues until bookings finally open up to the public on May 27. You can see the entire booking schedule here.
As a Gold Castaway Club member, my booking window opens next Monday. But there’s no way I will be making a reservation, especially not on the maiden voyage of the Disney Wish.
Why Not Book the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Wish?
Don’t get me wrong, I do want to sail on the Disney Wish someday. But not on the Maiden Voyage, or even during the first few months for that matter.
The reason is that debuts of new ships and new resorts are rarely flawless. In fact, many times they are complete fiascos.
I remember reading initial reviews of the Disney Dream when it debuted in 2011. I’m talking about real people’s reviews, not travel agent reviews. My family had a cruise booked for 2012, so I was watching intently.
Initially, the Dream had several challenges. People reported slow service in the dining rooms and crew members who were not adequately trained. It took a few months for the crew members to learn the flow and get in the groove. In addition, guests went crazy over DCL inaugural merchandise, creating long lines and shortages of product.
The trouble with a new ship or resort is that everyone is experiencing everything for the first time. So, unlike on a seasoned cruise ship where a percentage of the guest population has already been on the water slide and is just chilling at a lounge chair, everyone will be in line for the slide on the new ship.
Also, the inaugural sailing will be full of people in the “who’s who of Disney Castaway Club” guests. The majority (if not all) of the cruisers will be Platinum level with dozens of cruises under their belt and perhaps a sense of entitlement. Those cruisers will get first dibs at reserving the specialty restaurants and first in line to board the ship, making it difficult for lower-level cruisers to experience some things.
Bottom Line
In reality, the inaugural sailing will likely be sold out long before I would get my chance to book it on Monday. But, I’m ok with that. I want to experience the Disney Wish after it has its kinks worked out.
Are you excited to book the new Disney Wish? Does the inaugural cruise appeal to you, or would you rather wait a while to experience the new ship?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I thought maybe you knew about Disney’s going woke? Most people probably don’t. It’s a myth that corporations are conservative. Most are far left socially. Disney is the latest disappointment. I won’t be going near their products.
https://nypost.com/2021/05/08/disney-goes-woke-with-new-anti-racist-agenda-for-employees/
I agree-while I could likely book the MV tomorrow, no interest because you’re absolutely correct-there will be lots of growing pains at first. I am super excited to push my current November cruise to the Wish next fall though.
@CookiesMom That should give them plenty of time to make sure things are running smoothly. 🙂
Im hoping to book for June or August of 2022. I am only silver so we will see what is left. Neither of us are getting on the inaugural, so it is a moot point 🙂
I’d go for August instead of June. I think even the subsequent cruises in June will be chaotic.