ORLANDO, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line, which only began operating a
little over a month ago, is beginning to determine how its
passenger base will evolve. In fact, it has already discovered that
nearly 60% of its passengers are first-time cruisers.
John Severini, vice president of sales and passenger services
for the line, said more than 60% of the ship's passengers are on
board as families, and more than 75% are taking the cruise as part
of a seven-day package with Walt Disney World. On some sailings in
August, more than one-third of the ship's passengers were kids.
Based on passenger feedback, the company has been tweaking the
cruise product on an ongoing basis. In fact, it appears to have
overcome several of its start-up problems. Long lines have
diminished and food service has been improved.
Disney is also learning how to balance the on-board experience
for families and adult travelers without kids. Early comments from
adults indicated there is not enough for them to do on the
ship.
To accommodate that group, Severini said Disney is looking at
adding workshops, lectures and seminars -- perhaps in conjunction
with the Disney Institute.
The Disney Magic is a surprisingly subtle and sophisticated ship
with exceptional cabins, great entertainment and a wonderful spa,
but some dedicated Disney fans are complaining it lacks the
expected Disney "wow."
"There are things missing and it was kind of a flat ship
[experience], although a beautiful ship," said Scott Rocco, who
honeymooned on the vessel in August. Disney is the first to admit
everything's not perfect yet, but said there's more to the Magic
experience than some passengers are discovering.
To better communicate those assets, the line will hire -- on a
permanent basis -- a cruise director and hotel director, positions
officials of the line thought the ship could initially do
without.
The cruise director will focus on making sure passengers
understand the innovative, and consequently somewhat confusing,
elements of the Disney cruise experience. These include the ship's
rotating restaurant system, where both passengers and their wait
staff change restaurants nightly.
The hotel director will serve as a point person with passengers
on the ship, Severini said.
For his part, Paul Largay, president of Largay Travel,
Waterbury, Conn., said he's confident Disney will work out the
remaining kinks in the ship's operation. "It's only going to get
better and it's already great," Largay said.