Disney Dream skips Amsterdam due to protest disruptions

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has announced an itinerary change for Disney Dream's upcoming 7-night sailing set to start on September 1, 2024. Originally scheduled to dock in Amsterdam, the cruise will now bypass the city due to anticipated protests that threaten to disrupt operations at the port.

The decision to skip Amsterdam comes after DCL alerted passengers, stating, “Due to issues outside of our control at the port in Amsterdam, there is a significant possibility that the ship will not be able to dock.” Consequently, passengers will enjoy an extended stay in Zeebrugge, Belgium, instead.

New Itinerary Details

Disney Dream, which can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers, will embark on a roundtrip journey from Southampton, England. After setting sail, the ship will spend a day at sea, then arrive in Hamburg, Germany, on September 2, followed by three additional days at sea before reaching its modified port stop.

Instead of arriving in Amsterdam on September 6, the ship will now proceed directly to Zeebrugge, arriving a day early on September 7. As a result, Disney Dream will dock for two days in Belgium before returning to the UK on September 8.

Cruise Line Compensation

In light of the changes, DCL is providing each stateroom with an onboard credit of $250, which can be used for various shipboard services during the cruise. Any pre-booked excursions in Amsterdam have been canceled and refunded to guests’ original payment methods, while those who arranged their own activities will need to seek refunds independently.

Disney Cruise Line expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused and reassured travelers that the modified itinerary aims to maintain the quality experience expected from the cruise line.

Reasons Behind the Itinerary Change

The protests leading to this itinerary modification stem from ongoing environmental activism. Activists from the group Extinction Rebellion have been increasingly focused on cruise operations, alleging that they significantly harm the environment.

As part of this activism, several cruise lines have preemptively altered their routes to avoid Amsterdam. Recently, Royal Caribbean International's Serenade of the Seas had to skip a scheduled stop in Bergen, Norway, due to similar concerns over protests.

Recent Incidents Involving Other Cruise Lines

On August 18, 2024, the Serenade of the Seas was blocked from entering Amsterdam, leading to significant delays. The protestors ultimately forced the ship to divert to IJmuiden, which is approximately 40 minutes away from Amsterdam.

This was not an isolated incident; on August 10, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas also faced similar protests, resulting in a forced diversion. Additionally, the Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Mariner experienced over four hours of delays due to blockades that same month.

Environmental Context

According to environmental reports, the cruise industry has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. A report by Friends of the Earth awarded Disney Dream an A- minus for air pollution control but rated the ship a C for sewage treatment processes.

The overall environmental performance of the cruise industry has been under the microscope, with DCL receiving a C grade for not using shoreside power when docked and its fuel use policies. While Disney Cruise Line has been recognized for some of its sustainable practices, activists are concerned that more significant changes are necessary.

Disney's Sustainability Efforts

Disney has made public commitments to sustainability, focusing on achieving net zero emissions across its fleet by 2030. Despite the criticism, DCL has received commendations for its environmental programs, indicating a growing focus on balancing cruise enjoyment with ecological responsibility.

As the industry faces increasing pressure from environmental watchdogs, cruise lines nationwide, including DCL, must navigate the waters of public perception, operational challenges, and advocacy pressures.

Conclusion

The recent changes to Disney Dream's itinerary underscore the growing impact of activism in the cruise industry. As protest efforts continue to challenge ports like Amsterdam, the ripple effects are felt through modified routes and changes in onboard experiences.

Disney Cruise Line aims to provide exceptional experiences for its guests while adapting to the fluctuating environmental concerns that shape the cruise sector's landscape. As travelers prepare for their upcoming journeys, they must stay informed about these developments in Disney cruise news and the broader industry context.

FAQs

1. Why did Disney Cruise Line change Disney Dream's itinerary?

The itinerary was changed due to anticipated protests at the port in Amsterdam, which may have prevented the ship from docking there.

2. What compensation is Disney offering to guests affected by the itinerary change?

Disney is providing an onboard credit of $250 to each stateroom for shipboard services during the cruise.

3. What will happen to previously booked excursions in Amsterdam?

Excursions booked through the Disney Port Adventures app have been automatically canceled and refunded; guests must seek refunds for self-booked excursions.

4. What issues have other cruise lines faced at the Amsterdam port recently?

Other cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have faced blockades by protestors resulting in canceled stops and significant delays in accessing the Amsterdam port.

5. What are Disney Cruise Line's sustainability goals?

Disney Cruise Line aims to achieve net zero emissions across its fleet by 2030, reflecting its commitment to improving its environmental impact.