Ahoy there Cynthia, and welcome aboard planDisney!
I hope that you and the kids are getting excited for your adventures ashore next month, and from the sounds of it you're on your way to enjoy a sailing headed for
Mexico! I can personally relate to how disappointing it can be to
plan around a Port Adventure only to discover that it has been cancelled ahead of the voyage - especially if it was a cornerstone of the cruise experience. Over my years of sailing this has happened a number of times whenever the ship's itinerary has deviated or if our time in port has changed for any reason, so here are a few of my personal tips and tricks to increase your chances of finding a good replacement:
- I have found that when it comes to the Port Adventures team and the tour operators that they work with in each destination, they'll often do whatever they can in person to find a suitable alternative. (I can definitely understand why something like a tour involving Tequila-Making at a distillery might not be something you're comfortable with, though I did notice a few families that last time I experienced it!) As soon as you embark, I recommend heading over to the Port Adventures Cast Members sooner as they tend to have a much better idea of their availability and what else they can offer once you're on board.
- I have observed that folks and families have a tendency to change their minds or switch to other Port Adventures during their voyage depending on how they feel with the motion of the ocean, or with what they've eaten on board ahead of that Port of Call. I've been able to secure previously sold-out experiences by checking back or providing the Port Adventures team my contact information for them to contact me as soon as there was an opening.
As a last resort, if the Port Adventures Crew Members have been unable to find an alternate experience to enjoy ashore, I've even gone up to the tour operators who partner with Disney Cruise Lines (as you debark you will typically find them with marked signs or shirts) to ask about what other options their company may have or can recommend. The biggest risk is of course not having the peace of mind that the ship won't leave without you on an official Port Adventures excursion organized through Disney Cruise Line, so if you do end up venturing out on your own, always aim to be back at least an hour ahead of the All Aboard time to account for any traffic or unexpected delays along the way.
Crossing my fingers in the hope that your family will find the adventure you're after!
Prince