new to this board--how does a family of 6 cruise?

[onceuponadream]

Hi!

We just returned from 8 magical days in WDW and would like to book a Disney cruise for next March. How many rooms would I need with 2 adults and 4 kids ages 3-11? What is the "value" season to cruise? Thanks for any help!

[TnRobin]

You will need at least two cabins. To get the cabins connected, you will need to book at least a Catagory 10. Also you will need to book as early as possible to make sure you do get two connected rooms.

Value Season is typically fall (late Aug - Early Dec, excluding Thanksgiving) and early winter (Jan and early Feb).

[Mic]

We are cruising in Oct. in 2 cabins with 4 children ranging in age from 8-13. We have a do-it-yourself land/sea package, using our DVC points and leftover days on a few hoppers to spend the 4 nights leading up to the cruise at WDW, then we will spend 3 nights on the Wonder. We lucked into a good price(the $99 fall cruise special) in order to do this, but I had been checking the cruise website for about a year comparing cat. prices. It was always less expensive to get adjoining cat. 10's as opposed to a "suite", and Sept. cruises (hurricane season) were always on sale! Unfortunately, my 2 older kids have reached an age where missing school and activities for a family vacation is not possible, so we could not go in Sept. We do have a week off in Oct., though, and will only miss 1 soccer game each while onboard this year! My advice would be to book the cruise as soon as you can pay the $1200 deposit, then make periodic payments on the balance. Should a "special" come up, call your TA or DCL and have the price adjusted. Good luck!

[Muffyrides]

My family just returned from the March 2nd Magic Cruise. We had two adjoining cabins 6072 and 6074. I booked a year ahead of time. Worked great. Kids were twin 6 yr olds and 11 year old and 13 year old. We were not crowded. Plenty of room for six and everyone did the things that most interested them. Booking 1 year out gave me the time to pay for the cruise and save lots of money for everything they did on the cruise that added up.

[onceuponadream]

How do they charge the rooms? I read to get the childs rate you have to have 2 paying adults in each cabin so do you have to pay for 4 adults and 2 kids (rather than 4 kids and 2 adults)? Thanks again!

[Muffyrides]

Yes one child is charged as an adult in each room. But I felt the amount was reasonable. The third person was after taxes added was $500. For my family I felt they ate their cruise fee in food 24 hours a day. The kids were always at food stand or buffet or ordering room service. They all liked the unlimited food and they each took advantage of it.

[bweppner]

HI!, my family of 6 (me, DW, DS - 11, DDs - 12, 7, 4) are in adjoining Cat. 10s on the 4/6 Magic. YES, we paid for 4 adults and two kids total - $pendy, but worth it. I'm trying to upg. to Cat. 7s or 6 but the ship is "full" and adjoining rooms are not in abundance. Adjoining rooms are MUCH cheaper than a large suite (which are usually NOT discounted). We have tried to figure out any other inexpensive ways, but the adjoining rooms with four adult bookings and two kids is the only way.

Good luck!
:earsboy:

[onceuponadream]

Are there typically discounts offered or can we expect to pay the published rate? We have cruised with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival and never go by the book price. Is Disney the same? We would be cruising March or summer months so probably peak season :) Thanks for all your wonderful help!

[CarolAnnC]

DCL does often have seasonal discount specials. Your best bet is to book early and take advantage of the Early Booking Discount. This can sometimes be an even better price than a "special". The early booking discounts are offered in tiers, so as the ship books, the discounts decrease in price. The earlier you book the better your price!! :)

[onceuponadream]

thanks CarolAnnK! I'll contact Dreams Unlimited!

[Familyof6]

I just wanted to point out one thing mentioned on this thread. What you are looking for are "connecting" rooms rather than "adjoining" rooms. Adjoining rooms can mean that they are just near each other but may not have a door between them. I have read on these boards where people have reserved adjoining rooms and ended up across the hall from each other. What they should have reserved were connecting rooms. Two little words with very big differences.
BTW, my family is just like yours...oldest is 11, youngest is 2 1/2.

Hope this helps avoid any complications that could have resulted.

Lisa :)

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by Familyof6

What you are looking for are "connecting" rooms rather than "adjoining" rooms... Two little words with very big differences.

Thanks for the heads-up, Lisa.