Never taken a cruise---How do I begin?

We are a couple of years away, but are thinking of adding a short cruise onto our Disney World vacation (Have been many times). Will probably be Dec. 2017. 5 adult family members. Where do I start? Do we cruise before or after the parks? What is there to do for adults? Are there some cruises that are more casual than others?...we hate dressing up. Where to cruise to?? I find the entire thing overwhelming! I never thought I would plan a cruise, because I get seasick---but hubby really wants to. How do I get the best rates? Do we all stay in one room? We would need 4 beds, as the 3 other adults are not bed mates. Help! Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!

I suggest you start by perusing threads on this board and picking up "PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line" off of Amazon. That is by far the most comprehensive book on DCL.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587711478/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_D8W4vbK9KXD7E

You have some time before you have to decide anything, as those later 2017 itineraries probably won't be released until next spring.

When I planned my cruise, I ordered the DCL DVD & read a lot here. Also looked at the DCL website a lot.

We went to WDW first & then the cruise, because others said it is so relaxing on the cruise. We found this to be true. I'm sure either way is fine. Just see what works for your dates.

We went on a four night, because we weren't sure about getting seasick & didn't want to go too long. None of us got seasick. It was a wonderful cruise!

You should come up with a budget first & then look at itineries.

There are family cabins that sleep 5. There will be a queen bed, couch turns into a twin, pull down twin & Murphy bed (twin). You could also look at getting two cabins.

Good luck with your planning!

squirk said:

I suggest you start by perusing threads on this board and picking up "PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line" off of Amazon. That is by far the most comprehensive book on DCL.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587711478/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_D8W4vbK9KXD7E

You have some time before you have to decide anything, as those later 2017 itineraries probably won't be released until next spring.

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I agree with this.

The passporter book is updated yearly, and they have a lot of good information on planning your vacation. If you read the book from front to back it will explain the entire planning/booking process along with some nifty spreadsheets that really come in handy as far as budgeting. Also, if there is anything you want specifics on just ask here.

Personally, I think a 3 or 4 day DCL cruise is perfect for new cruisers and tacking that on to a WDW vacation is awesome.

We did the 4 day Bahama cruise June 2014 and added 3 nights at Wilderness Lodge AFTER the cruise to surprise our kids. lol
It would work out great either way though since getting on that DCL bus to go to the port before your cruise is pretty exciting too.

I would suggest setting your dates for the hotel stay first and then looking for the Bahamas 3 or 4 night cruise to work around that.
Just a note though, early December rates are priced less than those dated after the 18th due to kids being out of school etc. In fact the prices have been known to jump from 2500.00 to upper 5,000.00 range closer to Christmas. Of course pricing is based on room type and location, but with a family of 5 adults, you would either want to connecting rooms or 1 Family suite.
My kids are 12 and 13 but are adult sized in height, so we get a ocenview view with Verandah which has 246 sq ft of space including the balcony.
At some point, we will have to consider a family oceanview though just to have more space. lol (Unless they stop growing that is)

The itineries for 2016 are out and I recently booked one for a client for September 2016 and got a good rate for them, but as soon as the 2017 dates drop, you might want to check those out because prices do increase after the inital announcements.
Check out the nooks and crannies of the DCL website and click on everything! There is so much information and so many FAQ's and answers that will help you out too.

Have a great time planning! It is my favorite part.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to provide me with this info! I have a lot of homework to do! One question that didn't get answered----Are the cruises casual dress?? We are just not dress up kind of folks, and like casual wear s much better. My husband would not put on a tie. (Weddings and funerals only! LOL!)

BYC said:

Thank you all so much for taking the time to provide me with this info! I have a lot of homework to do! One question that didn't get answered----Are the cruises casual dress?? We are just not dress up kind of folks, and like casual wear s much better. My husband would not put on a tie. (Weddings and funerals only! LOL!)

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Generally, some cruise lines do have formal nights. However, on Disney ships, the only "dress code" is "no swimwear or tank tops for dinner". Beyond that you'll see all manner of dress (even on formal nights). Also, the 3 & 4 night cruises don't have an actual "formal" night. They have a "Dress Up Optional" night. Dress up, or not, as you wish.

squirk said:

I suggest you start by perusing threads on this board and picking up "PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line" off of Amazon. That is by far the most comprehensive book on DCL.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587711478/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_D8W4vbK9KXD7E

You have some time before you have to decide anything, as those later 2017 itineraries probably won't be released until next spring.

Click to expand...

that book was very helpful for us planning for our cruise next month. happy researching

I don't think it was mentioned yet that dcl has some connecting rooms so you could do two rooms but still be together. Just more space and bathrooms that way, if it works for your budget.