1st time cruiser...need help!!

[vacation]

Hi everyone:
I'm planning a 3-4 day cruise for my 40th b-day (me and dd15) in May. I know nothing about crusing . Can anyone offer suggestions and price info? Since I only plan on doing this once (ok maybe twice) I would like to get one of the best room catagories etc.

Thanks for the help

 

[Cruisin]

It all depends on your attitude and your finances

A lot of people take the lowest cabin because they are the cheapest (but still very nice) and you don't necessarily spend a lot of time in your cabin anyway. Especially on a short cruise and for your first time.

Other people enjoy the windows or verandahs or concierge services.

It is all what you feel happy with.

You might want to be careful though cause cruising is addictive and this may not be your only cruise experience, just ask most of us on the dis boards

 

[kcashner]

There are lots of sites that list categories and prices. Prices vary considerably depending on your dates....to get an idea, go to vacationstogo.com or disneycruise.com
VTG lists low costs for all dates...dis requires you to choose a date, then tells you the cost.

My feeling on cruising is the longer the better....hee hee. You can frequently do better than the disney price for air...however if you do it separately, it won't be covered on DIs travel insurance. You might want to consider insurance separately thru your travel agent.

I'm one of those who thinks that you don't spend a significant amount of time in your cabin. However, my DD feels that a window is a big deal. It's all a matter of your preference. Disney service is wonderful, whether you are in the lowest level cabin or the highest. Once again, DD saw the pictures of the WD suite with the grand piano and drooled (she's a classical pianist). I pointed out that for the cost of that suite, I could buy the piano! And we already have one!!!

I agree...cruising is addictive. Have fun.

 

[vacation]

Thanks for the help!! Can anyone tell me what level (room catagory)the concierge services are available?

thanks again

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by vacation
Thanks for the help!! Can anyone tell me what level (room catagory)the concierge services are available?

thanks again

Categories 1, 2, and 3 have concierge service.

 

[MrsPete]

Vacation -- The room really doesn't matter much on a cruise! The people in the cheap cabins have all the same amenities, entertainment, meals, etc. as the people in the nicest suites. You'll likely spend very little time in your room, and it's hard to justify the price of the more expensive rooms for only two people. (My opinion, of course -- others may disagree.)

Personally, I'd rather take a longer cruise in a smaller room!

Here's a price comparison from the official Disney brochure (note that these are official Disney prices -- you may do a little better through different sources). These are for four day cruises, since that's what you mentioned.

Category 1 (Royal suite with verandah) 2,849 - 3,149 per person
Category 6 (Deluxe stateroom with verandah) 889 - 1599 per person
Category 8 (Deluxe oceanview stateroom, no verandah) 789 - 1349 per person
Category 11 (Standard inside stateroom, no window) 509 - 999 per person

As you can see, there's a HUGE DIFFERENCE in the cost. You could sail FIVE TIMES in a category 11 for the same price as sailing once in a category 1. There's not much difference in cabin size until you get to Category 3s.