1st Time Disney Cruise

[slmjam]

Our family is considering a Disney cruise June, 2003. We have never been on a cruise before so I am not sure what kinds of questions to ask.

I am curious about rates. Historically, does Disney release discounted cruise rates during June and July?? Would anyone know what a family of 4 (DH, myself, DD-12, and DS-7) in a Category 10 room can realistically expect to pay for a 7 night cruise? I'm not certain if it is better to book early or wait until later to see what kinds of codes/rates become available. We are looking at a cruise only package and would not need airfare.

Can anyone suggest certain rooms to try for or avoid in Category 10? I have already tried the secret porthole rooms for the time period we are considering (June 14-Disney Magic) and they are already booked. I'm a little concerned about the motion of the boat; is it more noticeable on some decks than others? Also wondering about noice ..... proximity to elevators and discos, etc....

Would very much appreciate any advice you all can give.

 

[MFan]

I would strongly recommend that you book now, or asap. DCL has moved away from seasonal promotions toward early booking savings (EBS). So, by booking early, you'll lock in a lower rate. If the rates drop between now and your travel date (for whatever reason), DCL will honor the lower rate for existing reservations upon request. If you book now, I think the deposit for 7-day cruise is $250 pp. It's completely risk free. You'll have up until 60 days before departure for a full refund.

Now, what can you expect to pay? I'd suggest going to either the DCL or the Dreams Unlimited website and find out yourself. Their online reservation system provides a fairly accurate pricing info. Unfortunately, the most expensive rates coincides with when the schools are out -- summer and around holidays. I guess that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone given their target customers.

You can refer to the FAQ on Dave's dcltribute site for a list of level 1 & 2 cabins to avoid.

 

[MrsG]

I also recommend that you book now. From what I have learned on this board, and personal experience, Disney doesn't discount popular times (school breaks, holidays). The earlier you book the better your choice of rooms. Dave's tribute site has an excellent description of the cabins and views.

To get an idea of what it may cost, go to the official Disney Cruise line site and get a quote. You don't have to reserve and can try different scenarios to get an idea of cost. When you are ready to book, call DCL directly. This way you can request a particular cabin, you can't do that on the web.

Again, I wouldn't wait to long. You will get the early bookings savings now and just in the past three weeks, the price has gone up!

 

[luckymom]

I don't know about rates in general - we did the Florida Resident Special (great rates!!!). We did a Cat 9 ($781.00 pp plus fees, 7days)- it was wonderul. HOWEVER - the mid-ship elevators are the worse!!!! The front of the ship is probably better as the elevators at not used as much, but for dinner the aft is good because your right below AP or PC. We would do the cruise again - at the discounted rates!! It was worth every cent!!

 

[wovenwonder]

What can I expect to pay for a 7 day in June 2003 for 2 adults and 2 children in a category #10 cabin?
Rates from the Disney Cruise website at www.disneycruise.com for the 6/14 Eastern or the 6/21 Western were $5357.40 -- not including air or insurance. You probably can get a slightly bette price by emailing dreams unlimited for a quote at www.dreamsunlimited.com

Summer months are one of the higher priced months on DCL -- the lower priced months may be the first two weeks in December - The month of January and most of February.

What category#10 rooms do you recommend? I would first recommend the secret porthole rooms. Category #10 rooms on deck#5 are priced as inside non view rooms but have a slightly obstructed porthole view for FREE. I have pics of two of these rooms on my website (linked below) -- go to the Secret Porthole Room page to view the rooms. If the secret porthole rooms are not available be sure to check out possible 'problem' rooms on Dave's site -- go to the stateroom section of FAQ's at www.dcltribute.com

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Don't forget to ask for the $50. first time cruisers room credit. Use "REF" code. I don't know if they are still giving it out, but it's worth asking and you qualify if you aren't using anyother Disney origen discounts, I believe.
Have a great time.

 

[slmjam]

Thanks for the information. We decided to go ahead and book the cruise.......so we are going on the 6/14/03 Eastern. Yippee!! I am so excited but it seems soooo far away; I'll be coming here often for tips and advice!

Oh ..... we are booked in Stateroom 7507 (Category 10) which is pretty close to the forward elevators. Do you think this location is ok??? We tried to get the secret porthole rooms but they are all booked for the week we are cruising.