1st time -- need help!

[Beth06015]

We want to plan a Disney cruise for next spring/fall and I just don't know where to start! Any tips on places to find information beyond the ports of calls and dates? Characters, shows, reviews of excursions? Any tips on length of cruises or destinations for a first-time cruise? We are thinking carribean. we will have a 5 yo boy and 10 yo girl. Thank you!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We want to plan a Disney cruise for next spring/fall and I just don't know where to start! Any tips on places to find information beyond the ports of calls and dates? Characters, shows, reviews of excursions? Any tips on length of cruises or destinations for a first-time cruise? We are thinking carribean. we will have a 5 yo boy and 10 yo girl. Thank you!

Well, reading through the first couple of pages of threads here is a good start. There's also a FAQ sticky at the top of the main page with some good info. It's also recommended by some that getting the Passporter book is a big help.

When you have specific questions (based on all that reading) just post here, and someone will be more than happy to answer.

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

Have you ever cruised on any other line before? If not, sometimes a short cruise is a good way to gauge if you are going to really like it. On the other hand, if you know that things like seasickness, etc. aren't an issue for you, my personal feeling is nothing shorter than 7 nights. Now, I realize that is a pricey venture, but my reason is this. Anything less than that and it feels like you are getting off the ship before you have had a chance to unpack. Especially if you are flying in from somewhere. DCL cruises are expensive, and unless you are pairing a short cruise with a trip to WDW, I think it is a lot of additional money to fly in for less than 7 days.

We are blessed to live near the port, and even still, we felt like 7 nights were over in a blink and that is when we decided that for us, we would likely never do less than a 7 night cruise. We take them less often than many DCL cruisers, but that is in part because we prefer the longer (and thus, more expensive) cruises.

As PrincessShmoo mentioned, this is a great site to get lots of information. If you are looking for something specific, utilize the search box, and that will narrow you down to threads that discuss those things. We are all happy to help with anything we are confident about. The one thing I can tell you is that I have not known many people who regretted a Disney Cruise, especially with kids.

 

[Beth06015]

Have you ever cruised on any other line before? If not, sometimes a short cruise is a good way to gauge if you are going to really like it. On the other hand, if you know that things like seasickness, etc. aren't an issue for you, my personal feeling is nothing shorter than 7 nights. Now, I realize that is a pricey venture, but my reason is this. Anything less than that and it feels like you are getting off the ship before you have had a chance to unpack. Especially if you are flying in from somewhere. DCL cruises are expensive, and unless you are pairing a short cruise with a trip to WDW, I think it is a lot of additional money to fly in for less than 7 days.

We are blessed to live near the port, and even still, we felt like 7 nights were over in a blink and that is when we decided that for us, we would likely never do less than a 7 night cruise. We take them less often than many DCL cruisers, but that is in part because we prefer the longer (and thus, more expensive) cruises.

As PrincessShmoo mentioned, this is a great site to get lots of information. If you are looking for something specific, utilize the search box, and that will narrow you down to threads that discuss those things. We are all happy to help with anything we are confident about. The one thing I can tell you is that I have not known many people who regretted a Disney Cruise, especially with kids.

Thank you! I have friends that have gone and can't say enough good things about it! I'm debating the 5-day cruise with WDW, or a 7-day, because like you mentioned I'd be already there...but since the cruises leave on Saturday it seems like, and having to arrive a day early to avoid travel delays, we would have to do WDW after the cruise and that doesn't sound as appealing. If that all makes sense! I'm leaning towards 7 given that we already there.

 

[Beth06015]

Well, reading through the first couple of pages of threads here is a good start. There's also a FAQ sticky at the top of the main page with some good info. It's also recommended by some that getting the Passporter book is a big help.

When you have specific questions (based on all that reading) just post here, and someone will be more than happy to answer.

Thanks, I'll look for that book. I used a few books planning for WDW. I had a few websites I preferred planning that trip, there doesn't seem to be very much info out there for the cruises (what to expect and what shows and characters are where).

 

[tink1970]

I read trip reports (which are also on this board) for cruises before I go on a new itinerary for me. That gives me an idea of activities, meals, etc even if the people are total strangers. So many people write them and post great pictures--they can be super helpful (and helps pass the time of waiting ).

 

[Sunshine2U]

The Eastern Caribbean 7-day is a great first cruise because
1 - 4-days is not enough time to truly experience the ship, especially when you're splitting focus between two children.
2 - You've been to WDW before so that does not need to be a priority.
3 - The Eastern gives you an extra sea day. There really is a lot to experience on the ship and you're paying a premium to sail Disney. When the children are older you'll be ready for other cruise lines and you can sail less expensively on port intensive itineraries.
4 - This cruise (like most) includes Castaway Cay
5 - You can sail from Miami or Port Canaveral and that may save money - check out the different ships to help you decide.

Have fun planning!

 

[Beth06015]

Great idea! Thank you! It's hard because you have to book so far in advance and then obviously you are locked into the itinerary, ships etc! And I feel like it's better to book as fast as we can as prices go up as you wait. I'd like to go in May if we can swing it. Time to study the trip reports!

 

[Beth06015]

Oops phone posted twice!

 

[Beth06015]

The Eastern Caribbean 7-day is a great first cruise because
1 - 4-days is not enough time to truly experience the ship, especially when you're splitting focus between two children.
2 - You've been to WDW before so that does not need to be a priority.
3 - The Eastern gives you an extra sea day. There really is a lot to experience on the ship and you're paying a premium to sail Disney. When the children are older you'll be ready for other cruise lines and you can sail less expensively on port intensive itineraries.
4 - This cruise (like most) includes Castaway Cay
5 - You can sail from Miami or Port Canaveral and that may save money - check out the different ships to help you decide.

Have fun planning!

thank you! Very Helpful advice---this is the way we've been leaning too. Exactly why we want to do Disney--the kids are still younger and I trust them for the kids programs and quality of service! I have heard good things about other cruises but I just have more comfort leaving the kids on a Disney cruise, if that makes sense!

 

[Beth06015]

I read trip reports (which are also on this board) for cruises before I go on a new itinerary for me. That gives me an idea of activities, meals, etc even if the people are total strangers. So many people write them and post great pictures--they can be super helpful (and helps pass the time of waiting ).

I meant to quote your post in my comment below, sorry. Intermittent service on my road trip