9/27/14, Returning to the Southern Caribbean

[sdlong329]

We are soooo excited to have booked this intenerary for our second Disney Cruise! Second time around we will know what we are doing!
1) Number of adults / children in your group: 2 adults, 2 children
2) Names of adults in your group: Lindsay and Damien
3) Ages of children in your party (at your discretion): Landon ages 4yo and the other- Keaton will turn 3 on the ship!
4) General location of where you currently live:Outisde of Tampa, FL
5) Castaway Club Level: Silver
6) Disney Vacation Club owner?: N/A

Please check the first two posts on page one of this thread for lots of helpful information ono how to use DISboards, this thread, as well as other helpful information about this cruise!


Steven

 

[sdlong329]

Who has booked their flights already? Anyone mind sharing their strategy? We are looking at Southwest to PR and JetBlue back home. Maybe. Right now those two are pretty much the same price and the lowest we have found. Not sure how much longer I want to wait. Typically we have found great flight pricing six and four months out, but those were not international flights. Not even sure if a flight to PR is considered international, actually. :

Southwest is having a SALE! We were able to rebook one leg (PHL to SJU) which was previously $207.50 ... and is now $174.50 (pp). For anyone who has already booked on Southwest, you are able to change your flight (log into your account, then select CHANGE FLIGHT in the upper / right). You can re-select the same flight (or change, if you prefer). While you will not get a refund, you WILL get a credit for the difference between your old flight versus new flight, which must be used within 12 months from the day the original flight was booked (you must FLY within 12 months of the original date of booking).

On our last cruise, we were able to change our flight ... received $70 in credits ... but were not able to use those credits within the alotted time. No big deal, since the rates are/were fairly low.

ENJOY!

 

[sdlong329]

COSTCO ALERT: For those of you with a membership at Costco, keep an eye out for the following:

1) CIAO Rolling Travel Bag with extendable handle, on wheels … includes many zippered compartments. $29.99

2) CUTTER & BUCK short sleeve, moisture wicking polo shirts, assorted spring colors (ideal for cruise wear), $14.99 each

3) FROZEN Blu-Ray & DVD combo - $23.99 retail, less temporary $4 instant credit = $19.99!

4) SAVING MR. BANKS BluRay – $21.99 (does not include DVD)

Remember, with the exception of SOME electronics, anything you purchase at Costco has a lifetime warranty. If a wheel breaks on luggage … take it back to Costco – get your money back! Also, Disney offers a lifetime DVD / BluRay replacement policy. If you ever damage your Disney DVD or BluRay, a replacement is available for $6.95 (DVD ($8.95 for BluRay).

 

[MAJPLO]

Southwest is having a SALE! We were able to rebook one leg (PHL to SJU) which was previously $207.50 ... and is now $174.50 (pp). For anyone who has already booked on Southwest, you are able to change your flight (log into your account, then select CHANGE FLIGHT in the upper / right). You can re-select the same flight (or change, if you prefer). While you will not get a refund, you WILL get a credit for the difference between your old flight versus new flight, which must be used within 12 months from the day the original flight was booked (you must FLY within 12 months of the original date of booking).

On our last cruise, we were able to change our flight ... received $70 in credits ... but were not able to use those credits within the alotted time. No big deal, since the rates are/were fairly low.

ENJOY!

Hmmm. The only sale I saw was for travel between April and June. I will have to check again.

 

[sdlong329]

Hmmm. The only sale I saw was for travel between April and June. I will have to check again.

Sometimes they have special links ... and sometimes, the lower rates on only relavent for specific locations or travel legs. If you search a previously searched flight ... it may (or may not) have changed. In this instance. only one poprtion of the round-trip flight (PHL to SJU) encountered a reduced air fare. In the past, I have seen sales include travel on specific dates, through certain hubs, or statrting / ending in specific locations. I am not sure what triggered the discount I received.

 

[sdlong329]

2014 Travelers Choice Awards (Trip Advisor.com) lists the 25 Top Beaches in the world.

Flamenco Beach, Playa Flamenco is listed as #3 ...
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g1-a_Mode.expanded

 

[sdlong329]

Hmmm. The only sale I saw was for travel between April and June. I will have to check again.

I received another e-mail from Southwest today ... iin the graphic, it said ...

=====
LIMITED TIME SALE
Flight as low as $69 one way
14 day advance purchase required
Exclusions and restrictions apply
=====


It does not appear the sale is limited to, or directed at a specific market ... rather ... likely targeting specific flight tdates, or routes which may be underperforming (?). Like I said, out PHL to SJU flight was reduced, but not our SJU to PHL flight. We are flying into SJU on a Friday, and departing the SJU immediately after the cruise.

 

[sdlong329]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/disney-cruise-line/Car-rental_complex_to_be_built_at_Port_Canaveral.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+disney-updates+%28Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com%29

 

[happy55girl]

At least, with Puerto Rico, there are low-cost options (ie: Southwest) of getting the destination qwithout breaking the bank!

BAH! I nearly fell out of my chair when I read that! We're driving down to Seattle and flying over to San Juan and it still cost us $500 per person ($2000 in total for all for of us) and those were the cheapest options I've seen yet! Us North Westers get the poop end of the stick when it comes to flying for cruises. I wouldn't be suprised if the Hawaiian cruise is packed with everyone from the NW as they've been begging for more options over here. The flight from CA to Vancouver is much more reasonable for us that's for sure. Any Americans coming up this way i'd always recommend checking the costs of flying into SEA and taking the train up to Van. I know it saved us nearly $1500 doing that for this trip! Or maybe we could teleport there! I hate how flying costs as much as cruising sometimes!

However since I can't afford a 14 night cruise I'm sad it would be leaving from Vancouver; I enjoy the repo. You're right though Steven. I was definitely detered from it when they shortened the lengths! Depending on cost i'm lookin at the May Northboad repo for 2015, maybe even tack on the 3 night SanDeigo for good measure and get me that GOLD level!

 

[sdlong329]

From DCL website ...

Discover treats, tricks, magical mischief and spooky surroundings as you celebrate Halloween on the High Seas! (this new experience is available on our 9/27/14 cruise)

Thrills and chills await you at every turn with Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor—including an evolving Halloween Tree that eerily transforms throughout your cruise.

Other special experiences include:
Mickey's Mouse-querade Party—an atrium party scare-a-bration in addition to Pirate Night—with ghoulish games, trick-or-treating, dancing and some favorite Disney Pals in their Halloween attire
Halloween-themed activities for all ages, such as mask-making for kids and pumpkin-carving for teens
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where you're part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack and Sally
Haunted Stories of the Sea—a campfire-style storytelling experience on the deck
Halloween movie marathon to get you in the spirit, shown on Funnel Vision and on the dedicated in-room television channel
Halloween Isn't Just for Kids—an adults-only party that includes a costume contest

 

[sdlong329]

BAH! I nearly fell out of my chair when I read that! We're driving down to Seattle and flying over to San Juan and it still cost us $500 per person ($2000 in total for all for of us) and those were the cheapest options I've seen yet! Us North Westers get the poop end of the stick when it comes to flying for cruises. I wouldn't be suprised if the Hawaiian cruise is packed with everyone from the NW as they've been begging for more options over here. The flight from CA to Vancouver is much more reasonable for us that's for sure. Any Americans coming up this way i'd always recommend checking the costs of flying into SEA and taking the train up to Van. I know it saved us nearly $1500 doing that for this trip! Or maybe we could teleport there! I hate how flying costs as much as cruising sometimes!

However since I can't afford a 14 night cruise I'm sad it would be leaving from Vancouver; I enjoy the repo. You're right though Steven. I was definitely detered from it when they shortened the lengths! Depending on cost i'm lookin at the May Northboad repo for 2015, maybe even tack on the 3 night SanDeigo for good measure and get me that GOLD level!

For us, the problem with the Vancouver train to SEA-TAC was that it did not get us to SEA-TAC in time for any flights ... which mandated an over-night stay. Since we sailed into Vancouver, we did not check flying into Seattle ... but I do realize that is a likely option for many others.

As of a few minutes ago, Expedia showed many SEA - SJU flights from $439 to $862 pp, r/t. At $439 pp (r/t), that's about the same price we are paying to fly 1/3 the distance (PHL top SJU). I guess what I was trying to say was ... if someone is flying XYZ airlines (which would normally fly into Florida) ... but XYZ airlines does not fly into San Juan ... merely consider flying into Florida, then hop over to Southwest, who can get you to San Juan for $125 - $175 pp.

As of a few minutes ago, Delta charges up to $365 pp, r/t PHL to MCO. They also get up to $650 to fly PHL to SJU, hence, switching in Florida may be an option for some.

We flew PHL to LAX (@ $250 pp, one-way) for our LA to Vancouver REPO cruise, but flew Vancouver to PHL for our journey home. Many flights to the US (out of Vancouver) make connections in the US ... and tend to be more expensive. We opted for a flight which made a connection in Canada, before swooping down to PHL ... saved us a few hundred dollars ... but not sure if it was because of the location of the connection.

Good luck with the short cruise-to-nowhere our of San Diego. Last I remembered, they were expensive ... similar to the short cruise-to-nowhere out of NYC. A 2-day cruise-to-nowhere out of NYC on the Magic was about 1/2 the cost of a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral on the Fantasy.

 

[ldascenzio]

I was looking at the shore excursions on this DISBOARD, since I can't seem to find them on the Disney Cruise Line website. I have kids that will be 3 and almost 5, I was wondering if they would be allowed to go on the 4x4 tour, with us driving of course. The prices list ages, but I was curious if they would still allow my kids to come on these..... any experiences or answers to this? Thanks!!!

 

[ldascenzio]

I just book our flights from Tampa to San Juan using Jetblue. I looked at Southwest first and almost booked, then saw Jetblue was slightly cheaper with similiar flight times, although I'm not thrilled with a 7:05am flight time going there, oh well plenty of time to relax on the boat! Jetblue also has first bag free! Can't wait!

 

[Jr59]

I got my flights from jet blue, non stop Newark NJ to San Juan, for $ 350.00 all fees, each round trip. I booked a few weeks ago but just checked and it is still the same. we arrive in San Juan 130 pm on Fri, and depart 5ish pm on Oct 4

 

[Jr59]

does anyone know when the excursions will be released?

 

[cheezwhizard]

Number of adults ? 2 adults

Names of adults in your group? Sandra & Holly, my mum & I.

Ages of children in your party ? No children

General location of where you currently live? South western Ontario, Canada

Castaway Club Level? Platinum and Gold

Disney Vacation Club owner? No


We are definitely interested in joining in on the FE fun.. We've never done it before, but seems like so much!!

 

[4boons]

Number of adults ? 2 adults

Names of adults in your group? Sandra & Holly, my mum & I.

Ages of children in your party ? No children

General location of where you currently live? South western Ontario, Canada

Castaway Club Level? Platinum and Gold

Disney Vacation Club owner? No


We are definitely interested in joining in on the FE fun.. We've never done it before, but seems like so much!!

Welcome aboard Sandra and Holly.

4boons
Bill and Laura Boon

 

[sdlong329]

I was looking at the shore excursions on this DISBOARD, since I can't seem to find them on the Disney Cruise Line website. I have kids that will be 3 and almost 5, I was wondering if they would be allowed to go on the 4x4 tour, with us driving of course. The prices list ages, but I was curious if they would still allow my kids to come on these..... any experiences or answers to this? Thanks!!!

I am not sure I fully understand your question. Let me see if I can help.

1) Regardless of what might be posted elsewhere, an excursion may or may not be available on any given cruise for various reasons, including, but not limited to:
a) Tour operator at capacity for that date
b) Tour operator not available on that date
c) Disney cruise ship not in port long enough to accommodate that tour on that date
d) Disney Cruise Line utilizing another vendor for a similar cruise on that date.

In the past, we have routinely signed up for a very specific excursion at Grand Cayman. When we sailed the Maiden Fantasy, the excursion was not offered, though it WAS offered to those sailing on the Magic.

As to the age question ... IF the other post on DISboards suggests the excursion will be available, and IF they list a price for children in an age bracket, it would be safe to assume kids in that age bracket are able to attend. However, if the other post indicates a price for children 10+ (not 9 or under) ... it would be safe to assume you must be at least 10 years of age, or older. Does that answer your question?

As your question relates to the excursion posted on DISboards ... understand that DCL has previously sailed the Southern Caribbean. Though I have not seen the post to which you are referring, it is POSSIBLE the excursions listed MAY have been from a previous cruise. I say that because, if DCL has not finalized contracts with vendors, they cannot released guaranteed excursions (to anyone). For anyone to list excursions would be from previous experience.

One last thought ... not having ever taken a wee-one on a cruise previously, I am not sure what regulations would be imposed for the use of child seats. Are they mandatory for a three year old (or is it based upon height) in Puerto Rico? You might want to Google / BING booster / car seat requirements for PR ... that should give you a little extra background, ASSUMING DCL and the Tour Operator are permitting young 'uns!


Steven

 

[sdlong329]

does anyone know when the excursions will be released?

It could be as late as the first day Platinum Castaway Club members are able to book excursions (it has happened that way before) ... but since DCL has been to these ports previously, I am hoping (assuming) it will be earlier (your guess is as good as mine)!


Steven

 

[sdlong329]

Number of adults ? 2 adults

Names of adults in your group? Sandra & Holly, my mum & I.

Ages of children in your party ? No children

General location of where you currently live? South western Ontario, Canada

Castaway Club Level? Platinum and Gold

Disney Vacation Club owner? No


We are definitely interested in joining in on the FE fun.. We've never done it before, but seems like so much!!

Please remember to read the first two posts on page one of this thread (and refer back to it every now and then, as it is updated from time to time. There are lots of tips hoards of useful information available, including a GROUP HOTEL RATE at the Sheraton Old San Juan ... which overlooks the port.



Steven