A few first-timer questions

[Jennyfyar]

Our May 18th Magic cruise is our first cruise ever. We are driving from Atlanta on Friday. I have a few questions.

Where should we stay? We are very familiar with the WDW area, we travel there quite frequently. Should we stop there for the evening and then get an early start for the rest of the drive, or drive straight through to Port Canaveral? Any hotel recommendations? It's about a 6 1/2 hour drive to WDW from here.

We would like to check in as early as possible, even if it means waiting around until its time to board the ship. (We want to get started on our cruising experience!) I've read that we can arrive as early as 10:30. Any experience on this?

Do you bring your own luggage onto the ship, or just your carry-on. If so, about how long does it take for it to arrive at your room.

We are booked for a Cat 9, but are wait listed for a Cat 6, do you think we will have any luck?

Where do I find information on excursions?

I have read a lot about bringing your own alcohol on board. Is this against the DCL rules? We would like to bring some, but do not want to break any rules. (It is our first time, we'll save the rule breaking for next time!)

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions. I have read the DCL booklet from the travel agent front to back and back to front again, but there are many questions I still have.

Jenny

 

[atigeg]

Hello! Personally, I would try to grab a hotel by WDW or the airport via either Hotwire or Priceline. When we fly in early, we get the Amerisuites for $33, and for an upcoming trip we got $28 at the Renaissance (both by the airport). That way, you will get a good night's sleep and be rested up for the rest of your drive. The port is only about 45 mins. from the airport.
You can go into the terminal at 10:30. We were there early once, and although there was a sign that check-in didn't start till 11, one line opened early. Then one person in your party can hold your spot in the boarding line while the others explore.
A port will take most of your luggage, and you will keep your day bag with you.
We have brought alcohol with us as gifts for the crew and have never had a problem.
I have the excursions listed on my website at www.castawayclub.com
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by Jennyfyar

We are driving from Atlanta on Friday. Where should we stay? We are very familiar with the WDW area, we travel there quite frequently. Should we stop there for the evening and then get an early start for the rest of the drive, or drive straight through to Port Canaveral? Any hotel recommendations? It's about a 6 1/2 hour drive to WDW from here.

6 1/2 hours? Wow! Either you're not as far north of Atlanta as we are, you don't have any kids, or you really fly! It takes us closer to 8 hours from Marietta.

Your better route to Port Canaveral, rather than going via Orlando, is to take I-75 to I-10, I-10 east to I-95, and I-95 south to SR-528 (exit 77). I have more detailed directions and maps at my web site (www.dcltribute.com/directions).

I recommend spending the night near the port. If you're traveling without kids, you might want to consider the Indian River House (www.indianriverhouse.com). It's high up on a bluff overlooking the Indian River (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway). And if you have one of the upstairs riverview rooms, you can see the ship when you wake up in the morning.

If you are traveling with kids, you'll want to get a hotel either in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach. I have a decent summary of your hotel options at my web site (www.dcltribute.com/spacecoast/hotels.htm).

Do you bring your own luggage onto the ship, or just your carry-on. If so, about how long does it take for it to arrive at your room.

You'll check it in with porters at curbside. It will be delivered to your room, although it may take a few hours. You'll want to take your first change of clothes in your carryon bage.

We are booked for a Cat 9, but are wait listed for a Cat 6, do you think we will have any luck?

Yes, it could still happen. A few people will cancel just before their final payment is due on March 19 (60 days prior to sailing). Give DCL a call daily starting on about March 12... they don't automatically check their wait lists when somebody cancels... if somebody were to book between a cancellation and when they get around to checking their wait lists, that new booking would get the room you want.

Where do I find information on excursions?

I have that information at my web site. (www.dcltribute.com/excursions).

I have read a lot about bringing your own alcohol on board. Is this against the DCL rules? We would like to bring some, but do not want to break any rules. (It is our first time, we'll save the rule breaking for next time!)

You may bring alcohol onboard.

 

[Jennyfyar]

Barb - Thanks for the tips. Your website is great. I have read a lot of your posts. You really cruise often!

Dave from Marietta- We are travelling with two DD's (2 and 5). We live in Newnan, so I guess we are about an hour south of you. Thanks for the driving directions, we will book a room closer to port for the evening. Your website is very informative and easy to navigate.

Jenny

 

[Dagny]

Jenny: we are also sailing for the first time on the 18th. I too will have a 2 year old in tow. Perhaps they will have a chance to meet each other in Flounders

Can't wait!!!

 

[MajorDad&girls]

Jenny,
We are cruising for the first time on May 18th also. We will be traveling with our 2 DD ages 10y & 5y. It would be great to meet so our DD 5y could get to know each other for the club. We will be driving from Alabama & staying at the port Friday night. We have reservations right now for the Radisson but may change to a hotel through Hotwire for $36 per night for a 3 star on the beach. Email me at Majordads4girls @aol.com.
Can't wait to cruise
Rob & Lisa

 

[Parrotheader]

When we fly in early, we get the Amerisuites for $33, and for an upcoming trip we got $28 at the Renaissance (both by the airport).

Where did you get this deal on the Renaissance Orlando?! I'm actually a Marriott Rewards member so we were planning on staying at a Marriott brand hotel the night before anyway. That way I could get triple (or is it now 10X) the dollar value in points. Ordinarily, I don't mind spending a bit for the room since I know I'll get a lot of points from it. But for $28 who cares about points! Are you having to work in the kitchen and sleep in the sub-basement on a night with a full-moon or something?

 

[atigeg]

We got the $28 Renaissance deal via Priceline for our April trip. It was a total surprise to me! Their deals are usually best pretty close to your trip date. I was just goofing around one night, throwing in some dates and ridiculously low offers in one browser window while doing stuff in another, and they accepted!!!
We do the Mariott points thing too...we got the Courtyard by the airport for our March trip that way.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Parrotheader]

Thanks Barb. I might have to look at fiddling around with Priceline again. I used to use it occasionally in the past, but found that all the other major online services (Travelocity, CheapTickets, and Expedia in particular) usually come pretty close to any realistic price I could hope for anyway. Maybe I'll toss in a ridiculously low number too. Thanks again.