A million question from a confused newbie!!

[ldymcbth]

I have taken 2 cruises, but both were 8+ years ago on Carnival and prior to having kids, so now that we are looking at DCL cruises I feel like I am soooo confused. I have been scouring the DCL site as well as cruise critic and am hoping some kind soul will have pity on me and answer some of the questions for me!

For reference, we are looking at April 2012 sailings of the Fantasy. I know that is coming up quickly, which is why I have some of the questions I have!

1) In the olden days, excursions were booked once on board as first-come, first served. How are excursions booked on DCL cruises - are they booked online prior to sailing, meaning that some of the excursions may already be full?

2) At time of sailing, I will have a 4 yo girl and a 5 yo boy. They are really close. Will they be allowed to stay together in the kids clubs?

3) It will be warm enough in April to make full use of the pools, don't you think?

4) I was looking at all of the dining options and it's much more confusing than our previous cruising experience! Do you make reservations for places ahead of time, and if so, when does that begin - meaning, since we are so close to the cruise date will it be all booked up?

5) We are looking at Staterooms with Verandahs, which have an upper berth (as we will have 4 in the room). Do they have bedrails for this upper berth or do I need to bring my own?

6) I know on Carnival, there were certain levels of rooms you did NOT want as they were more prone to giving you motion sickness, etc. Do you think there will be similar locations on the Fantasy?

7) Have your kids gotten seasick on a cruise? I am prone to motion sickness but never got sick on either cruise I've been on. However, I am concerned about it for the kids and don't want to have to dramamine them into comas and have them not enjoy the trip.

8) We are considering concierge level and then just not buying Christmas presents (for me and DH) this year - any experience with concierge?

That's all I can think of for now. My head is spinning! Thanks so much in advance even if all you've done is make it this far reading my post!!

 

[Mortlives]

I've answered the ones I can. In purple.

I have taken 2 cruises, but both were 8+ years ago on Carnival and prior to having kids, so now that we are looking at DCL cruises I feel like I am soooo confused. I have been scouring the DCL site as well as cruise critic and am hoping some kind soul will have pity on me and answer some of the questions for me!

For reference, we are looking at April 2012 sailings of the Fantasy. I know that is coming up quickly, which is why I have some of the questions I have!

1) In the olden days, excursions were booked once on board as first-come, first served. How are excursions booked on DCL cruises - are they booked online prior to sailing, meaning that some of the excursions may already be full?
Yes, you can book in advance, after your cruise is paid in full.
2) At time of sailing, I will have a 4 yo girl and a 5 yo boy. They are really close. Will they be allowed to stay together in the kids clubs?

3) It will be warm enough in April to make full use of the pools, don't you think?
Caribbean itinerary? Warm enough in January, really.
4) I was looking at all of the dining options and it's much more confusing than our previous cruising experience! Do you make reservations for places ahead of time, and if so, when does that begin - meaning, since we are so close to the cruise date will it be all booked up?
No one can book anything yet, since you're well before final payment. Also, the only restaurants you need to make reservations for are Palo and Remy's. Otherwise, you can request first or second seating, and you are given the restaurant rotation schedule. No reservations to make.

5) We are looking at Staterooms with Verandahs, which have an upper berth (as we will have 4 in the room). Do they have bedrails for this upper berth or do I need to bring my own?

6) I know on Carnival, there were certain levels of rooms you did NOT want as they were more prone to giving you motion sickness, etc. Do you think there will be similar locations on the Fantasy?

7) Have your kids gotten seasick on a cruise? I am prone to motion sickness but never got sick on either cruise I've been on. However, I am concerned about it for the kids and don't want to have to dramamine them into comas and have them not enjoy the trip.

8) We are considering concierge level and then just not buying Christmas presents (for me and DH) this year - any experience with concierge?

That's all I can think of for now. My head is spinning! Thanks so much in advance even if all you've done is make it this far reading my post!!

 

[kcashner]

1. As a first timer, you will be able to book excursions on line at 75 days before embarkation. These can be canceled without penalty up to 3 days before embarkation if you change your mind. You can also book on board. All excursions will be billed to your onboard account.

2.yes

3. The pools are heated. Yes.

4. You make no reservations except for the adult only restaurants (75 days on line). You will be assigned a rotation thru all the other restaurants. This will show up on your KTTW card when you check in and on the tickets in your cabin.

5. They have bedrails. They normally place a 1/2 rail (covers about 3 1/2 feet of the length), but your host can supply a full length rail if you ask.

6. The higher you are and the farther you are from the center of the ship, the more motion you will have. This occurs on any ship! However, the DCL ships have excellent stabilizers which minimize the motion.

7. No. I get horribly sick on small boats, roller coasters, etc. No problems on DCL ships.

8. If you want to spend the money, it is lovely. Obviously we don't know what to expect on the Fantasy, but there are lots of nice features in concierge on the dream. Also, if you book concierge you can make your adult dining and excursion reservations at 120 days before your cruise.