ruadisneyfan2
DIS Legend
- Joined
- May 20, 2006
- Messages
- 17,639
I recently compared prices for island getaways vs. cruise and it seemed the flights to any island, Cancun, etc. was at least $600 pp. (This was for mid March.) It was actually a LOT cheaper to fly to FL and cruise DCL. 
There are many TAs that offer an onboard credit as a thank you for booking with them. I don't know what Dreams Unlimited (board sponsor) offers but my TA gives us $200/cabin for 7+ nights or $100/cabin for <7 nts. (DCL offers same deal for rebooking onboard but I digress.) Our OBCs more than cover tips, a few drinks and an excursion. We have had cruises that we spent a lot and others that we barely spent $50 and still have a great time.
Sure, there are opportunities to spend but it's not necessary.
Since our boys are teens, we find it best to book a balcony for us and put the kids across the hall in an inside cabin. DCL gives all of us blank keys (not for charging) so all 4 of us can all enter the cabin we're not booked into. This gives us 2 full baths, 2 closets, 2 TVs, etc.
Speaking of bathrooms, most cabins on DCL are "split" which means it's actually 2 little bathrooms: one with tub & sink, the other has toilet & sink. So while dh is sitting down for a while, I can still get a shower or brush my teeth in peace.
6 people in 1 room would be awful.
Most cruise lines don't sleep that many people unless you're getting a huge suite. This is not necessary at all. Get 2 connecting rooms whether you'd like inside, window or balcony.
DCL transfers from the airport to port are $35 pp each way (not to be confused with ME which is only for resorts.) For large groups it's usually more economical to do a one way rental vehicle and drop it off at the port or hire a van service which is more convenient. They'll usually allow a free grocery stop (or liquor store stop) if you request it at the time of booking.
As long as you carry on your alcohol DCL doesn't mind at all so there's no need to smuggle it on in your luggage, and risk having it spill on your clothes and others.
What I love the most is that we get incredible over the top Disney service but in a relaxing way. When ds14 was little, the dining room servers would cut his meat & crack his lobster, while reminding me that I'm on vacation too.
Be warned though, once you try it, it's very addicting!
Prices tend to rise as the sail date nears and though it's not necessary, we have booked 2 yrs in advance in the past. Why wait and risk paying more?
While you may be able to get a good deal last minute, you may not be able to get connecting cabins if wait a long while to book.
There's tons of advice on the cruise boards. Come on over!
There are many TAs that offer an onboard credit as a thank you for booking with them. I don't know what Dreams Unlimited (board sponsor) offers but my TA gives us $200/cabin for 7+ nights or $100/cabin for <7 nts. (DCL offers same deal for rebooking onboard but I digress.) Our OBCs more than cover tips, a few drinks and an excursion. We have had cruises that we spent a lot and others that we barely spent $50 and still have a great time.
Sure, there are opportunities to spend but it's not necessary.
Since our boys are teens, we find it best to book a balcony for us and put the kids across the hall in an inside cabin. DCL gives all of us blank keys (not for charging) so all 4 of us can all enter the cabin we're not booked into. This gives us 2 full baths, 2 closets, 2 TVs, etc.
Speaking of bathrooms, most cabins on DCL are "split" which means it's actually 2 little bathrooms: one with tub & sink, the other has toilet & sink. So while dh is sitting down for a while, I can still get a shower or brush my teeth in peace.
6 people in 1 room would be awful.
Most cruise lines don't sleep that many people unless you're getting a huge suite. This is not necessary at all. Get 2 connecting rooms whether you'd like inside, window or balcony. DCL transfers from the airport to port are $35 pp each way (not to be confused with ME which is only for resorts.) For large groups it's usually more economical to do a one way rental vehicle and drop it off at the port or hire a van service which is more convenient. They'll usually allow a free grocery stop (or liquor store stop) if you request it at the time of booking.
As long as you carry on your alcohol DCL doesn't mind at all so there's no need to smuggle it on in your luggage, and risk having it spill on your clothes and others.
What I love the most is that we get incredible over the top Disney service but in a relaxing way. When ds14 was little, the dining room servers would cut his meat & crack his lobster, while reminding me that I'm on vacation too.
Be warned though, once you try it, it's very addicting!
Prices tend to rise as the sail date nears and though it's not necessary, we have booked 2 yrs in advance in the past. Why wait and risk paying more?
While you may be able to get a good deal last minute, you may not be able to get connecting cabins if wait a long while to book. There's tons of advice on the cruise boards. Come on over!
