Am I missing out by not booking extra stuff?

[Lillebelle]

We tend to book the extras, but I definitely think you could still have a great time without, and there's something to be said for not having your schedule booked up. The schedule for onboard activities isn't available until you're already onboard, so we've definitely had it happen where we missed out on something that looked fun because we already had a tasting or something scheduled. Plus, a lot of the extras tend to be hit or miss. I've had nice spa experiences and mediocre ones. I've had amazing meals at Palo and some that were just ok. Same with the tastings. You can get excellent food in the main dining rooms (often with entertainment), and there's no shortage of places to drink onboard if you want to get a beverage at any point.

 

[caheffe]

It seems we have over-booked in the past. Excursions, spa treatments, dining, tastings, etc. Our last cruise was spent with extended family and we booked so many tastings and excursions that we felt like we barely got to relax. I would suggest booking only one of each. Find an excursion at one port, sign up for one dining meal (I suggest brunch) and maybe a tasting or spa treatment. And if you prefer not to sign up for any of the extras, you’re still guaranteed a good time.

 

[MomOTwins]

I think there is for sure a sweet spot between over-programming and boredom. DCL has great quality free activities, but they do repeat a bit--I'm the kind of person who likes to do a bit of everything but not repeat stuff. So I'll go to one trivia, one movie, one bingo session, see each theatrical production once (but not repeat when they are showing them two nights) etc. And while I do like to sit at the pool, hot tub, chill and read a book in a lounger, honestly I pay a bit TOO much for a Disney Cruise to spend my whole vaycay doing that.

So what that boils down to for me is that for a 3-night or 4-night, I think I'd be good doing just the included activities (I usually do book extras, but could live without them if the cruise is short). But for a longer cruise, I'd DEFINITELY want to book SOME extras... Palo brunch, spa/rainforest room, drink tasting--just to add a bit of extra variety.

I think a Cabana would be fun to do for a bit of extra pampering, but for me a regular day at Castaway Cay is just about perfect so I have never felt I missed out by not having one. I do think I will waitlist one on our next cruise, because with the lower guest count, I just might get it, and it's the kind of thing I'd enjoy. But I don't think I NEED one.