April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[CleoPahd]

Once again, not everyone at DCL reservations gives out the correct information. The only way to get the correct information on this is to check the Department of State website for the most current information.

I was just on the Wonder in Jan. and saw many people checking in with their BC & ID.

I understand what the government guidelines are. I guess what I'm questioning is whether or not a cruise line can set and enforce stricter rules that what is set by the government and if anyone else booking this trip was given the same information I was.

 

[jilljill]

I understand what the government guidelines are. I guess what I'm questioning is whether or not a cruise line can set and enforce stricter rules that what is set by the government and if anyone else booking this trip was given the same information I was.

Some DCL agents have been telling people for years that they have to have a passport to cruise, which has been incorrect for closed loop cruises in the US. Many of them haven't been on a cruise and don't understand the process/regulations. No, a cruiseline can't superceed DofS rules/regulations but they can make strong suggestions for having a passport.
If you call back and ask a different agent if you need a passport you may get a different answer.

 

[scootch]

We just chose to get the passports so if we were needed to fly out of say the Bahamas. To fly, you have to have the passport and since daddy and grandma(who is on oxygen) don't go on the cruise, then there is always a chance that we would need to get home in a hurry..... that and if some unfortunate accident would happen to the kids or I.

 

[pershing]

Actually them saying they suggest a passport is not a mistake. As of now passports are not required for a closed loop cruise - beginning and ending at the same port.

Huh, I didn't know that. I thought they were required now. Ah, shoot now I'm gonna be tempted to save money and not get them, but I should.

.....shouldn't you be packing now????

yes, look what we did with ours... shhhhhh

Nice Cake! I would have not thought to do that.

 

[Mom2BCCC]

When I spoke to DCL yesterday they told me passports were required starting after 12/31/10. I don't know if that's a Disney requirement or the legal requirement.

 

[scootch]

[/FONT]

You know, every party has to have a theme these days at least according to an 8 year old. She wanted a disney cruise/justin bieber party. That mailing came a few days before I was about to order the cake and the picture from our Wonder cruise just fit in the circle perfectly.

 

[jilljill]

Huh, I didn't know that. I thought they were required now. Ah, shoot now I'm gonna be tempted to save money and not get them, but I should.

.....shouldn't you be packing now????

The regulations could change at any time, but the gov't has kept putting this off for the last 3 years so who knows.

Mom2BCCC that's the first I've heard that date mentioned for passports being required for a closed loop cruise.



Why should I be packing?!?....just because I'm leaving on Saturday? We are very lucky now and don't have to take much with us since we bought a house in FL last year. It's nice to just take a couple of things in a backpack and head down.

 

[Mom 3 mouseketeers]

Hellllllooooo!! It's April 1st, do you know what that means????? 1 year for now our countdown will be 16 days. I know it seems like a ways off but it'll be here before we know it. Atleast that is what I keep telling myself.

We are off to Disney World in 2 weeks and are very excited, but in the back of my head I'm still ssssoooo excited for our b2b cruise!!!

 

[scootch]

Hellllllooooo!! It's April 1st, do you know what that means????? 1 year for now our countdown will be 16 days. I know it seems like a ways off but it'll be here before we know it. Atleast that is what I keep telling myself.

We are off to Disney World in 2 weeks and are very excited, but in the back of my head I'm still ssssoooo excited for our b2b cruise!!!

We are b2b'ing too... but going the 3 night before and then this 4 night. Have to be home to spend Easter with Daddy. So wish the Dream were ready now!!

 

[Deb T.]

Our group is now at 11 people. My parents decided they wanted to come too! My mother is possibly more excited than I am. She has been trying to get my father to vacation outside of New England for nearly 50 years! We're all shocked he agreed to go. Hopefully they won't stress me out too much. I'll spend my time worrying about where they are and whether they are having a good time.

They are booked in Cat 6B. No rooms were available for assignment.

Any recommendations on fun things to do for the grandparents? They love the slots so I know they'll be going to Atlantis to the casino.

Being of "grandparents" age (but no grandkids... yet!), I'd suggest the "Match Your Mate" show that's usually held the first night in the adult entertainment area... always hilarious for all adult ages!!! Atlantis is an excellent shore excursion choice. Of course, there's always "relaxing" at the adult pool. But, if it were me, I'd also be immersed in all the fun activities my grandkids were doing!

 

[Deb T.]

I just returned home tonight from a 3-night Wonder cruise. We had perfect weather! I ended up booking the 3-night Dream after this 4-night as a potential B2B. Of course, DH is saying, "no way!"... but I've got a little over a year to work on him! (Wish me luck!!!!)

 

[scootch]

I just returned home tonight from a 3-night Wonder cruise. We had perfect weather! I ended up booking the 3-night Dream after this 4-night as a potential B2B. Of course, DH is saying, "no way!"... but I've got a little over a year to work on him! (Wish me luck!!!!)

Glad you had a great trip and great weather! Wishing you luck on convincing dh.... just keep reminding him how much money you saved him by booking it on the ship.

 

[Deb T.]

Glad you had a great trip and great weather! Wishing you luck on convincing dh.... just keep reminding him how much money you saved him by booking it on the ship.

LOVE your strategy!!!

 

[scootch]

LOVE your strategy!!!

Want to save him more money..... move to the 4/14 3 night. It is much cheaper. That is the B2B we are doing.

 

[Mom2BCCC]

Being of "grandparents" age (but no grandkids... yet!), I'd suggest the "Match Your Mate" show that's usually held the first night in the adult entertainment area... always hilarious for all adult ages!!! Atlantis is an excellent shore excursion choice. Of course, there's always "relaxing" at the adult pool. But, if it were me, I'd also be immersed in all the fun activities my grandkids were doing!

I think they'd like the adult shows. My dad did tell me he plans on spending his time "chasing his grandchildren around the ship". Maybe I'll get him a bracelet and send him to the kids clubs with the boys. This would give my mother some peace.

 

[Deb T.]

Want to save him more money..... move to the 4/14 3 night. It is much cheaper. That is the B2B we are doing.

Great idea (even though I know you were half-joking ). I would, though, except I'm a teacher so I have to stay within my spring break week, darn it!

 

[Deb T.]

Maybe I'll get him a bracelet and send him to the kids clubs with the boys. This would give my mother some peace.

oh my Sooooo funny! You mother could check HIM in and out of the kids' clubs! The thought of that just cracks me up!!!

 

[Mom2BCCC]

Being of "grandparents" age (but no grandkids... yet!), I'd suggest the "Match Your Mate" show that's usually held the first night in the adult entertainment area... always hilarious for all adult ages!!! Atlantis is an excellent shore excursion choice. Of course, there's always "relaxing" at the adult pool. But, if it were me, I'd also be immersed in all the fun activities my grandkids were doing!

I think they'd like the adult shows. My dad did tell me he plans on spending his time "chasing his grandchildren around the ship". Maybe I'll get him a bracelet and send him to the kids clubs with the boys. This would give my mother some peace.

 

[scootch]

Great idea (even though I know you were half-joking ). I would, though, except I'm a teacher so I have to stay within my spring break week, darn it!

Oh darn, my hubby is a teacher also, poor guy, we are leaving him home. Actually, he is not a disney person but my girls have him suckered, so whenever we get home from one disney trip and come across some extra money(like income taxes, ect...), he says.... "put this in the disney fund!" Gotta love him!

Were you able to get the same cabin for your B2B? i currently don't have the same room, hoping our room for the 4 night opens up for the 3 night as I think it is in a great location.

 

[Deb T.]

Oh darn, my hubby is a teacher also, poor guy, we are leaving him home. Actually, he is not a disney person but my girls have him suckered, so whenever we get home from one disney trip and come across some extra money(like income taxes, ect...), he says.... "put this in the disney fund!" Gotta love him!

What a sweet guy!

Were you able to get the same cabin for your B2B? i currently don't have the same room, hoping our room for the 4 night opens up for the 3 night as I think it is in a great location.

Yes, I snagged the same cabin, which is one of the main reasons why I went ahead and booked it without first consulting DH. We've never done a B2B, but I really want to do it this time because of all the neat new things on the Dream! Plus, two stops at Castaway Cay would be heaven!