Booking DCL Sept 2027 tips please.

[Nick6300]

What is the typical window for booking a DCL for Sept 2027? So far we've tentatively landed on Sept. with price being the most important. Sort of thinking a 3 day WDW followed by the DCL to ensure we don't miss our port time. I'd normally prefer WDW last, but otherwise we'd be considering a hotel for a night between MCO and Port C. There would be grandparents with 3 kids squeezed into a balcony facing room, and our fam of 3 somewhere within walking distance, hopefully in the middle of ship, away from balcony. We looked at some prices for this Aug-Oct, and mid Sept was the cheapest. We're thinking a shorter Caribbean with 1-2 Disney ports, such as 4 nights. The consideration for Aug., even if slightly more than Sept., is that the 2 of us our will likely be AP until 9/12, if we renew this Sept. If we land on a cruise in Sept., we probably won't renew and cut down on our WDW trips after our Aug 2026. Starting with when to book, any aspect that I should know would be helpful as none of us have done the cruises, and we've only gone on 1 Carnival cruise Aug 2012. Such as travel agents you've liked, which dining time, room types, etc. Thank you!

 

[RedHead0186]

In the past, DCL has opened booking about 18 months out. But, more recently they haven't always followed that pattern.

You will find that sailings in September are typically cheaper, one of the big reasons being that it's prime hurricane season. More often than not sailings aren't affected, but they can be (to varying degrees) so cruises are a bit cheaper to entice people. We've sailed in September several times and despite once sailing between two hurricanes, we've never had big issues and have continued to do it.

Dreams Unlimited is the travel agency that sponsors this board, and they are fantastic. I highly recommend Merrie Thomas, we've worked with her for years.

In terms of room type, you'll get varying opinions. I love having a verandah so we usually do that. I've done oceanview rooms and those are fine, but I do find I miss being able to just step outside and get some ocean air. I will not do an interior room-not being able to have natural light or see outside does bad things for my anxiety (but lots of people like those rooms, I'm just sharing my experience).

I'm typically a fan of the later dining time; however, due to some health issues in my party we have switched to main dining. Late dining is typically less busy as it's less popular and it's easier to get a private table (if you want that). Main dining is more popular with families, but I have seen younger kids at late dining as well.

 

[sponica]

Prices generally are cheaper when booking opens and then steadily creep up. It might take longer for September to creep up as people avoid september for various reasons (school just starting + peak hurricane season). My 7 night Eastern turned into a Western in August because of Hurricane Erin.

We book verandah rooms midship on deck 8, I don't like being too low on the ship as it makes me feel claustrophobic and I also don't want to be under the pool. We do main dining because we live in eastern time and my kids are nightmares after 7 PM.

I'm a control freak, so I don't use a TA. If you enjoy the cruise, buy the placeholder on the last day. It's good for 2 years and if you don't use it, you'll get the money back.

 

[Nick6300]

In the past, DCL has opened booking about 18 months out. But, more recently they haven't always followed that pattern.

You will find that sailings in September are typically cheaper, one of the big reasons being that it's prime hurricane season. More often than not sailings aren't affected, but they can be (to varying degrees) so cruises are a bit cheaper to entice people. We've sailed in September several times and despite once sailing between two hurricanes, we've never had big issues and have continued to do it.

Dreams Unlimited is the travel agency that sponsors this board, and they are fantastic. I highly recommend Merrie Thomas, we've worked with her for years.

In terms of room type, you'll get varying opinions. I love having a verandah so we usually do that. I've done oceanview rooms and those are fine, but I do find I miss being able to just step outside and get some ocean air. I will not do an interior room-not being able to have natural light or see outside does bad things for my anxiety (but lots of people like those rooms, I'm just sharing my experience).

I'm typically a fan of the later dining time; however, due to some health issues in my party we have switched to main dining. Late dining is typically less busy as it's less popular and it's easier to get a private table (if you want that). Main dining is more popular with families, but I have seen younger kids at late dining as well.

Thank you for your thoughts! I hope the Sept timing works out, as we are sort of set on that. Potentially late Aug if it makes sense but probably Sept., if I know us, without insurance.

I’d be game for late dining but if it’s 5/8… we have little kids and a diabetic, plus a mother in law who eats dinner no later than 6.

My in-laws def want a veranda or whatever room with ocean view. I, on the other hand, get sick, and unlike those who feel better with air and seeing the sea, I want to be in the middle of the middle even if it doesn’t really help with rocking. I’ve heard some say that it doesn’t. It’s at least cheaper, and further away from in laws. I want to be able to commute to them but not be adjoining. If you know what I mean.

Do you or anyone have ship suggestions for budget conscious and the 4 night or close to, options. I’d imagine the older ships. I’d imagine the short cruises are limited in port options but if there are some choices, are there some you prefer more than others in the short Caribbean routes.

18 months out would be like this March. Yikes. I suppose it’s just a deposit but we need to get going on figuring some of these details out.

Do we need a passport including young kids or is it a birth cert? Is it all casual or do you need nicer clothes for dining. Are all meals including room service included?

 

[Nick6300]

Prices generally are cheaper when booking opens and then steadily creep up. It might take longer for September to creep up as people avoid september for various reasons (school just starting + peak hurricane season). My 7 night Eastern turned into a Western in August because of Hurricane Erin.

We book verandah rooms midship on deck 8, I don't like being too low on the ship as it makes me feel claustrophobic and I also don't want to be under the pool. We do main dining because we live in eastern time and my kids are nightmares after 7 PM.

I'm a control freak, so I don't use a TA. If you enjoy the cruise, buy the placeholder on the last day. It's good for 2 years and if you don't use it, you'll get the money back.

I don’t even know what a verandah means but it makes sense if you know the ship well enough to be away from the noisy pool. Maybe once we have our ship chosen, we can look at a map and figure out how to avoid being near a pool.

We have a 2 yr old, and our most recent WDW trip last month over Christmas, she was wore out to the pt we had to carry her a lot, and we left by 7-8:30 every night. So probably another reason we can’t do the late dining. But hopefully we’re still able to enjoy some night activities. We saw fireworks only once in 8 nights last mo. But we also go often, so we’re more ok missing some things. It’s my 2 yr olds 6th WDW trip next mo.

The others want to go with an agent since we’ve not been on dcl, but also because we’re not cruise goers. I’m clueless here as I dislike water in general and purposely avoided cruises. Likely a once in a lifetime experience.

 

[Mommb]

18 months out would be like this March. Yikes. I suppose it’s just a deposit but we need to get going on figuring some of these details out.

Do we need a passport including young kids or is it a birth cert? Is it all casual or do you need nicer clothes for dining. Are all meals including room service included?

Unless you book a Concierge room (which is much more expensive) the deposit will be fully refundable until the final payment date (typically 3 months in advance for a 4 night trip).

If you are US citizens on a cruise that leaves from and returns to the same US port, you do not need passports, just official birth certificates for everyone and government-issued IDs for adults. However, if for some reason you needed to fly home from a foreign port, you would need passports. It is possible to get emergency passports in that situation, but it could take a few days.

The only official dress rule in the main dining rooms is no shorts or tank tops. Cruises of 4 or more nights will have 1 or 2 optional dress-up nights, when most (but not all) guests wear nice clothes rather than jeans and shorts. Some guests dress up every night.

All meals in the buffet (open for breakfast and lunch), main dining rooms (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and quick-service places on the pool deck are included in the cruise fare, as is food from room service. Juice, milk, coffee, tea, and soda are included at the buffet, main restaurants and beverage station. There are extra charges for beverages in the bars and from room service and for alcoholic beverages everywhere. There is also an extra charge for the adults-only restaurants.

 

[Mommb]

If your 2 year old will be 3 and potty trained by the time cruise, she will be able to go to the kids’ club at no additional cost. She may be happy there while you do activities after dinner.

A veranda is a balcony. Veranda rooms have a heavy door (with a latch high up) that leads to a small outdoor area with chairs. Oceanview rooms have a large window instead. Inside staterooms on some ships have a “virtual porthole” that shows outside the ship.

Most short cruises from Florida go to Nassau and one or both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas. Some people prefer one over the other, but as a first-time cruiser, either would be fine. I would choose based on the dates and the prices, unless you or someone in your family has a strong preference for the dining room or show themes on a particular ship.

 

[sponica]

I don’t even know what a verandah means but it makes sense if you know the ship well enough to be away from the noisy pool. Maybe once we have our ship chosen, we can look at a map and figure out how to avoid being near a pool.

We have a 2 yr old, and our most recent WDW trip last month over Christmas, she was wore out to the pt we had to carry her a lot, and we left by 7-8:30 every night. So probably another reason we can’t do the late dining. But hopefully we’re still able to enjoy some night activities. We saw fireworks only once in 8 nights last mo. But we also go often, so we’re more ok missing some things. It’s my 2 yr olds 6th WDW trip next mo.

The others want to go with an agent since we’ve not been on dcl, but also because we’re not cruise goers. I’m clueless here as I dislike water in general and purposely avoided cruises. Likely a once in a lifetime experience.

I made the mistake of booking under a pool deck on another line, and it was the deck chairs every morning that got me.

Just be aware you will not get everything done on a cruise. Even on my 7 night cruise, there were still things I didn't do and places I didn't get to.

 

[d3boyz]

Having a balcony or porthole is awesome for the natural light, but pricey. If you sail on the Fantasy or Dream, you will have a "Magic Porthole" in your interior room and still have the natural light without the cost. This is a favorite feature for my family because we always book interior rooms ... we're not in them for long, and would rather spend our money elsewhere! When booking a deck, we prefer at least a couple of decks down from the "Lido" deck to reduce noise and chaos! If you book midship, it typically has the least movement.

 

[Nick6300]

Unless you book a Concierge room (which is much more expensive) the deposit will be fully refundable until the final payment date (typically 3 months in advance for a 4 night trip).

If you are US citizens on a cruise that leaves from and returns to the same US port, you do not need passports, just official birth certificates for everyone and government-issued IDs for adults. However, if for some reason you needed to fly home from a foreign port, you would need passports. It is possible to get emergency passports in that situation, but it could take a few days.

The only official dress rule in the main dining rooms is no shorts or tank tops. Cruises of 4 or more nights will have 1 or 2 optional dress-up nights, when most (but not all) guests wear nice clothes rather than jeans and shorts. Some guests dress up every night.

All meals in the buffet (open for breakfast and lunch), main dining rooms (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and quick-service places on the pool deck are included in the cruise fare, as is food from room service. Juice, milk, coffee, tea, and soda are included at the buffet, main restaurants and beverage station. There are extra charges for beverages in the bars and from room service and for alcoholic beverages everywhere. There is also an extra charge for the adults-only restaurants.

Thanks a bunch! We're all citizens but I was born in S. Korea, adopted... so not sure if birth cert + license or also a citizens card just in case. That's good to know no mandated formal wear. I did hear that Disney cruises having pop included is unusual for cruises. None of us really drink alcohol. Room service sounds nice, but I imagine most people are stuffed from eating the meals. My kid being a toddler, often refuses meals, so the room service would help, in case she wants something before bed, and we don't have any/much for snacks packed with us. I'd think unlike WDW trips, most don't really pack a bunch of snacks/drinks. Unless some select drink not included.

 

[Nick6300]

If your 2 year old will be 3 and potty trained by the time cruise, she will be able to go to the kids’ club at no additional cost. She may be happy there while you do activities after dinner.

A veranda is a balcony. Veranda rooms have a heavy door (with a latch high up) that leads to a small outdoor area with chairs. Oceanview rooms have a large window instead. Inside staterooms on some ships have a “virtual porthole” that shows outside the ship.

Most short cruises from Florida go to Nassau and one or both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas. Some people prefer one over the other, but as a first-time cruiser, either would be fine. I would choose based on the dates and the prices, unless you or someone in your family has a strong preference for the dining room or show themes on a particular ship.

Thanks! The kids' club sounds neat. My daughter will be 4... sure hope she's trained by then. Thank you for some of these basics... When Castaway first came out, I watched some of the TV specials, as a super fan, even though I'm afraid of water (nearly drowned as a kid), and I knew I didn't intend to go. But everyone else has no preference (and neither do I) for the Dis islands. I know there was at least one stop in the Caribbean that we went to in 2012 that was essentially a shopping market, Freeport? I think, that we didn't like. We will do exactly as you suggested, choose based on dates and prices. We may have some show preferences, but generally ok with anything.

I know that my in laws definitely want a balcony. And given they're surprisingly bringing their 3 grandkids 4-9, they would have to have a certain room big enough to accommodate. They wanted to force the oldest in our room, and I said no. But I'm sure my wife is willing and it won't be the last I hear of it. Part of why I don't want joining rooms. Sort of selfish of me, and I kind of feel bad. But it's once in a lifetime for us, to me, somewhat selfish of my sis in law to shove their kids without going themselves or paying anything. Their MO. I'm a speedster and can walk across a ship quickly. Though I suppose my wife and kid would be slow to walk to the grandparent's room. For the 3 of us, we've squeezed into a full bed before, so as long as it's us 3 and not 4, the stateroom wouldn't even need 2 queens. The virtual porthole sounds like a cool idea. I'm not sure if that's something that is desired from our clan. I'd imagine better than not.

 

[Nick6300]

I made the mistake of booking under a pool deck on another line, and it was the deck chairs every morning that got me.

Just be aware you will not get everything done on a cruise. Even on my 7 night cruise, there were still things I didn't do and places I didn't get to.

I can imagine the deck chairs being dragged constantly would be irritating. And there's probably some very early risers. Do you now, just go low enough that it doesn't matter if under a pool? Like maybe minimally 2/3 floors down?

I don't doubt that we don't get to everything in just a 4 night. We're a very slow group, given the kids. We just went to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Fri, and the ticketing lady, when asked, said for a group of 10 with young kids, super slow, you'd only need about 3 hours. We were there from 9 am open to 5pm close, and never had the option to go across the street to the Field Museum. It's a practice in patience for me, given that I had been used to just me and wife until our daughter, and I can typically get Hollywood Studios done before noon without LLs. We brought all of them (10 of us, 3 families) this past Sept. to WDW, so that was my practice in patience. I don't really have much patience.

Other than the shows, which I'm guessing there are some during the afternoons too, what else are must do's? I know there aren't casinos, art auctions... some of the things at other cruises, maybe no comedy clubs? I would think the kids would want to do some character greets, and obviously the pools/water activities.

 

[Nick6300]

Having a balcony or porthole is awesome for the natural light, but pricey. If you sail on the Fantasy or Dream, you will have a "Magic Porthole" in your interior room and still have the natural light without the cost. This is a favorite feature for my family because we always book interior rooms ... we're not in them for long, and would rather spend our money elsewhere! When booking a deck, we prefer at least a couple of decks down from the "Lido" deck to reduce noise and chaos! If you book midship, it typically has the least movement.

If a big added cost for balcony or porthole, then we'd probably prefer to opt out... being on the cruise is probably enough for us. We will look for the Fantasy or Dream, thanks. It sounds like we want to be down a few floors, thank you.

For sea sick people, is there a behind the ear retail sticker product that helps with this? Back in 2012, I wore the pinching wrist bracelets, which were uncomfortable, and brought Dramamine... which made me fall asleep even while in the shower. And I still got sick, just once though. And I didn't want to be near the rails outside, of course in fear of falling. I'm tall for the rails, and clumsy. Plus those slopped floors towards the rails. I know that sounds ridiculous to most! We did have a jumper on our cruise, who caused us to miss our port. Not that it means that an accidental fall is likely.

 

[Mommb]

I know that my in laws definitely want a balcony. And given they're surprisingly bringing their 3 grandkids 4-9, they would have to have a certain room big enough to accommodate. They wanted to force the oldest in our room, and I said no. But I'm sure my wife is willing and it won't be the last I hear of it. Part of why I don't want joining rooms. Sort of selfish of me, and I kind of feel bad. But it's once in a lifetime for us, to me, somewhat selfish of my sis in law to shove their kids without going themselves or paying anything. Their MO. I'm a speedster and can walk across a ship quickly. Though I suppose my wife and kid would be slow to walk to the grandparent's room. For the 3 of us, we've squeezed into a full bed before, so as long as it's us 3 and not 4, the stateroom wouldn't even need 2 queens. The virtual porthole sounds like a cool idea. I'm not sure if that's something that is desired from our clan. I'd imagine better than not.

Every room on a Disney ship will have a main bed that sleeps 2 and a sofa that flips into a bed for 1 (or 2, in some Concierge rooms). Most will have a bunk that folds out of the ceiling above the sofa, but not all, so you can use that as a reason to avoid having a 4th person. To sleep 5 people in a room, your in-laws will need a Deluxe Family room that also has a single bed that pulls down from the wall by the veranda door or window (or a Concierge suite).

Other than the shows, which I'm guessing there are some during the afternoons too, what else are must do's? I know there aren't casinos, art auctions... some of the things at other cruises, maybe no comedy clubs? I would think the kids would want to do some character greets, and obviously the pools/water activities.

The main theater shows are in the evening, opposite the dining times, so people with early dining see the show after dinner and people with late dining see the show before dinner. (Sometimes, especially on the newest ships, there is an additional performance in the afternoon.) Throughout the day, there will be trivia for families and for adults, art activities, bingo, game shows for families, and other interactive presentations on topics such as cooking and animation. Starting in late afternoon there is typically live music in the atrium and some of the lounges, continuing through the evening. At night there are adults-only performances (still pretty tame) and game shows in the lounges.

And I didn't want to be near the rails outside, of course in fear of falling. I'm tall for the rails, and clumsy. Plus those slopped floors towards the rails. I know that sounds ridiculous to most! We did have a jumper on our cruise, who caused us to miss our port. Not that it means that an accidental fall is likely.

The ship is designed to protect kids (and adults), so the only way to fall over is to climb up (or be placed on) the railing. If you avoid the verandas and the walking path on Deck 4 and stay to middle of the pool decks (where most railings are covered in plexiglass most of the way up) and the deck above that, you can avoid the railings and barely notice you are on a ship.

 

[sponica]

I can imagine the deck chairs being dragged constantly would be irritating. And there's probably some very early risers. Do you now, just go low enough that it doesn't matter if under a pool? Like maybe minimally 2/3 floors down?

I don't doubt that we don't get to everything in just a 4 night. We're a very slow group, given the kids. We just went to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Fri, and the ticketing lady, when asked, said for a group of 10 with young kids, super slow, you'd only need about 3 hours. We were there from 9 am open to 5pm close, and never had the option to go across the street to the Field Museum. It's a practice in patience for me, given that I had been used to just me and wife until our daughter, and I can typically get Hollywood Studios done before noon without LLs. We brought all of them (10 of us, 3 families) this past Sept. to WDW, so that was my practice in patience. I don't really have much patience.

Other than the shows, which I'm guessing there are some during the afternoons too, what else are must do's? I know there aren't casinos, art auctions... some of the things at other cruises, maybe no comedy clubs? I would think the kids would want to do some character greets, and obviously the pools/water activities.

We like deck 8, it's a couple floors down from the pool, a few floors above everything else (at least on the triton class).

There's learn to draw art activities, bingo ($), drink tastings ($), and trivia off the top of my head.

 

[cigarboo]

Book early, but also keep watching prices starting about 6 mos prior to sail as September cruises are often targeted for discounts. If you are not too picky with room location, you may be able to switch to a guarantee rate that can be significantly cheaper...BUT you have to be willing to take the room they assign you. I've done most of my cruises this way and did not mind any of the rooms assigned. Keep in mind, sometimes early dining will already be full by then. If coming from the West coast, late dining might be preferable due to the 3hr time change. Although, out of 10 cruises, there was only 1 time early dining was full for me, but that was a holiday weekend and I booked less than 2mos out.

Since you you do not plan to sail until 2027, get familiar with the "Special Offers" page this year to familiarize yourself with pricing patterns. If you have a Costco card, you can book with them for the Shop Card they give with booking. I've found it's given me savings of about 6% and I put it on my Costco visa for another 2%

As far as taking in the 4th in your cabin? My vote would be a hard "NO." You are spending a lot of money to have a family vacation. Enjoy the special time with your little family.