Cruise newbie has some questions

[jimmiej]

I've been lurking around this board for a while, but lately have been sidetracked while planning our 2005 trip to WDW.

Today (Sept 30), I booked our first Disney cruise, a four day trip scheduled for July 9-13, 2006, Cat 9. We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary the exact day we're scheduled for CC.

We also are planning to do a four night stay at WDW just prior to the cruise (July 5-9, 2006). I will book that myself.

Questions:

1) If I booked the Disney transfers with my cruise, can I use them on the land part of our trip I'm going to eventually book myself? Do I just tell DCL I want to be picked up on July 5th (this is our land arrival date)? Or will I need to book my own transfers since I'm not doing their land/sea package?

2) Should I start requesting offers from DU, Costco, etc. to see if I can save $$$? Can they transfer my current ressie to their offer?

3) When should I start looking at possible excursions? When can I book these?

4) What is the name of the package you can get that includes a spa treatment & Palo's? Can I book that before embarkation?

Thank's for any help. I guess I'll be hanging around this board more now.

 

[Buddy Bear]

Originally posted by jimmiej
Questions:

1) If I booked the Disney transfers with my cruise, can I use them on the land part of our trip I'm going to eventually book myself? Do I just tell DCL I want to be picked up on July 5th (this is our land arrival date)? Or will I need to book my own transfers since I'm not doing their land/sea package?

DCL transfers are for getting you to the port and back to the airport, Disney resort, etc. If you booked a Land/Sea you would stay at a Disney resort first and then be transferred to Port Canaveral. After the cruise you would probably be taken back to the airport. Any other transportation I would book yourself.

2) Should I start requesting offers from DU, Costco, etc. to see if I can save $$$? Can they transfer my current ressie to their offer?

I would. Yes, they can transfer it anytime after you receive a confirmation number from DCL.

3) When should I start looking at possible excursions? When can I book these?

This was just recently changed from 60 days before your sailing date to 75 days.

4) What is the name of the package you can get that includes a spa treatment & Palo's? Can I book that before embarkation?

Not sure, but I believe unless you book a Cat 1, 2 or 3 you can't book your spa and Palo's reservations until you get on the ship.

Enjoy,

Jeff

 

[jrp]

It is called Romantic Easxape At Sea REAS.
339.00 and yes you can pay for when your cruise is paid off. Disney wii call you to confirm your ressie for Palo's and schedule couples massage, you also get a different breakfast in your room and turndown--cool
James

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

we have a cat 3 on the 10/23 cruise and I was told that I can't book Palo's until we board. Do I need to talk to someone different?

 

[Catnip0113]

Normally you book when you are on board unless you book the REAS package (Romantic Escape at Sea) which comes with reservations made for you. I heard it was worth it if you want to do Palos and a massage. People do it even when they are with kids, you get the turndown service (can plan for when kids are at clubs).

 

[daisy112878]

4) For the REAS, you can call Debbie to schedule everything. She's the lady in charge of doing the ressies for your Palo's dinner and Spa treatment. Also she will let you book Palo Brunch and High Tea if you would like. I know some people contract her like four months out from their cruise. You can add this to your cruise at anytime. For 2005 cruises the price is $339. We added it to our cruise too and we are very excited about it. If you look at the top of the Cruise Forum there's a thread that says Look here for important info. It's one of the four threads that always stays on top. If you click into that there is a thread all about the REAS package and there are some pictures of the stuff included like the gift basket and turndown service.

3) I have heard you can now book excursions 90 days out. You might want to call DCL directly and find out.

2) Yes you can transfer. I would definitly look around and get some quotes. We've booked with DU and Sue Ellen. We've had a good experience so far with them.