Cruise newbie

[kathy040690]

Hey guys.

Usually we are park goers.. Disneyland and Disneyworld. However we are really considering a cruise for april 2019. I'm just a little confused and have a few questions!

1. We will be traveling with our 5 kids, who at the time will be 10,8,6,3,1. We are looking at booking two rooms (obviously). The ones that we chose online are those guaranteed ? I ask because we really want adjoining rooms so that its basically 1 room and just leave the door open (if possible I have no idea)

2. When it says that all food/drinks are included (I know alcohol and the 2 specialty resturants don't count) does that really mean INCLUDED or are there hidden fees?

3. This has been my DREAM to do a Disney cruise so I really want to make the most out of it. I know my youngest wont be able to go in the pools but the splash pad it ok for him. I hear there is an option to have him watched so hubby and I can go out for dinner one night just the 2 of us.. Anyone use this service? I know there is an extra charge but the thought of leaving my almost 2 year old is a little nerve wracking !!

4. We plan on spending a day or 2 at Disney world either before OR after the cruise.. which would you chose?

5. how much spending money is NEEDED on board? Obviously we will plan on bringing some money as I am sure we will want a few things just wondering if any is NEEDED once we board?

Sorry that these are all newbie questions I am sure.. I am so used to planning parks so a cruise is all new to me !!!

Any other advice?
Thanks

 

[Minnie & Daisy]

1. If you have already put your deposit down on two adjoining rooms, then yes, you are all set. And yes, you can leave the adjoining doors open from the inside and treat it like one big room.

2. No hidden fees. There are soda machines on deck, as well as coffee and hot chocolate. If you want a specialty coffee at the Cove Cafe, then there would be an additional charge for that. Gratuities are automatically added onto any bar purchases.

3. I don't know the hours or the ages of the kid's clubs, so maybe someone else can address this question. There is also the Small World Nursery, but again, I'm not sure of the ages or the hours for that either. I do believe that there is an additional charge for the nursery, though.

4. I would choose before the cruise, and then the cruise, but that is a personal decision.

5. Just like at WDW, if you are a resort guest there, you will be given a KTTW card when you check in for your cruise and you can charge everything to that. You can also decide if you want charging privileges put on your children's cards or not. The only cash that you would need onboard is tip money for room service(yes, that food is also included in your cruise fare!), or extra cash for extra tip money to add to gratuity envelopes. You will also need cash or a credit card for purchases that you make at ports, but not on Castaway Cay, which also uses your KTTW card. You should receive your onboard bill at the end of your cruise and that money is charged to the credit card that you have on file with DCL. Or, you can go to Guest Services before the end of your cruise and pay cash, if you would like, to pay for your onboard account charges, but it is not necessary.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hey guys.

Usually we are park goers.. Disneyland and Disneyworld. However we are really considering a cruise for april 2019. I'm just a little confused and have a few questions!

1. We will be traveling with our 5 kids, who at the time will be 10,8,6,3,1. We are looking at booking two rooms (obviously). The ones that we chose online are those guaranteed ? I ask because we really want adjoining rooms so that its basically 1 room and just leave the door open (if possible I have no idea)

2. When it says that all food/drinks are included (I know alcohol and the 2 specialty resturants don't count) does that really mean INCLUDED or are there hidden fees?

3. This has been my DREAM to do a Disney cruise so I really want to make the most out of it. I know my youngest wont be able to go in the pools but the splash pad it ok for him. I hear there is an option to have him watched so hubby and I can go out for dinner one night just the 2 of us.. Anyone use this service? I know there is an extra charge but the thought of leaving my almost 2 year old is a little nerve wracking !!

4. We plan on spending a day or 2 at Disney world either before OR after the cruise.. which would you chose?

5. how much spending money is NEEDED on board? Obviously we will plan on bringing some money as I am sure we will want a few things just wondering if any is NEEDED once we board?

Sorry that these are all newbie questions I am sure.. I am so used to planning parks so a cruise is all new to me !!!

Any other advice?
Thanks

1. When you book, you can select specific rooms. You can get connecting (not adjoining) rooms, if they are available. Not all rooms have a connecting door. You'll also have to book mom & dad in separate rooms, as each room must have an adult registered in it. You can sleep in whatever arrangement you wish, however. I'd suggest that you work with either a travel agent or directly with DCL (not online) to get the best rooms. Do NOT get GTY or *GT room (two types of guarantee rooms), as DCL can assign you any room in your category/type and they will most likely not be connecting.

2. All food at the quick serve locations, main dining rooms, buffet, and room service is included. Sodas are included at meals (main dining rooms, and buffet) and from the drink station on the pool deck. Sodas in bars/lounges/poolside servers, and room service have a cost. Specialty coffee (Cove Cafe) also cost additionally. Room service generally means a tip, also.

3. The nursery is available (for a fee) for those 3 and under). They are pretty much open all day, but it does have a cost. The Oceaneer's club/lab (ages 3-12) also open every day, no extra fee.

4. My preference is to do the World pre-cruise. You go-go-go all day there, and the cruise is a bit more relaxing. A nice way to end the vacation.

5. Only money you MIGHT need would be for room service tips, or tipping on shore excursions. Souvenirs purchased in ports. All other spending onboard the ship is paid for via your KTTW card and is charged to your onboard account.

Don't fret about asking questions. That's what we're here for.

 

[Laughfreely]

I have only cruised with adults but will share what I know.
I have always gotten the rooms I selected, but you can always call and say you don't want to change rooms and they will note that. I think you have to pay for canned pop you order from room service and specialty coffees. But there is enough free food to keep you very full. I have only used cash for tips, everything else I added to my card. The amount of money needed depends on what extras you want to do like bingo, shopping, spa, and any port adventures. Hope this helps.

 

[Laughfreely]

Another vote for Disney before cruise. Our next cruise we are staying in a park resort but not visiting the parks. Again, I am traveling in a party of 7 adults.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Definitely want to do the world BEFORE the cruise.

All other reasons aside for one big one. Assuming you are flying in, if your plane is late flying in from wherever you are to the world, no big deal. Disney will always make sure your transfer gets from your Disney hotel to the cruise on time (and if they don't the ship will wait for them). However if you fly in and your plane is late - well, that's just too bad. You can watch the ship disappear into the distance.

YES - it happens. it ALMOST happened to once - equipment breakdown on the runway made our flight FIVE HOURS LATE. We had planned to arrive at 9am. We BARELY made it to the ship ontime. Since then, we have NEVER flown in the day of the cruise.

On the other hand, going from ship to plane is never a big deal - the ships do not come in late - you will be at the airport in time for your flight as long as you schedule it per DCL guidelines (I think that's noon?).

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Popcorn and some treats for the movie theatre on ship also have a cost, as do drinks of the day and smoothies, even if non-alcoholic.

It is really easy to do a whole cruise and never eat/drink upcharge items.

Food may not be included on short excursions. Worth reading the fine print.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Hey guys.

Usually we are park goers.. Disneyland and Disneyworld. However we are really considering a cruise for april 2019. I'm just a little confused and have a few questions!

1. We will be traveling with our 5 kids, who at the time will be 10,8,6,3,1. We are looking at booking two rooms (obviously). The ones that we chose online are those guaranteed ? I ask because we really want adjoining rooms so that its basically 1 room and just leave the door open (if possible I have no idea)

2. When it says that all food/drinks are included (I know alcohol and the 2 specialty resturants don't count) does that really mean INCLUDED or are there hidden fees?

3. This has been my DREAM to do a Disney cruise so I really want to make the most out of it. I know my youngest wont be able to go in the pools but the splash pad it ok for him. I hear there is an option to have him watched so hubby and I can go out for dinner one night just the 2 of us.. Anyone use this service? I know there is an extra charge but the thought of leaving my almost 2 year old is a little nerve wracking !!

4. We plan on spending a day or 2 at Disney world either before OR after the cruise.. which would you chose?

5. how much spending money is NEEDED on board? Obviously we will plan on bringing some money as I am sure we will want a few things just wondering if any is NEEDED once we board?

Sorry that these are all newbie questions I am sure.. I am so used to planning parks so a cruise is all new to me !!!

Any other advice?
Thanks

To be sure, which ship and which rooms have you chosen? I'm asking, because you said "adjoining". Adjoining to many here means a nearby room, but no door that connects inside. You want "connecting" rooms, which will have the doors in the rooms. Yes, you can leave them open, if you want or just close for night or for naps. Depending on your rooms and ship, if you have a verandah, it may also open. So if you want to share the rooms and ship details here, we can help with that.

Most things are included in the cost of the cruise. Fantasy and Dream have a premium ice cream bar that's extra. Also, specialty drinks, including coffees (like cappucino, espresso, americano, iced coffees) will be extra. Of course, alcohol, spa, souvenirs and photos are extra.

About the photos - if you buy the photo package, you only need one package for one room, if you are all a nuclear family (no grandmas or aunts/cousins). You can have the other room added to the first room's photo package by letting Shutters photo studio know that you are one family across two rooms. They will make sure the two are included (but you have to watch, too, for good measure).

 

[puzzledprincess]

Don’t forget about gratuities for your main dining room serving team and Palo/Remy (if you go.)

 

[Shanti]

Hey guys.

Usually we are park goers.. Disneyland and Disneyworld. However we are really considering a cruise for april 2019. I'm just a little confused and have a few questions!

1. We will be traveling with our 5 kids, who at the time will be 10,8,6,3,1. We are looking at booking two rooms (obviously). The ones that we chose online are those guaranteed ? I ask because we really want adjoining rooms so that its basically 1 room and just leave the door open (if possible I have no idea)

2. When it says that all food/drinks are included (I know alcohol and the 2 specialty resturants don't count) does that really mean INCLUDED or are there hidden fees?

3. This has been my DREAM to do a Disney cruise so I really want to make the most out of it. I know my youngest wont be able to go in the pools but the splash pad it ok for him. I hear there is an option to have him watched so hubby and I can go out for dinner one night just the 2 of us.. Anyone use this service? I know there is an extra charge but the thought of leaving my almost 2 year old is a little nerve wracking !!

4. We plan on spending a day or 2 at Disney world either before OR after the cruise.. which would you chose?

5. how much spending money is NEEDED on board? Obviously we will plan on bringing some money as I am sure we will want a few things just wondering if any is NEEDED once we board?

Sorry that these are all newbie questions I am sure.. I am so used to planning parks so a cruise is all new to me !!!

Any other advice?
Thanks

1. Guaranteed, barring an emergency issue with the room, which is unlikely.
2. No hidden fees (but be prepared to pay gratuities for servers at end of cruise- or prepay them before the cruise- there's a set standard amount to pay).
3. I've never used the nursery.
4. My preference is WDW after the cruise: the cruise lets us relax & get into vacation mode first, & having WDW to look forward to afterwards makes debarkation morning less depressing. Doing WDW first would just leave me feeling exhausted when the cruise begins.
5. It's a choice to spend extra (beyond the basic gratuities for service staff, which you can call DCL to prepay). You can have a happy cruise & pay $0 onboard. We like Bingo, so we always end up paying for that. Any off-ship excursions you purchase will cost extra, of course. Excursions aren't really needed at Castaway Cay, although I recommend renting bikes for a ride around the island.

One extra tip is that we always call DCL & preorder a bottled water package, so we have chilled bottles of water in our stateroom at all times. Yes, you can drink from your tap or get water from the complimentary soda station at the top deck, but we like bottled water.

Another tip is to be sure to put your phones & other devices on airplane mode, so you don't get hit with big cell service charges at end of cruise.

 

[lklgoodman]

Looks like most of your questions have already been answered. Just wanted to add (incase you don't know) that all staterooms have a small refrigerator in them, dorm size frig. You can get food or drinks from Cabanas or room service and keep in the frig. We often get some containers of yogurt from Cabanas so my daughter can have a late night snack. I also recommend Pluto's pj party for your kids at the Oceaneer's club. Night and time will be listed in the daily navigator, my 8 yr old loved it. Any food/drinks that cost more have prices clearly listed, so no hidden fees.

 

[com_op_2000]

OP, answering one question that you did not ask.
How to get from OIA/WDW to PC or reverse?
If driving you can park at the port for $17 per day, not night. That has to be paid the day you park, not after the cruise.
If taking a WDW bus to DCL from the resort or OIA to the port or reverse, then you will have to pay $35 per person each way.
If flying in and going to WDW resort before the cruise, you can take a DME bus from OIA to the resort for free.
If flying in and going straight to the cruise (not recommended) then as mentioned above, you will pay the $35 per person.
You could rent one way car rental for the trip from OIA/WDW to PC or reverse with 7 people will most likely be more cost effective.

I will ditto the PPs, that you should do the resort before the cruise.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I remember on another cruise line once that soft drinks and coffee were included, but tea wasn't. So when I asked for iced tea with my meal, it caused all kinds of problems. Is this the case with Disney Cruise Line? If so, it's just easier to order a soft drink.

 

[lanejudy]

I remember on another cruise line once that soft drinks and coffee were included, but tea wasn't. So when I asked for iced tea with my meal, it caused all kinds of problems. Is this the case with Disney Cruise Line? If so, it's just easier to order a soft drink.

Brewed iced tea is available in the MDRs, and pre-sweetened is in the fountain drink machines by the pool.

OP - other than the auto-gratuities (12 per guest per night), it is possible to cruise without any extra expenses incurred onboard. It’s also possible to rack up a a few hundred to a few thousand in extra charges if you do s lot of port adventures, adult dining, alcohol or specialty drinks, spa services, shopping, etc. There is a thread around here somewhere listing all (or most) of the extra costs. I suggest you set the family’s expectations and allow room in the budget for some “extras”.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[lanejudy]

Here’s a link to another thread with s list of “extra” costs:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...do-we-need-to-consider.3579329/#post-57133105

 

[kathy040690]

Thanks everyone !!
So much information.
I think if all goes well and we end up doing this dream trip of mine we will do Disney world BEFORE the cruise!!
by adjoining rooms I mean ones with a door between them so we can go in and out of each room without having to go into the hall !! I feel like an inside stateroom would be good for us since we need two and its a lot of $$ !!

 

[FigmentSpark]

Thanks everyone !!
So much information.
I think if all goes well and we end up doing this dream trip of mine we will do Disney world BEFORE the cruise!!
by adjoining rooms I mean ones with a door between them so we can go in and out of each room without having to go into the hall !! I feel like an inside stateroom would be good for us since we need two and its a lot of $$ !!

Just remember to ask for "connecting" rooms, not adjoining to be sure you're not disappointed.

All the best to you.

 

[NS8VN]

Just remember to ask for "connecting" rooms, not adjoining to be sure you're not disappointed.

Yes, and this is true of WDW too if you are staying on-site but I don't think you can get guaranteed connecting rooms at WDW any more. If you are staying on-site you may want to look in to a villa. If you haven't already I would ask about that in the Resort forum. And another vote for going to WDW first.

Good luck with your planning!