Cruising Newbie: What do I need to know?

[PurpleKomodo]

Alright DCL people. My Mom is wanting to do a Disney cruise. We are thinking some sort of land and sea package as we would want at least a few park days. What do I need to know? A preliminary search has me concerned about cost. I also want to know about stateroom options. We like separate areas for kids and adults to sleep. We enjoyed sharing a villa with family on our last WDW trip which also helped with the cost. Is this an option on a cruise? As a WDW park lover, what advise would you give me about planning a different type of Disney vacation. Our group would include my Mom, Aunt, and young adult cousin as well as DH, DS who is almost 3 now and most likely a younger child. Probably looking at traveling within the next couple of years. Alright...go. What is your best advise?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

The cost can be high but includes all standard meals all standard snacks free soda at the self service and all entertainment. Staterooms normally hold 3 up to 7 people they vary in size but even the largest you need to get on with everyone as there cosy and space a premium. So if you share it has to be within the max capacity of that stateroom and the majority hold four people. If you book with an authorised DCL Travel agent you may get on board credits money to spend on the ship which is a kind of rebate and can lower the cost. Prices go up all the time it's best to book first day of release for the very best price. Staterooms come in different categories the more you get the more expensive so a high deck room with a verandah is top end an an inside room lower deck the cheapest. Generally bar concierge you get the same service shows and food. Extras are book able optional adult meals, spa, shops, booze, port adventures, bingo, tips.

Best advice decide your budget decide who goes and when you want to go then speak to a DCL TA and get them to quote you. Personally I would wait for the summer 2017 release and book first day that you can book.

 

[RHSTigerMom]

What do you need to know? It's going to be expensive, regardless. If you do WDW & a cruise, I would do WDW first, then the cruise. It's more relaxing, IMO. Also, book WDW & the cruise separately. Start looking at the ships, length of cruises, and different categories of staterooms. You will definitely need multiple staterooms. What do you mean by separate areas for adults & kids to sleep? A family of 2 adults and 2 kids can fit comfortably in an oceanview or veranda room, but if you have a baby, you will probably need a pack-n-play, which will take up space. Happy planning!

 

[jdb in AZ]

You can book connecting staterooms. An adult has to be listed on the reservation for each room, but Mickey doesn't do bed check -- the kids can sleep in one room, and the adults in another. Your group would probably be more comfortable in three rooms, but the cost adds up.

You don't need to book a land/sea package deal. If you book them separately they're not only cheaper, but you can take advantage of any dining packages or room discounts that won't be available with a package.

Shop around for a travel agent who will give you a great onboard credit. Our travel agent isn't a DCL agent -- she gives great credit for all the lines she books. If you're a Costco member, they offer a nice gift card as a thank you.

 

[mevelandry]

What you need to know: Start saving money right now because there is a 99% chance that you will want to book your next cruise while you are still on board.

 

[squirk]

Unless you are getting a suite, there really is no "separate area" for kids and adults to sleep. The staterooms have curtains to divide the room for visual privacy, but it's not going to block noise, and one half of the room is going to have to walk through the other half to get to the bathroom. Depending on your budget, I would consider looking at two connecting staterooms; that will be much cheaper than a suite and will give you two true separate areas, with a door between them and a bathroom in each.

Your cheapest bet would be two connecting Category 11 rooms without the Magic Portholes. With six people, it will be tight, but I imagine you could still make it work. Not knowing when you want to sail, I would suggest taking a look at cruises in both the "low" and "high" seasons of 2016; that will give you some idea of the "spread" in fares. Like DISNEY FANTASY said, book ASAP when the 2017 dates come out.

Finally, check out the threads on the Target Gift cards and Raise.com for ways to save between 5%-10% on the cruise cost. That might make the fares more palatable or possibly even allow you to jump up a category or two.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

If I can offer one piece of advice it would be to just read the threads. When I first started thinking of a Disney Cruise I asked the same questions and just felt lost because I didn't understand all the room categories, and what was included. I would come to the DIS everyday and just read the threads and it's amazing the wealth of information you had no idea you needed to know. Good luck and happy planning.

 

[perditax]

Buying a book like the Unofficial Guide to DCL or the Passporter guide can also be easier than reading a lot of threads and hoping to find the info you didn't even know you needed.

 

[squirk]

Buying a book like the Unofficial Guide to DCL or the Passporter guide can also be easier than reading a lot of threads and hoping to find the info you didn't even know you needed.

^ This. I find the Passporter Guide far superior to the Unofficial Guide, but I would buy both to get two perspectives.

 

[dcassetta]

Another recommendation for the Passporter