Disney Fantasy Nov Western Caribbean

[aulanidreamer]

Just decided to scrap our normal summer beach vacation that we've done for 10 years and book a Nov Carribbean cruise instead. We are looking at the Nov 11 Fantasy sailing for 7 nights. We are family of 5 so it looks like the Cat 04C rooms are what works for us. Any advice on which side of ship or forward/ mid/ back? I went on the old big red ship Disney cruise when I was young, but never been as a family and my husband has never cruised. I'm a little concerned about US relations by then, but plan to book and if things seem worse can cancel before 90 days, correct? Anyway just starting to plan and would love advice. We also considered 2 inside rooms out of Galveston instead but I hear castaway cay is not to be missed...true? Thanks

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Just decided to scrap our normal summer beach vacation that we've done for 10 years and book a Nov Carribbean cruise instead. We are looking at the Nov 11 Fantasy sailing for 7 nights. We are family of 5 so it looks like the Cat 04C rooms are what works for us. Any advice on which side of ship or forward/ mid/ back? I went on the old big red ship Disney cruise when I was young, but never been as a family and my husband has never cruised. I'm a little concerned about US relations by then, but plan to book and if things seem worse can cancel before 90 days, correct? Anyway just starting to plan and would love advice. We also considered 2 inside rooms out of Galveston instead but I hear castaway cay is not to be missed...true? Thanks

My family and my sister's family had the Category of Cabin on the Fantasy last August. It is a great ship, and a great experience. It is amazing how much storage space there is in the room, and having the veranda makes it feel bigger too. We spent a bunch of time on our veranda when the ship was pulling out of port, or when we were waiting for the kids to get ready. The "split" bathroom means you have a sink and toilet in one part and sink and shower in the other part, each with their own door, so that helps out with five people in one room too.

We were on the port side, Mid on Deck 7. I have heard that some people prefer starboard to see CC from their stateroom, but honestly, port was good too. Keep in mind, different decks, sections can cost a little different too, so you have to decide how much it is worth to you. I would say book as soon as you can to keep your preferred choice from filling up. You do have time to cancel.

Castaway Cay is great. Everything you need for a beach day. But I wouldn't pick that trip just for that. Wouldn't want your expectations to be TOO high. Look at the total itinerary and see what works best for your family.

Have fun! I think you will really like it.

 

[aulanidreamer]

The rest of the stops are the same from Galveston, but we would have to split into two rooms and it only saves $300 for and it's only inside rooms. I did just found out only second seating for dinner is open so we would have to be on a waitlist. 8:15 is late for kids, hopefully it can be changed. Any advice on plexiglass vs wall? I think 7634 has has wall from a message board post I saw. 7636 and 40 open but can't figure out what they have. I am assuming it's the same as 7634. 7618 open as well but I saw one comment about it being obstructed by a lifeboat. I think we would choose starboard side for fireworks and Grand Cayman view, but am not sure yet. 7634 is what I just put a hold on, but still researching so let me know your fav rooms for families of 5.

 

[nlflores]

Just decided to scrap our normal summer beach vacation that we've done for 10 years and book a Nov Carribbean cruise instead. We are looking at the Nov 11 Fantasy sailing for 7 nights. We are family of 5 so it looks like the Cat 04C rooms are what works for us. Any advice on which side of ship or forward/ mid/ back? I went on the old big red ship Disney cruise when I was young, but never been as a family and my husband has never cruised. I'm a little concerned about US relations by then, but plan to book and if things seem worse can cancel before 90 days, correct? Anyway just starting to plan and would love advice. We also considered 2 inside rooms out of Galveston instead but I hear castaway cay is not to be missed...true? Thanks

My family of 5 (at that time, Me, DW, DD-15, DD-12, and DS-9) did our first cruise last January on the Fantasy on a Western Caribbean itinerary and we LOVED it! We originally had a Cat04B room on Deck 9, but were able to upgrade to a Concierge cabin with verandah shortly before the cruise date (exact same room size). We have taken a vacation of varying types once a year for the past 10 years, but this was by far our absolute favorite trip (everyone agreed). We have booked the Nov. 18 Eastern Caribbean itinerary for the Fantasy this year as our second cruise and we can't wait.

The Starboard side is usually considered the "preferred" side because you get the view of Castaway Cay while docked, but I wouldn't be heartbroken to have a port side cabin. Just being on the Fantasy at all would be enough for me. I do agree with Anchors Away above, however. While Castaway Cay was a blast and a beautiful beach (we even had a cabana), it wasn't even our favorite part of the trip, so I wouldn't book an itinerary specifically for Castaway Cay. Make sure you'll enjoy all/most of your stops. We even stayed on the ship for one of the port days (Grand Cayman, I think). We were able to ride the AquaDuck at least 50 times that day since the ship was so empty. I hope you guys have as much fun as we did!

 

[nlflores]

The rest of the stops are the same from Galveston, but we would have to split into two rooms and it only saves $300 for and it's only inside rooms. I did just found out only second seating for dinner is open so we would have to be on a waitlist. 8:15 is late for kids, hopefully it can be changed. Any advice on plexiglass vs wall? I think 7634 has has wall from a message board post I saw. 7636 and 40 open but can't figure out what they have. I am assuming it's the same as 7634. 7618 open as well but I saw one comment about it being obstructed by a lifeboat. I think we would choose starboard side for fireworks and Grand Cayman view, but am not sure yet. 7634 is what I just put a hold on, but still researching so let me know your fav rooms for families of 5.

How old are your kiddos? We had the second seating (my family ages listed above in previous post) and we thought it was a bad idea at first. However, we ended up LOVING it. We'd NEVER do the early seating now. With the second seating, you get to enjoy the show first, then have dinner, then have the rest of the evening to "unwind" before bed. Besides, there was SO much food all day long, we weren't even hungry for dinner until after 8:00ish. The kids would finish up fairly quickly and rush off to the clubs while DW and I would linger over dessert, then stroll along the outside walkways of the ship, maybe grab a drink, and finally head for bed. With the early seating, we would have had to eat WAY too early before everyone was even hungry and then feel pressured to make it to the show on time. Just my $0.02, everyone is different.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

The rest of the stops are the same from Galveston, but we would have to split into two rooms and it only saves $300 for and it's only inside rooms. I did just found out only second seating for dinner is open so we would have to be on a waitlist. 8:15 is late for kids, hopefully it can be changed. Any advice on plexiglass vs wall? I think 7634 has has wall from a message board post I saw. 7636 and 40 open but can't figure out what they have. I am assuming it's the same as 7634. 7618 open as well but I saw one comment about it being obstructed by a lifeboat. I think we would choose starboard side for fireworks and Grand Cayman view, but am not sure yet. 7634 is what I just put a hold on, but still researching so let me know your fav rooms for families of 5.

Oh, well if all the other stops are the same, and it doesn't cost you much more to get to Florida, I'd definitely do it that way. I found flights to Orlando to be cheaper than other places, and the Port in Port Canaveral is nice.

As for dinner, you are likely to be able to get into early seating. If your wait list doesn't come through, as when you get on the ship. We were on the wait list for 8 months with no luck, but we asked for early seating when we got on board and they granted our request.

Plexiglass vs wall. What is your concern here? We enjoyed the plexiglass so that we could sit down and still see the full ocean. But a wall wouldn't have been the end of the world either.

One other thing I would say is that if you are looking online for available rooms, you may wish to call Disney directly. I can verify what others here have said that the online site doesn't always show ALL of the available cabins, just some to choose from. If you call them up, they can tell you exactly which cabins are available. We were in 7094 and 7096, which were connecting.

 

[aulanidreamer]

How old are your kiddos? We had the second seating (my family ages listed above in previous post) and we thought it was a bad idea at first. However, we ended up LOVING it. We'd NEVER do the early seating now. With the second seating, you get to enjoy the show first, then have dinner, then have the rest of the evening to "unwind" before bed. Besides, there was SO much food all day long, we weren't even hungry for dinner until after 8:00ish. The kids would finish up fairly quickly and rush off to the clubs while DW and I would linger over dessert, then stroll along the outside walkways of the ship, maybe grab a drink, and finally head for bed. With the early seating, we would have had to eat WAY too early before everyone was even hungry and then feel pressured to make it to the show on time. Just my $0.02, everyone is different.

DD 10, DS 8, and DD7. Good to think about. Here they are usually in bed around 8:30, but I suppose on vacation it will be different. I guess selfishly I also thought if dinner was early they could go into the kids club and my husband and I could have some alone time... but I am sure it will all work out. Maybe I should save the first seating for those with toddlers.

 

[aulanidreamer]

Oh, well if all the other stops are the same, and it doesn't cost you much more to get to Florida, I'd definitely do it that way. I found flights to Orlando to be cheaper than other places, and the Port in Port Canaveral is nice.

As for dinner, you are likely to be able to get into early seating. If your wait list doesn't come through, as when you get on the ship. We were on the wait list for 8 months with no luck, but we asked for early seating when we got on board and they granted our request.

Plexiglass vs wall. What is your concern here? We enjoyed the plexiglass so that we could sit down and still see the full ocean. But a wall wouldn't have been the end of the world either.

One other thing I would say is that if you are looking online for available rooms, you may wish to call Disney directly. I can verify what others here have said that the online site doesn't always show ALL of the available cabins, just some to choose from. If you call them up, they can tell you exactly which cabins are available. We were in 7094 and 7096, which were connecting.

Not really a concern so much as a if you could choose (like I think I might be able at this point) would one be better? Is it even worth the time to investigate which rooms are which, or just pick a room and stick with it.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Not really a concern so much as a if you could choose (like I think I might be able at this point) would one be better? Is it even worth the time to investigate which rooms are which, or just pick a room and stick with it.

Well, you sound like a planner, so enjoy it. Own it. No wrong answers, but there could be some cabins that are more right for you. A wall wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me. There are other considerations too. Higher rooms have a better view, but some people worry about the motion higher up. Some people like to be closer to elevators or the kids clubs or the MDR's. Others want cabins above and below them for noise reasons. But then again, sometimes the biggest noise is from your neighbors.

Have fun with it. It is joy to have the choices. If it isn't, then just pick one.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[aulanidreamer]

I am a planner about certain things, but don't like to schedule everything out completely, just have an idea of what will make things easier. Thanks for your insight.

 

[connie1042]

We are on the same cruise. We are on Deck 2 Ocean View

 

[aulanidreamer]

We are on the same cruise. We are on Deck 2 Ocean View

So exciting! I hear ocean view rooms are awesome, but not available for a family of 5. Have you cruised before? Would love tips. I feel late to the game having just decided to go.

 

[closetmickey]

So exciting! I hear ocean view rooms are awesome, but not available for a family of 5. Have you cruised before? Would love tips. I feel late to the game having just decided to go.

The Dream and Fantasy DO have ocean view rooms for 5! Cat 8! And they have great oversized portholes with bench seats. Enjoy!

 

[aulanidreamer]

Hmm, I will check into that if it's still available and any cheaper. Thanks. I love the idea of a verandah, but if we can save cash for other activities and still have an ocean view, that would be ideal.

 

[nlflores]

DD 10, DS 8, and DD7. Good to think about. Here they are usually in bed around 8:30, but I suppose on vacation it will be different. I guess selfishly I also thought if dinner was early they could go into the kids club and my husband and I could have some alone time... but I am sure it will all work out. Maybe I should save the first seating for those with toddlers.

Do some research on "Dine and Play". You can let your server know the kids want to "Dine and Play". The servers will bring out their food quickly so they can eat, and then escort them to the kids club while you and DH enjoy a leisurely dinner and alone time after. If you had the early seating, you'd have to go to the show after with the kids. I think at those ages they'll enjoy the "Dine and Play" option.

 

[bcwife76]

How's the weather in November? We did the eastern on the Fantasy two weeks ago; looking to book November 2018 for the Western itinerary. We had gorgeous weather in January, not too hot. Water at CC was a bit cool but to be expected.

 

[aulanidreamer]

How's the weather in November? We did the eastern on the Fantasy two weeks ago; looking to book November 2018 for the Western itinerary. We had gorgeous weather in January, not too hot. Water at CC was a bit cool but to be expected.

I think it is great, less rain but still warm. Coming from the Northwest I am sure it will be heavenly!

 

[bcwife76]

I think it is great, less rain but still warm. Coming from the Northwest I am sure it will be heavenly!

Oh that's for sure! Vancouver in mid November = rain and depression

 

[aulanidreamer]

Oh that's for sure! Vancouver in mid November = rain and depression

We are just south of you in Seattle

 

[aksearaven]

DD 10, DS 8, and DD7. Good to think about. Here they are usually in bed around 8:30, but I suppose on vacation it will be different. I guess selfishly I also thought if dinner was early they could go into the kids club and my husband and I could have some alone time... but I am sure it will all work out. Maybe I should save the first seating for those with toddlers.

our kids are 11 and 8 and we choose second seating because going to the shows are less crowded and when you are in port and come back our kids weren't hungry until later. there are plenty of food options to snack on to make second seating worth it to us and our kids spent so much time it the kids club i felt like i only saw them at dinner and for the shows!