First cruise - Adults only..Disney or other ?

[Astylla]

Hello all !

I am a seasoned WDW/DLR planner for myself and friends but have been wanting to do a cruise now that things are getting more normal as it were. I have several questions and have been reading the forum but hoping for some specific feedback from seasoned vets!

1. My bf and I have never been on a cruise. What do we need to have in order before we book ? ( Not including any covid policies)
Are passports necessary for Nassau and Castaway Cay ? Google and research says no but would love first hand feedback

2. Do Disney cruises offer an alcoholic drink package ? I've heard this term or similar from other cruises.

3. How many days is the "best" cruise ? I feel like 3 days is too short , so looking at a 5 or 6 day maybe ?
Are the Halloween or themed ones worth it ? We LOVE Halloween , Marvel and Star Wars.

4. What is the best Disney cruise ship for adults ? I hear the Wish has smaller adult only areas. We are childfree by choice but don't hate kids , just want some adult only spaces and options.

5. Are the concierge/upgraded Veranda staterooms worth the cost ? We are the type that enjoy sitting on balconies of hotels enjoying a snack or wine , etc.

Thank you for ANY insight !

 

[Flying Fish]

With or without children, cruising is very addictive. This is nothing quite like it, and I think you'll agree once you have done it a time or two.

1) You do not need a passport for any cruise that starts and ends in the same US port, but it is still a good idea to invest in one. You can use your D/L and birth certificate just fine to get on and off the cruise at the beginning and end, but there is one caveat. If there was some sort of emergency and you had to leave the ship and fly home from a foreign port, you would almost certainly need a passport. This has never happened to us on almost 20 cruises, but we did come close once.

2) We no longer drink, so someone else will have more info on this. My memory is that there is no all you can drink option, but there are some other discounted plans for beer and wine.

3) I agree 100% that 3 days is too short. We have done 3 night through 14 night cruises, and I think the longer ones are definitely better. I think 5-7 is where you would want to fall for your first. It takes a couple of days to get used to the ship, find your way around, and really get into that cruise mindset. If you only do a 3 night, you're off by the time you get going.

I, personally, feel you would be okay skipping the special days at sea to save a few buck especially on your first cruise. We have done all of the above, but I will say we are not huge Star Wars or Marvel fans, so that might change for a big fan. That being said, you will be so in awe of the water, the shows, and the relaxation that you won't miss it. After a few cruises, it is nice to do those to change things up.

4) I have never felt like there were too many kids in any of the spaces on any of the ships to be honest. If you're going on DCL, you'll see more kids than you would on the other lines, but as long as you're not a kid hater (and we all know some) you will not notice. There were plenty of bars and other areas that were kid free that we always had fun and didn't feel disturbed. We haven't done the Wish yet (next month), so I can't speak to that. My guess is you would have a good time on any of them. By default, it is nice to remember that the shortest cruises and the ones out of Port Canaveral will have the most children; this is also true for any cruises when school is out.

5) Concierge you will have to decide on your own. It would provide you with an additional lounge option, and that can sometimes be nice if you want to avoid some of the crowds. There is not much to the lounges, though, and on the Dream and Fantasy I do not think they are particularly nice. They will help you plan things and make reservations at either of the specialty restaurants if you do not wish to do that.

Veranda is a must in my opinion. I have done inside, ocean view, and veranda and cannot go back to anything else. There is nothing quite like sitting on the balcony and enjoying a beverage, fresh air, and just being away from it all. I said there not too many kids to annoy you, but I will also say there are sometimes just too many people.

I hope this helps. I know planning the first cruise can be daunting with all the options, but there really are no bad cruises.

 

[Bonnie1222]

HI! My husband and I have done 12 DCL 7 day cruises and have 13 and 14 booked. We have done 1 Princess and 1 NCL. Things to keep in mind. Disney has no gambling except bingo. The adult areas are not all night events, most areas close by 11 or 12 (as of our last cruise in 2019).

First I have to say if you are a Disney fan then DCL is a great choice.
Questions:
1. I am not 100% positive on travel document requirements but having a passport is always a good idea.
2. Disney does not offer drink packages per say. You pay per drink. We have not done a cruise since 2019 but on the Fantasy Skyline bar had a special where you paid a flat rate for a set number of drinks and it equated to 1 free based on the a la carte price. I will say that I did it but spent most of my time at the Cove Cafe (adult only section of the pool deck) and had to run back and forth to get my cocktails so I had them all.
3. This is subject to your comfort in cruising. If you have never cruised you might be more comfortable with a lower number of days. For us we jumped right in for a 7 day for our very first cruise and love the length. The Halloween cruises are amazing if you like Halloween. The Costumes people wear at the Halloween party are awesome. Now that is one night, and there is a pirate night so you can dress up for that night too.
4. I have been on the Fantasy and the Magic. I don't think one class of ship is better than another for adults. And please know that even in the adult pool you will see kids because they have to walk through the area to get to other parts of the ship, but they don't hang around they just pass through.
5 I have never stayed in Concierge so I cannot say first hand. However when I look at what is offered personally I don't feel it is worth the cost. But for you the additional cost might not be that big of a deal.

Castaway Cay has an adult only beach which is great!

Cruising has taken over as our preferred vacation.

 

[TikiThunderPirates]

I thought the other posters covered most of your questions but I thought I'd add a few things in.

1. You need to have an idea of what type of cabin you'd like to book (or a specific cabin number and several alternates in case your choice is booked) and a way to pay for the deposit. I can't remember what the base deposit rate is, but it's a percentage of your total cruise, maybe 20%?

3/4. I think that when trying to decide length of cruise and ship choice, it's worth considering the itinerary as a major factor. If your planning your first cruise as an Alaskan adventure, you'll probably be choosing 7 days (which is definitely worth it). If your thinking the Caribbean you have more flexibility in amount of days but that number will determine to some extent where you go. For a first time cruiser who isn't sure if they will like cruising, I'd suggest a port heavy itinerary to somewhere your interested in traveling. Why? Because even if you hate cruising (it's Disney how much will you really hate it?) you will have most days in a port so you can get away from the ship, and you just have to "deal" with the evening which since you like Disney things, probably will have enough to entertain you.

5. I think the verandah question comes down to 2 things for me. Is the price in the range I'm willing to pay for the enjoyment of my own outdoor space? And is the itinerary of the cruise one that I will use the verandah? I've had cruises where I had a verandah and hardly used it do to weather (really cold and rainy) and I've had cruises where I spent time every day out there. I've also had cruises where I didn't bother to book one because they were port intensive and I knew I'd be off the ship first thing in the morning, and by the time I go back onboard in the evening I would be at dinner, a show, and a verandah would be a waste.
Remember if you book an inside cabin and regret not having the verandah you can always find places to go outside in the public decks. If you book the verandah and don't use it, it can be a very expensive add on. On a first cruise I wouldn't worry over much about the room, you will be so busy trying to fit in all the activities and experiences. I don't feel the room type matters too much. You can figure out what you like better on your next cruise. And yes I believe for most of us there is usually a next cruise after our first DCL cruise.

 

[Flying Fish]

Castaway Cay has an adult only beach which is great!

Oh yes, Bonnie is so right about this spot. What a heavenly location.

 

[Marc D]

1. My bf and I have never been on a cruise. What do we need to have in order before we book ? Are passports necessary for Nassau and Castaway Cay ?

You do not need anything specific to cruising. You can use a credit card or cash to settle your onboard account.
While a passport is not required to sail to the Bahamas, sailing without one can make getting back home VERY difficult if, by any chance, you need to leave the cruise, for example for a medical emergency. I would never leave my home country without one.

2. Do Disney cruises offer an alcoholic drink package ? I've heard this term or similar from other cruises.

Being family oriented, DCL is less inclined to sell alcohol packages. They have a wine bottle offer for the dining rooms, and a beer package to lower the cost of each individual purchase, but nothing all-inclusive like other lines.

3. How many days is the "best" cruise ? I feel like 3 days is too short , so looking at a 5 or 6 day maybe ?
Are the Halloween or themed ones worth it ? We LOVE Halloween , Marvel and Star Wars.

If you've never sailed, you can't say if you'll enjoy it. Choosing a cruise requires thinking about the cost of the cruise, the cost of getting to the port, the time off you can use, etc.

For us, getting to the port involves a costly flight, so we'll never sail under 7 nights, and we have done up to 14 nights onboard. Some people that live near a port prefer doing 3 nights weekend cruises, so they can enjoy a cruise without using vacation days. There is no general answer to that question.

We've done Marvel and SW cruises and have enjoyed them very much. We got dressed up for our SW cruise and the activities on Marvel Day at sea were great. Know that those themed cruises are only available on certain ships at specific times of the year.

4. What is the best Disney cruise ship for adults ? I hear the Wish has smaller adult only areas. We are childfree by choice but don't hate kids , just want some adult only spaces and options.

I've never been on the Wish, but the differences between the adult-only sections on the four other ships are not significant for a first-time cruiser. Pick a date, itinerary and price, not a ship.

5. Are the concierge/upgraded Veranda staterooms worth the cost ? We are the type that enjoy sitting on balconies of hotels enjoying a snack or wine , etc.

Concierge added cost makes it hard to recommend, unless you are looking for a larger stateroom or want very personalized service. Most guests have a great vacation and do not sail concierge. For two guests, the added space offered by a Deluxe family verandah stateroom is not really worth it since it's mainly used to fit a Murphy bed. The verandahs are the same size as regular staterooms. As a couple new to cruising, I would pick any verandah room outside of one at the back (aft) of the ship, to avoid vibration problems.

 

[John VN]

Hello all !

I am a seasoned WDW/DLR planner for myself and friends but have been wanting to do a cruise now that things are getting more normal as it were. I have several questions and have been reading the forum but hoping for some specific feedback from seasoned vets!

1. My bf and I have never been on a cruise....................................

.......................Thank you for ANY insight !

Great replies to your questions so I will touch on the most important aspect of cruising for DW and myself and provide a tidbit that you might find helpful regarding what I bolded above ^^^^ for a 1st CRUISE Experience.

After numerous Verandah Cabin cruises on DCL and other Lines we have found that Concierge Cruising is wonderful but getting the most Bang for our BUCK$ is what we desire and feel we have found it with MSC Yacht Club. The Ship within a Ship concept provides a level of exclusivity that is not ostentatious but instead extremely relaxing and allows for a pampered cruise but only as far as you want to be pampered at $,$$$$.00 less than DCL. p.s. - CAUTION, one YC Cruise and you might be hooked forever

Like testing the water's temperature for swimming, a 4 Day is dipping your toe's into the water and a longer 7 Day is plunging in.

Enjoy your cruise

https://www.cruisehive.com/msc-yacht-club-is-it-worth-it/51396#h-so-is-the-msc-yacht-club-worth-it

 

[Geomom]

2. Do Disney cruises offer an alcoholic drink package ? I've heard this term or similar from other cruises.

While DCL doesn't offer a drink package, they do have a drink of the day for $6.50 (after the auto 18% tip is added), they also have some happy hour deals in the evenings. On the first formal night on longer cruises (we've only done 7nt cruises), they have free drinks (servers with trays of premade drinks) between dinner times in the atrium for the Captain's reception. As others have said, there are beer/wine packages where you get a slight discount. Also, DCL allows you to bring on 2 bottles of wine or a 6pk of beer/adult/port. It's meant to be drunk in your room as they do have a corking fee ($25?) if you bring a bottle into a restaurant.

3. How many days is the "best" cruise ? I feel like 3 days is too short , so looking at a 5 or 6 day maybe ?
Are the Halloween or themed ones worth it ? We LOVE Halloween , Marvel and Star Wars.

We sail for itinerary first, (usually, our 2022 one was to use up an expiring credit and our unwillingness to sail from an international port with all the Covid testing required initially), so we've only done 7nts and that feels like a good length. I wouldn't want to do less than 5 especially on a ship you've never been on, it does take some time figuring out the ship and they kick you off early that last morning...out of your room by 8am. We haven't done any of the specialty cruises, but I've heard good things about them, especially the Marvel one if you're a fan.

4. What is the best Disney cruise ship for adults ? I hear the Wish has smaller adult only areas. We are childfree by choice but don't hate kids , just want some adult only spaces and options.

All the ships have good adult only spaces, but know that a bunch of the lounges are family friendly until 9pm or so as they hold various activities in them. There are adult only classes (cooking demonstrations, napkin folding, drawing classes, etc) in addition to family ones. The adult only pool deck area is nice, but can be crowded in the daytime...but we had the place to ourselves at night on the last cruise (pools closed at 10pm though...). On our June Fantasy cruise, our 'kids' are now adults (18/22) and we spent a lot more time doing adult only activities and eating lunch at Serenity Bay (adult only beach) at Castaway Cay. (They checked our kids' key cards to make sure they were adults.). It was so nice and quiet there. The kids clubs on DCL keep them pretty entertained so the ship doesn't usually feel overrun by kids.

5. Are the concierge/upgraded Veranda staterooms worth the cost ? We are the type that enjoy sitting on balconies of hotels enjoying a snack

We will never do concierge. It would be too much service for us. It feels awkward for us in the regular staterooms with service 2x a day, but we've gotten used to it. (And the regular rooms are so nice.) Our first 2 cruises were in an Oceanview on deck 2 (Wonder/Magic), partly due to the fact that a verandah cost thousands more. We did a verandah on the Fantasy (that was hundreds more, and worth that cost.). So you might like a regular verandah if you like to sit out. Room service is mostly free (some items have a charge, and you should tip the delivery person.). On every ship BUT the Wish, the Cove Cafe (and Vista on Dream/Fantasy) currently has free snacks ($ drinks though). Sweet pastries/desserts until 5pm?, then olives, cheese, bread sticks in the evenings. We made so many trips there...and ate pastries on our verandah.


**Extra info:
--There is an auto gratuity added to your account at the end of the cruise--$14.50/person/day and covers the stateroom host, server, assistant server, and head server. It really covers all the service you receive on the cruise (except room service delivery, etc.). Bars and the spa charge an 18% auto gratuity.
--If you think you might do another cruise, do a placeholder booking while on your cruise. It is a $250 deposit (refundable if you don't cruise in 24 mths.). It gives you 10% off a future cruise (can't be used around holidays and a few other exceptions.).
--if you want fewer kids on the ship, avoid school holidays...only downside is with fewer kids the adult only areas may be more crowded (fewer parents staying with their kids in family areas.)

 

[rainbowredpanda]

1. My bf and I have never been on a cruise. What do we need to have in order before we book ? ( Not including any covid policies) .Are passports necessary for Nassau and Castaway Cay ? Google and research says no but would love first hand feedback
Details of who will be sailing, you have to pick the room if you want or just select a guaranteed room type and the deposit. No, you don't need a passport if you're a US citizen, just a drivers license. But personally I wouldn't want to sail without a passport, in case of an emergency if you have to disembark unexpectedly.

2. Do Disney cruises offer an alcoholic drink package ? I've heard this term or similar from other cruises.
No, there is no drink package on DCL. They do have a Wine package you can purchase while on board. There are options for 3, 4, 5 or 7 bottles and you can chose from a Classic or Premium Package. You can also purchase a beer mug on board that you can refill during the cruise. It's 22oz but you only pay for 16oz. There is a beer package where you pay for 5 bottles but only pay for 6.

3. How many days is the "best" cruise ? I feel like 3 days is too short , so looking at a 5 or 6 day maybe ?
Are the Halloween or themed ones worth it ? We LOVE Halloween , Marvel and Star Wars.
Our first cruise was a 4 day, as we weren't sure if we would like it or not. We loved it. I wouldn't recommend anything shorter than 4 days and nothing longer than 7 days - just in case if you don't like it. We have been on the Halloween themed sailings and loved the. We dressed up and did Trick of Treating and meeting the characters in their Halloween outfits was great. Highly recommended.

4. What is the best Disney cruise ship for adults ? I hear the Wish has smaller adult only areas. We are childfree by choice but don't hate kids , just want some adult only spaces and options.
I'd recommend the Dream or Fantasy but any of the ships are great and have plenty of adult spaces.


5. Are the concierge/upgraded Veranda staterooms worth the cost ? We are the type that enjoy sitting on balconies of hotels enjoying a snack or wine , etc
I adore concierge but it isn't an absolute necessity. It adds significant cost that you could put toward onboard experiences like spa treatments. I would recommend a verandah, especially if you enjoy sitting on balconies in hotels. It's quite relaxing to have a cup of coffee in the morning or some wine and cheese in the afternoon.

 

[auntlynne]

If you love Halloween, Star Wars, or Marvel, I’d pick one of those; I think you will find a 4- or 5-night sailing for any of those. You can decide if themed cruises are worth it.

And book a Verandah, as you like the idea of enjoying time out there. You can order a cheese plate from room service (cost of a tip) and also bring 2 bottles of wine (per person, I think) if that’s your grove. Or bring a bar drink back to your room.

I’d say don’t start with the Wish. If you have wanted to sail DCL and have read or heard about it, the experience is the first four ships. Others will say start with the Wish, you are a new generation of cruisers who won’t be comparing the ships.

What do you need before booking? A budget. Transportation to FL (I’m assuming, since you mentioned CC and Nassau) and to the port, lodging pre-cruise. Drinks. Possibility of specialty dining [Palo (Italian / steak) all ships - starts at $45 pp. Remy (French) Dream / Fantasy / Wish is about $125 pp, maybe higher now]. You can eat for $0 more than your cruise costs and be fine for several cruises. (These for-fee restaurants are a much quieter option than the Main Dining Rooms - MDR - but the MDRs are part of the Disney experience, at least the first few cruises.)

I have sailed Concierge before. I cannot justify the cost difference. Give General Population cruising a try - unless you normally stay Executive Club or Club Level in resorts. There is no dedicated Concierge Dining Room on Disney. There is food in the Concierge Lounge throughout the day, along with alcohol, though.

Have fun planning - and cruising!

 

[Cruising Engineer]

The stateroom is designed with one big queen size bed and a sofa bed. How bf is your bf?

 

[plutolovr]

For adults only I highly recommend Virgin Voyages. Great relaxing atmosphere and tons of fun. Best food I have ever had on a cruise ship, and all included.