First DCL 3/4 Night, Halloween on the High Seas (2021) questions

[Bex258]

I have a few questions about characters, Nassau and Castaway Cay that I could use the knowledge of the experienced cruisers. I've never been on cruise and this will likely be my only one.

It takes a long time for me to save for trips and my next future trips are a return to DLR and a spring WDW trip to finally see Flower and Garden and a birthday holiday season trip quite a few years after that (my birthday is Christmas week ). So I want to sample as much as I can, I'm also terrible at just relaxing. My last Disney trip I planned one MNSSHP that turned into two, plus the Sleepy Hollow event and my one Character DR ended up being....8 (all but one was a breakfast) plus a early morning magic and my one rest day with no real plans turned into a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre

So I've decided I should have enough saved up for my next WDW trip to do a Disney Cruise as well. I thought I should play it safe with 3 nights or 4 if I can afford it and the dates work for me.

On my last WDW I accidently had my last day as Epcot's 35th birthday and I got the badge and park map and now I want to do the same for 50th MK so I need to be at WDW for Oct 1st. I don't mind splitting my WDW stay either side of the cruise if I really need to (I'm looking at a total of 14 nights away maybe 15) although I'm hoping to have a night at AKL either before heading to the cruise or after disembarking the cruise as the international flight times are later in the day so an extra night would be great and getting to enjoy AKL would be awesome (I think I might be able to afford two nights there but no more than that).

Anyway as I would be travelling the day after I arrive I planned to use the Disney bus, it's just me so I assume it would be cheaper or the same as a transfer price and would be nice to just get out of the resort and onto the bus and get into cruise mode.

I think I've seen mentioned on the boards there are a couple of bus times so I would look to go for the earliest one. From what I've seen, I'm looking at being there early afternoon - is it best I choose that as my boarding time and if I'm turning up at that time does that mean the characters have gone from the boarding area?

My main must do's for the cruise would be to catch Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy and Chip and Dale in as many outfits they do (Cruise, Pirate, Beach and Halloween?) as possible and watch the main show.

I've not seen anyone rate Nassau so far but I was quite liking the idea of a bit of exploration there, I was looking at the Queens Staircase, taking a picture of the Parliament Square, maybe visiting the Pirate museum and the straw market for a souvenir. Has anyone done this walking around or am I better off trying to find an excursion and can anyone recommend one? The Ardastra Gardens and City Tour (N16) or Accessible Pirate Museum and Fort Charlotte (N200) looked interesting, although it doesn't cover all the places I wanted to go.

On the map it looks like Parliament Square, the Pirate museum and the straw market are close together and Fort Fincastle for the Staircase is 20 minutes away. I wondered if I could get to Ardastra Gardens first (taxi?) and maybe get to Fort Fincastle on the return and then walk back to the other stops and then get back on board with time to spare. - I can drop Ardastra Gardens if it's not going to work and as much as I love museums, I'm also very good at walking through them quickly but taking in what they offer when I'm clock watching - a quick glance at the google photos tells me its quite a small museum.

I can't swim and I'm not too bothered about beaches so that takes away a few of the offerings (I will attempt to relax for a few moments on the beach at Castaway Cay though).

I'm a vegetarian who's a bit fussy and can't eat spicy food so didn't think I'd have much luck with the local cuisine in Nassau but I do spy a Hard Rock and I've got a pin from the other Hard Rocks I've been to so that would be cool to do. - also any advice or details on, on board ship food would be great, would Palo be worth a consideration? I'm wonder if that would be better to leave unless I make it to the 4 nights.

How does the breakfast and lunch work? I doubt I'll be on board for Nassau day lunch but I could get food later on Castaway Cay day

On the 3 night it says its Pirate night on Nassau day, is that also the night of the Halloween party? (on the 4 night itinerary on the DCL website Castaway Cay night is Pirate night and Nassau has nothing so I assume that would be Pirate night?)

I have a Pirate costume planned and I was thinking of doing a separate Halloween costume...if on the same night, is that going to be too much?

Am I going to struggle with meeting all the characters I want (if they are in two separate costumes), I won't be doing trick or treat etc.

Castaway Cay...I wanted to do the 5K, how do I go about signing up for that and any tips or info for it?

I've seen that the characters are out until 11am then a party at 12pm. I wanted to try and catch them in the beach outfits (would that be Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy and Pluto? Are Chip and Dale the ones that do the dance/party thing after?) so I assume I'm best not to change but maybe stick a t-shirt etc over the top of my "running" out fit. - Can you take a bag with you when you "run"? (I say "run", it will likely be a brisk walk with a bit of jogging).

After that I plan on renting a bike and going up to the tower and back and spend a little time on the beach.

I was thinking about the string ray adventure but thought that might be too much and I should just head back to the ship and enjoy the experience there, especially if I'm on the 3 night stay.

Do characters meet in the formal attire or is that for longer cruises? I saw a picture of Donald and he looked adorable.

Also best time to ride the AquaDuck?

Thank you in advance for any questions answered, advice and tips. Very much appreciate and thank you for reading my long post of questions.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wow, that's a lot of questions. I'll try -

I think I've seen mentioned on the boards there are a couple of bus times so I would look to go for the earliest one. From what I've seen, I'm looking at being there early afternoon - is it best I choose that as my boarding time and if I'm turning up at that time does that mean the characters have gone from the boarding area?

If you're taking the bus from a resort, there's only one pick up time. And you'll find out what that time is the night before via a letter in your room. I've seen characters still in the terminal when we've arrived via the DCL transfers. But I'll point out that in the terminal they are totally mobbed for the most part.

Has anyone done this walking around or am I better off trying to find an excursion and can anyone recommend one?

Nassau - we did the Junkanoo and forts excursion and it went to most of those places you're asking about.

would Palo be worth a consideration? I'm wonder if that would be better to leave unless I make it to the 4 nights.

On a 3 night, I suggest not doing Palo. Even a 4 night, because you'd be missing one of the experiences in the main dining rooms.

How does the breakfast and lunch work?

Cabanas (buffet style) is open for both breakfast & lunch. There are also poolside quick serve locations that you can get food for both meals. There's also one of the MDRs open for breakfast and lunch (not sure it's the same one for both meals). Just check the Navigator for what's open.

On the 3 night it says its Pirate night on Nassau day, is that also the night of the Halloween party? (on the 4 night itinerary on the DCL website Castaway Cay night is Pirate night and Nassau has nothing so I assume that would be Pirate night?)

I have a Pirate costume planned and I was thinking of doing a separate Halloween costume...if on the same night, is that going to be too much?

On a 3 night cruise Pirate night and Halloween are the same day, usually. Halloween activities in the afternoon, pirate stuff in the evening/night. On a 4 night cruise they are separate days.

Also best time to ride the AquaDuck?

Usually Castaway Cay day, and while others are at dinner.

 

[Bex258]

Wow, that's a lot of questions. I'll try -


If you're taking the bus from a resort, there's only one pick up time. And you'll find out what that time is the night before via a letter in your room. I've seen characters still in the terminal when we've arrived via the DCL transfers. But I'll point out that in the terminal they are totally mobbed for the most part.

Nassau - we did the Junkanoo and forts excursion and it went to most of those places you're asking about.

On a 3 night, I suggest not doing Palo. Even a 4 night, because you'd be missing one of the experiences in the main dining rooms.

Cabanas (buffet style) is open for both breakfast & lunch. There are also poolside quick serve locations that you can get food for both meals. There's also one of the MDRs open for breakfast and lunch (not sure it's the same one for both meals). Just check the Navigator for what's open.

On a 3 night cruise Pirate night and Halloween are the same day, usually. Halloween activities in the afternoon, pirate stuff in the evening/night. On a 4 night cruise they are separate days.

Usually Castaway Cay day, and while others are at dinner.

It was a lot of questions, it started off with a couple and then I just got carried away. Thank you so much for your answers and advice.

 

[monkeydawn]

I've not seen anyone rate Nassau so far but I was quite liking the idea of a bit of exploration there, I was looking at the Queens Staircase, taking a picture of the Parliament Square, maybe visiting the Pirate museum and the straw market for a souvenir. Has anyone done this walking around or am I better off trying to find an excursion and can anyone recommend one? The Ardastra Gardens and City Tour (N16) or Accessible Pirate Museum and Fort Charlotte (N200) looked interesting, although it doesn't cover all the places I wanted to go.

I havent done this exact walking tour but I wanted to let you know I felt safe walking around Nassau since some people talk about its like its not safe. I did have someone with me so that aided in how safe I felt however if you are used to traveling by yourself, you would probably feel fine. There were other groups of tourists around us for most of the day.

I'm a vegetarian who's a bit fussy and can't eat spicy food so didn't think I'd have much luck with the local cuisine in Nassau but I do spy a Hard Rock and I've got a pin from the other Hard Rocks I've been to so that would be cool to do. - also any advice or details on, on board ship food would be great, would Palo be worth a consideration? I'm wonder if that would be better to leave unless I make it to the 4 nights.

I am also vegetarian and cannot tolerate spicy foods (medically). I did just fine on DCL although I will say its my least favorite foods between the lines Ive been on. Id rate it MSC > Carnival > DCL in case youve been on other lines to give you a sense of my tastebuds.

My plan (whichever line) is usually to start off with a large egg based breakfast, that's where I get most of my protein for the day, then have something like a small serving of mac and cheese or a slice of pizza and a large salad for lunch, then another large salad (I would ask for a big-like 3X Caesar- salad with no dressing) plus another small warm side (pasta, mozzeralla sticks, blackbean patty, baked potato) for dinner. There are of course ice creams, desserts, fruits and other snacks as wanted throughout the day but as someone who likely has a similar palate I can say you wont starve!

DCL also has a Caprese sandwich through room service which is great. My cabin mate and I both ended up taking one of these off the ship for our Bermuda day so we wouldnt have to stop for a long lunch somewhere. And my typical big breakfast ensures that I can be OK getting back for a late lunch if needed (like I cant find something in port I feel is safe for me to eat). But I usually pick up something quickly after getting back on board either at the buffet or quick service if the buffet is closed. But I always do late dining so that certainly factors into how late of a "lunch" I can eat.

How does the breakfast and lunch work? I doubt I'll be on board for Nassau day lunch but I could get food later on Castaway Cay day

There is the buffet, sit down resturants and quick service counters. Ive never been but its my understanding there are buffets on CC. Meat focused but theres usually a side or two that we can eat at places like that. DCL was great about labeling vegetarian and Gluten Free, though obviously at the buffets there is a risk of cross contamination by the guests.

On the 3 night it says its Pirate night on Nassau day, is that also the night of the Halloween party? (on the 4 night itinerary on the DCL website Castaway Cay night is Pirate night and Nassau has nothing so I assume that would be Pirate night?)

Wow. Im surprised they are calling which night is when so early on the DCL site. For my HOTHS we had to guess when Halloween was and Pirate night was only known after the BBB was bookable.

I have a Pirate costume planned and I was thinking of doing a separate Halloween costume...if on the same night, is that going to be too much?

You could combine them and do some sort of a themed pirate. I did a dead pirate with face makeup and a dead bird on my shoulder. Not because the two nights were combined, that was just the kind of pirate I wanted to be! LOL

If you want to to both, it certainly wont be "too much" in that other guests will think youve gotten carried away. But depending on how elaborate your costumes it may be "too much" in down time that you are in your room getting ready. KWIM?

Am I going to struggle with meeting all the characters I want (if they are in two separate costumes), I won't be doing trick or treat etc.

My cruise didnt have Halloween and Pirate night on the same day so I cant really say how that's handeled but, yes, I'd think you would be devoting a good bit of that day to waiting in lines if you are tying to do all the characters in both costumes. I'd maybe look for pictures of what their costumes look like and try to decide which I liked better for that character. Although I admit, Id do both lines for the Big Cheese himself.

I've seen that the characters are out until 11am then a party at 12pm. I wanted to try and catch them in the beach outfits (would that be Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy and Pluto? Are Chip and Dale the ones that do the dance/party thing after?) so I assume I'm best not to change but maybe stick a t-shirt etc over the top of my "running" out fit. - Can you take a bag with you when you "run"? (I say "run", it will likely be a brisk walk with a bit of jogging).

My Navigator had things quite a bit different than similar cruises in the past. Mine was the first of this exact cruise (definitely for the season and I thing ever) . Hopefully yours isnt the first for the season and someone will post Navs so you can see exactly what you are most likely to have and make the most of your 3 days! But, if that doesnt happen, try to get a sense of what you might expect but know it could be completely different!

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

DCL also has a Caprese sandwich through room service which is great. My cabin mate and I both ended up taking one of these off the ship for our Bermuda day so we wouldnt have to stop for a long lunch somewhere.

Just a head's up on this. You typically are not allowed to take food off the ship in ports.

 

[Bex258]

I havent done this exact walking tour but I wanted to let you know I felt safe walking around Nassau since some people talk about its like its not safe. I did have someone with me so that aided in how safe I felt however if you are used to traveling by yourself, you would probably feel fine. There were other groups of tourists around us for most of the day.



I am also vegetarian and cannot tolerate spicy foods (medically). I did just fine on DCL although I will say its my least favorite foods between the lines Ive been on. Id rate it MSC > Carnival > DCL in case youve been on other lines to give you a sense of my tastebuds.

My plan (whichever line) is usually to start off with a large egg based breakfast, that's where I get most of my protein for the day, then have something like a small serving of mac and cheese or a slice of pizza and a large salad for lunch, then another large salad (I would ask for a big-like 3X Caesar- salad with no dressing) plus another small warm side (pasta, mozzeralla sticks, blackbean patty, baked potato) for dinner. There are of course ice creams, desserts, fruits and other snacks as wanted throughout the day but as someone who likely has a similar palate I can say you wont starve!

DCL also has a Caprese sandwich through room service which is great. My cabin mate and I both ended up taking one of these off the ship for our Bermuda day so we wouldnt have to stop for a long lunch somewhere. And my typical big breakfast ensures that I can be OK getting back for a late lunch if needed (like I cant find something in port I feel is safe for me to eat). But I usually pick up something quickly after getting back on board either at the buffet or quick service if the buffet is closed. But I always do late dining so that certainly factors into how late of a "lunch" I can eat.



There is the buffet, sit down resturants and quick service counters. Ive never been but its my understanding there are buffets on CC. Meat focused but theres usually a side or two that we can eat at places like that. DCL was great about labeling vegetarian and Gluten Free, though obviously at the buffets there is a risk of cross contamination by the guests.



Wow. Im surprised they are calling which night is when so early on the DCL site. For my HOTHS we had to guess when Halloween was and Pirate night was only known after the BBB was bookable.



You could combine them and do some sort of a themed pirate. I did a dead pirate with face makeup and a dead bird on my shoulder. Not because the two nights were combined, that was just the kind of pirate I wanted to be! LOL

If you want to to both, it certainly wont be "too much" in that other guests will think youve gotten carried away. But depending on how elaborate your costumes it may be "too much" in down time that you are in your room getting ready. KWIM?



My cruise didnt have Halloween and Pirate night on the same day so I cant really say how that's handeled but, yes, I'd think you would be devoting a good bit of that day to waiting in lines if you are tying to do all the characters in both costumes. I'd maybe look for pictures of what their costumes look like and try to decide which I liked better for that character. Although I admit, Id do both lines for the Big Cheese himself.


My Navigator had things quite a bit different than similar cruises in the past. Mine was the first of this exact cruise (definitely for the season and I thing ever) . Hopefully yours isnt the first for the season and someone will post Navs so you can see exactly what you are most likely to have and make the most of your 3 days! But, if that doesnt happen, try to get a sense of what you might expect but know it could be completely different!

I hope you have a great trip!

Ah that's good to know, I don't think I would wonder too far I think I might consider the tour and then do a little walk around near the ship. I haven't been on any cruise before so I have nothing to compare it to but I'm glad to know I won't go hungry. I've spent my last two Disney trips in Disneyland Paris and the veggie food options are poor and it's trying to remind myself I found plenty to eat at the US parks.

I saw it on the itinerary for the 2020 cruises so I thought it might be the way they set them up. I have the basics of my pirate costumes, I might look at turning it into a witch with a change of accessories. I do have my Judy Hopps from MNSSHP a few years back so that was my other option, that's not too complicated to swap to.

They have costumes unlike the ones in the park so I think I shall have to do my best to get pictures with them all. On the upside the Castaway Cay outfits, Minnie's is the same as in the Beach Bash breakfast at Cape May Cafe so that's one less to try an catch, sadly Daisy and Goofy are slightly different (I can't help but want to meet the characters in as many costumes as I can )

I don't think mine is the first one but I can look out for it, knowing what the navigator plans are ahead of time would be great.

Thank you and thank you for the information.