First time cruise...

[DisneyDella]

and I am scared to death!

DH says I can not plan another Disney related family vacation unless I book the 7 day cruise first!

You would think I would be happy with that - if it weren't for the fact that:

#1 - I can't swim a stroke to save my life and I am petrified of being out on the Atlantic ocean with no land for miles!

and...

#2 - I am known as THEE perfect vacation planner in both of our families combined (especially if it's Disney related) and I haven't the first clue on what there is to do or see on a 7 day Disney Cruise!

I did get the Disney Cruise Line trip planning DVD, but the only area I found it helpful in was which category room we want.
There really wasn't too much on what all is included with the cruise price, the best area of the ship for landlovers like me (the less rocking the better), what costs extra to do, what all there is to do in each port, what we should definitely remember to pack, what NOT to take (or buy in the different ports to bring home) when is the best time to book a cruise, etc...

I have read some of the trip reports on here but would really like to find something where there is a list of tips and hints for us first timers.
Does anyone know of any sites or links like that?

Thank You In Advance!

 

[outahere]

First........... welcome to the DIS!! Great place to get a lot of good info.

As for hints and tips, you could start by reading through this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=468132

Also, Dave's site at www.dcltribute.com has a lot of good info.

Hope that helps..............

 

[ChrizJen]

Well, first...WELCOME!!!

You came to the right place to find out everything there is to know about cruising with The Mouse!!! You have nothing to worry about.

Second...WOW! I will try and answer a few of your questions...(you can find answers to a lot of them by just hanging out here and reading others' posts.)

OK...so what's included? Disney Cruises are considered "all inclusive", meaning that your room is included (obviously), all meals are included except for gratuity. All the shows on board are free, including stage shows and movies. (room service is even included, except for gratuity.)
Basically the only thing you'll end up paying extra for are alcoholic and specialty drinks, spa services, shore excursions, souvenirs, and food and snacks bought in the gift shops.

You don't have to know how to swim...It helps if you want to do excursions like snorkeling and such, but you don't have to know how. Even in the extremely unlikely event that something were to happen to the ship, there are plenty life boats for everyone on board. No Titanic here!

Also, there are lots of different options for seasickness. Different meds and/or remedies. Just take a look around and do some searches on the stuff you need to know. And you'll get lots of tips from people here...

Hope that helps a little!
And again, welcome to our little corner of the cyber-world!
Christal

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

This is our third Disney Cruise!!
Plenty of adult area's to chill...Love the adult pool area and the adult restaurant Palo is wonderful. Don't miss a chance to eat there atleast once.

Disney's Island is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We went to Serenity bay for a couple hours and just relaxed on the beach and listened to Jimmy Buffet playing in the background while sipping on a Konk cooler. Doesn't get any better than that!!!

Our DD had a great time with us and at the clubs.

I did the Spa one day and had the AromaSpa Ocean wrap!! I tell ya I was weak when I walked out of there!

There is lots to do or do nothing....On deck 9 you can get Ice Cream anytime you wish!! DD loved that.

At the different Ports you don't have to swim...Pick something different. The Western has Key West which is an adorable town. Love the shopping and just walking around. I know on the Eastern you can take an excursion to St.John and do an Island tour. My Co-Worker said that was wonderful!
There is so much to see and do. I know you would enjoy yourself.

Happy planning!! Go for it!

 

[Stinasmom]

These DIS boards are very, very informative (and addicting...watch out!)
One thing that has helped me find information about something specific is the "search this forum" option. I didn't really notice it or figure it out right away, but now, since most every question has been asked and answered at some point on these boards, you can just type in a key word or phrase and find related threads.

I've also heard the "Passporter" guide to DCL is super... I am anxiously awaiting the newest edition to be released soon...

I wouldn't worry about the swimming or safety thing of being on a ship in the ocean. There hasn't been a cruise ship disaster in many (15+?) years and that was in the Mediterranean...even though the ship sank...ALL the passengers and crew were rescued. You know the old addage that it's more dangerous to drive to the airport than to actually fly...

I just wish my DH had half as much interest in our cruise as it sounds like yours does!

 

[jazstar87]

I've also heard the "Passporter" guide to DCL is super... I am anxiously awaiting the newest edition to be released soon...

BUY THIS! this book was very helpful on our first cruise about different things and Answer most of the questions(the stupid ones that you feel to embarrased to ask on here).

I think everyone else answered the questions you asked before.If there's anything else just post it on here. Someone would gladly help you.

 

[TheWog]

You are never more than 2-3 miles from land while on any cruise. Sorry ... had to.

But seriously, you will do fine. There is plenty for you to do in each port and on the ship and not have to even go in the ocean. As others have said, browse around here and when you have specific questions, ask away. There is more than enough experienced people here happy to share their experiences with you to make it as painless as possible. Beware, once you go, you will want to go again. So have fun and welcome!!!

 

[Stinasmom]

Oh, just remembered another favorite source of information...Free even!
"The Magical Disney Cruise Guide" at
http://www.allearsnet.com/cruise/cruise.shtml
Just click on the .PDF download (I think you need acrobat reader, I'm not an expert...) and you will have a virtual book right on your screen!

 

[jrabbit]

Here are some threads to look at
Sea Sickness
How much can I spend onboard?
Passports and More info on Passports
Tips and Tipping (gratuities) and How does tipping work
Dinning Questions

Well, that should get you started!!

 

[la37]

The Passporter book that has been referred to on here is an excellent source of information. I have learned so much from reading it. A new 3rd edition is due to be released in late March or early April, I think. The actual title is PassPorters Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line and Its Ports of Call. The web address is www.passporter.com or it can be found at www.amazon.com. I think it can also be purchased from local bookstores such as Borders or Waldenbooks. Also, I can't say enough great things about these boards. It doesn't matter what your question is, someone will have an answer.

 

[mickeyfan1]

The DCL website has a ton of information, including all ports of call, and what excursions are available. You can get all kids of ideas there, as well as dcltribute and other places.

Now, here is some advise from an experienced cruiser, done 12, 13 is coming up in August. Don't try to cram everytthing in on your cruise. THere are activites every day that are listed in the daily Navigator. Copies of older Navigators are on DCL Tribute site. At every port, there are excursions you can purchase. Some are sightseeing, some are swimming with dolphins, some are fishing, pretty much everything you can imagine. But take time to explore the ship. Go to the shows, there is one almost every night, included in the cost. If you can't afford a verandah room, don't sweat it, the inside cabins are fine. MAny people see cruising as a "one time" thing and try to do it all. To me, that is like trying to do all of WDW in 7 nights. You just can't with out becoming exhausted.

These boards are a wealth of knowledge. The Passporter Cruise Edition 2005 will be out in a month or so and it will have all kinds of information in it from people who have been on the ships and done the activities.

Anything you need to know that you can't find in FAQ thread, just ask. THere are a zillion experts here!