First Time Cruiser - Fantasy Eastern Caribbean

[DisneyLover83]

We recently booked our first cruise. It's not until next May so we have plenty of time to get prepared. I will be traveling with my 9 year old daughter - she is the reason we are branching away from the parks. She starting watching some vlogs of Disney Cruises and begged hard. I feel so lost when it comes to knowing what to expect and how to prepare. I have park trip prep and expectations down pat but this is overwhelming.

Please link or suggest any helpful youtube videos or blogs. I've seen several trip report vlogs but not many for the prep or what we need to know before we get on the ship.

 

[randumb0]

Are you a planner or are you more laid back?

 

[ScooterScott44]

Congrats on doing your first cruise, and that is a great itinerary also. We have done the Eastern 2x on DCL and 3x on Royal. Most have all hit St. Thomas and St. Maartin but we have had some variety with the third port. It gives a good feel for cruising and has some of the better stops, especially from a beginner perspective.

First, the boards will be helpful and harmful to planning so be careful with advice from posts. Since you are experienced with the parks there is a little analogy, not everyone has the same "perfect day", some like to rope drop and be there all day doing as much as possible, some like to be more casual and enjoy things like the food festival or art festival, some like to do a bit, take a midday break and then head back and others like the nighttime activities -fireworks, bars etc. You will need to have at least some understanding of what you want to do. Do you want a more relaxing day or do you want your day filled with activities?

It sounds like you know your "style" for the parks. The question would be do you want it to be a similar style or are you up for a different experience. Use some of your park planning experience to your benefit. Try to come back with more specific questions here and you will likely be more successful with advice since you have already done some general research.

Happy planning!

 

[Princesca]

There are great vlogs from the Fantasy. PC Dev and Tim Tracker have done some great ones, as have the DCLFan page.

 

[CamColt]

To me, the beauty of cruising is there really is minimal planning. It's so much more laid back. You can do as much or as little as you like on a cruise.

It sounds like you are booked already but if you booked directly with Disney less than 30 days ago you can transfer to a Disney specialist TA, such as Dreams Unlimited. They are the experts and will give you all the guidance you want, plus an on board credit (free money!).

As you are already on these Boards, this will be a big help. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Also, DCL Fan, sponsored by Dreams Unlimited has some great podcasts that you can catch up on and learn some of the ins and outs, get reviews of some experiences, etc... I watch them on You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/@DCLFan

 

[auntlynne]

Are you a planner or are you more laid back?

…and is that out if necessity, like the parks have somewhat forced people into being planners?

There are definitely things you need to do beforehand. But the down-to-the minute planning to maximize a park ticket is basically a non-option on a cruise - because you can’t see a daily planner until you are onboard.

After the big decision of if, when, where to cruise and cabin choice, is whether or not you need (or want) a passport. Daughter’s passport (under 16 yo) will be good for 5 years from date of issue. If you opt for one, don’t put it off; do some research to discover how long they are taking to be processed. No reason to be worrying about it and scrambling just before your vacation.

 

[JM_97]

It all depends on what kind of vacation you want.

Do you want to "go, go, go" the whole time or do you want more relaxation? Similar to Disney World, both have their pros and cons.

 

[auntlynne]

Next steps - Pre-cruise travel: Hotel and Transportation to Port

(Probably the “easiest“ way to do this is to fly in one day before - to MCO, stay at the airport Hyatt, and take the Disney transport to the port).

(I am throwing in tips I have culled over the years. And trying to take into account that you have been to WDW).

Arriving in your port area one day before the cruise is advised by most. Some say two nights (these are based on flying in, principally; car problems can also happen).

Hotel: If not visiting / staying at the Disney Resorts, start looking at hotels for pre-cruise. Hotels typically open reservations about 9 months in advance. Book one that allows for changes, not a non-refundable rate. Rarely have I see rates go down - and have seen them go up dramatically - or sell out. If the website lists “Sold Out” for dates far ahead of time, they often are just not open to booking yet. (Disney has a plan for when bookings begin; I can’t remember when it is.)

I stick with what I know and earn loyalty points. So I go to Hilton or Marriott, usually lower-tier properties; Hampton Inn, Tru, FairfieId. I look for hotels with free shuttles to/from the Orlando airport. I have enjoyed the Hampton Inn Gateway (the newer of 2 Hampton Inns near MCO).

For convenience, many recommend the Hyatt that is inside the Orlando airport. This one I would highly recommend booking far ahead of time for the best rate. You can join the Hyatt loyalty program to save money (the Member’s Rate, which can be the same as AAA rate, it is sometimes actually lower). No fee to join.

Besides location, the Hyatt has a good reputation (good reviews from TripAdvisor as well as on cruise forums) and the opportunity in the past (future?) of luggage collection and bus to Port Canaveral (DCL program). Someone will share details here if you ask / are interested. It definitely takes off some of the stress from a vacation.

Transport MCO to Port Canaveral is about 45-60 minutes drive. Can be done with Disney transfers (for 2 people total about $150-160 RT).

I have done private large SUV rental, DCL bus, rental car; just depends on the year and what meets our needs.

…
There is the option of staying in Port Canaveral. There are several hotels within a few miles of the port. Most will have someone who recommends them. I know of none with shuttles to MCO. Many have shuttles from hotel to the port. A stay at these will require a car rental or ride share. None are at the beach. This is not a walkable area to get to any tourist services. Good for those with a car who want to be near the port in the morning. Cocoa Beach, a little farther south, would offer more of a vacation destination and related services.

I have stayed at the Country Inn & Suites years ago, with a one-way car rental from MCO. With the high volume of one-way rentals between MCO and Port Canaveral, you often are able to avoid one-way drop-off fees. With 2 people, sometimes it is cheaper than DCL transfers. Car rental agencies will typically shuttle you from their office to the ship. Locations for these are also with a few miles of the port. I have used both Hertz and Avis. You can mix and match transportation options for to- and from- the ship.

 

[JM_97]

Next steps - Pre-cruise travel: Hotel and Transportation to Port

(Probably the “easiest“ way to do this is to fly in one day before - to MCO, stay at the airport Hyatt, and take the Disney transport to the port).

(I am throwing in tips I have culled over the years. And trying to take into account that you have been to WDW).

Arriving in your port area one day before the cruise is advised by most. Some say two nights (these are based on flying in, principally; car problems can also happen).

Hotel: If not visiting / staying at the Disney Resorts, start looking at hotels for pre-cruise. Hotels typically open reservations about 9 months in advance. Book one that allows for changes, not a non-refundable rate. Rarely have I see rates go down - and have seen them go up dramatically - or sell out. If the website lists “Sold Out” for dates far ahead of time, they often are just not open to booking yet. (Disney has a plan for when bookings begin; I can’t remember when it is.)

I stick with what I know and earn loyalty points. So I go to Hilton or Marriott, usually lower-tier properties; Hampton Inn, Tru, FairfieId. I look for hotels with free shuttles to/from the Orlando airport. I have enjoyed the Hampton Inn Gateway (the newer of 2 Hampton Inns near MCO).

For convenience, many recommend the Hyatt that is inside the Orlando airport. This one I would highly recommend booking far ahead of time for the best rate. You can join the Hyatt loyalty program to save money (the Member’s Rate, which can be the same as AAA rate, it is sometimes actually lower). No fee to join.

Besides location, the Hyatt has a good reputation (good reviews from TripAdvisor as well as on cruise forums) and the opportunity in the past (future?) of luggage collection and bus to Port Canaveral (DCL program). Someone will share details here if you ask / are interested. It definitely takes off some of the stress from a vacation.

Transport MCO to Port Canaveral is about 45-60 minutes drive. Can be done with Disney transfers (for 2 people total about $150-160 RT).

I have done private large SUV rental, DCL bus, rental car; just depends on the year and what meets our needs.

…
There is the option of staying in Port Canaveral. There are several hotels within a few miles of the port. Most will have someone who recommends them. I know of none with shuttles to MCO. Many have shuttles from hotel to the port. A stay at these will require a car rental or ride share. None are at the beach. This is not a walkable area to get to any tourist services. Good for those with a car who want to be near the port in the morning. Cocoa Beach, a little farther south, would offer more of a vacation destination and related services.

I have stayed at the Country Inn & Suites years ago, with a one-way car rental from MCO. With the high volume of one-way rentals between MCO and Port Canaveral, you often are able to avoid one-way drop-off fees. With 2 people, sometimes it is cheaper than DCL transfers. Car rental agencies will typically shuttle you from their office to the ship. Locations for these are also with a few miles of the port. I have used both Hertz and Avis. You can mix and match transportation options for to- and from- the ship.

I've never flown into MCO for a cruise but have driven to Port Canaveral/Coco Beach. Lots of options there. It is nice to be right by the port on embarkation day and not having to worry about driving from Orlando. If you go this route, you will definitely need a rental car but it wouldn't be too much of a hassle. Rental car agencies deal with cruisers all the time.

I will say that the one place I do NOT recommend in PC is the Raddison. It's old, overpriced, and loud. I was not impressed at all, especially with the price we paid. They had a shuttle, but little did we know it would have been quicker (and probably cheaper) to Uber to the port.

Otherwise, you have your typical no-frills hotel chains: Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, etc.

 

[auntlynne]

It is hard to find trip-prep vlogs (or at least YT doesn’t recommend them to me). Sinice I signed in to YT, I find they will suggest lots that focus on any aspect I start checking out. There are so many. still, not a lot of prep / planning info. That might be the search words to enter.

I’m hoping you can get some input from your post/ question. I have found vlogs to be helpful for port excursion / destination info. It really helps if you find a YT channel that travels in a way similar to how you do.

First-time cruisers reports might be helpful - along with previously asked planning questions - found in this forum.

I recommend using the Search function within this forum for various aspects of Disney cruising.

And ask specific questions (which can be a challenge if it’s something you don’t know what you need to ask!

I’ll throw out some info until you stay stop - or someone else gets you the advice you need.

Here’s a YT channel I watch. In this one, the wife takes her daughter, granddaughter, and a friend on the kids’ first cruise - the Dream, from Miami. It might give you some ideas.

 

[auntlynne]

Dining

There is food and drink available, at no additional charge, 24/7, from Embarkation lunch through final breakfast. Including lunch on Castaway Cay. Non-alcoholic drinks are served with meals.


Disney is happy to offer Rotational Dining for dinner, in an effort that no one misses out on any experience.

3 dining rooms

2 seatings - 5:45 and 8:15


You are assigned a schedule of which dining room you visit each night. You will visit each twice - and visit one a 3rd time for Pirate night (everyone has that menu that night).

The 3 restaurants each have their own menu. Every guest will have the opportunity to order from each available menu used on the cruise.

Your serving team (and all the guests in your rotation schedule) will be together throughout the cruise.


You find out your rotation schedule when onboard (it’s in the DCL app. This type of info only shows up at cruise time, not in the months before).

If you like to see menus ahead of time, check out Disneycruiselineblog website. (It has lots of useful info. You can look up Personal Navigators, the daily schedule, from previous cruises. The ones from pre-Covid are from the paper format. The daily schedules have not changed significantly over the 16 years since I started cruising. Same with the menus. You can get a pretty good idea of what happens on a cruise).

All Included in addition to dinner:

Breakfast and lunch have fixed hours and are offered in Cabanas (the buffet) and one of the MDRs (Main Dining Rooms).

Quick service food is offered early lunch - early dinner (about 10:45-6).

Pizza during the day and then late night (for about 2 hours).

Self-serve soft serve ice cream, Fountain sodas, hot tea, and (reportedly poor) coffee at the drink station on the pool deck.
Room service 24/7 (including ice cream Mickey bars),
bar snacks (hot dogs, nachos, hot wings… in lounges evening and late night). Most ships (we had on the Magic April 2022 & May 2023)



Extra fee for:
sodas delivered by room service, popcorn at main stage (WD Theater) - and candy - and movie theater (movies are first-run and free throughout the day). Specialty ice cream/ sweets shop (I have never used, as there is enough free stuff).

Adult-only dining. Ask for further info. No kids allowed. Two options - Italian $45 & up and French ~$125.

Bars/lounges - lots of venues. No unlimited option like other cruise lines. Ask for further info.
Specialty coffee in Cove Cafe.

…
You can bring some wine and beer onboard. Also sodas that may not be offered (or you just prefer). Bottled water. Food in factory-sealed package.


You can take drinks from one area to another.


Food allergies / intolerances - they work with you. Ask for further info.


Dining preferences - if you do not like your seating time, there is a possibility to change it (especially this far from sailing. They default most reservations to late seating - but often put families with children at the 5:45 time). You can request to be at a table by yourselves. Not always guaranteed. When we have been seated with others, it has been with similar age demographics. This is been reported as otherwise by others. Some of these change requests can be done on the app pre-cruise. Issues onboard should be reported to the dining room staff if encountered. They will try to fix problems.

 

[auntlynne]

Pirate Night is typically on Tortola day, if your itinerary stops there before St Thomas.

There is a show on the pool deck with music and fireworks, total about 30 minutes. Lots of guests do some level of dress up, from a bandana (usually provided by DCL) to very impressive Pirate outfits - hats and boots included. It’s your choice; very much like at the parks.



Cruise casual is the attire. I saw tuxedos and evening gowns worn on Formal Night, along with people in shorts and t-shirts. Requirements have loosened over the years.

It will be hot in May - think Orlando temps.


There are laundry rooms. $3 wash, dry or detergent. (I bring my preferred detergent pods from home). Wash is <30 minutes, dry <40. Payment goes on your room account; no need for quarters.

 

[auntlynne]

DCL provides beach and pool towels. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.

 

[auntlynne]

Port Excursions (Shore Excursions)

(Details of each should be available on the DCL website)

We are going on the same itinerary this year. Here is what is offered for our cruise.

This info is from 111 days before the cruise (we could book at 120 days, as we have Platinum status in the Castaway Club, the DCL loyalty program.

Activities on the final page of each ports listing show as Sold Out.

As a first-time cruiser, you will be able to begin booking these activities around 75 days pre-cruise. You will find many Sold Out by then. Some will become available again as the cruise date approaches - and people finalize their plans. Excursions are not paid for until onboard!

If there is an activity you wish to do, it is possible an independent company will offer it for a lower price. Or you can do it in your own. St Thomas is full of beaches that you can get to by taxi - and get back to the ship without risk missing your return to the ship.

Tortola

 

[auntlynne]

St Thomas

 

[auntlynne]

Castaway Cay


There are more of these Cabanas on the island, but they are all Sold Out. They have become more popular each year and have a limited number. First dibs is for Concierge room guests.

Bicycle and float rentals are typically available on the island; I suggest waiting, in case you get to island and change your interest. Biking is on a paved path - much of it an old runway.

Castaway Cay is a pretty simple island. Walk off the ship, grab towels, get on a team or continue walking to the Family Beach (Serenity Bay, reachable by tram/walk on the runway, is for adults only).

 

[auntlynne]

Only one water feature on Castaway Cay, Pelican Point. Swim out to it. No cameras allowed for those on it.



Lunch is served for about 2 hours midday. And also onboard dining available.

Onboard, pools and slide/ride are open. Onboard activities are limited.

Shops and bathrooms are available.

There is a snorkel trail at the Family Beach. Bring your own snorkel set or rent one. Snorkel vest is required and provided.

Life guards present over the water (also at the ship’s pools).

There is a net to keep out big fish and a rock wall breakwater to prevent floating out to sea.

 

[auntlynne]

Here were some “Onboard Activities” offered In my pre-cruise sign up:

 

[auntlynne]

This is the clue to which night is Pirate Night. The other offerings at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (BBB) aren’t Pirate.

Also, don’t book BBB early in Castaway day if your daughter wants to playin the ocean.

 

[auntlynne]

I know essentially nothing about the kids’ clubs other than they are free and they have long hours. Some kids love them. Others will not go. Reasons vary. Even from cruise to cruise with any given child.

I made Flubber in them in an adults’ night on a Transatlantic cruise. And saw the one on the Fantasy during Open House. Nice venues.

Again, Ask for further info. (Or search).