First Time Cruiser - Just back

[DipsyDoodles]

I don't know if this will be the standard for the Dream because it holds more people. You did travel on a the busiest Holiday weekend in the winter. If you had been at Disney world it would have been over the top crowded too, especially with kids.

I would say try to cruise on DCL in an off season (not summer or holidays) to see if you feel differently. We sailed both times in October and the ships were completely sold out, but not crazy. And certainly consider trying the Magic or Wonder. They hold 1500 people less!! The pools are actually a bit bigger. They definitely planned this wrong with the Dream. Hope they change some things for the Fantasy. Also, going on a 7 day lets you feel more relaxed than the four night Dream. This may have contributed to your feelings.

We actually spent four nights at the Beach Club after the cruise and I was pleasantly surprised at how un-crowded it felt for such a busy week. We've been to Disney a dozen times during all seasons and was expecting the worst for crowds. I've heard some others comment that the crowds seemed lower than usual for this particular week. We did visit the parks in the morning though and used Touring Plans suggestions for best parks to visit on particular days. We also had absolutely no problem finding chairs to sit at at the pool as well.

 

[DipsyDoodles]

I remember our first cruise -- a 3-day on the Wonder after 4 days at WDW. I returned home worn out by the crowds and exhausted by trying to do it all! After I had a chance to reflect on it though, I was willing to give it another try. And as you can see by my signature, I'm a dedicated cruiser now!

All ships' pools are small.
There are chair hogs on every ship on every line.
And, yes, people (individuals and large parties of all ages) who treat the hot tubs as their personal Crock Pots.
These are not unique to Disney.

Cruised on the Dream's 5th voyage last month...

I was just a little disappointed that the Disney Parks' expertise in crowd control didn't seem to translate easily to the Dream. There are definitely growing pains. We were told by a cast member that 70% of the crew are new hires. While I don't think they've achieved quite the high level of customer service that has spoiled us in the past, everyone was working hard and trying hard.

Even the Disney frequent cruisers take a while to get acclimated to the changes on board (e.g., the stations at Cabanas), then after just a few days it's time to leave and a new group is on board! There's definitely a different atmosphere on a 7 day cruise.

My first cruise on a 130,000 ton ship (the Carnival Destiny) was a shock. I've been happy on the Magic, and other ships that were even smaller.

Before you write off Disney, please take a look at the Magic and Wonder. While they don't have as many of the high tech bells and whistles as the Dream, they are splendid ships in their own right.

Disney is Disney. The other cruise lines are just big, floating hotels!

Thank you for your reply. After reading this, I think I may consider trying the Wonder or Magic because I really do want to enjoy cruising. I hadn't really thought about the fact that the cast members are new. It sounds like there are some kinks to work out on the Dream and I understand that now.

 

[pluto2417]

I was on the Feb 20th cruise too. The only line I waited in was for the Aquaduck. It was a 20 min wait, but it seemed like it was only about 10.
I went to the theater to see Gnome and Juliet and walked right in. There were some seats available, but I did see some people standing at the stairs. They didn't really need to though. There empty seats next to me and in front of me. The only time it felt crowed was at Shutters on sea day and for the fireworks.


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[DipsyDoodles]

These reports scare me. We were on the wonder last year, and it was sold out, nothing to upgrade at port just plain old sold out. We never felt it. It was never bad anywhere except pools on the sea day. Kids enjoyed the pools, even though they were crowded they could get into them or a hot tub. We were able to sit in the adult pool for at least 1/2 the day before it became too bad.
But there were never any lines for breakfast, dinner or anything.
We have the dream booked for May, also fully sold out not a cabin to be had. Sounds like the cruise you just came off of. I can't imagine spending 5 days waiting in lines.
We are booked for next year 2012 and we may cancel it if we find the dream too crowded.
Plus I have heard standing room only in the movie theater etc. We walked right into a movie last year with lots of seats to be had.

We only saw one movie while on board and it was Gnomeo and Juliet. We went on the "day at sea". We got there early, while Bingo was still going on, and grabbed our seats. It did fill up completely by the time the movie started but I assume alot of people went to the movies on that day because we were at sea for the entire day.

 

[Spectrum]

I was on the cruise of 2/20 and it was my first Disney cruise. It was crowded in places but it was not too bad. I also stayed at the Beach club post cruise and I found the parks very crowded. I loved the Dream, even with the crowds and I rebooked but not during a school break, lol

 

[TexasDreamer]

We were on the 2/24-2/27 sailing. The crowds at the pools at peak times were a little overwhelming. And Breakfast a Cabanas was a little crowded too. But we still were able to find deck chairs to watch Nemo on the big screen and tables were always available at Cabanas.

I thought there was a big difference in deck 11 and all other decks. On deck 11 where the pools and Cabanas are and the other parts of the ship. Deck 11 would be full but go to almost any other part of the ship and things were quiet and sane. We saw a matinee showing of Gnomeo & Juliet and the theatre was only about 1/2 full. DH and I had the Cove Cafe to ourselves for awhile one evening and looking out over the Quiet Cove it was empty. The Rainforest only had about 5 or 6 other people there when I visited. The elevators were crazy but we just took the stairs. Spent part of a morning relaxing on deck 4 and it too was practically empty. We didn't find CC too crowded either. We took the tram to Pelican Point and settled down there. Did go over to Serenity Bay some--now that is a place for relaxing.

I think if what you are looking for in a vacation in sitting and relaxing all day by family pools, you will be disappointed. And maybe you should find another ship or vacation plans but if you are willing to enjoy ALL the ship has to offer, you can find lots of R&R. And have a great family vacation.

 

[sues14]

I have been on two cruises and they were both great but Disney was the best. In Feb 2010 we went on the Magic (first time cruisers) it felt like a blur everything flew by it was 7 days and if you ask me still not enough to get settled in, everyday there was something to do, the pools I also was shocked to see how small the were, and yes there were alot of entitled people who didnt budge from the hot tub. [There is nothing more ignorant than when the hot tubs are all full and you see the same lady in there day after day, and when she gets too hot she gets up and sits on the side, then back in she goes when she has cooled off, Please be thoughtfull and dont camp out in the hot tub] NCL Epic was great but pools were still small though there were areas that you could walk through to get you wet they had free style dining but we missed knowing our wait staff, they had more pay extra events (not needed on DCL) and the blue man group was their main show but it was only one night. the impression show left me with not much of and impression, we paid for Circ Dreams and it was okay the other night life stuff was good the dueling paios and 2d city but still it was all just okay, just not that Disney difference. On the Magic it was sooooo much to do all day and had so much fun we rebooked for Fantasy for 2012 dont give up!!!!!

 

[algae]

Was on the 20Feb sailing of the Dream. It felt a bit more crowded than the Wonder, but not too bad compared to other cruises we've been on (Princess, HA). It does get really crowded around the elevators and food after major events finish like movies or shows.

After watching the matinee of Gnomeo and Juliet on the at sea day, we headed to the burger/sandwich/pizza place for lunch. I think everyone else had the same idea and it was elbow to elbow lines, well, a mob really. We got a table right near the lines (mistake--too noisy) and saw the crowds virtually disappear in about 15 minutes.

Cove cafe and pool area were very lightly populated everytime we went there (for the desserts. shhh!!! it's a secret!)

 

[Spectrum]

I got my dessert and coffee fix at the bar on deck 4, by the rebooking desk. I can not remember the name of it. Senior moment

 

[MommaMouse411]

I just knew this was going to be an issue with a brand new ship...that's why I am waiting till next year to go on the Dream...and this year experiencing the Magic. I had originally booked Fantasy for next year and changed my mind because I didn't want to be one of the first ones on the ship and have to deal with all the problems with two little ones...so for the fantasy, I'll have to wait till 2013 to enjoy that ship.

Even though I have a feeling the Dream will be booked solid next april still but I'm hoping that the crew will have gotten it together by then

and I'm also hoping that more folks will try to go on the Fantasy instead of the Dream that month...cross fingers..

before DCL i cruised Carnival..and let me tell you...people hogged the chairs there too and don't care about common courtesy.

 

[Weedy]

You can go have a good time but just like the parks you have to time things.

The pools will be crowded in the afternoons after Nassau and Castaway Cay!! try and avoid these times. The At Sea Day on the 4 day is CRAZY!!

For the pools get to the ship by 12 noon the first day ( be sure to pack swimsuites in a carry on bag) grap a quick lunch and then hit the pools and aqua duck befor it gets really busy.

Nassau Day consider staying on the ship or booking you excursions for later in the day and enjoy the pool in the morning.

Castaway Cay Day again don't hurry off the ship and spend a little time in the morning by the pools and then hit the island a little later, you will be doing the opposite of what most people are doing. The all aboard is 5:00 by 3:00 most people have headed back to the ship.

If you are doing a four day cruise, do other things the At Sea Day. There are so many things to do. catch a movie, let the kids go to the club and enjoy a little quiet time, or there are family activities planned.

Arriving for dinner don't go down to your assigned restaurant until about 5 minutes after your assigned time and you will walk right in. People line up 15-20 minutes before they even open the doors, it takes about 5 minutes to seat everyone. Why wait?? Go sit on deck and enjoy a drink and then just walk right to your table.

Enjoy you will have a great time.

 

[JAM113]

This my concern too. We are doing our first cruise in April (17th - 22nd) and am wondering if I made a mistake in booking this. Since it is our first cruise, we weren't able to early book anything and so at this point we've been shut out of both Palo and spa - I know that we can try to get them at time of boarding - but it is concerning.

We just came back from our first cruise(s)... 2/20-24 and then 2/24-2/27. Less than a month before, a whole bunch of Palo times opened up on the website after having no availability... just keep checking. We booked the 6pm the first night of the second cruise and it was very empty. Our server said there were many, many open time slots because of it being a new ship. Most people want to see the main dining rooms, or not give one up, so they have a lot of availability. Good luck getting in. We didn't have a bad meal on the ship, but have to say that Palo topped them all!

 

[jbdisneymom13]

Wow! It never ceases to amaze me how perspectives differ. We were on the almost sold out 2/17 sailing on the Dream - our first cruise and with kids. We absolutely LOVED it! Yes, the pool area could be crowded but we always found chairs, got on Aquaduck easily, etc. Our experience at meals was wonderful too. Our servers were fantastic and we were cruising with two families who've cruised DCL many times on the other ships and they felt the same. We would have definitely rebooked while on board if we could have booked for dates mid 2013 or beyond - but will do so as soon as those dates are available. So, don't let the opinions of some scare you off or give you a preconceived idea. The experience is what you make it! I, for one, am hooked on cruising, loved the big ship and can't wait to go back.

 

[JAM113]

As to the standing room only in the movie theaters, we attempted the 12:30 show of Gnomeo and Juliet on the at sea day during the 2/20 cruise and walked in just as it started, only to realize it was at or close to capacity. In reality, stupid on our part. Lots of young kids on the ship, brand new movie, at sea day. We would never expect to walk in to a new movie at the theater at home, why would the ship be any different? Also showing during this week was I Am Number Four... again, a brand new movie. This time, we planned ahead and got there 20 minutes early. No problems.

 

[JAM113]

I was on the Feb 20th cruise too. The only line I waited in was for the Aquaduck. It was a 20 min wait, but it seemed like it was only about 10.
I went to the theater to see Gnome and Juliet and walked right in. There were some seats available, but I did see some people standing at the stairs. They didn't really need to though. There empty seats next to me and in front of me. The only time it felt crowed was at Shutters on sea day and for the fireworks.


How can get rid of my signature?

Go to UserCP (upper left on the blue bar) and go into edit signature. Then delete the info.

 

[blondietink]

Glad you had a good time, what ship were you on, I am thinking of giving Carnival another chance.

We were on the Carnival Triumph out of New Orleans. We have already booked onto the Carnival Legend for the end of November (smaller ship) fo a 7 night cruise for the 4 of us with 4 ports of call balcony stateroom $1880.00 total for the 4 of us. How great is that? As far as lines on the Triumph, the only lines were for the buffet, but we found a way around them. Carnival offers the main dining room for both breakfast and lunch during specific times and you can just walk in, order whatever they have and it is served really fast, no extra charge. We ended up doing breakfast this way every day and lunch a few times. If anybody was still hungry after, we just hit the buffet when the crowd was down. If we wanted more bacon in the dining room, we could just ask. Their motto was "whatever you want"! Plenty of loughe chars all over the ship, you just needed to look. The staff on board was absolutely the best! From the stateroom stewards to the dining room staff and even the chef at the buffet, it was great. Also had a comedy club in the evening .... late shows were R-rated and a burlesque show. Like I said, it was great. Maybe we just hit it good on our first cruise. Cruise director Tex was awesome and the nighlty shows were really good. I told my DH not to be disappointed if the next cruise isn't as good. I can't imagine anything being better.

 

[sue412]

Thanks to everyone who has sailed on the Dream for giving some great suggestions about avoiding the crowds. This will be our first cruise (we sail on 3/6) and we are all VERY excited (myself, DH, DSs 4 and 8). Mickey Mouse called our house last night and my boys were thrilled!

I am fully expecting it to be crowded but am also not going to let it "ruin" our vacation. I will follow all the advice on here!

As far as a Palo ressie, I, too, couldn't get anything. I checked back every week or so and sure enough about 3 weeks ago, got a 7 pm. reservation.

Thanks again for the good advice!

 

[edk35]

Okay threads like this make second, third, fourth guess my FIRST CRUISE on the Fantasy next summer. I would hate to spend all that money and have all sorts of things go wrong. I am going to try and book Beach Club on DVC points for AFTER the Cruise for a few nights... where we can get plenty of pool time in..so if the pools are packed on the cruise... that won't be so bad.

When I started figuring out which cruise to take, how many nights, which ship..... I thought a shorter cruise might be best to start out with.. Then people told me to go for the 7 so you get the extra sea days to ENJOY the ship...hmmmm wondering how enjoyable those sea days will be???

 

[papamouse1]

I remember our first cruise -- a 3-day on the Wonder after 4 days at WDW. I returned home worn out by the crowds and exhausted by trying to do it all! After I had a chance to reflect on it though, I was willing to give it another try. And as you can see by my signature, I'm a dedicated cruiser now!

All ships' pools are small.
There are chair hogs on every ship on every line.
And, yes, people (individuals and large parties of all ages) who treat the hot tubs as their personal Crock Pots.
These are not unique to Disney.
...............

This is dead on... for those wondering if they will enjoy your cruise, just look at these key items above and decide if they are the "priority" of your trip. If the pool is critical, hot tubs are a must-do, you may just want to book a stay at BCV. It is too bad the pools are small and the hot tubs are crock pots (I just love that analogy!), But if you want to have an absolute blast with so many activities your head will spin, your kids won't want to see you cuz they they're having too much fun, see broadway quality shows every night, and eat like a King (a very gluttonous one if you want), then relax, you are going to love a Disney cruise!

 

[papamouse1]

Okay threads like this make second, third, fourth guess my FIRST CRUISE on the Fantasy next summer. I would hate to spend all that money and have all sorts of things go wrong. I am going to try and book Beach Club on DVC points for AFTER the Cruise for a few nights... where we can get plenty of pool time in..so if the pools are packed on the cruise... that won't be so bad.

When I started figuring out which cruise to take, how many nights, which ship..... I thought a shorter cruise might be best to start out with.. Then people told me to go for the 7 so you get the extra sea days to ENJOY the ship...hmmmm wondering how enjoyable those sea days will be???

We have been on just one cruise, and thought the same way... shorter cruise just in case we lacked the "sea legs" to enjoy a cruise. I have to tell you. I can't WAIT to do a 7-day. I look back and I am utterly amazed at all the cool things we never even had a chance to try. I hear people talking about the different activities they did that we missed out on and I am so jealous! Trust me, those extra sea days will fly by!!

I think your thinking on BCV is brilliant! I will say the crowded tiny pools on our first cruise felt vey odd and I thought my kids would be disappointed (they are both like fishes), but honestly we went to pool for a couple hours one day and they never even asked to go back! They were so busy doing all the other incredible activities they really didn't miss it. And as for my wife and I, we did Palo on the evening of our 20th anniversary and it was maybe the single most amazing "date" we have ever had. I can't wait to try Remy in November!