first time cruiser tips

[brookew]

I am trying to plan our first cruise with kids age 6 and 4. We will be flying from ATL to MCO, and we are only doing a 3 night cruise.
Any tips for planning?

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

Do you have sons or daughters, or one of each? If you have girls, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique would be something fun and amazing to do with them. Have you done any planning at all yet? Do you plan to stay on the ship in Nassau, or get off an explore? 3-nights is a short one so maximizing your time will be important.

 

[brookew]

My daughter is 6. We did bippity bopp bout at disney...so I may not splurge this time. I am confused on the rooms. Verandeh v. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Guaranteed Stateroom???

 

[CamColt]

Welcome to the Dis and the world of cruising! My suggestion to start would be to just read these boards. I am sure you will find tons of helpful information, and some posts may spark more specific questions for you too. Feel free to ask away!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My daughter is 6. We did bippity bopp bout at disney...so I may not splurge this time. I am confused on the rooms. Verandeh v. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Guaranteed Stateroom???

There are 3 types of rooms, basically: Interior, Oceaniew, and Verandah.

Interior room is located on the interior of the ship, no outside window (porthole).
Oceanview room is located on the exterior of the ship. The inside space is very similar in layout and size to an interior room, but there is a porthole to see out.
Verandah room is on the exterior of the ship with a similar layout to an oceanview, but generally larger. And has a door to an outside verandah instead of a porthole.

Within each type of room are different categories. For example and Oceanview room could be either a category 8 or 9. The lower the number the "better" the category, but they are both pretty much the same room. Cat 8s are typically on a higher deck than a cat 9.

Within each category there are letter designations: A, B, C, D. Generally A is midship, B more aft or forward of that, C more aft/forward than those, and D on a lower deck. But the room itself will be the same if it's a 9A or 9C, just the location changes the title of it.

Once bookings within a specific category of rooms has reached a certain percentage, DCL puts the category in "GTY" (guarantee) status. That means you can still select that category, but you cannot select a specific room.

 

[gismo1554]

Also if you want to see the type of activities http://www.disneycruiselineblog.com has previous cruise navigators so you can see what is likely to be on when onboard.