First time cruisers questions

[kristieuk]

It's ages and ages until we cruise (Nov 2006), but I'm addicted to these boards and the masses of information here.

I just had a couple of questions that I haven't seen come up, although I apologise if they have been asked hundreds of times before.

1. When can we expect to receive our documentation etc from Disney? I have seen suggestions they arrive quite close to the sailing date. We live in the UK and are going to be in Florida for two weeks before we sail. Hopefully we will have recieved them in plenty of time?

2. On the day of sailing, what is the earliest time we can board? We are not sure whether to drive up from Anna Maria Island on the day we sail (I think this trip will be about 3+hours?), or whether it's worth coming up the day before. If that is a better option, should we stay at a Disney hotel, or closer to the port?

Bear with me because I'm sure I have a hundred more questions! But thanks to everyone here who provides a wealth of really useful information. Just reading all these posts makes me soooo excited!

 

[dizneyusa]

Documents USUALLY arrive 2-3 weeks prior to your sailing. Now DCL or the
agency you booked with can request the documents to be shipped DIRECTLY to you which might help (especially if you make sure DCL knows your departure date from the UK). If you are staying at one of their resorts DCL
will also deliver your documents there if you give them enough time. Another
option that you do have is for ANY REASON you do not have your documents on time (as long as they are cruise only) you can do what is called a pier pickup, just carry the correct paperwork with you to pick them up on the day
of sailing. DCL's # 1 800-511-1333 (not sure if it is Intl) or you can email
Guest Relations to find out your options directly from DCL........then there should be no problems.

I think it is less stressful to come in the day or night prior to the sailing,
then you know you are there and you can have a nice night sleep the night
before, wake up and have breakfast and go to the ship Right now there
are alot of people we know that stay at the Radisson by the port,
321-784-0000 it is approx. 5 mins from the ship and if you read the boards I
am sure there are other options. I know they are building another hotel
right around there also.

You usually can start going over to the port as early as 10:30AM-11AM to
check in. As long as there were no issues on the sailing before yours, they
usually let you start boarding the ship after check-in around 12:00-12:30PM

Make sure you have all your necessary documents to travel all up to date and
you should have a great time!!!

Hope it helped a little

Have a MAGICAL DAY!!!!

Dana
dizneyusa

 

[alwayslisad]

We did a land and sea package the first time, so we came right from the Park. BUT!!! we got stuck in tons of traffic due to a car / person accident. Our bus was held up for 2 hours. The bus driver radio'd over that we were going to be late. We arrived 20 minutes before depature. Our picture ( the one by the welcome sign) shows the stress on our faces. So this time - Cruising 12/06 - we booked night before and will relax at the hotel and then get up and go in the morning! no stress no nothing! ( I Hope)

 

[kristieuk]

Thanks so much - it's very helpful information. I think I will email Guest Relations about the documentation, but it sounds as though there will be no problems anyway.

It's good to know that we can board around midday - it sounds as though every second counts!

 

[dizneyusa]

Yes, guest will arrive early and mid afternoon. They will then
go and get in line near the mouse ears (you board thru a giant
mickey mouse hat) so they can board right away.

When you board you want to go and make your reservations for
PALO'S!!! Try so hard not to miss this, well worth it. DCL as of
today charges $10.00US per guest. It is a 18yrs and older dining
area.

Also, right when you board if you want to, if there are children you
want to sign them up in camp and you might also enjoy the Spa........

These are some of the items you would need to make reservations
for.

Dana
dizneyusa

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Howdy,
Everyone seems to have answered your questions already, but I wanted to ask you when in Nov 2006 are you sailing. we are sailing the last week of nov and first week of dec 2006 with back to back 7 day cruises.
Any chance your sailing with us?
mom x4,grandma x4

 

[kristieuk]

No, we are just going on the 3 day cruise. It will be our first cruise, and I'm a little bit unsure about the whole cruise idea becuase we love the beach so much, hence the 3 days only. I have a horrible feelinjg we will absolutely love it - makes for very expensive vacations in the future!

Also, we are travelling from the UK to Anna Maria Island where we will get married on Nov 6 - the cruise is just something to do with our daughter who have just turned 7, and will act as a mini honeymoon, because we will be in Florida for the other 3 weeks of our vacation.

I hope you have a wonderful time, and am sorry we won't be meeting on our cruises!

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

sorry to hear your going sooner than us, but I'm sure once you go on your first cruise, you'll be hooked, just like us. We live just a few minutes from WDW so we don't have to pay for air fair which helps with the cost. Your 7 year old will have a fantastic time in the kids clubs, those counselors are fantastic with the kids.
Since your going to be in florida for 3 weeks, if you have any questions about any of the other attractions feel free to ask, I may be able to answer them for you as we have seen alot all the major attractions and most of the lessor known ones too. hope you have a magically wedding and vacation>
mom x4,grandma x4

 

[kristieuk]

Thanks so much. I'm sure there are a million questions I will have! Thanks for your help.