First time cruising EVER.

[nlburns]

Hi! My husband and I are huge Disney fans (I grew up in LA and went to Disneyland frequently). We are considering finally doing a Disney Cruise in a couple years - taking our daughter when she is 4 years old. We’re looking thinking a timeframe of Oct-Dec 2023. I know it’s really far out, but I’m a planner and want to know what I’m getting into in terms of experience and cost. I checked the website to see what 2022 prices are and it seems reasonable.

What tips would you have for a family of 3, with a toddler, looking to book a Disney Cruise? We’re thinking 7-nights Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (assuming that same itinerary is still available for fall 2023).

Seriously, talk to me like I know nothing, because that’s accurate. I’ve never been on a cruise and while it seems incredibly magical, it also feels really overwhelming.

 

[princesscinderella]

I think you are in the right place. The best advice I have is book the cruise as soon as possible when it goes on sale to the public, the prices only get higher as the ship fills up. I think a 7 day cruise is the best, but you could also do a back to back 3 & 4 day cruise on the new ship wish too. Once booked just hang out on the cruise forum on the DIS and you will have more information than you will know what to do with but it will start to make sense.

 

[nlburns]

I think you are in the right place. The best advice I have is book the cruise as soon as possible when it goes on sale to the public, the prices only get higher as the ship fills up. I think a 7 day cruise is the best, but you could also do a back to back 3 & 4 day cruise on the new ship wish too. Once booked just hang out on the cruise forum on the DIS and you will have more information than you will know what to do with but it will start to make sense.

Thank you for your reply. Is there a time frame when Disney usually releases new cruises? Currently they are showing April 2023..so is it 17 months out or is that what it happens to show right now?

 

[princesscinderella]

Thank you for your reply. Is there a time frame when Disney usually releases new cruises? Currently they are showing April 2023..so is it 17 months out or is that what it happens to show right now?

It’s usually about 18-24 months ahead, covid has changed it up a bit. New releases will definitely be announced here on the DIS.

 

[lorimay]

Prepare to become addicted!

 

[Mommb]

A key thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot to do on the ship, but you don’t need to plan everything in advance. Shore excursions, adult specialty dining, alcohol tastings, and a small number of small-group activities (Princess Tea, Bibbiti-Bobbity-Boutique, character breakfasts) need to be booked in advance, but you can look at each day’s activities while onboard and find plenty of free activities that don’t require reservations.

Happy planning!

 

[KVH]

Thank you for your reply. Is there a time frame when Disney usually releases new cruises? Currently they are showing April 2023..so is it 17 months out or is that what it happens to show right now?

They usually release ~3 times per year. One of your best bets around this is to reach out to one of the qualified travel agents who specialize in DCL cruises. Booking opening day is something they can help you with and can be a real toublesaver. Maybe Dreams Unlimited or Magical Journeys?

Figure out whether or not you want a verandah. That's a big decision that will affect your budget.

Figure out which port you want to leave from (and possibly returning to a different location). This can have a HUGE impact on the overall travel budget and timing. Especially adding an extra day up front to get to the port the DAY before you board.

I said usually above. Things at DCL with scheduling are in something of a state of flux, requirements are changing, schedules are being adjusted still, and more is on the horizon. Be adaptable and ready for possible changes.

Read some of the trip reports and general posts here. There is an amazing amount of info. Things like don't over-pack, don't over-plan, and, as far as I'm concerned, shoot for AT LEAST a 5-night sailing (if affordable). Anything less may not be very satisfying.

 

[KashasMom]

1) Definitely book a Very Merrytime cruise. Very Merrytime is SO much fun...lots of activities from making ornaments to decorating gingerbread cookies. Tree lighting ceremony in the atrium with the characters and Christmas carols, Winter Wonderland Ball with Santa, Mrs. Claus and snow in the atrium. The ship is beautifully decorated with a huge tree and gingerbread house. Characters are decked out in their holiday finest. Families getting their photos taken in ugly Christmas sweaters and/or Christmas pajamas. It's a week long celebration!

Also you can order special holiday decorations that will be in your room when you arrive - and also a special Christmas blanket and pillow to take home.

If you can, spend a day at WDW for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and another day at Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. The parks are also wonderfully decorated for Christmas.

2) Do early seating for dinner.
3) If you can swing it, book a verandah.
4) Book excursions independently, not through Disney.

 

[Cheburashka]

Thank you for your reply. Is there a time frame when Disney usually releases new cruises? Currently they are showing April 2023..so is it 17 months out or is that what it happens to show right now?

New cruises historically are released about a year and a half in advance.

 

[Anna131517]

As others have said book as soon as prices are released. I love Eastern Carribean cruises. We did a Western Caribbean Disney cruise out of Orlando - on the Fantasy in 2019. Kids were 2, 3, and 5. They had a blast but weren’t really into the kids clubs. They loved the splash area and our oldest (5) loved the big slide. My oldest daughter (3 1/2) just wanted to spend the entire time meeting characters. The pirate night was a huge hit with my kids - bring pirate costumes for all of you. If I had it to do over again I would have stayed on the boat during some port days because we never got to it all. Make sure you plan on getting to the area the night before your cruise. Book early dining when you book your cruise if that’s important to you (even their “early” dining is a stretch for my kids). Buy the photo pass before you get on board because they really hike up the proce once you’re on the ship. Kennedy space center is near the port if you want to visit that before the cruise. We actually stayed on property at WDW before taking the cruise line’s transportation bus to the ship.

 

[onesam319]

Consider the possibility of motion sickness. The best cabin location to minimize this possibility is near the aft stairs and as low in the ship as you would like to be. We did our first cruise in a veranda cabin on deck 6 and my wife, who can be carsick, had no problems.
Plan to arrive a day or more before your cruise. This will give you peace of mind in case of delays or cancellations.
I saw that you like to plan, but when on the ship, leave gaps for spontaneity. You won't be able to do everything, so remember to relax and enjoy your time on board!