Have you been on a Disney cruise?

[BigDaddyRog]

Ive been doing some research on the cruises...they look really nice. Ive read alot of horror stories about other cruise lines...like Carnival has had several reports about staff attempting to rape female passengers...as young as 12 years old!!! But I havent seen a single negative report on either of the Disney ships.

Im wondering if the cruise is nice enough to....dare I say...sacrifice a Fort trip for? We're doing the Fort in October this year, but Im thinking about a trip for 2010, with hopes that the recession has lightened up some by then.

Do you get bored on a ship after a couple of days? I know the "docked days" look pretty nice, especially Castaway Cay Island....but the 7 day cruises have like 3 "at sea" days and Im wondering if you get tired of being stuck on a boat after a day or two. Also...do you get to feeling trapped(my wife's very claustrophobic)? Do you need a passport? Do you feel like you've gotten your money's worth? Do they have better deals on Disney cruises somewhere on the web that I may not know about? Vacationstogo.com seems to have to lowest prices I have found...but if anyone knows of a better price...could ya please clue me in on it?

Lots of random questions, I know....but Ive never taken a cruise...and Im not sure its worth giving up a Fort trip for.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Rog:

We have been on 3 DCL cruises, and a bunch of others.

I found it hard to believe at first, but the sea days (days when you don't dock somewhere) are usually the best days on a cruise. The best port day is Castaway Cay, the others I could live without.

As far as I know, you can still sail on DCL without passports. I know for sure that you can for the 3 and 4 night Bahamas cruises, but I also think you can for the 7 night Caribbean cruises.

The best deals we have found have been for Florida residents. The second best deals are to look at "off" times like September and Jan/Feb. But, cruising is a lot more expensive than camping. They had a promo earlier this year where kids under 12 could cruise free with each paying adult. That was a great deal, but we don't have any more under 12 year olds at my house. I would expect with the economy being the way it is, that there will be some more deals offered as the year goes on. They have to keep those boats full.

All things considered, I would rather camp at the Fort than go cruising any day, but a cruise is a fun (but expensive) occasional treat.

Did you ever see my TR from my last cruise? Check it out, if you haven't. Lots of info there: TCD's Disney Wonder Trip Report

TCD

 

[lklasing]

Rog - I can't believe you posted this, as I'm going through some of the same ideas. I'm hoping lots of FW groupies will chime in with their thoughts.

Leslie

 

[des1954]

Rog, I've only been on one cruise (NCL), and it was a 7 day cruise to the Carribbean. It took a close friend's daughter getting married on the cruise for me to even consider one. I have this overly INSANE fear of drowning, and I just knew that any cruise ship I went on would be the Titanic revisited. I went stag because Rick couldn't get the time off from work & I still haven't heard the end of that! He begged me for years to go on a cruise & I wouldn't do it. So then....I take one WITHOUT him! (yay 4 me!)

I gotta tell you....the first night out I think I had at least 6 of their rum special of the day drinks because I was so scared. I almost panicked during the safety drill - but managed to hold it together. After that, I couldn't understand what I was so afraid of?!? I had an absolutely fantastic time, and another cruise ship (or two or three) are always in view of the ship you're on. We kept pace with the QEII, a DCL & a Carnival ship.

I'm imagining the DCL ships are very large (the ship I was on held IIRC 3500 passengers & crew), and there is so much to do, you only get bored if you wish to be. The cruise director(s) do a fantastic job of keeping things going.

If Gina's claustrophobic, I would recommend a cabin with at least a window, or at best, a veranda. If you had a veranda, there is NO WAY she could be claustrophobic. I had a small, inside cabin & it was just fine because I only slept, showered & changed in it. The rest of the time I was carousing around the ship. It's fun to explore!

If I had to give up FtW for one year to go on a cruise, I would do it. Especially if it's a Disney Cruise. Just keep in mind that sodas, beer & liquor are extra, and very expensive. You can take side trips in every port for extra $$$, or just take off on foot and explore for nada. Everything else is included. You do not use any cash while on the ship, but you charge any extra purchases to your room card & settle up the last night at sea. It's also good to know that if you purchase anything while you're in port, use your Visa card to get the best exchange rate (if one applies).

When I went (2003) you didn't need a passport - but I don't know if that's changed.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

We went on the 7 night Eastern Caribbean in January and are going back again on the 7 nt. Western at the end of November. It was a blast!!!
So we are camping locally for this year. We won't be back at the Fort until October 2010.

But that being said, the cruise was definitely worth it. The sea days are the best. There is a lot to do or there is nothing to do. It's all up to you. Yes, there is a lot of food but there is a lot of walking, at least for me. We needed a HC stateroom so we were at the far end of the boat. It was great except that I ended up running back and forth to the stateroom for everything. I ate like a pig and lost 6 pounds!!

DCL is different in that you do not have to pay for fountain sodas. If you order canned sodas at the movies or theater or the bars, then you pay. But there are soda machines (and an ice cream machine) on deck 9 by the pools - they are free. They also have filtered water that is very good. Just bring yourself an empty bottle from home and there is no need to pay for their bottled water.

Room service is free, except for the canned soda, liquor and bags of candy or snacks. My DD wanted a burger for breakfast one morning. I called room service and within 15 minutes she had a hot burger and fries. Not that best breakfast but at least she was eating.

Anway, feel free to ask any questions because we had the BEST time on the boat. They do this one event at the end called "Til We Meet Again". All the characters come out, you can get last minute pics and autographs. DD was really into that and she hadn't been at all during the cruise. So for 15 minutes we just hopped from character to character getting pictures. At the end they were singing something and she just burst into tears. She was crying so hard I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Turned out she didn't want to get off the boat. Yeah, me neither but they kind of force you off in a very Mickey like way.

Wow, long post.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Just keep in mind that sodas, beer & liquor are extra, and very expensive.

One nice thing about DCL- they have a free drink station with free soda available 24/7 (soda is also served at no additional charge at all meals), and they let you bring your own alcohol on board. Most other cruise lines (and DCL used to) charge for sodas, and prohibit passengers from bringing their own booze.

TCD

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Rog, except for the getting raped by a crew member part, I love the cruises.

If you want to know how it feels to be treated like a "King", take a cruise.

When Disney first started, out they did the "Big Red Boat",,and that was great, altho very old ships. Course now Disney has their own new ships,,which D and I have not done.
but we also did a Carnavil cruise, lots of fun, and we did a Alaska cruise with Holland America Cruise,and THAT was great !

Yes, it would be a good idea to get Gina a window at least. On a ship , all state rooms are small, but some state rooms on some ships are larger than on other ships. All has to do with $$ and the cruise lines.

Passports depend on where you go.

Did we get our moneys worth ??? On the three cruises we did,,absolutely!

I spose some folk get bored,,just depends on the type of cruise you do and what you make of it. I have no problem keep'n myself busy.

 

[des1954]

Well...you guys convinced me to go Disney just because of the free soda stations. That's the one thing about NCL that ticked me off. I bought a refillable drink glass for $47 at the beginning of the cruise because I'm a diet coke-aholic. You had to go to one of the bars for a refill, and the bartenders kind of gave you the "cold shoulder" when they saw that cup. When we do go on a cruise, it'll be Disney.

Go for it, Rog!!!

 

[Rhonda]

I love the Disney ships!!! You will not be disappointed!

And....you know which travel agent will work the hardest, to find you the best possible prices!!

 

[PrincessNana]

I'm not a fan of the "Fun Days at Sea", you either love them or hate them. I get bored because I usually don't like the daytime activities.." Our friends we travel with absolutely love the "Fun Days at Sea." So it depends on what you like to do. I would definitely get a room with a window or a balcony, it's so nice sitting outside with your coffee in the morning or your drink soon after. I think you need a passport (not the card) if you travel by plane or boat outside of the US. We had a great time (despite the fun days at sea) and we're going again in October (Carnival Cruise) with a large group. You'll have fun and the Bahamas are beautiful.

 

[AuburnJen92]

Rog, if Chris and I get the new jobs we are going for, we will go with you next year. We have been wanting to go for a while now. I didn't really enjoy the last cruise I was on, but I spent most of it in the infirmary. (I accidentally ate raspberry mousse with chocolate in it. They told me it didn't have chocolate...)

 

[loveDmouse]

We LOVE cruising. We have been on Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Most of our cruises have been with Royal Caribbean. You can't beat cruising. I agree it is like being royalty. You are waited on hand and foot. I really believe it is a great value for the money you spend.

I want to try Disney when we can afford to go again. I like the idea of not having to pay extra for soda. That is annoying.


We had a nice time on Carnival. That was our very first cruise. We enjoyed everything about it. We didn't have anything to compare it to.
Next cruise was Princess to Alaska. The service was better and the food was better. The ship was more elegant. Royal Caribbean has been our favorite and is who we now cruise with. Some love them and some hate them. Personally I don't think there is such a thing as a bad cruise.

Good luck with whatever you decide and happy cruising. I will warn you. It is addictive just like the need to go to the Fort you will probably find the need to cruise. There could be worse addictions.

 

[fldisneyfamily]

Do the cruise if you love all things Disney, we did last year for our 10 year wedding anniversary, here are some pics. We like the Disney cruise because our DD9 has special medical needs and Disney accommodates her very well. Enjoy.

 

[Disney Campers]

Well if you would have asked me 5 years ago, I can;t say I'd ever spend the money on a cruise, Just recently off my 4 th cruise I can say its a great way to travel. Our first cruise was on Disney the 4 night wonder.

In general the sea days are the best, Disney has excellent service and lots of planned activities for everyone, a pretty neat dining rotation - you eat in a different dining room each night but keep the same servers etc. Castaway key is a nice place also, sometimes they will stop there twice on a cruise.

For the price at this time we prefer Royal Caribbean, they have big ships with tons of stuff to do. for the price of a 4 night Disney cruise we could just about take a 7 night on Royal last time we checked. We are looking to cruise on the Freedom of the Seas next.

The passport rules seem to change all the time, the final phase is set to take place this summer. We figured we will be cruising for a while and bit the bullet and got them. You need them for air travel, god forbid you get stuck in a foreign place and need to fly back home, you will wish you had the passport.

If and when you decide to cruise I suggest you take the travel insurance, I have read to may horror stories about unforseen circumstances that cause delays, and most of the time the peole don't have travel insurance. When you spend that much money on a vacation you want to protect it.

CHeck out www.cruiscritic.com and the Disney cruise forum here on the DIS, also for up to date passport information goto:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html

 

[Gatordad]

Don't do Disney Cruise Rog. I've been on NCL, RCL, CC, Carnival and they were all better than Disney, and much much cheaper. You are paying for some guy to walk around like goofy with a sailor's hat. The food was mediocre, service was ok.........

 

[Rhonda]

Don't do Disney Cruise Rog. I've been on NCL, RCL, CC, Carnival and they were all better than Disney, and much much cheaper. You are paying for some guy to walk around like goofy with a sailor's hat. The food was mediocre, service was ok.........

I'd have to agree a little tiny bit -- DCL is way more expensive than the other cruiselines. If you really want the Disney experience, then you have to go with DCL. But, if you don't need Mickey, and you're just looking for a great cruise, nice ship, great service and food, then go with RCCL!! The Voyager and Freedom class ships are my favorites!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Rog- My $.02 about RCCL- I think DCL is better for families with younger teens and pre-teens. I know RCCL pushes the fact that it has skating rinks, flow-riders, climbing walls, and such, but for our family, I would not feel comfortable giving my DD's the run of the ship on RCCL or other cruise lines. On DCL, we feel far better about turning the kids loose, and that makes the cruise more fun for everyone. I can't argue that DCL isn't the most expensive option, but for us, that little extra cost is worth it.

That being said, I do see some tremendous deals on some of the other cruise lines, and I think these cruise lines have more ships to fill, and will be offering even better deals than DCL in the coming months. Heck, if the price is right, I will jump on one of those deals myself.

TCD

 

[JCJRSmith]

We have done two cruises, both on RCCL. The first was just SWMBO and me for our 15th anniversary. We left the kids with my DSIL in Baltimore and flew from there to Miami for a long weekend at sea.

The second time was just a couple of years ago. DSIL and her family, along with LOML and our kids drove down for 5 days at Disney (DSIL works for the Dept of Defense so she got us rooms at Shades of Green), then drove over to Canaveral for a weekend cruise. The kids were 13 and 8 at the time and they want to know when we are going to do it again!!!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Wow....lots of excellent advice!! TCD...I DID read your report when you first wrote it, and I have to credit you with planting the idea of a cruise ship....especially the "bring your own booze'' tip.....thats SO me!!!

Ok...so am I understanding this right...you get the same server for the entire trip? What if hes a dipwad? If all the food is free...how would you know how much to tip the servers? What is 20% of free? Do they give you a reciept of some kind to let you know how much it WOULD have cost?

How are the alcholic drinks priced? High-end, Im sure...but my wife like to test bartenders....ordering crap no-one ever orders just to see if the bartender has to look up the recipes or if they know it by heart....she's a really strange girl!!!

Can you smoke on the ships? Im sure you cant smoke in the rooms...but they HAVE to have a designated smoking area somewhere, right?

 

[Gatordad]

I'll answer your questions in the body, see below

Wow....lots of excellent advice!! TCD...I DID read your report when you first wrote it, and I have to credit you with planting the idea of a cruise ship....especially the "bring your own booze'' tip.....thats SO me!!!

Ok...so am I understanding this right...you get the same server for the entire trip? What if hes a dipwad? If all the food is free...how would you know how much to tip the servers? What is 20% of free? Do they give you a reciept of some kind to let you know how much it WOULD have cost?

You tip a set amount per person per day. NCL charges you $10/day or Celebrity breaks it down to like $3.50 per person for your waiter, plus $1.50 for bus boy. The thing that stinks, is that when they have open seating in the dining room for breakfast or lunch, you don't get your person, so you see how they don't move that fast, but that is on all cruise lines.


How are the alcholic drinks priced? High-end, Im sure...but my wife like to test bartenders....ordering crap no-one ever orders just to see if the bartender has to look up the recipes or if they know it by heart....she's a really strange girl!!!

Drinks are not cheap, but they don't rip you off like in your club. Carnival had 4 16oz beers for $20 I think. Not bad.....


Can you smoke on the ships? Im sure you cant smoke in the rooms...but they HAVE to have a designated smoking area somewhere, right?

They have a smoking section on the ships usually. And Disney communists don't have a casino on their cruise. That's why they are more expensive than the other cruise lines.......... They have no casino revenue, and they also serve cheap food.