Help for a first timer!

[Skatermom23]

Okay, I finally convinced DH to do this but now I don't know where to start. I think I would like a cat 4 or 5 room. Can anyone tell me the difference here and what deck is "preferred?"
Secondly, What time of year would you recommend going? I am taking the kids out of school this year for a Disney trip already so I don't want to go during the school year. Our possible times would be summer, thanksgiving or during the Christmas break.
Any thoughts?

 

[Lxnme2]

I'm a first time cruiser, too, and I had the same questions. Buy a Passporter's Guide to the Disney Cruise Line and it has lots of good info. on just about everything there is about cruising with DCL. I bought mine at Barnes & Noble bookstore...had to order it. There's also a website, www.passporters.com.

Have a great cruise.

Lxnme2

 

[jenlovesdisney]

Hi there! We are first timers, too, but I have spent so much time on these and other boards that I feel I have already been. By the time you go you will feel like a pro!!

First of all, I think you should consider your families needs. For us, we were on a tight budget and we took into consideration price first and foremost. BUT, that being said it seemed to me like we were not going to be in our room a whole lot and we can all sleep in the same bed (there are 3 of us) so we opted for the smallest room available. I have heard though (and you can find pictures in a lot of different places) that the portholes on the lower decks get clouded over with sea salt and they can become harder to see through, the longer you are on the trip.

I personally do not like crowds, I know they are unavoidable, but I would try ti pick a less crowded time. Unless you want to do the special ones, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. That would be cool. Otherwise try and do it during the year if you can.

I think the best advice is to scrounge around these boards and find all the info that you can! This has been the best source of info for me. And I am buying a Passporter book, too, because their preview of the book even gave some great ideas!

 

[Gayle17]

We had a porthole room and it never got cloudy with sea salt.

Gayle

 

[jenlovesdisney]

That is good to hear. I had heard on a different board that some of the ones on the bottom few decks on the longer cruises had a problem with it. But, I have never been so I don't know first hand. I personally want a deck, but how much time do people actually sit out there? If it is worth it, then I would be willing to splurge next time!

 

[Gayle17]

the verandahs look nice but in actuality we only used the room to change and sleep so I am not sure it is really worth the extra money unless you know you are going to want to spend a lot of time sitting out there.

Gayle

 

[jrp]

Hello all
DW,2 DD's and I stayed in a cat 4 2 yaers ago.. Good cjoice I injured my foot and had to use a cane on the cruise so needless to say I stayed in the room more than I wanted to . We did like the steamer trunk in our room for clothes etc... Itl also sleeps 5 if needed (hidden bed behind lounge chair.) We are currently booked in a Cat. 7 Navigator's Veranda (just dw and I this time-anniversary) Deck 8 was also great (anywhere on a Disney cruise is great/ Have fun whenever you are going:thewave:
James-DVC since 2001

 

[jenlovesdisney]

(anywhere on a Disney cruise is great)


I have heard this too!! I know you guys won't be disapointed whenever you go and wherever you stay!

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by Gayle17
the verandahs look nice but in actuality we only used the room to change and sleep so I am not sure it is really worth the extra money unless you know you are going to want to spend a lot of time sitting out there.

Gayle

I's handy place to put Cash's litter box....

 

[Skatermom23]

Okay so I guess I have to shop for a Passporters guide book today. I should be able to get that at Borders or somewhere, right? Unfortunately we can't do the cruise during non peak times. I am already going to WDW in December and taking the kids out of school for that.
DH asked about getting connecting cat9 rooms instead of one cat4 or 5 rooms. Has anyone done this and how did it work out? Will they even guarantee connecting rooms?

 

[jenlovesdisney]

Skatermom~ Do you know about the secret rooms? There are some rooms that are Category 5 but are sold as Category 7 because of their semi-obstructed view. Ther are two pairs of connecting rooms, I believe so that may be something for you to consider. Just a thought!

 

[Mindymom]

skatermom,

It's a must to purchase the PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line book. The book will tell you almost everything you need to know. It also has pictures and explainations of the Staterooms. Check out Amazon.com

I'm cruising in November and I also feel as if I've already gone since reading these discussions and the PassPorter. The anticipation is so much fun.

Good luck!

 

[Skatermom23]

Originally posted by jenlovesdisney
Skatermom~ Do you know about the secret rooms? There are some rooms that are Category 5 but are sold as Category 7 because of their semi-obstructed view. Ther are two pairs of connecting rooms, I believe so that may be something for you to consider. Just a thought!

REALLY?? Where can I find out more about this?

 

[Hygiene99]

sent u a personal message..

Peter

 

[Skatermom23]

Thanks Peter!

 

[Hygiene99]

jenlovesdisney


I Sent u Personal Message...

Peter