HELP! I am a total cruise newbie

[DarthGoofy]

I really want to take my family on a cruise. I have heard so many wonderful things about them, that I am finally beginning to plan one.

I really don't even know were to begin. Is there a way to get good deals? Will my boys enjoy themselves? Will my wife and I enjoy ourselves.



As you can tell, I need help. Anything you could suggest would be appreciated.

 

[ashking]

I am new to the board but I can say you have come to the right place. I have sailed on the Magic 3 times and will be going in August. My 7 year old twin boys have loved it everytime. The kids program is wonderful. I am a home-based cruise travel agent and I have found that Sept.-early Dec. are the least expensive time to go. They are offering military rates if you are your husband are active duty military. It's always cheaper to pull your kids out of school rather than waiting until Christmas break, spring break , or summer vacation. I've been twice in Sept. and the weather has always been good, dispite a few hurricanes brewing. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[elemusing]

Welcome to the DIS! Your boys will love the kids clubs on the DCL!! They are fanatastic! The best thing to remember is that there are so many activities on the ships that you will never have time to do them all, so just pick a few and relax and enjoy!

Also, try the spas! They offer wonderful treatments, even if you never do spas. I never do at home, but always try at least a massage on the cruise.

Finally, read these boards!! There is a wealth of info here!

Angie

 

[moinab]

Florida resident rates! Periodically throughout the year, DCL offers FL residents rock bottom prices on selected cruises. Since we decided in March to go on a cruise, we've seen these rates offered twice, in April and June. We waited too long in April, but when we saw the rates advertised in the travel section of the Sunday paper in June, we called the travel agency right away and were able to book a cruise for July 17. If you don't need a specific date and are ready to act when the rates are announced, it's a great deal. I'm pretty new to the boards myself, but I've noticed a lot of people here have used FL resident rates. Good luck!

 

[WDWLVR]

First off Welcome to the Dis! You've come to the right place to find information. I would start by reading this forum and the cruise trip report forum as well.

Here are two other great sites to check out:

Dave's Disney Cruise Line Tribute Site

Barb & Tony's THE PLATINUM CASTAWAY CLUB

Another useful tool is the Passporter guide to Disney Cruise Line. You can get it at some book stores, Amazon.com or direct from the writers at PassPorter

Have fun planning!

 

[rae519]

Welcome!
We started out on a 4 night land/3 night sea DCL vacation and were hooked! We also did a 3 night land/4 night sea vacation over Christmas but prefer our 7 night cruises! DS is 8 and doesn't care if he ever sees the parks again as long as he can be on "his" ship!
There is a lot to do and see - DS and I travel with either DH, or my Mom (74). And believe me, we all enjoy the ship!

Enjoy!!!!

Rae

 

[DarthGoofy]

How do you find out when the Florida Resident rates are?

 

[moinab]

We just check the travel section of the Sunday paper every week for travel agency ads announcing FL resident rates. It's hard for us to make long range plans due to DH's job, so we depend on last minute deals. I'm sure other DISBoarders must have more info. Good luck!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi DarthGoofy. Sorry I'm late.

I really want to take my family on a cruise. I have heard so many wonderful things about them

Yes, word has it your family IS wonderful...

 

[DarthGoofy]

Ooops, sorry about that my bad typing. But, you are right, my family is wonderful.