help--I'm very confused!

[panfan]

Sorry a head of time for being 'dumb'

Although we have been to WDW many, many times we have never done the cruise. I feel like I know a lot about WDW enough to plan , help others etc BUT I know nothing of the cruise??

Even after looking at brochures etc I cant figure out cabins , price levels etc. Can a familly of 4 stay in one of the lower priced cabins or have to splurge for the Family Verandah??

Im a DVC member and wanted to supplement our annual trip to WDW with a cruise using cash??

How much can I expect to spend for a family of 4 at the very least??( my kids are 2 and 7 if this helps)

Thanks

 

[markey]

You can stay in a lower cabin with four, it's the 5th person that will make you move to a CAT4 or else get 2 lower cabins. We have taken our grandkids, now 8 and 9, each year since 2000. This year, August 9th, the cost for a CAT9 was a little over $4000. But I don't think you pay for a 2 yr. old except port fees, could be wrong I would check. The cost for the 7 day has averaged between $3600-$4000, that was with booking a year in advance.

 

[panfan]

I was thinking of the 4 nite cruise--thanks!

 

[rae519]

I never thought I would cruise, but when we tried it a few years ago, we were all hooked! There is a free video available from DCL that could give you an overview of the ships and websites that could give you the information you are seeking.

I personally recommend the Passporter - a book specifically written about DCL. It has everything in a very concise yet informative manner and appears to answer every question you could possibly ask!!

Rae

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hello,

No, you are not being 'dumb'.... we were all new to this at one time!!!! That is why these boards are great!

Many lower category staterooms sleep 4... I am thinking that in the diagrams in the back of your DCL catalog that there is a tiny symbol shown on rooms that may sleep 4?

Price varys GREATLY. What matters the most is when you plan to cruise. Also, book way ahead if possible. Some the best rates are gotten by doing this. With DCL the rates tend to go UP as it gets closer to the sailing date. To see a very easy to understand listing of rates for upcoming cruises - Go to Travelocity.com, pull up the 4-nite cruise, and it will list chronologically all sailing dates and the lowest "from" rate available on that sailing. Then, pull up the cabin category that you are interested in... Cruises with the same "from" rate will not always have the same rates for higher categories!

We booked our upcoming cruise for Sept... also booked it a year in advance... By doing this we were able to get really great rate, and to snag a Secret Porthole Room!

Once you have done your 'shopping' and are ready to book, then I would recommend booking thru an agency such as Dreams Unlimited who sponsers this board, or All Seasons Travel... Agencies like this really specialize in Disney, are known for their customer service, and may have some great rates or rebates. Either that or book directly thru DCL, which gives you total control of handling all of your arrangements with them.

One more little note on the 4-nite cruises... We booked way in advance, and our cruise was showed as a 4-nite with the day-at-sea... (which I wanted!) Well, as they have done in the past, DCL ended up renewing their contract with Freeport.... And, now we will be spending that day docked there. So, do be aware of the possibility that every other week could possibly continue to be a Freeport itenerary.

And, one last note. If you are interested in insurance. Go to insuremytrip.com. It will pull up the rates from all major carriers for you to see. You will find much better coverage here at much cheaper rates than the insurance offered by DCL. The same insurance that underwrites the DCL policy is AccessAmerica. You can get a better policy directly from them for way less. Kids are included free as part of their family plan. And, if you book your insurance right away when you book your cruise there will be no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Happy Planning!