Help, please! Total cruise novice and out of my depth completely! ;-)

[RoseBug]

Hi,

Hope you don't mind me posting and asking for some serious Disney cruise advice. We decided yesterday to book the Disney Magic Norway cruise from Dover, for next summer. We live in the North of England and were thinking of a Norway cruise anyway...but as we are huge Disney fans (DLP vets) this seemed like the obvious choice. However, we have NEVER been on a cruise, never mind a Disney cruise - so, understandably, I have no clue AT ALL about what I am doing, supposed to do, looking for or expecting.

So was hoping you guys could help, in any way!

Some of my questions/confusions:

1. Main meals/snacks/soft drinks - is this all inclusive? How do we book? What are the best times to book for etc?
2. Decks & staterooms - we need to keep costs down, but not sure where we should be looking to book deck wise. We probably want one with a window.
3. Things we should know - are there things that happen that total novices wouldn't be totally aware of?
4. Ports - are the excursions necessary?
5. Clubs, shows, character meets - any advice?
6. Extras - what are they? I think I read there is a princess meal, character breakfast and boutique etc. Which are all things we do often at DLP but not sure about the cruise versions.
7. Pricing - is the price that is available on the website, the best I am going to get?
8. Hints and tips - We have been to DLP many times, so know all the little tips to have better character experiences, times to book meals, emails to send, upgrades etc. But completely at a loss here, so would welcome any sneaky tips to get a better experience.

Anything at all you could help me with would be MOST appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[MickeyEarrings]

Well, the first thing you need to do is to book the cruise, so let's talk about staterooms first. Inside rooms are cheapest, then ocean view, then verandahs. Congierge level is extravagant so I won't even talk about that. I recommend an ocean view for first timers, unless your heart is really set on a verandah. I think seeing outdoors helps, until you know how susceptible you may be to seasickness. Far forward and aft are cheaper too, because everyone wants the middle, as it seems to be more stable (i.e. Less seasickness) in rougher waters. So use that to decide on a cabin you can comfortably afford and book it ASAP. The prices only go up from opening day! The fare you are quoted includes meals in the main dining rooms, pool deck venues (burgers, etc), room service... extra fees for dining are for brunch or dinner at the upscale restaurant Palo. Gratuities for your stateroom host, dining room server, assistant server and head server total $12 per person, per day, but frankly it is worth far more than that and I always tip extra.

For what it's worth, a lot of people like deck 2 midship.....

 

[diznymom]

1. All meals (except Palo) including most room service are included. Soft drinks (at Cabanas and near the pools), coffee, tea are included. If you order soft drinks through room service or at a bar there is a charge + tip. Packaged snacks cost more $$. Alcohol costs more $$.
2. Decks and staterooms....??? Book what is a must for you - like a porthole. (A verandah is important to us).
3. Read these boards and ask questions. You can look at past Navigators (daily schedule of events) to see what is going on.
4. Excursions are not necessary.
5. Character meets -- some need advance tickets so get them as soon as possible. Clubs and shows are first come, first serve. There is plenty of room for everyone.
6. I'm not sure about the princess meal. Character b'fast needs a free ticket (guest services) and is included in fare price. BBBoutique is extra - kind of like DLP.
7. Whether you book directly through DCL or a Travel Agent, the price is the same....DCL policy. I recommend a Travel Agent that gives you a good OBCredit. We use Dreams Unlimited.
8. DCL dining is at a particular time. They have rotational dining either main or late.

Book as soon as you can. The prices just go up, up and up.

Ask any questions you have. We love answering questions and showing off our knowledge.

 

[RoseBug]

Thank you so much! That helps alot.

What is the cancellation policy? If I were to book and pay a deposit today - and then our kitchen ends up costing us more than we expect next month (you know how you get a quote then they find an alien spaceship under the floorboards and the price goes up) what would be the penalty for cancelling?

It is so overwhelming, when you get so used to one thing and know all the tricks, and then look at something else...I feel like I am drowning (pun intended)!

Thank you x

 

[diznymom]

I think it is.........unless you are in concierge, you can cancel and get all of your money back if you cancel before your Paid In Full date. That should be 75 or 90 days before the cruise sets sail. See the link below.

http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...nt-cancelation-policy-effective-march-3-2015/

 

[RoseBug]

Well, baby steps. I have put a reservation on hold - so deposit due in 3 days. Tried to research rooms first, have gone for deck 2, mid, room 2578 9b outside view. I have no idea what 9b means in relation to the others, I got the impression this was a quietish room.

We are downgrading our Oct DLP trip and saving over 1k (just by dropping to a mid-level hotel, but upgrading to club floor!) so that we can justify the extra cost of Disney cruise, in comparison to a standard cruise. So lots to think about and plan before paying deposit.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Beth06015]

Well, baby steps. I have put a reservation on hold - so deposit due in 3 days. Tried to research rooms first, have gone for deck 2, mid, room 2578 9b outside view. I have no idea what 9b means in relation to the others, I got the impression this was a quietish room.

We are downgrading our Oct DLP trip and saving over 1k (just by dropping to a mid-level hotel, but upgrading to club floor!) so that we can justify the extra cost of Disney cruise, in comparison to a standard cruise. So lots to think about and plan before paying deposit.

Thanks for your help!

We are going on our first cruise in a few months so I know how you feel! Very different to plan than WDW! Good luck

 

[MickeyEarrings]

Also, re: excursions. You can book excursions through DCL or you can book something through a private operator. Just know that if your private vendor is stuck behind an open draw bridge when it's time for the ship to sail, you're in big trouble. But if you're on a DCL eexcursion, the ship will wait for you. I will have my 6th DCL cruise in April and am only now brave enough to book an independent operator.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

Well, baby steps. I have put a reservation on hold - so deposit due in 3 days. Tried to research rooms first, have gone for deck 2, mid, room 2578 9b outside view. I have no idea what 9b means in relation to the others, I got the impression this was a quietish room.

We are downgrading our Oct DLP trip and saving over 1k (just by dropping to a mid-level hotel, but upgrading to club floor!) so that we can justify the extra cost of Disney cruise, in comparison to a standard cruise. So lots to think about and plan before paying deposit.

Thanks for your help!

Good choice... I booked a 9c on deck 2 today. 9a is the best location (near pool and kids club), 9b is mid-ship and 9c is low and far forward and aft on deck 2, 9d is deck 1. I have sailed on deck 2 3 of 5 DCL cruises. You will not be disappointed with the food, service and entertainment. The kids, family and adult activities are all excellent.