how do I start?

[CajunGirl2]

I know these boards are so helpful and there are many people lurking with lots of wisdom. That being said, how do I go about planning a cruise (i.e., find out all of the pertinent info to begin planning)? DDs are still 4 and 2 so I think we'll want to wait until they're at least 5 and 3, which means at LEAST a whole year from now. Realistically, it will probably be when they're 6 and 4. Is now too early to plan? What books are suggested? BTW, I'm thinking of a 7 day cruise.

DH has no idea I'm thinking of this so I want to find out as much info first.

Thanks!

 

[CM_Mom]

I would suggest that you've already made the first best connection by checking out the Cruise Forum. Next I would suggest that you get the Passporter's Guide to the Disney Cruise Line either on the www.passporter.com website, Amazon.com or your local bookstore. The book is a WEALTH of information about planning your cruise, choosing cabins, planning your budget, choosing excursions, etc.

If you plan to go in the fall of 2005 the little ones will be old enough for the clubs but taking them out of school shouldn't be a problem and the rates are better.

Have fun planning your cruise and don't hesitate to ask any question you have on the boards. Remember, we were ALL newbies to cruising at one time.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm still dreaming about my cruise!

Check the dcl web-site for the rack rates for the cruise and then Dreams Unlimited (this web-site) offers some nice rates as does All Seas Travel.

And you can already book for 2005 if you like, but if it is more likely 2006--then in December--those new rates will be out. Go to a local travel agent and pick up the cruise catalogue. Keep in mind the earlier you book, the better the savings will be.

I'm hoping to go in '06, but we have just done some major home improvements and had a swimming pool built, so we are out of the cruise game for a little while.

Also--you can read some DCL cruisers Trip Reports as well to start the magic.

 

[m-sjaxjag]

CajunGirl2 -

2006 will work out better for a couple of reasons. The kids will be older and will like the clubs better (we just got back and our DD 4 really had a good time in the Club (not so much at Scuttles on Castaway Cay).

Also if you are not going to hold your older one out of school there WILL NOT be any 7 night cruises out of Port Canaveral (just 3 and 4 night) next summer (2005), they are all going to be on the West Coast next summer. Since you live so close it kind of figures you will not want to travel to California. Plus who would want to miss Castaway Cay .

Have fun planning.

 

[staylor]

I too would wait until they are at least 6 & 4. Depending on when your 4 year old will turn 5, I'd go closer to that. My son had much more fun w/ the 5-7 group than he did w/ 3-4's. They'll let you move your 4 year old up to the 5-7 group on a watch and see basis. If they have a problem w/ them, they'll move them back down to 3-4. Next, when the 2006 rates come out get quotes from everyone, allseasons, dreams unlimited, dcl, etc. The rates go up as the ship fills up. You can make your deposit, then have a while to send small payments to them. Kind of like a layaway. After you've made your deposit and get a reservation if the rates go down, you can call and get your reservation adjusted. Cruise lines are not like airlines, you can get the better rate at no penalty.
Ask as many questions as you like here. You've started in the right place.
Staci

 

[PoohJen]

And just for fun, go to www.disneycruise.com and order Disney's free cruise dvd/vhs. It won't answer all your questions (that's what we are here for! ), but it's a fun introduction to the cruiseline!

Happy Planning!

 

[jrabbit]

Several Resources:
First Order the DCL DVD/Video

Read trip reports here on the DIS

and finally several more links to tons of DCL information

DCL Official Site
Dave's DCL Tribute
Welcome Aboard the Disney Cruise Line (see links on the left)

copy this line into your browser and take out the spaces after the "www" and before the "com" to the end of it:
www .CastawayClub. com
(because the link is now a bad word )