How do we plan for a cruise???

[KarenB]

We are seriously thinking about a cruise next summer. So far we have decided IF we do this it will be:

1) 7 day, western cruise

2) Early July

3) Part DVC points/part cash

4) DH, DS 15, DS 14, me

We have read some wonderful trip reports but our big question is how to plan for the actual cruise? Do we receive anything before hand that gives us the excursion choices and/or onboard choices? In many of the trip reports it seems as though people know what they have to sign up for during those first hours of "sign ups." Can we sign up without planning ahead? Are the first hours very, very important? Do these activities fill up fast? Are they very limited? Should we decide on what we want to do before we step foot on the boat? If so, how?? Whew!!!!! Such decisions!


We have been to WDW so many times, planning is a breeze...this is all new territory now!

Thanks for any advice!
Karen

 

[Masonpips]

1st step, read these boards. EVERYTHING I could ever want answered has been answered. I began hanging out here last June, booked in early July and felt totally prepared come October. People here have such an advantage over those who never step foot into the internet.

Visit Dave and Barb's sites (Dave's is dcltribute.com and Barb's is castawayclub.com) for a ton of info.

Do searches, ask questions - this is *the* place to plan!

 

[kcatoir]

I'm with you, we are soon to be first time cruisers and had no idea what to expect...got a GREAT deal $1200 for family of 4 on 3day booked it and said "oh no now what?"
I found a GREAT reference book its called "PassPorters field guide to the disney cruise line, and its caribbean ports of call" you can find it at your local book store for about $17.
Believe me it was a life saver. It will take you step by step through the cruise. When and how to book, how to get to the port, where to stay, what time to arrive, what programs are available on board, how and when to get reservations, what excursions are available at all ports of call and how much they cost, how to reserve etc...etc.... I could go on and on.
This was a life saver for us plus it saved us at least $100 with its many suggestions from transportation to the peir to bringing your own alcohol on board.

Hope that helps

 

[outahere]

If you go to www.wdwig.com/cruise/cruise.shtml, they have a great cruise guide that you can download and print. It is called "Magical Disney Cruise Guide" and the link to it is on the top left side of their home page.

Between reading it, and what is here on the board, you should be able to find out just about anything you'll ever want to know. We printed it and took it with us for reference while on the ship.

Also, if you go to www.disneycruise.com and click on the "Fun Onshore" link at the top of the page, you can see all of the excursions at each of the ports.

Hope that helps.............