How last minute is TOO last minute?

[kkayluvsdis]

Hi Dis Friends-

My husband and I will be celebrating our 15 year wedding anniversary in June. Unexpectedly, his mother has offered to travel here (we live far away from any family) to watch the kids for us for a few days. We have NEVER traveled without the kids. I really would not have thought of doing another Disney Cruise, having just cruised as a family in February, BUT...there is a double dip on the Dream that falls within our travel time frame that also has discounted, restricted rates available. My concerns:

#1-We have never traveled without the kids. Is there any way to keep in contact while cruising?

#2-Is there any chance of being able to book a nice dinner at REMY or PALO for us or are we way too late (I know they sometimes they have availability once on board)

#3-PAT-will we be boarding late as most of the early PAT would have most likely already been selected

#4- Booking a restricted rate-there are obviously very strict rules about these. If I buy travel insurance (through outside company NOT Disney) would we still be covered if something happened and we had to cancel?

Thanks in advance for your knowledge and advice. I LOVE the idea of doing a cruise with just dh. We both love Disney and the service, experience, etc. I'm just trying to decide if I can "let it go" enough to enjoy and not worry about the kids at home!

Best,

Kelly

 

[Ben E N]

#1-We have never traveled without the kids. Is there any way to keep in contact while cruising?

You can buy a wifi package on board. This will allow you to communicate using a variety of methods, but the connection is most likely slower than what you are used to at home.

#2-Is there any chance of being able to book a nice dinner at REMY or PALO for us or are we way too late (I know they sometimes they have availability once on board)

There's always a chance. Being a party of 2 with what I am assuming are flexible dining hours opens your options up significantly.

#3-PAT-will we be boarding late as most of the early PAT would have most likely already been selected

That's possible, but there are probably many people who have not yet checked in online. Even if you do have a late time, it is a difference of a couple of hours. You wouldn't be getting on right before dinner or anything.

#4- Booking a restricted rate-there are obviously very strict rules about these. If I buy travel insurance (through outside company NOT Disney) would we still be covered if something happened and we had to cancel?

I'm not sure here, but consider how less likely it is that anything will go wrong when you only have a party of 2. There is still risk, of course, but much less than when children are involved.

 

[cyclenut]

As for keeping in contact. If you have global roaming capability with your cell provider (doesn't cost anything to turn on the feature) you can leave your phone connected (just turn off data roaming) and you will be able to take calls and text messages in an emergency. Calls are expensive but on my Verizon plan, receiving a text is a nickel and sending one is fifty cents. Our adult daughter had a medical issue while we were on the Wonder last year and she texted me. We had a brief exchange that cost me under $5 but was well worth it. You will need to switch your phone's automatic time adjustment setting to manual as the Cellular at Sea uses the GMT time zone. You will need to manually set your time zone on your phone. Yes, you run the risk of getting phone calls, but if you don't answer them, you won't be charged anything.

 

[tigerchic89]

check with your cell provider. Mine (Tmobile) has data included in Nassau and on CC. I think texting is free and calls are maybe .10 per minute.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

I wouldn't worry about the PAT. Open boarding is around 12:30, so you are not missing any significant time. We have always been able to secure Palo and Remy, I wouldn't worry so much about that either. How to stay connected will relieve your concern about the kids. Check with your carrier to set up a plan. And also contact the outside travel insurance company you are considering to see what your coverage would include. If you are comfortable with all of it- go for it! Double dips are awesome!

 

[cruiser21]

Yes you would still be covered by travel insurance and you can still buy it through DCL if you want to go that route. At some point in time all cruises become non-refundable regardless of when you booked them. I don't think booking a cruise a month out is any riskier then booking a year out. Any comprehensive travel insurance will cover cancellation.

 

[kkayluvsdis]

Thanks for all the advice and information everyone! We'll definitely check in with our cell carrier. If we are able to text/call from CC and Nassau then I would be much more comfortable going for sure. To think- a 4 night cruise just for us!!

 

[MommaBerd]

I would like to suggest also using WeChat or similar app to message with people if needed or just to check in. You only need data to use it; there are no “per message” fees. I think FB Messenger works the same? We used WeChat when we were in China to communicate with everyone there and even sometimes here in the U.S.

PS - Enjoy the time together!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We have always been able to book Palo on board. Plus, we booked one of the discounted cruises in May ( for our celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary) AND we were able to get Palo and main dining right off the bat. We booked 49 days before the cruise. We are 22 days away, no cabin assignment yet. I am thrilled we are able to have this special celebration. We did not want a party or anything like that. This is perfect!

I hope things work out for you!

 

[kkayluvsdis]

We have always been able to book Palo on board. Plus, we booked one of the discounted cruises in May ( for our celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary) AND we were able to get Palo and main dining right off the bat. We booked 49 days before the cruise. We are 22 days away, no cabin assignment yet. I am thrilled we are able to have this special celebration. We did not want a party or anything like that. This is perfect!

I hope things work out for you!

Happy Golden Anniversary! Congratulations on the milestone!