ILLUMINATIONS CRUISES-What they are--How to book--FIND ONE TO SHARE

[Crazy Hakim]

I was going to try to get an Illuminations cruise, but the night I wanted to do it, we are having dinner at Le Cellier at 7pm and I don't know if I would make it on time to where we are supposed to be picked up.
So....I was thinking about a Wishes Cruise instead...Wishes starts at 10, Spectro is at 9. I have a feeling we will have to come back for another night for Spectro in order to see it and that's fine. If Wishes starts at 10, what time would the cruise start? Thanks for the help!

Yes, 7pm, you would never make it to Bayside Marina by 8pm.
Always figure 1-hour before any fireworks, so if Wishes is is at 10, plan on being at the correct dock at 9.

 

[Disneynutbsv]

Yes, 7pm, you would never make it to Bayside Marina by 8pm.
Always figure 1-hour before any fireworks, so if Wishes is is at 10, plan on being at the correct dock at 9.

Thank you!!

 

[hegs65]

We are a family of 4 (myself, dh, dd 11, ds 14) looking for a nice dis couple or family to share our premier wishes cruise Wednesday, August 16, 2006.

 

[BrendaE]

Are the Wishes cruises just as hard to book as Illuminations cruises? How many boats are available for Wishes? I thoroughly enjoyed my Illuminations Cruise that I got to share with two other DIS families last fall, and would now like to try and book a wishes cruise for when me and my extended family travel to the world this fall. Thanks for any information.

 

[debbiedoo]

I am looking for a boat to share expenses with anytime June 9th - June 18th (Illuminations or wishes) or if anyone would like to share expenses for the Breathless on any of these dates. Please contact me through PM.

TIA

 

[Crazy Hakim]

1. Are the Wishes cruises just as hard to book as Illuminations cruises?
2. How many boats are available for Wishes?

1. No, more boats, easier to book.
2. Educated guess:
Wilderness Lodge - 5 Boats
Contemporary - 2 Boats
Grand - 2 Boats
Poly - 1 Boat
That's 10, but they can pull some boats from Fort Wilderness, and this is just a "typical" figure, there are a few more boats at the Poly, the Grand, & the Contemporary.
If I was to take a guess at the total number of boats, aside from the Grand Gathering Boats, and The Grand 1 Yacht, I would guess that there are 16 pontoons at their disposal, but aside from special holidays (4th of July, NYE) I would say that the total number available in the normal CRO system is closer to 10.

 

[rainy~daze]

I just have a question about these cruises...we aren't going till December, but from what I've read Illuminations is not until 9:30. Is the last crfuise time still at 8? So when I get to call to try and get it am I still telling them I want the 8pm specialty cruise?? And is that sailing from BC? TIA!!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I just have a question about these cruises...we aren't going till December, but from what I've read Illuminations is not until 9:30. Is the last cruise time still at 8? So when I get to call to try and get it am I still telling them I want the 8pm specialty cruise?? And is that sailing from BC? TIA!!

Yes, you are correct, between Thanksgiving and NYE IllumiNations is moved from 9pm to 9:30pm so an not to interfere with The Candlelight Processional at American Gardens Theater. So, everything is moved 1/2 hour later, check in at 8:30, depart around 8:45, presentation at 9:30pm, back at Bayside Marina about 10pm.
ALL cruises sail from Bayside Marina which is on the Yacht Side (a short walk from the Beach Club, The BoardWalk, The Swan and Dolphin). But, you can be dropped off at any dock that is still open and lit after IllumiNations (International Gateway, BoardWalk, Swan & Dolphin, or MGM).
Just ask for the IllumiNations Specialty Cruise.

 

[Twigs]

I am sooo excited. I just want to say thank you for this thread, I was able to book the Breathless on my second try!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

FYI, I was at Bayside Marina last night, Cap't Ron told me that they are getting brand new pontoon boats, so far only one has come in. They are almost identical to the current 24 foot pontoon boats, no major design changes, same color scheme.
Also, a reminder, I have two Kodak Photo Albums On-Line, one of the pontoon boats and one of Breathless, if you would like to see these, you have to PM me your personal e-mail address.

 

[steery1]

Why is there no IC Central up for July yet?

 

[Disneynutbsv]

I have room for 5 people to share the cruise with (this includes splitting the expenses of the cruise.)
I have it booked for August 27, 2006 for Wishes, leaving from the Contemporary around 9:15pm (estimate).
Please pm me if you are interested and I'll give you more info.

**I also wanted to add that we are a family of 5 (me, dh, 15 ds, 9 dd, 9 ds). Reserved pontoon that is the premium with soda, snacks, and wishes music piped in***

***Sorry! All spots are taken***

 

[pooch]

we'll be at WDW 8/25 - 9/3. Family of four. Anyone have room?

 

[bsmcneil]

deleted as the cruise is now full

 

[bsmcneil]

found it

 

[gigi1313]

is it true cruises can only be booked 90 days ahead? i called to book one and was told to call back july 1st...

if anyone is interested in sharing an illuminations cruise w/a family of four (assuming i can snag one) for sept 28-oct 3, let me know...

 

[Crazy Hakim]

is it true cruises can only be booked 90 days ahead? i called to book one and was told to call back July 1st...

Yes, 90 days, NOT 3 months, I always count back-wards on a calender to be sure I call on the earliest day. Good Luck!

 

[nikandboys]

We are a family of 6 - 2 parents, 2 grandparents, 2 boys (4 and 7) and will be interested in sharing a cruise possibly Oct.1-OCt 5. We are looking for preferrably Oct.2. I will try to book a cruise and be willing to share. If I could work with someone to get a cruise would be great. PM me if your interested in workng together.

 

[Handbag Lady]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=880481

This link is a Godsend to me.

Thank you for posting that!!!!!!

 

[StacyPop]

WOOHOO!! Booked Illuminations cruise for Monday Sept. 4th. We are only 4-we have room for 6 more-PM me if you are interested.