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

[Crazy Hakim]

We didn't get the birthday cruise, but I thought about getting one of those awesome cakes anyway. Can I, and how would I do that?

I am not sure I fully understand your question. You did not get any cruise? Because any cruise can be a Birthday Cruise.
If you mean you got no cruise, well first I would suggest that you don't give up. Cruises become available, call back weekly, and especially one week before the date you really want.
If you mean you want a cake to have in your room, two suggestions, either call your resorts Guest Services and ask them for assistance, or call your resort and see if you can speak directly to their bakery (most resorts have a fully staffed bakery on site).

 

[bigbabyblues]

Sorry! I got an Illuminations Cruise, but I didn't pay extra for the birthday cruise. I wanted to order the cake and eat it during the cruise.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Sorry! I got an Illuminations Cruise, but I didn't pay extra for the birthday cruise. I wanted to order the cake and eat it during the cruise.

Well, without the Birthday Cruise, you will not get the Birthday Banner on the side of the boat, you will not get the balloon decorations, and your driver will not be prepared to serve cake (plates, forks, napkins, knife, cake server). I would think that you would have to bring all of this along with you along with picking up and bringing the cake. It's a pretty gray area about bring food on-board, especially something like a cake. I am not sure if the savings will offset the hassle.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Thank you! I'm guessing I can call and make it a birthday (celebration?) cruise with no problem? My DS will be turning 4 within a week of our cruise, so birthday would work. If I do the birthday cruise, is the cake included in the price, and am I right that I don't even have to pick it up? I didn't even think about serving the cake.

I don't remember the price of the birthday cruise, but it might certainly be worth it!

Thanks for the info!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Thank you! I'm guessing I can call and make it a birthday (celebration?) cruise with no problem? My DS will be turning 4 within a week of our cruise, so birthday would work. If I do the birthday cruise, is the cake included in the price, and am I right that I don't even have to pick it up? I didn't even think about serving the cake.
I don't remember the price of the birthday cruise, but it might certainly be worth it!
Thanks for the info!

1. Yes, you can call and change the cruise from standard to Birthday Celebration. Ask them to make note of the Birthday boy's name and age on the comments and that a cake will be ordered. (This will greatly help the driver get everything ready before you arrive at 8pm to check-in.
2. No, the cake is not included, you should still get it ordered but tell them to deliver it to Bayside Marina for your 8pm check-in time. Make sure you specify the size of your party and the type of cake you want to order. The default cake is very small and will get 6-8 small slices out of it.

Enjoy your cruise and please remember to tell us all how it went when you return.

 

[kimmie]

What time will I need to be at the dock for our Wishes Cruise? I believe she told me we will board at the Contemporary. I lost all of my notes and had to call back to double check the date and time. She said 8 pm. Is that right?
Thanks
Kimmie

 

[bigbabyblues]

It will depend on what time Wishes starts.

 

[kimmie]

Our cruise is April 8th. I thought Wishes was at 10pm. Better check again

 

[bigbabyblues]

I'd probably call the marina at the resort you're boarding the boat, they should be able to tell you. Sorry I can't help more! I know we have to be there at 8 for our Illuminations Cruise, and Illuminations is at 9.

 

[kimmie]

Thanks!

I will give them a call next week! I usually have everything prepared! Just didn't transfer my notes into my BIG BOOK!

 

[Disney_Fanatic]

I've posted it on the May Central board but I'm gonna post here again to try our luck.

We are looking for spaces available on illuminations cruises on May 12, 13 or May 15. We have 5 adults. Please send me a PM if you have spaces available. TIA!

 

[momsoftwins]

i have 2 spots open for wishes cruise april 25th (wednesday) if any takers just pm me.

 

[mirthmaiden]

I asked my TA about her potentially booking a cruise for us in August. We are a family of 6. Here is her reply:

"As for the Illuminations cruise that is only available for groups of eight or more, those in a Grand Gathering. I really do wish they would change that policy because I have clients who inquire abut that cruise all the time."

Huh? I thought this was paid on a per-boat basis, so if I want to rent the boat it's a set amount no matter how many people are on it. Then, if I want, I can sell the other seats to another group.

Am I missing some key information here? If my TA is correct, the only way I can get one of these is to find somebody else who has 6 spots available, which of course wouldn't be possible because a 4-person group wouldn't be able to book either. ???

 

[disneygrandma]

I think your TA has the cruises mixed up. There is a Grand Gathering Cruise for Wishes, with Patch the Pirate. This cruise has story-telling and songs on board, and cookies, fruit, etc before boarding. It is for Wishes, and not Illuminations.

 

[gaz]

we are in the land of magic the first two weeks, and having failed to book one, i was wondering has anyone got any space for 2 adults and two children please

 

[mirthmaiden]

we are in the land of magic the first two weeks, and having failed to book one, i was wondering has anyone got any space for 2 adults and two children please

If you want to find a cruise to share, you need to include the date range that you are interested in. Otherwise, nobody will know what you are looking for.

 

[iluvdisney01]

Will they allow you to bring champagne on the boat or can you order it through resort private dining?

 

[gaz]

If you want to find a cruise to share, you need to include the date range that you are interested in. Otherwise, nobody will know what you are looking for.

silly me i missed the month out on my first post. we are going to be in the land of magic in the first two weeks in august

 

[abouna]

We are two adults and two children (4 and 9) looking for June 6 or 7 if anyone has room.

Email me at abouna@aol.com

 

[Anc96]

We were fortunate enough to get to share someone's Wishes cruise last year. We had a wonderful time!

This year I'm hoping to get a spot for an Illumination's Cruise.

The best times for the cruise for us would be from June 11th thru June 26th. We will actually be there a couple of days before if I had to take one before the 11th. One adult, one child 9 (well-behaved girl ).

Please pm me with the terms if someone has room for us.

TIA
Anc96