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

[abouna]

What is the normal amount people tip per boat for these "cruises?"

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

I tipped $30 for our Wishes cruise last week. From what I have read here, it seems $25 is the going rate. Most seem to be charging other that join in $30 per person, which adds up to $300 for ten people. The cruise costs $275.

 

[MACfamily4]

This is for all you folks who have shared Wishes or Illuminations cruises in the past: I'm sharing an upcoming Wishes cruise with two other families (I'm the reservation holder - can't wait, this makes the Wishes cruise so much more affordable - thanks DISboards! ). We've agreed to split the cost evenly by # of people, but I'm not sure how to handle the payment. What's "fair" for everyone involved? How did you do it? Did it work well? I'm sorry if this is a repeat question (I can't possibly be the only one to have ever asked this) but I read several pages of the post and did several searches and didn't find anything. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[MomofCKJ]

This is for all you folks who have shared Wishes or Illuminations cruises in the past: I'm sharing an upcoming Wishes cruise with two other families (I'm the reservation holder - can't wait, this makes the Wishes cruise so much more affordable - thanks DISboards! ). We've agreed to split the cost evenly by # of people, but I'm not sure how to handle the payment. What's "fair" for everyone involved? How did you do it? Did it work well? I'm sorry if this is a repeat question (I can't possibly be the only one to have ever asked this) but I read several pages of the post and did several searches and didn't find anything. Thanks in advance for the help!

We shared an Illuminations Cruise with another family we met on the TGM boards. (It was so much fun!) Anyway we were each a family of 5 so we split the cost right down the middle and we split the tip as well. We tipped $50, each putting in $25.

We met at the marina and each had cash, went to the window and paid. It was pretty easy!

Allyson

 

[MomofCKJ]

this might be a bit off topic but when you book the illuminations cruise
really what are your chances IF you call at 7 am on the nose since their are only 3 boats going out?

cheryl

We called at 7am on the dot last September to try and book for our December trip. I got through right away and they told me the boats were all taken. I was so sad. I decided to call every day to see if there was a cancellation. Well that afternoon around 3:30 I called for kicks and what do you know? There was one available! I definately felt the pixie dust!

My point, if you call and they are booked, keep trying. People do cancel!

Allyson

 

[dis2cruise]

We called at 7am on the dot last September to try and book for our December trip. I got through right away and they told me the boats were all taken. I was so sad. I decided to call every day to see if there was a cancellation. Well that afternoon around 3:30 I called for kicks and what do you know? There was one available! I definately felt the pixie dust!

My point, if you call and they are booked, keep trying. People do cancel!

Allyson

thanks

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

For our wishes cruise, I paid with my credit card. The other 9 people that went (two were my sister and friend, seven were DISers) paid me cash when we got there. Since there were 10 of us, we each paid $30. Had there only been 9, I would have paid the extra $30. If anyone hadn't shown up, I would have paid all the extra amount as well. It is the risk you take when you are the ressie holder. So, be prepared for that if you make the reservation.

For the Illuminations cruise we joined, I ended up not going, but still paid my share. I wasn't feeling good and didn't want to get stuck on the boat for an hour, so didn't go at the last minute. My sister, cousin and friend still went though. I didn't leave the other family having to pay my spot though.

 

[jennifer6800]

I just called reservations about getting a cruise next week. They have availablitity for all three days, before I book I want to know if anyone would be interested in sharing. There are only two of us so lots of extra room.

Jenn and Dave

P.S. He is a professional photographer, so there will be great pictures.

 

[aleo1203]

jennifer

just some quick things to keep in mind.

You have to be in love with disney decorations and music because it's all over all the time.

The number of things to do and see border on overwhelming so try to do some research, as you are, to get organized ahead of time. You'll sleep better.

A lot of people complain that the characters do not mingle as much as everyone would like. Not a huge problem, but know it going in.

 

[mom2mek]

Booking for the Wishes cruise - can it only be done at 90 days, not 180 days like ADR's? I wanted to plan one for after our meal and I'm not sure what time to book the meal. (If we know we are going to do the cruise, then I would make the meal for a time that would give us enough time to eat and get out there, if we don't have the cruise, our plans for the ADR might change, but I don't want to take the chance of not having the ADR at all by waiting until 90 days out). Advice?

 

[mirthmaiden]

Does anybody have space for 6 on Illuminations cruise the week of Aug 4-10?
Prefer Aug 9th if possible, but will take any date that week. Thanks

 

[johnrlane]

We have space available for 6 on our Illuminations Cruise reserved for June 10. We are a family of four: parents plus daughter age 9 and son age 6. You would share cost only for the seat you need.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Johnrlane, I might have three people to share with you. I will PM you if they want to join you!

 

[Tikihula]

I'm going to try for an Illuminations Cruise on October 18th and there are only 2 of us in the party. Anyone else interested in splitting the cost? I'll be calling as soon as the 90 day window pops up. Please send a PM.

 

[MLBHSB]

johnrlane,

I definately would like to share the cruise with you. There will be 2 of us. I'm in Iraq and will be at SOG for my leave. I sent you a PM

 

[Tikihula]

MLBHSB - How wonderful that you can spend your leave at WDW. You will probably experience sensory overload with all the bright colors, wonderful music and magical moments at WDW after the monochrome of your current landscape. Hope you have a wonderful time. Thank you for your service to our country.

 

[mirthmaiden]

johnrlane,

I definately would like to share the cruise with you. There will be 2 of us. I'm in Iraq and will be at SOG for my leave. I sent you a PM

Thank you so much for your service to our country from one vet to another

Enjoy your well-deserved WDW trip!

 

[jemaro148]

Hello all...

I am looking to get into special Illuminations cruise 8/9 8/12 8/13. Those are the nights I have available. It is just me (age 27) and my sister (age 10) It is my sister's first time down to WDW and I want to do something special. If not, oh well we can still see it from land. Thanks a lot!!!

 

[TBLaube]

MY BF and I are both in the Navy and have been separated due to Operational needs and are finally back together and doing an adult Disney trip. We are looking for an Illuminations Cruise for adults only on September 4. I will try and book when it opens up and send another post. Let me know if anyone is interested in sharing. The kids are so mad that we are not bringing them, but they are doing a Disney Cruise this summer with the grandparents without us so I don't feel so bad.


MLBHSB- Come back safely! You will enjoy your vacation so much.

 

[Diz Knee]

Is there a similar thread for the cruise that you would take to see Wishes? And how do you book these?