I'm COMPLETELY Clueless!

[Blue Eeyore]

I think we might finally do it... book a Disney Cruise! Believe it or not, we've never been on a cruise before, even though it's a couple of minutes to the local ports. I don't know anything about it! I have so many questions that I didn't see answered on the FAQ. Can someone point me in the right direction? Here are some examples of my questions:

1) How do meals work? Are they included? What isn't included?
2) What is the dress code (need specifics here, my husband is very difficult)
3) What do people (adults in particular) do on the ship all day? I'm not big on sun worshipping, swimming or sports, so what's there to do?
4) Would my 2-year-old enjoy the trip?
5) Is the ship crowded? I hate crowds and a loud noise for a lengthy period of time.
6) Is the cruise relaxing or chaotic if you take the 4 day one?

I probably sound so stupid to all you pro-cruisers out there, but that's okay. I need to know! THANKS!!!

 

[DutchsMommy]

I think we might finally do it... book a Disney Cruise! Believe it or not, we've never been on a cruise before, even though it's a couple of minutes to the local ports. I don't know anything about it! I have so many questions that I didn't see answered on the FAQ. Can someone point me in the right direction? Here are some examples of my questions:

1) How do meals work? Are they included? What isn't included?

Check the "DCL Main" link at the top of the screen - really good info. Food is included. Non-alcoholic drinks from drink stations and at dinner are included. Most room service is included. Some minor snacks are extra outside the theatres and from room services. Dining is rotation - meaning 3 different dining rooms, you stay with your same servers and tablesmates as you go to each dining room. There are also buffets and 'quick' food available.

2) What is the dress code (need specifics here, my husband is very difficult)

Major hot topic here just as a head's up. Again, either the DCL link above or the official Disney DCL site.

3) What do people (adults in particular) do on the ship all day? I'm not big on sun worshipping, swimming or sports, so what's there to do?

You can take a look at 'Navigators' which are the itinerary for the cruise to give you an idea, again on the DCL link. Also, don't forget about excursions and CC!

4) Would my 2-year-old enjoy the trip?

Many others have. You might want to check out 'Flounders Nursery' available for babysitting (charge) if you want some grown up time - maybe to try Palo (adults only restaurant - really good!)

5) Is the ship crowded? I hate crowds and a loud noise for a lengthy period of time.

Lots of people on board but does not feel crowded. Pools can get a bit busy.

6) Is the cruise relaxing or chaotic if you take the 4 day one?

It's all what you make it. Definately getting info here ahead of time will help. You can also go to the official DCL site and fill out alot of your paperwork and make ressies (within a certain timeframe) online which cuts down on stuff you have to do onboard. Or you could book a Cat 1-3 and have concierge do it all for you

I probably sound so stupid to all you pro-cruisers out there, but that's okay. I need to know! THANKS!!!

HTH some!!!

 

[Suki]

My first cruise was a DCL cruise. I didn't really know what to expect. The cruise FAR exceed my expections! My advice to you is to spend some time browsing these threads. There is a wealth of info contained here. All of your answers should be answered here if you just research the threads. Another good website with tons of DCL info is www.castawayclub.com Hope this helps you some in getting started.

 

[dahuffy]

First, welcome to the family Second, there are no dumb questions.

1.) All of your food is included in the price of the cruise. The only thing that is extra,as far as food is concerned, is liquor and if you order anything to drink with your meal from room service.
2.) You can dress as fancy as you want. My husband or DH as we say here(dear husband) is the same way. Not a real fan of getting dressed up while on vacation. Most of the time it's "Cruise Casual" i.e. khakis or jeans and polo or Hawaiian type shirts for the men, capris,jeans and sundresses for the gals. The only thing they ask is that you don't wear tank tops into the dining rooms. There are other options to the regular dining halls too. You can order room service, there's a buffet style dining room and there's also Pinnochios Pizzaria,Pluto's something or other with burgers and hot dogs, and also Goofy's has fruit and sandwiches and stuff. You'll not starve! And as I said, this is ALL included in your price.
3.) You can do as much or as little as you want. There's a movie theatre and shows to see (free). On board tours(free), the Vista Spa for massages and other treatments(extra charge). 3 separate swimming areas and 2 jacuzzis (sp?). Nightclubs (no cover but charges for beverages) Or just find a chair and relax with a book. Not to mention the off shore excursions while you're at port.

4.) I'm sure that there is plenty of things for the 2 yr. old. I have no children myself but I'm sure somebody on this board can fill you in. I believe there's "Flounder's Nursery" for the little ones.
5.) Is it crowded? Some areas can be at certain times. Around the family pool it can get a bit crazy at times and when there's a Deck Party. But there's all sorts of places to go that you won't hardly hear or see anything at all.
6.) Relaxing or chaotic? I don't think I would have been able to talk my DH into going again if it was something that he didn't like. Our first cruise was with Disney and it was a 3 Day. That way we weren't stuck for a week if it was something that was really not for us. We leave on Sat. for a 7 day Eastern Carribbean with the Mouse.

Hope this helps you come to a dicision. Planning is half the fun. I started planning this one in August of last year.

 

[mikiclements]

All great answers here. I just wanted to add that the last DCL cruise we took was packed. Guest services told us there were about 3000 on board. I could not believe there were that many because it NEVER felt like a big crowd. There was always plenty of room and plenty to do. Lean heavily on your personal navigator, it has absolutely everything to do on the ship. It will be sitting on your desk when you arrive in the cabin. We go to all of the first run movies and the live shows and when we are just exhausted we stay in the cabin for awhile, order room service and watch the great disney movies on television. There are great activities. Make sure you take the tour of the bridge. That was very interesting.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[DisneyBill]

I may have missed this stated above, but be sure to order the free DVD from www.disneycruise.com . It will help you develop questions and answers that you may not have thought of.

 

[pjacobi]

Get the unofficial cruise guide at:

http://allearsnet.com/cruise/mdcg.pdf

 

[NeedingVacation]

Try the Passporter guidebook to DCL as well. Although you can get much of the same information if you read everything there is to learn from these threads, but it is a little more efficient to have it all organized into one book, ad it is veryy detailed. I read through it immediately when I got it, but I also plan to bring it on board with me as a reference guide.

Also, I don't remeber the exact thread, but someone recently posted something like "things I wish I knew" which you may find informative. I'll see if I can find it and point you to it.

It's almost overwhelming how much research and planning you COULD do, but part of me wished I could just be like my husband and si back, relax, and just see what happens when we get there.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

WELCOME!!!!

There are Navigator papers listed on this site too. this is the daily paper they give you in your room with the days events on it. Although events can change, have a look at them and it will give you a good idea of the types of things you can do on board.

Plus go to the cruise meets thread at the top of the page, scroll down the pages until you see your cruise date. Post there and introduce yourself. You will get aquainted with others on your cruise.. This is a lot fo fun, plus any experienced cruisers on your cruise will provide you witha ton of information. usually you will have a meet onc eon board so you can actually meet these people. It really adds alot to your experience.
If for some reason you dont see your cruise date, then start a thread for it yourself and let others find you. Just read a coupleof them and youwill get the idea. it is so much fun to do!!!!

mom x4,grandma x4

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

I forgot to say, for your 2 year old. One of the Mickey ears is reserved for toddlers who are not potty trained yet. They must wear swim diapers there. I tisnt deep, only water jets from the sides of the pool. little ones love this pool!!! you can sit on the edge of the pool is you want so you can be close to keep an eye on them.
I advise to bring lots of swim diapers. They do sell them on board but they are expensive and sell out quickly. The pool is in the direct sunlight so being plenty of sun block.

mom x4,grandma x4

 

[Tarabra]

I just travelled w/ a 21mos and she had a ball. Lots to do! Check out my trip report for Aug. 5 - 12. I still need to finish it. Just haven't had the time since we've been back!! You'll have a ball. We have MANY, MANY pictures where we look like we are the only ones on the ship. So you can find some alone time if you try away from the crowds.

 

[Fast Pass]

I'll be going on my first cruise in September 07 and was totally clueless until I found this forum. I also bought the Passporter,it really helped me with the little hints and tricks.

The Disney Cruise line site is average but I don't feel like they explain enough details about what to expect.They do have some nice pictures to look at.

I do know meals are included. They want you to dress for dinner. A nice dress pant for men(along with a nice shirt) and a nice pantsuit or dress for ladies.If you are going to Palo, men are required to have a jacket(don't know about a tie).

Don't know about your kiddie. I have none but I haven't heard to many people complain about the kid activities.

I think you'll have plenty to do. Like the others have said consult your daily Navigator and it will list a ton of things to do.

The only thing to remember especially if you are traveling next year-PASSPORT! Get it early and over with. I have read of people who waited too long and made themselves miserable wondering if their documents were going to arrive or not.

Have fun planning!

 

[Blue Eeyore]

Thank you SO MUCH for such a great response! I'm going to check out all the info you suggested. I hate not being in the know. THANKS AGAIN!

 

[crisi]

We did the four day about two years ago.

1) How do meals work? Are they included? What isn't included?

Palo is an additional $10 a person. Other than that, smoothies and alcohol and a few snacks need to be paid for. Food is included on Castaway Cay, but you'll pay onshore.


2) What is the dress code (need specifics here, my husband is very difficult)

He'll need to wear long pants (jeans or khakis) in the dining rooms. If you want to go to Palo, he may want to kick it up a notch (no jeans, and probably a tie and sportcoat). The Wonder tends to be more casual than the seven day cruises on the Magic.

3) What do people (adults in particular) do on the ship all day? I'm not big on sun worshipping, swimming or sports, so what's there to do?

With a four day you only have one sea day. Cause we had small kids, we'd catch the matinee of the show. You can see movies, take seminars or hang out.

4) Would my 2-year-old enjoy the trip?

Some do, we elected to wait until our youngest was four. She needed to be potty trained for the pools and clubs and we knew that would be a big deal to her. Also, included childcare in the clubs was a big deal to us. Younger children will limit what excursions you can enjoy, how much adult time you get. Note that you'll want to book early if you want early (Main) seating - or you will be feeding your kids at 8:30 at night.


5) Is the ship crowded? I hate crowds and a loud noise for a lengthy period of time.

Depends on where you go and what you are doing. We found some of the shows to be pretty crowded. The pools were crowded and on occation we found the buffets crowded. Of course, the sail away party is a party - its crowded on the floor - but you can watch in relative space up a deck.

6) Is the cruise relaxing or chaotic if you take the 4 day one?

Depends on what you want to do. You could sleep in every day, get up at 11:00, make breakfast out of lunch, read in a deck chair until dinner time in the shade - maybe catch a movie or spend twenty minutes in the hottub, go to dinner at 6:00, take two hours, see the show after dinner and go to bed.

Or you could, get up at 6:00 am, jog around the ship, grab breakfast, jump in the pool. Attend a 10:00 bridge tour, shop for half an hour, grab lunch, catch the 12:30 showing of a movie, go to a putting contest at 2:00, stand in line for character autographs at 3:00, squeeze in a spa appointment at 4:00 before getting ready for dinner. Finish dinner early so you can catch a magic act before the main show. See the main show, go dancing until 2:00 am......and that's without excursions in the ports.