Is this really true???

[pumpkin5156]

The 7 day land and sea package doesn't have access to the dining plan??

Someone told me this on another website and I am shocked. I have yet to hear back from my travel agent on this subject. So bummed, because we were planning on using it. I already put a deposit down on the trip, and if I cancel I don't get it back ($400!!!)

If someone knows, please let me know. Thanks all!

 

[patsal]

I believe the information you have is true--it is a different "package" and the DDP cannot be added.

 

[amcjeep4life]

When we called to book the Land & Sea package, we were told that the DDP can NOT be included with the land portion. However, the very nice CRO lady simply suggested booking the trips seperately. Book a 4 day land with the DDP, and a 3 day sea, seperate from each other. It does mean a larger deposit, and 2 ressie numbers, but the money you'll save using the DDP will make up for it in the end. Have fun on your trip!

 

[pumpkin5156]

Thanks for the replies. Well, I crunched the numbers.

I looked at booking the cruise and hotel stay separate and it's going to be roughly $3,175. This is with the Dining Plan, tickets, room, cruise, transfers to and from the hotel to dock.

The deal I already have booked is $2,174. ($1,001 cheaper) This includes room, tickets, transfers, the cruise. (same as above, but not DDP) Now, I figured my hubby and I will spend about $575-ish on food (tips included) for 4 1/2 days. My son will only be 2, therefore, not needing to order a whole meal himself. We only plan to eat at two or three "expensive" places (the highest of which is $25 a person).

SO, it looks like I'm actually still saving $426!!!

No dining plan for us....it looks like we got a great deal!!

 

[kcashner]

You did exactly what needs to be done to compare booking separately vs. a combined land/sea booking. There are ways (and seasons of the year) when it is cheaper to book separately. That will allow you to add the dining plan. However, if you are not planning to eat a sit down meal each day, the dining plan may not be a good deal.

Other ways to save when booking separately--you may not want the same level of resort as is tied to your cabin choice (you may be in a cat 6 on the ship, but feel a value or moderate resort is fine on land), and you may want a different park ticket than is included with the package. These can be huge savings.

 

[Tink]

We did the Land/sea two years ago and the DDP could not be added then either. I was really mad, since it would have fallen during the free dining promo. You'd think two years later it could have been all worked out. It makes sense fot crusiers to get the DDP, then they'd never have to worry about the meals for the entire trip.