June 1, 2012 - 5 night Bahama Dream Cruise

[rewhitingjr]

Hey guys did you see that DCL is changing its tipping policy and will automaticly charge it at the start of the cruise. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-plan.htm#tipping I had been told by a friend that when she cruised they added taxes to gratuities that were part of the bill and that some lines she had cruised actually kept part of it for themselves (not sure if DCL did). I planned on pay as I go to make sure those that actually served me got what they deserved. I now realize this is really the only pay they get so having been a server in the past it is important to me that it goes where I want it to. Guess I will be going to frount desk and asking them to remove it from our bill. I'll see how it goes. Dont think it should be done pre cruise (can't know service was even adequit yet) unless a cruiser chooses to do it this way.

What do you guys think that have cruised DCL?

I went and prepaid my gratutities last week because I don't like the 'sticker' shock at the end of cruise when they present your final bill. In the combined five cruises my daughter and I have taken with DCL, we have never been disappointed with our stateroom host or dining room servers (quite the contrary). If we were to have a negative experience, I am confident that DCL would allow us to adjust downward our tips accordingly while crediting our portfolio before tips are distributed the last night of the cruise.

Key to getting the most out of your hosts and servers is let them know your preferences day one and disappointments as they occur. We leave sticky notes on bathroom mirror for stateroom hosts (ie. filling icebucket at specified times), let our DR table servers know our likes and dislikes (ie. keep water glasses full) and always talk to our DR head server every night (when dining in designated area). On my Alaska cruise last year, I tipped extra my stateroom host and DR server in cash with a note (free DCL stationary in rooms) expressing my appreciation.

Note: Look at your tab before handing over your KTTW card. DCL AUTOMATICALLY adds a 15% gratuity to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. Here is the link to DCL's gratuity policy: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faqs/onboard-services/gratuities/

If at any time you are unhappy with any of your service, notify a cast member wearing a white nautical uniform. DCL will change your attendant(s) if you so desire.

Hope this helps.

 

[dizzi]

So we are joining your cruise.

Late i know, but better late than never.

We just got a really great deal that we couldnt pass up.

It was going to cost us almost 2/3 of the price just to take our DD and a friend to a theme park this year.

So we thought we would try the DREAM instead ..

I really never thougt i would do the Dream, as the 3 and 4 days cruises i think would be too short but the 5 days, and for the price...

I couldnt pass it up.

So for right now........ joining you will be
Myself, My DH, and our DD (15)

We will be driving to the port and then making our way down to FOrt Lauderdale after to visit with some friends before coming back home.
BUT WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO START THE SUMMER!!!

 

[gatorfreud]

yeah welcome!!!

How awesome for you to score a good deal! Congrats! I have been waiting like 18 months for this dang cruise! It is been torturous - but fun too!

Kim

 

[dizzi]

I plan on going back through the thread and reading it all, to find out lots of information.

But wondering if there is any one that is on Late dining that is willing to join up dining with us.

We really dont like eating alone, we have always joined up with someone from our dis group...normally it happens more naturally than me just out and out asking but since i have cut this a bit short i though i would put it out there right away.

It will be me and DH and Prob DD (15) at table, normally she doesnt eat with us, BUT with it being the new ship she will prob eat with us at least once each restaurant, and i guess we will be trying to get a palo or a remy when we get on board. for one night.

 

[dizzi]

Thanks,

We just got off a cruise in March and had no plans to do another DCL cruise until next March.

BUT.

WE dont know any details yet, one of my previous post said we were driving, but now we are not sure gonna run some #s tonight.

It is a LONG DRIVE FOR US!!!!
And we cannot leave until May 31 at 10am as this is my DD last day of school and she will need to go in to school for a bit and say her "GOODBYES" for the year.

 

[dizzi]

We will be a company of three, me, DW, and DD who will be 14 at the time of the cruise. This will be our first cruise and we are really looking forward to it. We will be spending 5 to 7 days at the BWV before the cruise. Since we just have the one child we are hopping to meet some other families with children of similar age that she can get to know and maybe hang out with.

MY DD is 15, she would love to have some girls to hang out with, last time she took a friend but not gonna happen with this short notice.
If youa re still on this cruise let me know.

Just booked today for this cruise! We are all very excited. Will be my 3rd cruise but first with DCL. It will be my wifes second cruise...but will be first cruise for 16 yearold son and 9 year old son. Hope to meet you all soon!

GOOD GOOD another teen!!

Well, my life sure has taken a twist in the last 8 weeks! My DH has been transferred by his company to Jacksonville, FL. We currently live in Alabama.

We bought a house in St. Johns, FL and the moving company will move us on December 26-28

Where is St Johns FL....We live half time in Florida (thus the great deal)
We have a home in Fort Lauderdale. How are you enjoying Florida i sure miss it when we are not there.

Anyone up for playing the FE game?

YES , if it isnt too late, i would love to join....i know it is late and if there was a cut off date that i missed ..... NO WORRIES!!!!!

 

[gatorfreud]

There was still Palo availability for the last night when I checked yesterday. Also brunch was open on the last day as well.

We have early dining!

Kim

 

[dizzi]

Oh awesome i didnt even check, just assumed it would be full by now.

Thanks

 

[rewhitingjr]

YES , if it isnt too late, i would love to join....i know it is late and if there was a cut off date that i missed ..... NO WORRIES!!!!!

Our original FE group was closed on April 2nd. You may want to contact dizzi.

Hi All! As you can tell by my user name, I have now realized I'm a little late on all of this planning stuff We're so excited to be going on this cruise (myself, my husband, our 9 year old son, and soon to be 6 year old daughter). Just found these boards and the fish extender thing sounds like so much fun. Let me know if there's anyone else out there who was late and would like to start a second group! Looking forward to meeting everyone on the cruise!

Also, responded to your note on our FE thread.

By the way ... Welcome Aboard! Will you be able to meet us for our Greet and Meet Friday after the sail away party on deck 12?

 

[rewhitingjr]

rewhitingjr, you are just taking care of every detail for our group. The tags look like a good idea, (especially if you are willing to make them. I wouldn't know how.) Thanks! If everyone is agreeable, I think passing them out at the meet on the first day would be a good idea, and then putting the others in the FEs of anyone not there.

I will print and emboss the tags this weekend. They won't take any room in my luggage as they are stackable and thin.

I LOVE this!

What if we did something like mail all of Deck 6 to me and I will distribute as soon as rooms are ready. That way, if we are wearing them at the DISmeet, we will know we have the right group! I will pay for the postage to all volunteers that pass them out!

I am just trying to think of a way to make it less work for you - but, feel free to slap my hand if you need to!

Thanks for volunteering to take care of Deck 6. If you PM your address to me, I will get them mailed out Monday (April 30th).

I am in for whatever! I guess I might get everyone to wear them if I can find lanyards.

Just last week I saw $1.99 Disney themed Lanyards (Mickey, Minnie, Princess, Cars) at Michael's Craft Store.

I love this idea...my family will defn wear them.

Great!

Question for all: Should I print generic tags or include DIS name? Also, should I print one for all members of family or just adults? Would appreciate your input as I plan to complete them this weekend. Thanks.

 

[gatorfreud]

I think generic is fine? Easier to make too.

Hmmm.... I don't know if my kids will wear a lanyard, or DH either. I don;t think my kids will be carrying their cards with them... or do most kids (little ones) carry their own cards?

I will take one though! I guess if most kids carry their cards then maybe... I will look for lanyards next time I am out. Which part of Michael's did you see them in?

Thank you!!!!

Kim

 

[tiggspring]

Thanks,

We just got off a cruise in March and had no plans to do another DCL cruise until next March.

BUT.

WE dont know any details yet, one of my previous post said we were driving, but now we are not sure gonna run some #s tonight.

It is a LONG DRIVE FOR US!!!!
And we cannot leave until May 31 at 10am as this is my DD last day of school and she will need to go in to school for a bit and say her "GOODBYES" for the year.

If you drive we will be right behind you we take 119 in Pa into WV. If you see a green ford mini van with 5 mickey family decals and a mickey cat decal that would be us. At the rest stop we will be the ones with a funny smell comming from the van (mixture of bengay and motion ease aromatherapy oil) and lots of stuff falling on the ground

 

[tiggspring]

We will be a company of three, me, DW, and DD who will be 14 at the time of the cruise. This will be our first cruise and we are really looking forward to it. We will be spending 5 to 7 days at the BWV before the cruise. Since we just have the one child we are hopping to meet some other families with children of similar age that she can get to know and maybe hang out with.

My DD will be 13 and I know would love some non adult company She is quite mature for her age except when she deals with me but thats the teen years right?

 

[tiggspring]

I will print and emboss the tags this weekend. They won't take any room in my luggage as they are stackable and thin.



Thanks for volunteering to take care of Deck 6. If you PM your address to me, I will get them mailed out Monday (April 30th).



Just last week I saw $1.99 Disney themed Lanyards (Mickey, Minnie, Princess, Cars) at Michael's Craft Store.



Great!

Question for all: Should I print generic tags or include DIS name? Also, should I print one for all members of family or just adults? Would appreciate your input as I plan to complete them this weekend. Thanks.

My kids would wear them at least the first night but they will probably hang with us at least until we have mingled a bit so adults would be fine. They will still be in a state of shock that we didnt go see the ship we actually are on it so they will do whatever I want until they get their senses back ETA for senses dessert

 

[Jdismom]

I agree with the generic name.

I'm not sure if my girls will wear the tags, and my husband doesn't even know yet that we are planning to meet up with people onboard. I just hope he's up for it, and not wanting to just relax and get ready for our early dinner seating. So I HOPE to meet you all.

 

[deputygator]

The green tags are fabulous!!! Either way (with or without the name) would make it easier for us to identify each other. Count us in!

 

[Connecticut Grandma]

I will be taking this cruise with my husband, our daughter, our son-in-law, our five year old granddaughter, our three year old grandson, and our eight month old grandson.

My husband and I have been on many cruises, but this will be our first Disney cruise.

 

[rewhitingjr]

I will be taking this cruise with my husband, our daughter, our son-in-law, our five year old granddaughter, our three year old grandson, and our eight month old grandson.

My husband and I have been on many cruises, but this will be our first Disney cruise.

Welcome aboard. I'm a Texas grandpa taking my two granddaughters on their first cruise. I've also been on many cruises and this will be my fourth with Disney. You will have a great time!

 

[gatorfreud]

Welcome!! We too have been on many cruises but this is our first with DCL!

Kim

 

[Jdismom]

Welcome Connecticut Grandma! You are all going to love the Disney cruise, especially your grandchildren. My girls wish they were young enough to go to the kid's clubs. I hear they're wonderful. Just be forewarned, once you go on a Disney cruise you won't want to go on any others!