Limitations on availability wen you book last minute?

[BlueFairy]

We are looking to book our first DCL cruise. Very Merrytime for 11/19 on the Dream. Kids are 13 and 16. Plan to stay on the ship on our Nassau day. From PAT to Palo to kids clubs, spa etc … what are we likely to miss out on due to lack of availability when booking this late?
We will be driving ourselves.
I was less concerned about this issue when the VGT rate we wanted was showing availability, but in the last 24 hours it has vaporized. Now we are looking at rack rate.

 

[cvjw]

We booked palo twice last week while on the ship. Palo brunch was waiting list only, but dinner was wide open. Plenty of tastings available thru the app while on the ship. Earliest PAT was 11:30 - right up until we sailed. I kept checking for an earlier PAT. Didn’t book kids club or spa.

 

[dreamer17555]

At age 13 and 16 they don’t need a kids club reserve time because they will both be in the tween club or teen club which don’t need reservations. Hope that helps.

 

[BlueFairy]

That’s helpful! Thanks. Anyone else?

 

[FLPrincessMom]

The biggest thing will be Palo but since this is your first cruise and it's a three night I wouldn't even try for the dinner. You might be able to get a brunch on board. The spa should be fine. If you were interested in tastings, they would probably be limited as well. They used to keep a few for booking onboard so you might still be able to pick one up. As far as PAT - the very early ones will be gone but you will probably be able to get 12 - 12:30 range which isn't bad. Have a great time!!!

 

[jktmom]

We’ve booked last minute (within 2 weeks of sail date) twice recently and we got a PAT of 1:15 for our first sailing and could have gotten as early as 12:15 for our second sailing. We take a 1:00 PAT so the kids can nap on our drive to the port.

 

[dreamer17555]

Palo is lovely but not worth skipping a MDR on your first DCL cruise IMO. Brunch might be hard to get but honestly won’t make or break a trip.

 

[lanejudy]

Last minute availability for activities will largely depend on how many are booked for your cruise. As the weekend leading into Thanksgiving -- it could be more crowded than some other cruises. You might look to see if you can find a cruise meet group for that specific cruise and ask about availability.

 

[BlueFairy]

Last minute availability for activities will largely depend on how many are booked for your cruise. As the weekend leading into Thanksgiving -- it could be more crowded than some other cruises. You might look to see if you can find a cruise meet group for that specific cruise and ask about availability.

Great advice. Thanks.

DH doesn't drink alcohol, so I doubt tastings will be on the agenda. Good to know that my teens don't need club reservations. Palo and Remy are right up our alley, but honestly the new a la carte pricing and the short cruise had me questioning whether to even try. I will look at brunch for sure.

 

[KMack]

on my last 5-6 cruises, Palo dinner was much easier to get than Brunch. I don’t know if that has changed with reduced capacity but my understanding is that brunch is no longer a buffet at this time so it might be even more difficult.

Honestly, I don’t do dinner at Palo anymore unless we are travelling with first time cruisers. I much prefer brunch… but I am spoiled diner and have eaten in several Michelin star restaurants so I find Palo dinner menu only okay (the service remains outstanding). We enjoy Palo brunch but we are finding that it had gotten a bit repetitive… we were amongst the last of the Disney cruisers when the pandemic hit (on the Wonder WBPC Canal just as the world changed while we were at sea). We are keen to see if DCL has taken this opportunity to shake things up a bit! Can‘t wait until 3 January!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

… Can‘t wait until 3 January!!!

If you’re on the Magic, we are on that January 3rd cruise as well!

 

[dreamer17555]

If you’re on the Magic, we are on that January 3rd cruise as well!

My family will be on the Magic Jan 3rd Sailing as well! Looking forward to being back at sea.

 

[KMack]

My family will be on the Magic Jan 3rd Sailing as well! Looking forward to being back at sea.

See you on board! We are travelling as a party of 13 and all the women will be wearing Disney Villain t-shirts we have designed!

 

[BlueFairy]

Update - we booked yesterday. Not thrilled with 1:00 PAT but i expected that. Palo and Remy are available for dinner all 3 nights but brunch (only offered at Nassau) is sold out for both. We are not looking at other things closely but there is a good selection of other options still.