Lots of questions

[Liz]

What are my options for staterooms with 5 people cruising?

Will there be any problems taking along a minor (age 17) who is not my son? For instance taking him out of the country and all that.

My DS will be 18 and his friend will be 17. Can DF17 move up to adult activities with DS or can DS go to the teen club with his friend? The friend is within a month of turning 18.

If we have our own rental car we won't need transfers, right? Does transfers mean transportation between the airport and the port? If we have our own rental (visiting family in Jax.) is there some place we can park the car for free while we are cruising?

Is it best to let the travel agent include travel insurance or arrange it yourself?

Sorry so many questions. Thanks!

 

[DrCavin]

With 5 people you can get a single cat 4 or multiple lower categories. Will probably be less expensive booking multiple lower cats. Some are even connected or many book one directly across the hall.

You will have to have a special form filled out prior to cruise to take another child, others will post the details or DCL will certainly make sure you have what you need.

I think the DF17 should be able to move up with your son, not sure about the other way around..

If you rent a car you will not need transfers, yes transfers are from airport to port or from disney property to port. I have read the Radisson has free parking if you stay there, other hotels may have this as well. If not you can park at the port for $10 a day, paid when you arrive.

Some TA's have great rates for insuring your trip, so probably best to check around.

 

[la37]

When you get your cruise documents in the mail there will be a page in the booklet that will have to be filled out by the 17 year olds guardian giving permission for you to take him on the cruise. This form must be notorized. May I also suggest having the guardian type out a paper stating that in case of emergency you are authorized to obtain medical treatment for him and have it notorized at the same time. Chances are you will not need it but it is always better to be covered.

 

[la37]

bump

 

[mmouse37]

We have taken our children's friends several times on our cruises....as posted above we always have a notarized letter from the parent/guardian authorizing us to seek medical attention for that child if necessary, along with a copy of that child's health insurance card. I also include all the travel dates in the letter as well and have both parents/guardians sign.

 

[ivanova]

Please note that there might be US passport requirements, based on when you're cruising.

You can go to www.state.gov for the latest info on passport requirements. Your son's friend would need a passport too if it becomes a requirement.

 

[2boyshere]

With 5 people you can get 2 connecting Cat 10's for cheaper than a Cat 4, family stateroom. You'll also have 2 bathrooms and more room. They are inside cabins but we didn't mind it at all. You are hardly are in the cabins at all anyway (at least we weren't on a 3 night). As for moving up/down to the teen area, they were very flexible with my 2. My 12 year old could go to the teen loft and my 14 year old could go to the Lab. We had a great time and already booked another for 2006 (4 night). As for travel insurance, it depends on the cost and ages of the passengers when buying elsewhere. I just booked a 7 day cruise for someone during Easter break for 2006 and they're insurance at access america would have triple the disney price. It's because the cost of the trip and the 2 adults are 50 & 53. Any other questions, let me know.

 

[Cinderelli]

Maybe you can pull up the deck plans and see what type of room configurations would work best for your party. We have a family of 5 and are doing our first cruise in May/2006. We opted for a cat 6 (so DH could have a verandah) with a cat 11 directly across. This ended up being $250 cheaper than a cat4 that all of us could sleep in.

Now, mind you, our children are young enough that we'll have to either split up to sleep (my DH in one room and I in the other) or we'll all sleep in the same room (cramped as that may be - but we've done it before at different places) and use the other room during daylight hours for getting ready, extra TV, extra bath, toilet, etc.)

I would think with a 17 and 18 yo, they would love to have their own space and it would probably come out cheaper.

Good luck and have fun planning,

Lissa