Justacruiser
Military Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2011
- Messages
- 2,742
Well I finally get to use both hands when counting the number of times the family has taken cruises on DCL. October 1, 2011 will be our sixth cruise. Actually, this is the only cruise line we have traveled. Why you may ask, because I want the family to be in a safe, fun filled environment without having to worry about what I or the family is seeing, eating, smelling, hearing or doing. Yes, there is a price different, but my expectations are high and they have been met thus far. My family does not drink or gamble and so we are not really interested in being on cruises that attack such activity.
Being less than a month out, i have paid for the cruise, booked the early dinner, selected the room number. And yes, you can go on line and get your own room number and even change if available IF you purchased a specific room when booking the reservation. If you purchased a "GTY" room, you are subject to the DCL to assign you a room. If you do not mind the location or the "GTY" it is well worth it. My recommendation is to be prepared to be assigned the lowest Caterogy Room within the "GTY". Do not purchase the "GTY" to expect an updrade. You might be disappointed.
I have also booked all my activites during the cruise prior to sailing. That is where your Silver, Gold and Platinum Level can be a real asset. Depending on your level, you can schedule the activities you desire well in advance of the cruise to ensure that will be able to do the activity you desire. I have tried to book an activity the first day of the cruise just to find it already booked. The reservations for activity will be added to you account on the ship which can be paid with the credit card or cash.
Ensure you complete the On-Line Check In as soon as possible. It is during that On-Line Check In that you can request your time to be at the Terminal. No that does not ensure that I get on at the requested time, but it does insure that they will be expecting me. I always eat a light breakfast before getting to the terminal. You never know what could slow down the boarding process. There is no vending machines in the Terminal. I will discuess more on the boarding process later.
If you are interested, take a small carry on with suntan lotion and suites for swimming. I have found it a good time to take a quick swim or ride the Aquaduck! More than likely, your stateroom will not be ready when you arrive on board. So, you will not have access to you luggage. Actually you will most likely be allowed in your room with the luggage coming later in the day. Prior to 4pm, so you should be able to change for dinner, if desired.
My next plan is to take enough extra money on board to sign up for at least 1 DCL cruise. My experience that I can book a room and save 10% and recieve an OBC which is given by Level. That means on a cruise with my DW I can save a minimum of $400, just by booking on board. Some call that booking a "Dummy Cruise". The advantage is that I can change categories and add cruisers, and change cruise dates without penalty as long as you are outside the 75 day cancellation restrictions. I have determined that if I really like DCL I could save thousands when I book on the cruise.
BRB
Being less than a month out, i have paid for the cruise, booked the early dinner, selected the room number. And yes, you can go on line and get your own room number and even change if available IF you purchased a specific room when booking the reservation. If you purchased a "GTY" room, you are subject to the DCL to assign you a room. If you do not mind the location or the "GTY" it is well worth it. My recommendation is to be prepared to be assigned the lowest Caterogy Room within the "GTY". Do not purchase the "GTY" to expect an updrade. You might be disappointed.
I have also booked all my activites during the cruise prior to sailing. That is where your Silver, Gold and Platinum Level can be a real asset. Depending on your level, you can schedule the activities you desire well in advance of the cruise to ensure that will be able to do the activity you desire. I have tried to book an activity the first day of the cruise just to find it already booked. The reservations for activity will be added to you account on the ship which can be paid with the credit card or cash.
Ensure you complete the On-Line Check In as soon as possible. It is during that On-Line Check In that you can request your time to be at the Terminal. No that does not ensure that I get on at the requested time, but it does insure that they will be expecting me. I always eat a light breakfast before getting to the terminal. You never know what could slow down the boarding process. There is no vending machines in the Terminal. I will discuess more on the boarding process later.
If you are interested, take a small carry on with suntan lotion and suites for swimming. I have found it a good time to take a quick swim or ride the Aquaduck! More than likely, your stateroom will not be ready when you arrive on board. So, you will not have access to you luggage. Actually you will most likely be allowed in your room with the luggage coming later in the day. Prior to 4pm, so you should be able to change for dinner, if desired.
My next plan is to take enough extra money on board to sign up for at least 1 DCL cruise. My experience that I can book a room and save 10% and recieve an OBC which is given by Level. That means on a cruise with my DW I can save a minimum of $400, just by booking on board. Some call that booking a "Dummy Cruise". The advantage is that I can change categories and add cruisers, and change cruise dates without penalty as long as you are outside the 75 day cancellation restrictions. I have determined that if I really like DCL I could save thousands when I book on the cruise.
BRB