Need some cruise advice

[jlb]

We are thinking about taking a Disney Cruise in Nov. 2005 and I need some advice. Though we have done Disney many times, I feel I am sooo confused on what to book. Should I use a TA or AAA? Should I do the 7 land and sea, or book seperate cruise and hotel stay? What other expenses should i be prepared for on the ship besides beverages? Any help would be appreciated it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[faireygod mother]

First I will let you know that the only expenses on the ship are liqour, tips and purchases. Soda is free (except for when you order it from room service).

As for booking with TA or AAA. I would call and get price quotes from both as well as DCL. We did the sea and land and did not book seperate. I found it convient. If you want a budget hotel and a deluxe cat on ship then you need to book seperate.

I am sure others on this board will share with you their experience. If you have a choice about doing a land and sea or just a 7 day cruise. I would opt for the 7 day cruise. It is more relaxing and you really get the whole cruise exoerience.

 

[jenpan]

I would definitely check with a TA. I checked with AAA for a Feb. 06
7 day cruise and they were not the cheapest. I also checked with Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, WDW Travel, and a few others. DreamsUnlimited gave me the best price for a cat. 6, about 350.00 cheaper when the early booking discount of 150.00 was included. Good Luck on finding a great deal. I think I did OK with my quote from DU. The price since our cruise in Feb. 02 has gone up about 600.00 for the same Cat. 6 room, so try to book early and save a little dough!!

 

[dzneprincess]

I always do this....it works well. I book directly thru DCL as soon as possible to get in on my early booking savings. Then I know the price thru DCL directly. Then you can transfer your ressie to a TA for even more savings. I always use Dana at www.micdan.com aka cruiseplanners. She is awesome. She has saved me lotsacasha! But there are many TA's out there to choose from, but at least while you are deciding on which one to use, you wont lose out on any money in case of a price increase. Using a TA, any money you pay is still paid to DCL and the depo is the same amount. Anyways, check with Dana whenever you are price comparing, because she is awesome. Many on this board have used her.

 

[april riddle]

Hi Amanda - took your suggestion and emailed for quote. I added my mom to our reservation and have booked a cat 6 for us and cat 11 for her. I hope they can lower the quote some. As it stands I put the kids in her room on paper for the lower price, but intend to give her a room to herself. I have read elsewhere on these boards that they don't make a fuss about bed hopping. We will have to see. Hope you guys are great and Have a great New years!

 

[dzneprincess]

April, call her call her call her....please! LOL There seems to sometimes be a problem with her email system, and anyways her joy via the phone is infectious! (sp?) Call Dana at the number on that website, she is there late, and she is a delight to talk to. And no, bedhopping was not a problem for us. We had on paper, me, the baby and 1 kid in the verandah room, and DH, and the 2 other kids in the cat 11. In actuality, we had me DH and baby in verandah room, and the kids in Cat 11 room, with the understanding that I had a baby monitor hooked up and I could hear everything they did. One night one of the kids even slet in our room.

 

[my3kids]

I think www.cruisequick.com seems to have the best service and the best prices. You could have them price the whole 7 night trip, and also just the cruise and price out the vacation yourself. See which quotes seem most reasonable and efficient for your needs.