Never been - LOTS of ?'s

[krahema]

I'm looking into booking a 4-night cruise for my DH and me, and possibly the following "characters" - DS, DBIL & their two daughters (2 & 4 yo), DM, DD, DS (15), DB (19).

Lots of questions:

1. What time of year is better to take a cruise - October or early-to-mid December?

2. Is it worth spending the extra $$ for a verrandah? Would we be satisfied w/ a "Navigators Verrandah" or should we splurge for the "real thing"?

3. Is it worth the extra $$ to book the "higher" level (i.e. Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verranda level 5 vs. level 6)?

4. If I book a standard or deluxe stateroom, is there a point in getting an Oceanside room? Does a porthole make that big a difference?

5. On a 4-night cruise, which would you suggest - day at sea or stop at Freeport?

Obviously, my big questions right now relate to what type of room to book. If anyone could provide suggestions it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[WDWLVR]

I can only give you opinions based on personal experience over 5 cruises.

As for time of year I prefer Spring. We did one cruise in October and the weather was great, but we missed Castaway Cay due to damage of a hurricane a few weeks before. I think anything in the time range you are looking for would be fine, but know that ports can change at any time due to weather etc.

I personally don't think I would ever go for an inside room. We do spend time in our room so we would rather have something outside. I love the Navigator's veranda. We did one on the Wonder in May of 2002 and have one booked for the Magic this May. We've had a regular veranda in both category 5 and 6 - no real difference so go with the cheaper one (if you don't go with the Navigator.

We have also had a porthole room on our Feb. 03 cruise and liked it a lot.

As for Freeport or day at sea - give me a sea day any time. I love the sea days! You can really enjoy the cruise experience (otherwise you are only cruising at night).

Hope these opinions help!

 

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by krahema
Lots of questions:

1. What time of year is better to take a cruise - October or early-to-mid December?

2. Is it worth spending the extra $$ for a verrandah? Would we be satisfied w/ a "Navigators Verrandah" or should we splurge for the "real thing"?

3. Is it worth the extra $$ to book the "higher" level (i.e. Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verranda level 5 vs. level 6)?

4. If I book a standard or deluxe stateroom, is there a point in getting an Oceanside room? Does a porthole make that big a difference?

5. On a 4-night cruise, which would you suggest - day at sea or stop at Freeport?

Obviously, my big questions right now relate to what type of room to book. If anyone could provide suggestions it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

1. I'd say either would be just fine! We cruised in September and loved it, so October couldn't be too bad! Of course, early December would alloe you to see Christmas decorations, if that is your thing!

2. We are BIG fans of the Navigator's veranda. It is an awesome set-up. You get your veranda, but since it is more enclosed, you don't get all the wind and usually all the rain (if it should happen to do that while you are sailing). We have been on four DCL trips and all have been in Catagory 7s!

3. I don't think there is a real difference in the levels. At least we've never noticed it.

4. If you are going to get a standard room, the advantage of the port hole is being able to see the outside world. There is something to be said for that. However, if your budget really only allows an inside room, then that is fine too because you don't spend too much time in the room!

5. I'd take the day at sea, because they are so much fun!

Good luck!

 

[Samsma]

Their are some other options too. You could choose one of the (I think there are 4) verandah rooms which have been classified as cat. 7 because they are considered somewhat obstructed (not bad at all) and there are also some "secret porthole" rooms. You could also book an inside near the "secret aft deck" on deck 7, and just pop outside when you feel like it. See Barb and Tony's site www.castawayclub.com, or get a Passporter before you choose.

 

[DMoss3377]

My DH and I were married in October, so we sailed in October last year to celebrate. We couldn't have asked for better weather. We loved it...we were also married at WDW in October the year before last...again, perfect weather.

We had a full verandah last year - deck 7 aft. It was a free upgrade from a navigators verandah. We loved it. We got lucky this year and with the knowledge from this website and Barb's Castaway Club, we were able to book one of the partially obstructed full verandahs at the navigators price.

Although, I'd love to sail in December to see the wonderful Christmas decorations.

If you sail in October, maybe we'll meet.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

DD and I cruised Nov 3 last year on the Wonder and we had perfect weather. We went along with my Aunt, Uncle and their son and they had a Navigator veranda and it was really nice. DD and I had an inside state room (CAT 11) and it was perfect for us.WE hardly ever stayed in there at all. The only thing bad I can say is it is so dark in the morning that you never want to get up. You sleep really good!!!

We had a day at Freeport and I could have done without it
I would have been very happy with a day at sea. We booked again for 10-26-03 and made sure we had the day at sea this time......

Do Palo's for sure and try the SPA!! LOVED IT!

Planning is half the fun!! ENJOY!

 

[JCarangal]

We had a cat. 6 room with verandah and loved it! We are now planning another Disney cruise for next year and are thinking about trying a Navigator's verandah -- we didn't see any need for anything more than the cat. 6 -- comparitively large cabins on the Disney ships to begin with.

As for porthole vs. not-a-porthole, several years ago, I went on a cruise with my parents and sister and we had an inside stateroom. While the cabin was nice enough, I had a definite problem and got very disoreinted about day vs. night -- for me, I really need at least a porthole to keep myself knowing what time to get up! LOL

And personally, I'd go with the extra day at sea -- we never seem to have enough time to just enjoy the ship.

 

[dclwdwlover]

Of course, as said, it is personal preference, but I'll tell you what my husb. & I like & have done & are doing:
We very much prefer a full verandah. We had one the first time & made full use of it . Last time, when we took the kids, we got them an adjoining room & had the cabins with the large portholes obstructed by the life boats. Better than inside cabins, but not really as enjoyable. This time - kids going again - we booked a full verandah & got them a stateroom next to ours (not connecting) that has a Nav. verandah. We will use ours much more than they will use theirs! All of our DCL cruises have been (will be) in October. Beautiful weather. I did not care for the spring or summer cruises - either too hot, too busy or both. We never get off in port (other than CC). Did once & didn't like it. We LOVE the day @ sea & have tons of fun on the ship when more than 1/2 the ship is off in port. Have a great time.