Never cruised before. LOTS of (stupid) questions

[Mom+4]

We have never been on a cruise before, or anything like it, but I am hoping to put together a SURPRISE cruise for DH, kids (4, 5 and 12 right now) and me for our 20th anniversary next spring. I know NOTHING about cruises, so here are some questions. Any responses or suggestions would be really appreciated.

1. I have been seeing promotional rates for this spring. When might special prices come out for next year? Also, is it like WDW where if I book early, then a special comes out I can change to that?

2. What exactly is included in the cruise price? Are some or all meals included? What about snacks, drinks, etc.?

3. Will kids who are used to the hustle and bustle, games and rides, shows and parades at WDW be content on a ship? Other than pools and arcade-type areas, what is there for kids to do?

4. How much extra cash is needed for excursions and what type excursions are available? I know this will depend on what cruise I choose, but I'd like to have some idea.

5. On the Disney website it says our size family (5 people) would need a Category 4 stateroom. Is that correct or is it possible, or more economical, to get two smaller rooms? If that is possible, will they guarantee connecting or adjoining rooms?

I'm sure I will have lots more questions. Thanks for any answers.

 

[Michelemouse]

Let's see...

1. DCL says they will no longer be offering special seasonal fares and are, instead, only offering early booking discounts. So, the sooner you book the better. You will need to pay a $200.00 deposit per person and then you have until 60 days before you sail to pay off the balance. (Of course there is always the possibility that they will offer more discounts but for now I'd go with the Early Booking Savings.)

2. The following are included in the cruise price...

 

[mermaid96]

I'll try to answer some of your ??'s

1. Not sure about this..... but there are many here who could tell you I am sure

2. ALL your meals and snacks are included in the cruise price. Beverages (non-alcoholic) are included at meal times but you do pay at other times. Check out the mug program especially for the kids.

3. The kids programs look fantastic! I didn't take my kids in January but heard many people saying that little Johnny didn't want to eat dinner with them, he wanted to stay at the club.

4. The money factor really does depend on what exactly you want to do..... check out the Disney Cruiseline website for an idea of what kind of excursions are available.

5. It may be possible to get adjoining staterooms if you book early enough..... that way you would have plenty of room. Not sure about the economy....

 

[my3kids]

For 5 people, you'll need 1 cat. 4 or 2 of any other category. Cat. 10-5 offer connecting rooms, and yes, these are guaranteed. Unlike at WDW, you can generally pick the exact room or rooms you want.

All meals are included. The only additional food cost would be the $5.00 per person charge to dine at Palo, if you and your spouse chose to do that. All pizza and burgers on deck, all room service, all seated meals are included, as is the food on Castaway Cay. Other days the ship is in port, you can eat on board and it is included, but if you eat in town, of course you're on your own. Soda is included at seated meals, but extra on deck or buffetts. Fruit punch, coffee, etc. is available at no charge anytime though.

Excursions do cost extra, but everything is charged to you room key, so no extra cash for that. disneycruiser.com has an excursion list, I believe. You will need cash to tip room service, and while these are charged to your card, budget in the gratuities for the staff, which are really kind of a lot for a week for a family of 5. Just keep that in mind as you plan your budget.

The prices are also adjustable, just like at WDW. This fall they are shaking thing up a bit though by not offering Fall Fantasy, they just lowered the prices across the board. Spring might be like that as well. Book as early as possible for the best discount. If they offer a special, you can adjust down, but the early booking savings are the best sure bet.

 

[Michelemouse]

Hey...it cut me off...

But it looks like Mermaid 96 and I were typing at the same time and that you have some answers.

To add a bit to what Mermaid said...

3. Our kids are WDW regulars and absolutely love the ship. They spend part of their time in the clubs and part of their time with us and have a great time. There are movies playing (nearly all day), basketball games on the top deck, islands to explore in the Caribbean and lots more. Oh, and if your kids are adventurous eaters they will love being able to eat off of the adult menu (for no extra charge to you!)

4. I'd check out Dave's site... www.dcltribute.com for shore excursion info. If you are taking the Western Itinerary then there is a thread at the top of the Cruise page with more info.

5. Adjoining cabins are also an option, but you'd end up paying 4 adult fares and 1 child fare that way. (DCL requires the first two people in a cabin to pay the adult fare.) Check out www.disneycruise.com where you can get price quotes for the different options.

Hope this helps.

Michele