Never cruised before...need any info I can get

[loribell]

I don't even know what I need to know! Please give me any info you can think of that I need.

There wiil be 4 of us, me, dh, ds 13 & dd 6. I think we will probably start with just a 4 day cruise.

Should we go this October during fall break, in the first couple of weeks in Jan. or in March during spring break?

What cat. room do we need to get? Do we need an outside room? If so, do we need a balcony?

Do I need to pick a specific room? If so what part of the ship do I need to try to get into?

What is the food like? We are really picky eaters, non of us likes sea food or anything fancy. Will we still have plenty to choose from?

What kind of clothes do we need to take?

Is there plenty of things to keep my 6 yo happy?

I'm sure there is a ton more that I need to know. Please fill me full of info!

Thanks in advance,
Lori

 

[musicgirl]

Loribell,

I can not help with the times, but I may be able to answer other questions.

With 4 people, you can get into even the lowest cat. 11/12. The room is the same, but the locations are different.

Cat. 10 is a little step above, because it has a split bathroom. I believe there is a separate toilet/sink and then shower/sink. Most people like this especially with 4.

Will you need an outside room or a balcony or a certain deck or area of the ship? No, you do not NEED any of this.
If you want a balcony, you can get it. But when you check prices, you notice it is quite a bit higher.

I would check out www.disneycruise.com and go to the dates you are considering. When getting a quote, it will bring up all the categories and prices available for that cruise.

There are lots of deck plans to check out and room floor plans.

Hope this helps!

 

[musicgirl]

Sorry, I didn't get all of your questions!

As far as food, you can eat as fancy as you want or as simple. If you don't want a sauce or a certain side dish, ask to have it changed! They also have very traditional entrees served every night in every dining room. The kids will have many choices!!!! The 13 yr. old will love it as well. Both kids can order off the adult menu whenever they want!

Is there enough for a 6 yr old? Yes, yes, yes,. What about the 13 year old? Yes, yes yes!!! My ds-13 loved it!!! We never saw him!!! He is very outgoing and an only child, but he makes friends fast. He didn't necessarily do the scheduled activities, but he just hun out with the kids mostly. He also did the teen wild side excursion at CC. This is breakfast together, biking, kayaking and snorkeling.

Once you decide on a date, check out the cruise meet forum at the top of the page. You can get to know some people going. You might even be able to hook up with a family and link your dinner ressies so you "know" your tablemates. We did this and it was great fun!!!

good luck

 

[loribell]

Thanks for the info Lorie. I really appreciate it.

Lori

 

[TheWog]

My six year old son had a great time. There was plenty to do and we had to learn you can't do it all. I would say go for the 7 day, but that is just me. We love to cruise in January, but then again we are coming from the Northeast and the break is welcomed in the middle of a cold winter. The food can be fancy or you can have chicken finger, hamburgers and pizza. Its all in what you want out of it. You children will have a great time. As for rooms, what would YOU like. Do you want the verandah to lounge on and listen to the water rush by while you have your morning coffee and read a book. Are you very active and think you will never be in your room, then save your money and enjoy the ship. That is a personal choice thing. We had the verandah and can't picture ever going without. So good luck in deciding, but know that you will have a great time no matter what.

 

[jrabbit]

Here is a list of links to DCL resources

DCL Official Site
Dave's DCL Tribute (be sure check out the "External Links" section for more resources ie Cast A Way Club )
Magical Disney Cruise Guide (see links on the left) The Magical Disney Cruise Guide is HUGE document about all things related to a DCL cruise

There is a book called the "Passporter" for DCL that has lots and lots of information about cruising with Disney.

And keep reading here and asking questions.

 

[KKB]

Oct. you will usually some of the cheapest prices--Jan & Mar. much more.
4 will be cozy in a standard interior, but there are LOTS of storage nooks, and personally we spend no time in our cabin. But we did have an exterior & sure liked it. My folks swear by balconies--I'll let you know after our Dec. cruise.
Honestly haven't cruised enough to have opinion on specific cabins!
Disney has the best kids club around w/ longest hours. My kids are the types who love to try new things, so I expect to see little of them; friends have mentioned their children are more shy, so might not be so interested. BUT NO ONE should lack for things to do in or out of the club!
Food--chicken strips to steaks; again, you have to try to go hungry on a cruise, no matter your food preferences!
Clothes--summer wear generally, a bit dressier for dinner; what you wear to church is plenty dressy; boys will wear chino shorts even on "dressy" nights, w/ button down shirts; DD & I are looking forward to dressing up every night! DH will generally wear khakis/polo, but will take suit for formal night (though even slacks/shirt & tie are plenty)
We are hooked on cruising! Most who try love it!
Happy cruising!
Kristin

 

[lindakmonty]

The only thing I didn't like about the 4 night cruise was... It just wasn't long enough!!! You just learn your way around the ship, get unpacked and having fun and then you pack up again and get ready to leave... I do love the 7 night...and will always do from now on... but that is just my preference. Once you know your way around good and learn the ins and outs you will want to do all the time Sept. is cheapest naturally... prime hurricane season, but I have done that and is no big deal... there is so much to do and see...you will have a great time and enjoy on whatever you decide to do!! it is BEAUTIFUL!!

 

[loribell]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. They are all very helpful.

Lori

 

[PaisleyPai]

Hi Lori - I don't have any answers for you because I'm going on my first Disney cruise in December. My DH and I are taking out boys (DS13 and DS6) - on the 4 night Wonder - Dec 18 - 22. We are very excited about all the activities planned for the kids. My DS13 makes friends very easily, but I'm a little worried about him being with much older kids (up to 17!!). I am hoping that lots of 13 year olds happen to be on our trip. I just thought I'd post a plug for our cruise dates since our kids are the same ages.

We are in a Cat. 5 and I am now trying to determine what excursions to take.

Happy sailing, whenever you go...

 

[Grandma Debby]

Like everyone else has said there is plenty to do from lying on a deck 4 lounger and reading a book to nightclubs. My 7 year old granddaughter and I went on the 7 day West Coast to Mexico and she cried the night before we got off and said she wanted to do it all over again. We hooked up with several families through the cruise meet before we left and enjoyed running into them and doing planned activities with them. We had a category 5 on the 7th deck - close to the pools and close to the dining (we used the stairs a lot) and loved the balcony. Our group did a tour of different category rooms and I liked category 8's with split baths and a big port hole also. My granddaughter hooked up with an 8 year old from San Diego and they practically lived together - there are all kinds of kids on board from shy to very outgoing and your kids will find friends FAST You have to decide what your pocketbook can afford (7 day vs 3/4 day, category of room, excursions, etc) and then enjoy

 

[fantazmickb]

YOu may never see your kids after dropping them off in the children's areas. They will have such a wonderful time.
As for rooms, my first cruise was a 4 day cruise. I wasn't sure if I would like it but it was so cool. We had a port hole window which was nice. Having a balcony is not really necessary on a short cruise. I will bet that you will only be in your room to sleep and change clothes. Other than that you will be doing so many activities, going on fun excursions at your Ports of Call.
There are so many choices for food. If you don't like what the choices are in the fine dining restaurants there is always Quick service at Pluto's Dog House or room service which is included in your cruise.

I say research as much as possible, but go in with as few expectations as you can. You will be totally overwhelmed at how awesome a time you and your whole family will have. Also, take the time to meet the different members of the Cruise Staff. They are all wonderful.