New to cruising and completely lost

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Since the best cruise prices seem to be the day they're released, should we just book on the DCL website ourselves as soon as the summer 2017 itineraries come out, or should we use a TA? (Booking is available a day ahead of time for Disney Visa cardholders, right?)

 

[dclpluto]

Since the best cruise prices seem to be the day they're released, should we just book on the DCL website ourselves as soon as the summer 2017 itineraries come out, or should we use a TA? (Booking is available a day ahead of time for Disney Visa cardholders, right?)

Never heard anything about booking a day ahead of time for Disney chase card holders. I'm 99.99 percent sure there isn't one. If your gold or platinum you can book a day ahead of time

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm 99.99 percent sure there isn't one. If your gold or platinum you can book a day ahead of time

I think so, also.

 

[Geomom]

Since the best cruise prices seem to be the day they're released, should we just book on the DCL website ourselves as soon as the summer 2017 itineraries come out, or should we use a TA? (Booking is available a day ahead of time for Disney Visa cardholders, right?)

I think that most cruise itineraries won't have the prices rise within the first day, more like within the first month--so you should have a little leeway as to when you book.

We used a TA from Dreams Unlimited to book our first cruise for 8/16 in order to get OBC (on board credit). I already knew exactly what cruise, what week, what stateroom number I wanted, but used the TA to get credit. If you decide to use a TA, find out what kind of on board credit they offer. Dreams Unlimited and a couple of others offer $50 credit/$1000 spent. As far as I know, OBC can be used for any charges you make on board--drinks, port adventures, shopping, gratuities, etc.

Other people have mentioned booking through Costco travel services to get a Costco card back after the cruise?

 

[lanejudy]

Since the best cruise prices seem to be the day they're released, should we just book on the DCL website ourselves as soon as the summer 2017 itineraries come out, or should we use a TA? (Booking is available a day ahead of time for Disney Visa cardholders, right?)

No advanced booking perk for Disney Visa cardholders.

You are looking at summer, which is peak, and it sound like potentially looking at European cruises? If so, some of those have jumped in price fairly quickly so booking on opening day would be best. If you are looking at a more standard Caribbean cruise, while still peak in summer due to school vacations, those probably aren't a likely to increase in price as steeply or quickly as special European itineraries. Also, you are looking at staterooms to sleep 5, and those are limited so availability could be impacted if you wait too long to book; connecting staterooms also go quickly and with the young ages of your kids I assume you'll need either a "Family" cabin or connecting.

If you think you might want to use a TA, I'd suggest making contact in advance. Start shopping around now, find someone who seems helpful and responsive in a timely manner, using a communication mode that works for you (email, phone, etc.). Then you can have the TA do an opening-day booking for you. Or of course you can book it yourself; it can be transferred to a TA within 30 days if you so choose.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[dkfogt]

We used Costco Travel. Same price as direct through Disney, but we are sent a Costco Card Card worth just a little less than 10% of the cruise fare.

 

[bumbershoot]

Sigh. I only just noticed that this is an older post. Well, I went and multiquoted everything so maybe someone else wants my thoughts.

Do yourself a VERY BIG favor and get the Passporter Guide to the DCL.

IT will answer so many of your general questions and after you read that, use these boards to refine things, ask particular questions, etc.

Yes. Most recent one came out in early 2015, though, and I think that's only the second time they've done one. Good overview, though. And the boards are good. http://www.passporterstore.com/store/dclpaperback12e.aspx

I think DH would probably sit on the verandah, but I doubt the rest of us would use it. The reason I was leaning toward a verandah is because it looked like the window in an ocean view room is quite small - is that not the case?

We had a Disney Dream one porthole room, #6666, and we LOVED it. Great big porthole (like the ones shown earlier but just the one)

I've seen pictures of full grown adults sitting in those portholes so they certainly aren't small.

But what they might not be showing is how much their rear ends are hanging off of the seat while sitting so cozily in the porthole. I'm not a big person anymore, and nearly half my rear was off of it.

Rule of thumb is that alcohol is priced at what you'd expect in a regular bar or restaurant back home, and are not marked up to theme park or airport prices.

That REALLY depends on where you are from. I live in Tacoma and the drink prices are high. If I lived in or drank in Seattle it might feel better to me.

Other people have mentioned booking through Costco travel services to get a Costco card back after the cruise?

Yep, that's what we use.