new to DCL...help!!!

[mommykeg]

I am very excited...just booked a CA west coast cruise on July 9th, 2005. It will be our family's first cruise together (DD will be 8, DS will be 4)...and my first cruise on DCL (I've cruised on other cruise lines). The whole family is excited and motivated to save. I have several burning questions...

First, is a verandah cabin worth the extra money? It seems like a great luxury and would be a great retreat when the kids are sleeping...but after reading a few posts, I now wonder what the odds are that we'll be "smoked out" by smokers in neighboring cabins.

Next...I currently have 1 cabin tentatively booked with DCL and 2 cabins booked with an online travel agency. I'm new to all of this. Is it better to book with DCL directly or with an agency? I worry about not having direct access to my reservation, but the travel agency offers a rebate that I can't get from DCL!!! Any advice?

Last (for now!)....anyone stayed in cabin 6060, 6056, or 7512? Those are the cabins I currently have held. Was a little worried about 6056...thought I had read somewhere something about NOT booking a cabin where those solid white blocks were on the deck plans!? Anyone know anything about that?

 

[ivanova]

welcome aboard!! I live down the I-10 from you, maybe 30-40 miles (headin' towards Palm Springs).

You'll love the cruise!!

For a 7 night cruise I personally would recommend the verandah ... not much you can do about smoking neighbors but not everyone out there smokes ... 'course I fixed that little problem with our Aug 2005 repo cruise ... I know who is in each cabin on either side of us!!!

 

[DepCor0311]

Hey..looks like an Inland Empire thread here!! I'm from Hemet...anyway, I would highly recommend the veranda, it is very worth it to have your own private place to be outside. As far as who you book with..its kind of all about shopping around. I have gotten some good rates through AAA and DCL, and there are many other choices as well.
I have stayed in cabins in the area where you are...amidship if I read the numbers right. They are all great and you have pretty good access to the stairwells/elevators.
You will have a great time! The service on the Disney ships is really unparalleled.
Have fun!

 

[TheWog]

We were in 6088 and the verandah is worth it. Don't worry about smoke. When the children are napping it is great to go out there and relax and read or have coffee in the morning from room service. Our room had a white block and no big deal. We didn't feel cramped or anything. Didn't even notice no bump for the trunk. Its not in the way at all. It's great to be midship and we would book this room again with no hesitation. I would get the verandah as we wouldn't sail again without one.

 

[Lynda Silk]

We've stayed in verandah rooms both times we cruised on the Wonder and never had a problem with smoke!

Have a fabulous cruise!

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

IMO you can skip the verandah on the 3/4 day cruises, but not on a 7 day. THere is nothing like having your morning coffee or early evening drink on your own verandah.

 

[ivanova]

Originally posted by DepCor0311
Hey..looks like an Inland Empire thread here!! I'm from Hemet...anyway, I would highly recommend the veranda, it is very worth it to have your own private place to be outside. As far as who you book with..its kind of all about shopping around. I have gotten some good rates through AAA and DCL, and there are many other choices as well.
I have stayed in cabins in the area where you are...amidship if I read the numbers right. They are all great and you have pretty good access to the stairwells/elevators.
You will have a great time! The service on the Disney ships is really unparalleled.
Have fun!

LOL you don't wanna know how close (I'm maybe 15 miles north of you???)

 

[jragland]

Another local checking in - Palm Springs. And I agree that for 7 nights get the verhanda - nothing like mornings and late night out there while the little one sleeps!