First, you've come to the right place for information. THere are a few other resources available on the 'net that can help too.
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.
Order Disney's DCL Vacation Planning Kit
Finally the Travel Channel has a show called "
Disney Cruise Line". Its part of their "World's Best" series. Lots of info about the Disney Cruise Line and what to expect onboard.
Now about the type of cruise. There are several different types of
Normal cruises which leave from Port Canaveral Florida: The Wonder sails to the Bahamas (Nassau and
Castaway Cay-Disney's private island paradise). She sails 3 and 4 night cruises. The 3 nighter leaves Thursday afternoons and returns early Sunday morning. The 4 nighter leaves Sunday afternoon and returns early Thursday morning. The Magic sails on 7 night cruises that leave Saturday afternoon and returns the following Saturday morning (early again
) One week she sails on the Eastern Itenerary (St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay) and the next on the Western Itenerary (Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway Cay).
What Type of Room?Another good question: Disney has 12 categories of rooms. Category (cat) 1-3 rooms have regular bathrooms. Cat 4-10 rooms have a split bath (one room has the toilet and sink, the other has a sink and shower). The cat 1 rooms are the Walt Disney Suite and the Roy Disney Suite (the size of a small house, with the price of said house for just the duration of your cruise). The cat 2 rooms are 2 bedroom suites and the cat 3 is a one bedroom suite. The cat 1-3 are concierge level and have large verandahs. The cat 4 rooms are the Deluxe Family stateroom with verandah. Can sleep 5. The cat 5-6 rooms have plexiglass verandahas. Cat 7 rooms are called the "Navigator Verandah" rooms. This verandah is enclosed with a large, open port hole. Cat 8 and 9 rooms are the "deluxe oceanview" rooms and have a large porthole (window). Cat 10-12 are inside staterooms. The cat 10 is the least expensive room with the split bath. They also are about 17% larger than the cat 11 and 12 rooms (extra 30sq ft).
What to do on the cruise? Lots of activities for kids, adults and families. There is the kids clubs for kids potty trained through 18 years old. There are live stage shows, movies, "adult education classes", wine tasting, spa treatments, game shows to participate in or watch, demonstrations, watching the ocean slip by, ping pong, shuffleboard, "swimming" (3 pools - one for children, one for families and an adults only pool).
Eating Yep, theres lots of food on board. Best part
most of it's already paid for. Your breakfast, lunches, dinners, room service and snacks are all included in the price. The only "food" you have to pay extra for are: Palo for tea, brunch or dinner (it's the adults only restaurant, by ressie only), sodas outside of one of the 3 meals (unless you go to the drink station), speciality drinks / coffee / "adult" beverages. NOTE some items on the room service menu carry a charge (like soda), and some snacks (candy) are for sale outside of the Walt Disney Theater. And since it's already paid for, you can try anything you want for dinner and if you don't like it, ask for something else and your waiters will bring it to you. See a couple of entrees that you want to try - go for it - again, no additional charge. Can't do that / risk that at home because you WILL be paying for it
Shore Excursions When in port you can get off and on the ship as often as you wish. Most ports, most of the time the DCL ships dock so it is VERY easy to do. There are lots of pre aranged excursions that DCL offers (for a PRICE) that are a lot of fun for the entire family. Or you can arrange your own shore days. Or you can stay on the ship and enjoy it being somewhat less crowded. Just remember, that when you leave the ship you are NOT at home or more importantly - you're NOT at WDW. This is the real world and it looks, feels and smells a lot different than what most of us are accustomed to - this ain't Epcot!!
Bottom line: it's a great vacation. DCL goes out of their way to pamper you. You unpack once on the ship and they take you places without you having to repack and unpack again.
