New to Disney Cruising

[DVCFans]

My husband and I are planning our first Disney cruise in Jan to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We are long time DVC members and I know we will enjoy the cruise(leaving 3 kids behind!). We are planning on booking a 4 day in a Cat 10. How often are you upgraded and what is the best written reference about the crusie line. I have really enjoyed reading all of the information here on the DIS. Thanks for the help.

Stephanie

 

[staceymerrill]

I would recommend, other than this message board, the Passporter Guide to DCL, 3rd Edition....

Upgrades, the free kind, are generally few and far between....many threads have been started about why, who, and when they are granted....Bottom line is no one knows for sure....definitely book a stateroom you'd be happy with ....

 

[kcashner]

Upgrades are relatively rare. We cruise off season, and we've been upgraded once in 12 cruises. I don't count "upgrades" from a 9 to an 8 or a 12 to an 11 which are really the same cabin, only a different location on the ship.

I'm going to make a suggestion--the only difference between a cat 10 and an 11 or 12 is the split bathroom. (unless, of course, you are getting one of the secret porthole 10s) For 2 people, do you really want the split bathroom? I've found for 2 of us that it isn't a big deal, especially since I normally shower in the locker room at the spa after using the fitness center. You might choose to book a 12 gty (in which case you frequently sail in an 11 or better), or book an 11. Either way, you will save some $ which can be used for fun. Alternatively, book a 9 so you'll have the porthole. It is just personal opinion, but for the 2 of us, I find a 10 to be a "not worth it" category because the split bath isn't an issue. For more people, it would certainly be a benefit.

 

[Jsme]

Have you checked on a SPR? This is a cat 9 obstructed view room for the price of a Cat 10. Anything at or above a 9 has the split bathrooms. Very nice.

 

[staceymerrill]

excellent and timely post...

DS and I are traveling alone on 9/1 3-day and originally booked a cat 10....we are on a tight budget,since this is just a weekend getaway to celebrate my bday, and since I just found out there is no way I was getting a FL Res discount refund(sold out for 9/1, so no FL res), I opted for a downgrade to cat 11.....I saved $150.00, enough to tip the CMs and get a few pins....

 

[westjones]

This website is a great place to go for information:

http://www.dcltribute.com/

We have cruised 6 times and have never been upgraded.

DJ

 

[DVCFans]

Thanks for all the great responses. I will definitely considerer the other cabin categories and check out all of the other info. Looking forward to reading more great advice!

Stephanie