Newbie Questions!

[mom2of2]

DH recently gave me the all clear to start looking into a DCL cruise! I have tons of questions and I hope that you all can help me!

1) When is the best time to go? ie:crowds,weather,price etc

2) How far in advance should/ do you book?

3) Do you cruise only or go to WDW as well? If you do do both how long a cruise do you normally take and which do you do first?

4) Is everything automatically charged to your credit card or can you pay as you go or at the end?

5) besides excursions off the ship what isn't included? alcoholic drinks I know but what about non?

6) my DS's are now 5 and 12 1/2 (big age diff!) I know the 5 yr old has the kids club to keep him occupied. What about the older son?

7) Do you book it yourself or use a TA? Are there codes like with WDW resorts that you use?

Thanks in advance for all your help!!!

 

[scottygirl]

mom2of2,

I remember you from the stroller swap!!! We used it in June at WDW. After a wonderful trip to WDW DH was ready for a DCL cruise. I just booked it this past Monday. We are going on Nov. 6, 2004 7-day western. There are significant savings booking 15 months in advance. My kids should have 2 1/2 days of school that week due to teacher conferences so they will only miss 2 1/2 days of school. I looked at booking for the summer and it was almost twice as much money. Your deposit ($250 per person) is completely refundable up to 60 days prior to sailing. You have to make your final payment 60 days prior to sailing. I'm pretty sure you can make payments as you go along. Non alcholic drinks are not included in the price unless they are with meals. They have refillable mugs just like WDW. There is a teen club called Common Grounds for 13-17 year olds. I booked through a travel agent and it was much cheaper than through DCL. Hope this helps. I'm sure you will get other great suggestions on this board.

 

[musicgirl]

Hi,

Things not included are tips for the wait staff and the arcade. The tips can be paid in cash in the envelopes provided or charged to the room. The arcade cards can be charged to your room. Room service is included but you will need to tip cash for this.

You can not use cash on board. Everything is charged to the room. You can put down cash on your account at guest services if you want. Most people use a credit card. When your ship account balance totals around $250, they will charge the card. I personally use a debit card so that I don't have to pay for my vacation after. I would rather be paying for another trip.

During the school year is the best time. We go in June because we are both teachers ( we won't go during breaks due to the crowds and possible flight delays due to weather). Book as early as you can because the price gets higher as you get closer to the cruise. Also, we like to make payments every month to space it out. If you like the cruise and are even thinking about booking again, do it on the cruise!!! Both times we missed out on the on-board credit because we were not sure.

The kid's/ teen clubs. My ds-12 loved it this year and last. When were deciding if he would enjoy another trip as a teen, we brought up the teen navigators on Dave's site. When he saw them the was very enthusiastic!! As for your younger one, make sure that he gives it a chance. My nephew went after dinner (late seating) on the first night and didn't go back. They didn't have an activity during this time but rather a movie.

As far as booking a land/sea, we've done all of them- land alone, then the 4-land/3-sea, and the 3-night cruise alone. We did the land/sea because we felt that we needed more WDW. I also get very motion sick so the 3-night was a test. Well, we sgned up for the 7-night!! If I would do it over, I'd a least go for the 4-night.

I hope this helped-Have fun!!!