newbie to cruises, many questions

[JennaTX]

Hi everyone,

We just got back from a trip to WDW and my DD (5) saw information about the disney cruise line, and is going crazy over it. I briefly looked at the disney cruise line website, but then I thought why try and find the answers to my questions, I can just ask all of the helpful friends on DIS!

1. What all is included? Is it really everything (or one of those all-inclusive, but not really) All meals, snacks, drinks by the pool, etc.?

2. Are the kids activites part of the package price also? The character meetings? And how do these work? I cannot imagine having time with just DH while DS and DD are being entertained and meeting characters!

3. I have never been on a cruise (DH was in the Navy on an aircraft carrier so I know he would be fine) but what about seasickness for the rest of us?

4. Also what are any hidden costs that I would need to think about.

Thanks in advance!

Jenna

 

[spellhex]

I'm not sure about the other questions, but one I know, number three. I went on this cruise when I was 10, four years ago, and I do get some sea sickness. But the Disney Cruise is very smooth, the only time I felt some rocking was late at night during a storm. It was enough to feel it, but otherwise it was fine walking from our dinner to our room. Unless you have extreme seasickness, there is no cause to worry.

 

[Masonpips]

1. What all is included? Is it really everything (or one of those all-inclusive, but not really) All meals, snacks, drinks by the pool, etc.?
***
The cost of the cruise includes the room, all meals, character interactions (including character breakfast), soft drinks, entertainment (movies, shows), kid's club, etc. It does not inlcude alcoholic beverages (except for a drink on Captain's night), tips, transportation to/from the ship and excursions

2. Are the kids activites part of the package price also? The character meetings? And how do these work? I cannot imagine having time with just DH while DS and DD are being entertained and meeting characters!
****
The most fabulous wonderful thing for Dh and I was going to pick up our kids at the kid's club the first night (after Mickey made a "welcome aboard" appearance) and having our son yell "I am NOT going with you". They loved the kid's club and it's totally up to your family how often they go, how long they stay, etc. The character breakfast is a planned family event and tons of photographs are taken (extra charge by ship photographers, you can also quickly take your own)

3. I have never been on a cruise (DH was in the Navy on an aircraft carrier so I know he would be fine) but what about seasickness for the rest of us?
****
My DD is prone to motion sickness and got sick on a day trip we took in St. Thomas (private daysail) but none of us ever felt sick on the Mickey boat. And on one cruise we had HUGE waves and people were dropping like flies (lol) at dinner. Typically the seas are fairly calm and most folks do NOT have trouble

4. Also what are any hidden costs that I would need to think about.
***
Transportation to/from Orlando
Transportation to/from Port Canaveral
Hotel night before (and/or after)
Alcohol
Tips
Photographs
Excursions
Spa
Palo meals (if desired)
Souvenirs

 

[CM_Mom]

Double the photography costs.... ...they take really GOOD pictures. But you CAN discipline yourself and not go wild.