OMG....I am so confused/overwhelmed!

[Sammy]

Hi all you cruisin' experts!

I consider myself to be somewhat of a WDW "veteran" having been on numerous trips, and gleaning info from these boards for 4 years now. However....I am in the very beginning stages of planning our first cruise (7-day Western for 2005) and it's like a whole different world!! I'm a "newbie" all over again! There is sooooo much to learn about the cruises....I just don't know where to start. Transportation, coordinating boarding times, dinner/spa ressies, which deck, etc...whew!! I've been trying to read up on the cruise board here, but can you recommend a good book, website, or reference in addition? Something like a "WDW Cruises for Dummies" would be great!!

TIA for your help!
Sammy

 

[kathymike]

I would suggest you get the passporter book for disney cruises, it is very helpful and then use the boards for the misc information.

 

[tink5697]

I'm sure that there will be lots of recommendations, but these TERRIFIC sites helped me tremendously! Both of the people that own these sites are members/moderators here, so I hope they don't mind me posting them! Good Luck!


http://www.castawayclub.com/

http://www.dcltribute.com/

 

[Zandy595]

Just reading through these threads will be a HUGE help. However, there is a book called PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line and its Caribbean Ports of Call that people say is the book to get. I think the second edition comes out in May. You can get it at almost any book store or from the official site I posted above.

 

[hydster]

I know that right now I'm probably not the right one to say this after my freak out post about getting to the port and alcohol buying...But...

Dont stress about it too much! Honestly dont! The trip is all what YOU make of it not what ressies you get or anything else. It's all about being on vacation! If you don't do something it won't be the end of the world. If you don't do it exactly the way other's have it's not the end of the world (not implying that anyone will jump you if you don't) but really. I realized yesterday that I was letting the decisions take away from the fun so I've just given up. If it's not right I don't know if I will realize it or not but just to be with my family on a cruise is enough for me.

As long as you somehow get to the port, get on board and get a cabin somewhere you'll be fine! I know it is overwhelming. I've been on several cruises but I felt so out of control on this one lately and I keep reminding myself that it is the same basic thing. Take a deep breath, relax, grab a bottle of wine or some chocolate and then do a little reading and ask questions! It feels overwhelming but in reality it isn't!

Heidi

 

[CAMICKEY]

Hydster - It's good to see things have settled down a little. - Mike

 

[hydster]

Thanks Mike! It's amazing what a tanning booth, massage and a little vino can do for the craziness!! LOL

Heidi

 

[CAMICKEY]

Hydster - You are suppose to wait till you get on the ship for this. Just a little pre-cruise planning??? LOL - Mike

 

[hydster]

Mike--he he..just making sure I get nice and relaxed so I'll know how to do it on the ship!! ROFL...hubby asked me the same thing...how come now?? I just smiled at him and walked out the door to the appts and came back with a bottle of wine and he was ok then! LOL

Heidi

 

[figment52]

Originally posted by hydster
Thanks Mike! It's amazing what a tanning booth, massage and a little vino can do for the craziness!! LOL

Heidi

I think you just hit on the "what to do when I'm not cruising but wish I was" cure.

That sounds WONDERful and MAGICal.

 

[hydster]

Great idea figment! I never thought about doing it afterwards but I may just have to do that every so often! I booked a surprise trip for hubby and I in November to Cancun so I will just have to keep this up for the six months in between heaven(s)

Heidi

 

[CAMICKEY]

Hydster - It sounds like you are having just too good of a time right now. How much booze are you taking on the ship?????? LOL. - Mike

 

[hydster]

Mike...enough to float my boat! No really I realize I MUST come off sounding like a lush but I'm not I swear! I plan on bringing just 2-3 bottles of alcohol with me on board (1 of which will be bourbon for hubby which I hate) but you can bet I WILL be bringing back at least my duty limit. Alcohol is SO expensive in Utah so I plan on enjoying every single drink from here to there and back! LOL

You getting jealous and want to join our party on board??

Heidi

 

[mmouse37]

The OP mentioned wanting a Cruising for Dummies book....well there is such a thing!!!!

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764538225.html

MJ

 

[CAMICKEY]

Wish I could join you. Think my DW and I would have a good time with you and your DH (although I do not like Bourbon). And that would make it almost back to back cruises for us. No you don't sound like a lush - Just a fun loving person. - Mike

 

[hydster]

Wish you could join us too since you are pretty fun yourself! And it isnt a requirement to drink bourbon to party with us...he just likes the hardcore go for the buzz in one shot drinks. LOL

Now back to back cruises...that would be awesome!
Heidi

 

[CAMICKEY]

I go for the shots of Tequilla if I need abuzz that quickly. Bourbon always left me with a hangover when I was younger (well much younger and have not tried it since). Now I do fine with a Corona or a Margarita when I am sitting out by the pool. I would absolutely love doing back to backs but with one trip costing @ 7,500 (after all of the on board credits and airline expenses). Well I keep playing the Lotto - Maybe one day. We do plan on going camping up in Utah within the next two years. What a gorgeous state. Guess I need to remember to bring my booze before entering Utah. - Mike

 

[hydster]

Mike--I know the cost is awful isnt it?? We are about that much as well and 4 out of 5 of us is flying for free on Delta Skymiles. It is a very expensive trip I agree and back to backs..well...I guess if you didnt want to go on a trip every year but maybe every other year it might be an option since you're already there.

As for coming to Utah...yeah it's great for most things but I would most definitely stock up on the liquor stock if you are coming here. The amount they tax on liquor is ridiculous around here! We bought a ton of alcohol in Vegas in February and it cost us about 175.00 and if we were to spend 175.00 here well we'd maybe get half of what we got or a little more than half. That's one of the reasons going on cruises is so "cost effective" for us! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....good justification!

Heidi

 

[CAMICKEY]

Any justification is a good one for a Disney Cruise. We will probably re-book on board hoping that one of the shops comes out here next year or somehow fanaggle (sic) the Panama Canal one (We both work - kid in school problems). I am hopeful that they will let me just put 250 down and if we for some reason can not go, we will just have to have our money refunded. We did not re-book last year and regretted it since we ended up booking another one anyway (live and learn). - Mike

 

[Sammy]

Thank you to everyone for the reference suggestions! I loved Dave and Jennifer's WDW passport....I'll check out the Cruise one too.

Hopefully, I'll begin to feel a little more comfortable once I learn a little bit more.

Thanks again!
Sammy