Planning stages... questions.

[colleen costello]

Hi all. I LIVE for the DIS Boards but am new to the cruise threads. Just beginning to lurk here and make plans for a cruise sometime next year. Any general advice about booking would be helpful. Also some questions. We would drive to Florida and I know there are hotels near the dock. Can you name these, and do they include parking while on the boat? We are interested in the 4-day cruise and would need a place to leave our vehicle.

Any advice on rooms? This cruise would be an "extra" trip so I am looking for a reasonably-priced room. Advice please on categories and whether or not an outside room is a must. Also, the tipping is a bit confusing. If we travel with 2 adults and 2 children, are the suggested amounts multiplied by four, and that's the amount you tip at the end of the voyage? (I wish gratuities were just added in!)

Thanks for any info you can offer. I am planning to order the Passporter cruise guide asap!

 

[vgaskin]

Radisson by the Port has cruise packages where you can leave your car and they shuttle you back and forth, I am told you don't have to book the special package to do that though. The port also has a parking lot, it is $10 a day I think.

Yes, you tip by however many people are in your party the last night of the cruise. Kinda like if 4 of you ate at a restaurant, the bill would be higher so the tip would be higher. Since we don't see the prices for the meals since they are included, they offer a suggested amount per person.

Tiffany

 

[colleen costello]

Thanks! I am trying to figure out what a cruise will cost, and now I can figure the tips too.

 

[4myguys]

Colleen:
We were in a verandah room last year, but might have to go with large porthole room next year. Just have to keep remembering that we won't be in the room much.
I don't think we would like an inside stateroom, though. It's a tough decision. Good luck.

 

[seastar]

I just booked the Radisson by the port for $79 which is the AAA discount price. They told me the shuttle and parking are complimentary for all guests. You do not need to purchase the special cruise package.

We have a Cat 11 booked for our May 2004 Wonder cruise. We have 2 adults and 2 kids. A Cat 11 should be fine for us from what I have read on this board. However, I am sure it is nice to have at least a porthole. A verandah would be a wonderful splurge.

 

[Bronco Joe]

We are going to drive down in November and stay at the Radisson as well. I think it will be worth it since we are coming fom Michigan (1200 miles) and we want to rest up before boarding. Also, we are going on the 7 day cruise, so it would cost a lot more to pay to park. If you are going on the 4 day and are driving from a closer location, it probably would be cheaper to park there. If you are driving from IN and are looking for a room, you might as well get the parking as well. Don't forget to include the tip for the driver to the cruise and back in your cost figures...