Pre Cruise Advice

[stefanmumaw]

hello everyone-

new to the boards and to cruising. planning our first 4 day cruise, leaving on jan. 26. (anyone going?) i have a ton of questions that i will certainly post (if they haven't already been answered) as they become relavent to the trip (and as i remember them!) but the first is that I was thinking about flying in on saturday (from california), staying at a hotel in the area, then getting to the port on sunday. does anyone have any advice for hotels, or itinerary, etc? I'm assuming there isn't enough time on sunday to hit any of the parks, but I don't know. what time does the ship depart? sorry for all the newbie questions, but my family and I are extremely excited about both a cruise and especially a disney cruise! thanks everyone.

 

[outahere]

If I were you, I would definitely fly in the day before. You will not have time to see any of the parks the day the ship departs. The ship leaves at 5:00pm and you're supposed to be on board before the lifeboat drill (4:00). I would suggest flying in, staying at the airport Hyatt (right in the airport), have a relaxing breakfast and take the DCL transfers to the port.

I'm sure you'll get other ideas.

 

[Minybear]

stefanmumaw

I want to be the first to WELCOME YOU TO THE DIS.

I am on the same cruise you are and this is also our first cruise so I really cannot answser any of your questions but I do suggest you fly in the day prior and go into a nearby hotel (unknown which one).

 

[Scratch42]

There are a few of us going the same time and it seems we are all first timers! I'm doing the 3 day WDW/ 4 day cruise as a surprise for my DD's 11th Birthday. From what I have read on these boards, it's best to fly in the day before and stay near the port. Check all of the back posts and you will find a wealth of information or just ask. Everyone is so helpful on these boards.
It's a great place to visit.

See ya' in January!

Scratch

 

[stefanmumaw]

yes, we're definitely coming the day before, i was just curious as to if there was time to do anything the sunday morning before the cruise left. I'm really looking forward to the trip. it's a suprise christmas present to my wife and daughter (4 yrs old), and to our best friends, and their 4 yr. old and infant. they would never even remotely dream of going on a cruise, so I'm super excited to be able to give them this gift. I've been truly blessed this year, and I can't think of a better present. it's just so hard not to say anything!!

another question: in Nassau and Freeport, do the kids generally come with the parents to do some of the shore excursions or do they have their own thing at the different ports of call? and has anyone played golf in Nassau?

thanks everyone. this is great.

 

[Ashley24]

I would recommend either staying at the Hyatt right inside the airport, another hotel close to the airport with shuttle service, or stay at the Raddison right by the port. The Raddison has a shuttle service to take you to the port. Many people rent a towncar to get from the airport to the port area or you could use Disney transportation (buses) or rent a car. All good options. We are staying at the Hyatt since we are arriving late the night before our cruise. If I was arriving earlier, I would definately get transportation (rented car or towncar) to go to the Raddison.
I would try to go to the port by 11:00 so you are ready to board at about 12:15 or 12:30. This gives you the most time on the ship and you won't feel rushed. IF you decided to go to a park the day your cruise begins, you would feel very tired that night and not be able to enjoy all the activities that night. We went to the parks for several days before our last cruise and never really was able to stay up very late each night. This time I know better and will be well rested before the cruise begins. Enjoy your vacation!
Ann

 

[Wishing on a star]

Only thing that I want to do the Sunday morning before our cruise is to be one of the first ones to board the ship and start having a great time! Ship departs at 5:00p..m., But the good times start with the lunch buffet that afternoon!

Check out all the possible shore excursions on the DCL site. That will help you decide what you might want to do, with or without the kids. We will be taking our son (5) with us whatever we do, as I just would not feel comfortable leaving him at the kids club while I was completely off the ship.

Sounds just wonderful, planning this cruise for your family and friends! You must be so excited.


PS: all kids of great info here on the board... Pre-cruise hotels, etc... try some searches and see what turns up!

 

[tstobb]

With a total of 7 people (if I read your post correctly) you may want to check other transportation options - a limo is a great treat & with more people, it actually becomes quite economical - a downside is lack of luggage space so be sure to ask! We were a group of 5 (2 adults & 3 children) and the limo round trip was only $$20 (+ tip) more than the DCL bus and, more importantly, we could go when we wanted, not when the bus was ready for us.
We got to the port at about 10:15 and there were already a good number of people there. Security (same as an airport - bags thru the detector & walk thru the arch) was just inside the terminal, before going upstairs, and quick. The ship began boarding at about 12:15 so there was a little while but we took turns waiting in line & exploring the terminal.
Our DS9 wanted to stay in the club when we went ashore in St Maarten but all 3 went with us in St. Thomas so it's a matter of how comfortable you are with leaving them on the ship and how comfortable THEY will be with you leaving them on the ship - be aware that the pagers they give you will probably not work once you leave the ship.
Check out Barb's site
and Dave's site as well as The Magical Disney Cruise Guide at Deb's site. Also check out the trip reports board for past cruisers trips & pictures.

 

[livinatdisney]

How wonderful for you to surprise your family, but your friends also!! That is a gift truly from the heart. You must be a great person. Hope your trip is fantastic for your entire group!!!!!!!!!!!!