Questions about the NYC-Canada Cruise 10/16

[Poppinsfan]

Let me start by saying, I have never been on a cruise so I have no idea what it is like. From the advertising, it looks like there are lots of pool/water activities. If you are sailing to Canada in October, I assume those are closed? Are there indoor pools? Are there special activities that would replace the time you would have spent playing in the water? Honestly, I guess this would apply to any of the cruises leaving from NYC. Thanks for humoring me, I just have no frame of reference...

 

[lanejudy]

Pools are open and heated. Air temps may be cool, particularly for the Canadian cruise. But the cruises from NYC to the Bahamas will enter warmer weather as they move south. Pools onboard a cruise ship are generally small, though, so it's not like ALL passengers can be in the pool at the same time anyway. DCL offers many other activities during sea-days.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Poppinsfan]

Thanks!! Also, many folks mention the excursions and I've been reading trip reports from 2012--do you have to have those decisions made when you book? Or I guess the better question is, what decisions need to be made when you book?

 

[lanejudy]

When you book you want to know:

• ship/itinerary
• cruise date
• number of cruisers and ages
• stateroom category of interest -- general (interior, oceanview, verandah) at least helps narrow choices
• specific stateroom you want if there is one
• dining preference (early/late)
• credit card number to charge the deposit

You book port excursions and onboard activities later. You CAN add passengers later, but it might cost more if fares increase; it is much easier to remove passengers later than add, so if some aren't sure it's advised to book them now. You CAN change stateroom location later if you change your mind, fares will be based on the day you booked (locked-in all categories when you book). You may be able to change dining preference later, particularly if changing from early to late.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[paddles]

I would love to do a New England/Canada cruise with DCL, but I really wish this was a week long and included more ports. I was looking to see what Princess, RCL and HAL are offering, and their itineraries look much better than Disney's. I may need to go with another cruise line for this region.....