Questions, Questions, Questions......

[donmil723]

I have been seriously thinking about going on DCL, but I really don't feel that I know very much about it, so I thought someone might be able to answer some of my questions that I have.

1. Are food and drinks included on Castaway Cay or do we purchase them from a restaraunt on the island?

2. About what time should we arrive at DCL terminal?

3. What all is there to do on Nassau?

4. What age do you have to be to gamble on Nassau?

5. Is it better to have early or late seating and does it really matter which dining rotation you get?

Well, I think that is all of my questions for right now. I would really appreciate it if someone could answer my questions for me. Thanks in advance!

 

[wovenwonder]

No fee for food and select drinks on castaway cay ---- soda's and drinks like alcohol have a fee - the same as when on the ship.

 

[prymsu]

I can't answer all your questions, but I can give info on a couple things...

All food, and I believe drinking water is provided on Castaway Cay. Sodas (unless you have the refillable mug) and drinks are extra.

Embarkation which allows people to get on the ship begins at 12:15 p.m. I am not sure if you are familiar with the area, or if you are having to return a rental car. Arriving at the pier really depends on this. If you are the nervous type, and are not exactly sure of how to get to the port, you may want to allow extra time, especially if you need to return a rental car.

Nassau - if you are into diving or snorkeling there are some great spots. Paradise Island is awfully nice. I am not sure what you are looking for. If you have a particular interest, let us know.

Dining rotation - again this depends on you. Will small kids be with you on the cruise? In my case, we get early seating because after a busy day or laying out in the sun at the pools, my nine year old could just not stay awake to make it through late dining. If he wasn't along, then I would definitely go for the late seating.

Not sure on gambling, but I think others will be able to respond to that.

hope this helps.

 

[iloverags2]

1. Are food and drinks included on Castaway Cay or do we purchase them from a restaraunt on the island?
Lunch is included on Castaway Cay, including non-alcoholic drinks (same system as in the dining rooms). Drinks at the bar will be an extra charge.
2. About what time should we arrive at DCL terminal?
The ship is scheduled to begin boarding around 12:30...give or take a few minutes (as early as 12:15, and have experienced as late as 1:00 p.m. although that was quite some time ago). Give yourself some time to park (if you are driving) and time to check-in. There is a small cafe with coffee and muffins if you arrive early and want to kill time. The DCL terminal is the nicest port terminal I've been in.
Even though the ship departs in the early evening, arriving early allows you to book Palo's and spa ressies, eat lunch at one of the two buffets on board, and to familiarize yourself with your cabin and the ship. Enjoy this extra time!
3. What all is there to do on Nassau?
There are several excursions to choose from, if you want to do a guided tour, snorkeling, etc. We always choose a snorkeling excursion. You can also book a room at the Comfort Inn over near the Atlantis hotel, and will have use of the Atlantis pool and beach. A much cheaper way to get use out of these. There is also a casino at the Atlantis.
There is also plenty of shopping near the port...within walking distance actually. If you've never been to Nassau, it is a nice stroll to check out. Don't think we would wander around again though...been there, done that.
4. What age do you have to be to gamble on Nassau?
18
5. Is it better to have early or late seating and does it really matter which dining rotation you get?
This depends on your personal preferences. We enjoy the late seating...it gives us more time to look around while in port, before having to head back to the ship. We also don't mind getting to bed a bit later.
If you retire early in the evening, early seating would be better. It really is a matter of what you like to do. We found having late seating worked even when we took my husband's daughter. If she got hungry before dinner, she would just grab a snack from Pluto's, up by the pool, or order room service.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[albiats]

Also keep in mind that the ship operates on the time zone it is in, so it would be in the Eastern Time Zone.

If you're in Mountain or Pacific time, early seating could seem to be in the afternoon for your family.

hth

 

[donmil723]

Thanks for all the great replies! It will be my DH, DD-age 17 now, and myself. DD might bring a friend along. We are thinking of doing the 3-day cruise in August 2003 to celebrate our 25th anniversary and my DD's high school graduation.

I was thinking of doing the Atlantis Beach Day so my DH could go into the casino if he got bored on the beach. My DD will be 18 then and was wondering if she could go into the casino too.

I'm not sure if we'll be driving or not. We'll probably spend a few days at WDW either before or after the cruise. We're new DVC members having just purchased BCV. Was just wondering how long it took to get checked in. I knew I wanted to be there by noon so we could explore.

We were leaning towards the late seating as we all like to stay up later. I also thought it would give us more time in port.

Thanks for all the suggestions. As we have never been on a cruise before, I'm sure I'll have many more questions.

Donna