Really want to bite the bullet....questions.

[ThisIsJason]

My wife and I have wanted to do a cruise (with anyone) for a few years now. The system she teaches for finally released the schedule for next year, and it looks like we could go in October (late to the party booking I know).

The only cruise we could do would be the 4-Night October 16th on the Dream, which would be fine. Long enough to get the feel for first timers. I priced it out at work today, and it is doable, so as a surprise I am going to book.

Questions:
Would it be worth to go from a Deluxe Family Oceanview State Rom, up to one with a Verandah? Seeing it is only 4 days, I wouldn't think it would be worth it (but its less than $200 to go up).

Food: only Remy and Palo have up-charges correct? I am trying to figure out an extra budget for this.

Sure I will have more questions, but thanks in advance.

 

[jonslawiu]

GO FOR IT!

The question about the Verandah or not really depends... the space is nice, but whether there is value is really subjective. For us, when we go with kids, we go Verandah, when its just DW and I, we don't.

Food- yes, save some things you might order via room service (not all, just some), but generally speaking that is correct

 

[squirk]

My wife and I have wanted to do a cruise (with anyone) for a few years now. The system she teaches for finally released the schedule for next year, and it looks like we could go in October (late to the party booking I know).

The only cruise we could do would be the 4-Night October 16th on the Dream, which would be fine. Long enough to get the feel for first timers. I priced it out at work today, and it is doable, so as a surprise I am going to book.

Questions:
Would it be worth to go from a Deluxe Family Oceanview State Rom, up to one with a Verandah? Seeing it is only 4 days, I wouldn't think it would be worth it (but its less than $200 to go up).

Food: only Remy and Palo have up-charges correct? I am trying to figure out an extra budget for this.

Sure I will have more questions, but thanks in advance.

Hard to say what is "worth it" for you. How much time do you think you'll spend in your stateroom, lounging on the balcony? If you think you are going to want to explore the ship, and do port excursions, you might be spending less time in your room than you think. Still, $200 isn't a lot in terms of upgrade. I'd say it's worth it.

Yes, Palo and Remy are the only restaurants that upcharge for food. If you stick to Cabanas and your regular dining rotation, you are not required to pay anything extra. But in terms of budgeting, please keep in mind that there are many other "upcharges" around the ship - Remy/Palo have wine and champagne pairings, Vanellope's, Cove Cafe, popcorn, sealed snacks, wine packages in the main dining room at dinner, bottled water packages, drinks of the day, and all alcoholic drinks in general. Again, none are required, but if, for example, you want fancy ice cream, or good coffee, you might want to set aside a little extra for that, too.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Are you 'sit on the verandah' people? Are you get up and rush out to the poolside or stake out a spot on deck people? We got a verandah because we like the idea of a quiet place to enjoy the sea, especially in the morning. But others here are the type that get up and going, barely stopping in their room for much time. Which type of person are you? I will say, a $200 upgrade, in my opinion, would be worth it.

 

[amberwc]

The question is are you wanting to be around people, or do you like your quiet time and space away from others. If A, then go with the Oceanview, if B, go with the veranda. We like to have down time on vacation so the veranda is very nice.

 

[Quellman]

Skip the Verandah and use it for a night at Palo, or Remy if you like that. I say this as a verandah snob.

 

[NS8VN]

Skip the Verandah and use it for a night at Palo, or Remy if you like that. I say this as a verandah snob.

Agree with this, and would even go as far as to suggest that an inside room would save even more if the budget is a bit tight. A verandah is great, very nice to spend some time alone, but if you don't plan to spend a lot of time in your room that is money that might be better spent on drinks, Palo/Remy, or excursions.

Since you are asking about extra costs, yes dining, quick service, most room service, and the buffet are included. Specialty coffees, bottled water, and everything at Vanelope's are an extra cost. Keep in mind that there is also a $12/person/day automatic gratuity to cover your server, assistant server, head server, and room host. Since it is your first cruise I don't want that one to sneak up on you.

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

My vote is go for the verandah if the difference is $200. On our third cruise (1st two the ocean was like glass), we found out that our daughter was not sensitive to small movements, but when the waves got big she would not feel well. Sitting out on the verandah in the fresh air worked wonders for her. Now we would not consider going without a verandah.

 

[mevelandry]

For that price go for the verandah.

And I recommend Palo (both dinner and brunch) and Remy dinner (never tried the brunch).

 

[ThisIsJason]

Thanks for the suggestions and tips everyone. Been messing around on the cruise website since I posted, decided to go with a verandah room. Now to decide on location and deck. Hope to have this booked by tomorrow.


Another question: I know that Disney offers transportation from the resorts (hoping to get down a few days before hand and hit a MNSSHP) to the port and that there is a charge for it. What is the actual cost though? Is it $35 each way per person or is it $70? I have seen both online. Also what is the cost from the port back to the airport? Have seen $35 and $70 on this as well.

 

[Lisa F]

I booked a 4 day cruise in feb 2018 and there was a $312 swing between the cheapest inside cabin and the cheapest verandah. I booked an "undersized" verandah which is actually a normal sized verandah but all the way at the end of the ship so there is a little bit blocked by the curve of the opening in the body of the ship. I found a page on mousesavers listing the "undersized" verandah by amount of obstruction and the room I have has 20% obstructed. I can live with that.

It was $184 more for a verandah than the cheaper of the two oceanview staterooms. To me it just seems like being able to sit on our own verandah and sip some wine and nibble on some cheese in the evening is worth the extra money... it is short money given how much the REST of the cruise costs that I might as well go "all the way" and get the verandah.

I have cruised before but not since 2005. I have cruised inside and outside and verandah but honestly I kind of started at a verandah and felt like it would have to be a lot better deal/discount for me to downgrade to inside.

 

[Lisa F]

Thanks for the suggestions and tips everyone. Been messing around on the cruise website since I posted, decided to go with a verandah room. Now to decide on location and deck. Hope to have this booked by tomorrow.


Another question: I know that Disney offers transportation from the resorts (hoping to get down a few days before hand and hit a MNSSHP) to the port and that there is a charge for it. What is the actual cost though? Is it $35 each way per person or is it $70? I have seen both online. Also what is the cost from the port back to the airport? Have seen $35 and $70 on this as well.

it is $35 per person each way so $70 per person round trip.

 

[ThisIsJason]

it is $35 per person each way so $70 per person round trip.

$70 round trip, that is reasonable. Friend claims that it is $70 per person each way. Didn't think that was right.

 

[jdb in AZ]

A verandah will spoil you. Once you've had one, it's hard to go with an ocean view. I love getting some fresh air without getting dressed and joining the masses on deck.