Seeking advice regarding guest - Best approach when adding/connecting to us

[pearljammer]

We are bringing our DS friend on our cruise and I see I need to “connect” them. Those with experience, can you please advise if it’s best to let his (he will be 18 at the time of sailing) father do this or me so I can ensure all is done, etc. as I want to ensure I’m able to take advantage of my plat status for early booking, etc. Also, is this where the dad can add a cc to his account? I’m just not sure what to expect (type of info) is needed so any insight would be helpful in deciding which selection to choose. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mommb]

You can either take care of everything before the cruise or set the friend up with a Disney account (if he doesn’t already have one).

For booking of activities, you can book for everyone in the room at your booking date. I am not sure if someone in the room but not at your level can book at your time using their account.

For online check-in, your best option may be to set him as “cash” for payments and then have him or his father add credit card information. I think you will need a photo of his birth certificate or passport and a photo of him to get through to choosing a port arrival time.

 

[auntlynne]

All my questions are for your consideration, no answers to me are expected.

Different room, reservation = separate booking windows for excursions and PATs.

That is something to take into account. Are you willing to board later to accommodate his assigned time? Or use a DCL transfer that makes PAT a moot point?

If he is booking solo, had you considered making that room assigned to one of the adults in your family with him? If he paid you the difference between your son’s 3rd person fare (with you) and the cost of the single supplement, the friend would come away with a substantial savings. This would also put both cabins at the same CC level (if you had 2 family members at Platinum). This could also alleviate PAT differences.

If he is capable of creating a DCL account, great. Otherwise, offer to help. And provide him with dates related to booking, check-in,…

And possibly have a chat concerning what responsibilities you have for him and expected behavior (any of the kids). This includes his adults.

Verify he has passport or adequate ID.

It wouldn’t hurt for your own kid to know how to book and manage a cruise reservation, while you’re at it. Sometimes even couples have a person unaware of the procedures.

Make sure he has same dining time. I don’t think you have to link reservations until closer to cruise.

If he is going to use his dad’s credit card, he can put that in during online check-in. Or, as mentioned, select “cash” and add the CC info later.

 

[pearljammer]

All my questions are for your consideration, no answers to me are expected.

Different room, reservation = separate booking windows for excursions and PATs.

That is something to take into account. Are you willing to board later to accommodate his assigned time? Or use a DCL transfer that makes PAT a moot point?

If he is booking solo, had you considered making that room assigned to one of the adults in your family with him? If he paid you the difference between your son’s 3rd person fare (with you) and the cost of the single supplement, the friend would come away with a substantial savings. This would also put both cabins at the same CC level (if you had 2 family members at Platinum). This could also alleviate PAT differences.

If he is capable of creating a DCL account, great. Otherwise, offer to help. And provide him with dates related to booking, check-in,…

And possibly have a chat concerning what responsibilities you have for him and expected behavior (any of the kids). This includes his adults.

Verify he has passport or adequate ID.

It wouldn’t hurt for your own kid to know how to book and manage a cruise reservation, while you’re at it. Sometimes even couples have a person unaware of the procedures.

Make sure he has same dining time. I don’t think you have to link reservations until closer to cruise.

If he is going to use his dad’s credit card, he can put that in during online check-in. Or, as mentioned, select “cash” and add the CC info later.

I’ve pondered if I would respond. I merely want to state that of all the things one wants to instill and teach a teenage boy in this day and age with all we already have to deal with, learning to book a cruise is not my priority but you assume he doesn’t know how? Also, I expect my child knows how to behave thus I do not feel I need to have a discussion with the friends “dad” nor the friend over behavior. If this was needed, I wouldn’t have had to make this inquiry. You’ve responded with quite a bit of assumptions but the few helpful tips provided are appreciated.