Seriously considering Christmas 2006 Cruise...First Timers Please Help!

[LIFERBABE]

Hi all, I have been reading everything on this board, and I have a few questions.

We were considering doing a 4 day cruise, and then I saw the itinerary for Dec 16, 2006 and Dh and I would LOVE to visit all those places!

It is a 10 day and quite expensive, but doable. I already have quotes from DU and Cititravel for Cat. 9 cabin. Cat 9 is our price limit.

We have never cruised before. Would a 10 day be too overwhelming for first timers? Should we try a shorter cruise first? I was trying to consolidate the money we would spend for a 4 day and just do the 10 day. Does that make sense?

We have 2 DS's who will be 9 and 7 in 2006. Should I wait for them to be older before spending that much money? We are DVC so we visit WDW often.
Dh says I can book it. Can the cabin assignment change once you place your deposit? I really like where we are assigned and that is really a factor in my booking now as opposed to later, although I know the price can change.

How much money will we need for tips for 10 days? Excursions?

Is there a link for Dave's website. I keep reading about it but didnt see a link.


Im sure I will need to spend alot of time here in the next 24 months!

Is it true that all the Cat 10's are sold out for this cruise already?!

 

[Ginny]

Liferbabe -

We cruised on a 7 day last Christmas and loved it so much that we have rebooked for Christmas 2005. As to your questions:

I don't think a 10 day cruise would be too long as there is lots to do and see aboard the Magic. We have done two 4-day cruises and 2 7- day cruises and I much prefer the 7. You can actually unpack and relax on a 7 so I am thinking that the 10 day will allow that much more time for the relaxing piece.

IMHO, I think your children will be the PERFECT age to enjoy the cruise and will have a great time in the Oceaneers Club and Lab.

Here is the link to Dave's Website:

http://www.dcltribute.com/

The trick, from my perspective, on really enjoying a DCL cruise is this board. I have learned so much. If you go to the "Cruise Meets" at the top and search for Christmas, you will find some threads that will give you great info:

Here is the link to our 2003 Cruise thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=412058


Hope this helps!

 

[WVMD]

We're cruising this Christmas on the 10 day cruise. We've been on a 3 day Wonder and a 4 day Wonder cruise - both felt too short. I think the itinerary and holiday happening will make this a vacation to remember.....

Your boys will have a blast!

Virgil

 

[WDWLVR]

H Crystal,

Well my personal opinion is that you need to get your feet wet on a shorter cruise. Say the 4 day DVC Member Cruise!

We are on the 10 day this year with Virgil and are really looking forward to it. We've got a great group of DIS'ers going on this cruise and believe it or not I think the 10 day is a first one for some of them as well. Hey if you are going to do something do it big right!

Good luck and feel free to pm me with any questions. Really do hope you can fit in the Member Cruise too - I know you'll have a great time on that one!