Several Questions--never cruised before but thinking about it!

[tessieg]

Hi,
We are huge disney fans and FL AP holders. We are thinking about a short cruise next spring, with our three kids(who'd be 2,5, and 10). I have many questions but to start here are a few.

1) I know things are tricky with a family of five. For others with 5, did you do the family stateroom(which is definitely pricey!!) or two of the cheapest cabins with a connecting door? How does this work out financially--is the cost way more one way or the other?

2) Are there dinner tables that would just seat our family of 5? In other words, do you always have to sit with another family? My dh works hard all year and we don't always have the family time we'd like. On vacation, although we aren't antisocial people!, neither of us likes the idea of sharing meals with strangers. Could we sit alone?

3)What limitations would cruising with the 2 year old place? I read somewhere about a cruise line that no swim diapers are allowed in the pool! Is this true on the Disney ships? I'd imagine she'd be very unhappy not to be able to swim.

4) Do most of you book yourselves or do you go through an agent? The quick response I'm getting on the disney website is an estimated cost of $3100 for our family on a 3 night cruise in a family stateroom. That seems SO expensive! Does that seem right to those of you who've booked a similar trip?

Thank you to anyone who makes it through this LONG post and can share your knowledge!

Much appreciated, Tessie

 

[samily]

Hi,
We are huge disney fans and FL AP holders. We are thinking about a short cruise next spring, with our three kids(who'd be 2,5, and 10). I have many questions but to start here are a few.

1) I know things are tricky with a family of five. For others with 5, did you do the family stateroom(which is definitely pricey!!) or two of the cheapest cabins with a connecting door? How does this work out financially--is the cost way more one way or the other? I would look into 2 lower category connecting rooms. Not only will it be less expensive, you will get twice the space. Another option for a family of 5 is a cat. 3 suite - these need to be quoted by calling DCL or your TA - DCL does not quote them online. These will be more expensive than a cat.4 but much more comfortable for 5.

2) Are there dinner tables that would just seat our family of 5? In other words, do you always have to sit with another family? My dh works hard all year and we don't always have the family time we'd like. On vacation, although we aren't antisocial people!, neither of us likes the idea of sharing meals with strangers. Could we sit alone? We have always been seated alone as a family of 5 without requesting this. However, you may want to call DCL after you have made your reservation to specifically request it - they won't guarantee it, but chances are good you will get it. If not, you can always request it again once onboard.

3)What limitations would cruising with the 2 year old place? I read somewhere about a cruise line that no swim diapers are allowed in the pool! Is this true on the Disney ships? I'd imagine she'd be very unhappy not to be able to swim. Swim diapers are not allowed in the pools, so if your 2yo is not yet potty trained, they will be be allowed only in the toddler splash/fountain area.

4) Do most of you book yourselves or do you go through an agent? The quick response I'm getting on the disney website is an estimated cost of $3100 for our family on a 3 night cruise in a family stateroom. That seems SO expensive! Does that seem right to those of you who've booked a similar trip? Try quoting 2 lower category rooms - the price should decrease. Also, the earlier you book, the lower the pricing. DCL's prices increase as staterooms sell and the cruise date approaches. I prefer to book myself, as I like to be in control of things. I did transfer my reservation for our Oct. cruise to Dreams Unlimited for the onboard credit they were offering. So far, so good...

Thank you to anyone who makes it through this LONG post and can share your knowledge!

Much appreciated, Tessie

Hope this helps - have fun planning!