So many cruise questions!

[mom2aprincenprincess]

My family and I are new to cruising, so we have a lot of questions. I'm not sure where to even start. We are sailing out of Galveston on December 4 to the Bahamas for 7 nights. So, here it goes.

1) First, what night is the formal night? I'd like to book dinner at Palo for my husband and I, but I don't want to miss the formal night with my kids. (Who are 14, 6, & 3)
2) Can anyone tell me what the average cost for an alcoholic beverage is on board? A glass of wine, beer, mixed drink, etc. Is the cost of drinks the same all over the ship?
3) How much is laundry service? I'm aware that I can pay a small price and do it myself, but I may decide not to since it IS my vacation, lol.
4) Is there adequate space to store suitcases for a family of 5 in the family deluxe staterooms.
5) what is there to do in Nassau and Key West that is inexpensive and kid friendly?
6) is it comfortable to swim on the ship in December?? Are the pools heated? What time do the pools close for the night?
7) what time does the boat leave..... All the ports? Is it the same time at each location?
8) is coffe a free beverage?
9) are over the door shoe hangers still allowed? (Thought I read recently they weren't)
10) have I read it correctly that if you bring your own snorkel mask etc, that you can snorkel for free at CC?
11) I'm notorious for overpacking.....what do we REALLY need to pack?
12) Do you recommend autograph books like we do at Disney World?
13) Are there jet ski rentals at any of the ports......KW, CC, or Nassau?

Sorry this is so long, but we leave in 58 days and I'm a big planner.....and right now I feel very unprepared. I'm kind of freaking out

 

[Quellman]

4. You can store luggage under the stateroom bed. Should be plenty of space for that.
7. Your cruise itinerary states this information.
10. Yes. Be sure to pick up the free life vest however before entering the water.
11. Obviously you plan on formal night. Close toe sneakers or athletic shoes for excursions. Flip flops or water shoes. Shorts, shirts, bathing suits. Also a light jacket since December is still a colder month. Maybe a pair of jeans. I'd also recommend a hi-lighter for the activities brochure, clothes pins for keeping curtains closed or for clipping wet things to dry out on your deck while in port. Also a USB multiport charger of some sort if you plan on using smart devices for the disney cruiseline free texting app.
12. If you want autographs.
13. There is for sure at Castaway Cay. Your cruise page when you log in should begin showing you which Disney excursions are offered. Other sites like Cruise critic and trip advisor can give you advice for other potential options.

Enjoy your trip

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My family and I are new to cruising, so we have a lot of questions. I'm not sure where to even start. We are sailing out of Galveston on December 4 to the Bahamas for 7 nights. So, here it goes.

1) First, what night is the formal night? I'd like to book dinner at Palo for my husband and I, but I don't want to miss the formal night with my kids. (Who are 14, 6, & 3)
2) Can anyone tell me what the average cost for an alcoholic beverage is on board? A glass of wine, beer, mixed drink, etc. Is the cost of drinks the same all over the ship?
3) How much is laundry service? I'm aware that I can pay a small price and do it myself, but I may decide not to since it IS my vacation, lol.
4) Is there adequate space to store suitcases for a family of 5 in the family deluxe staterooms.
5) what is there to do in Nassau and Key West that is inexpensive and kid friendly?
6) is it comfortable to swim on the ship in December?? Are the pools heated? What time do the pools close for the night?
7) what time does the boat leave..... All the ports? Is it the same time at each location?
8) is coffe a free beverage?
9) are over the door shoe hangers still allowed? (Thought I read recently they weren't)
10) have I read it correctly that if you bring your own snorkel mask etc, that you can snorkel for free at CC?
11) I'm notorious for overpacking.....what do we REALLY need to pack?
12) Do you recommend autograph books like we do at Disney World?
13) Are there jet ski rentals at any of the ports......KW, CC, or Nassau?

Sorry this is so long, but we leave in 58 days and I'm a big planner.....and right now I feel very unprepared. I'm kind of freaking out

1) Formal night is usually the second night of most cruises. With semi-formal being on night 6.
3)

4) Yes
7) Time in port varies.
8) Regular coffee from the drink stations, and at meals, yes. Specialty coffees in Cove Cafe have extra cost.
9) No, not allowed.
10) Yes, but you do need to use one of the (free) snorkel vests provided by Disney

 

[ladypiph]

My family and I are new to cruising, so we have a lot of questions. I'm not sure where to even start. We are sailing out of Galveston on December 4 to the Bahamas for 7 nights. So, here it goes.

1) First, what night is the formal night? I'd like to book dinner at Palo for my husband and I, but I don't want to miss the formal night with my kids. (Who are 14, 6, & 3)
2) Can anyone tell me what the average cost for an alcoholic beverage is on board? A glass of wine, beer, mixed drink, etc. Is the cost of drinks the same all over the ship?
3) How much is laundry service? I'm aware that I can pay a small price and do it myself, but I may decide not to since it IS my vacation, lol.
4) Is there adequate space to store suitcases for a family of 5 in the family deluxe staterooms.
5) what is there to do in Nassau and Key West that is inexpensive and kid friendly?
6) is it comfortable to swim on the ship in December?? Are the pools heated? What time do the pools close for the night?
7) what time does the boat leave..... All the ports? Is it the same time at each location?
8) is coffe a free beverage?
9) are over the door shoe hangers still allowed? (Thought I read recently they weren't)
10) have I read it correctly that if you bring your own snorkel mask etc, that you can snorkel for free at CC?
11) I'm notorious for overpacking.....what do we REALLY need to pack?
12) Do you recommend autograph books like we do at Disney World?
13) Are there jet ski rentals at any of the ports......KW, CC, or Nassau?

Sorry this is so long, but we leave in 58 days and I'm a big planner.....and right now I feel very unprepared. I'm kind of freaking out

2) About the same as what you would find at Applebees depending on the brand. The drink of the day is 4.50 with tip and tax comes out to about 5.25. But overall reasonably priced drinks.
5) At Nassau I have only been to Atlantis which I recommend it is amazing even if you just do the aquarium.
6) yes they do heat the pools on the boat once the temp drops past a certain point. I went on a cruise early Dec last year and we were able to enjoy the water at CC.
12) Depending on your kids ages yes I recommend one with a spot for pictures as well.
Misc.
I also recommend getting the picture package if you all enjoy taking pictures and since this is a Merrytime cruise use it as your Christmas card if you all like that kind of stuff. Happy Planning!!

 

[mom2aprincenprincess]

1) Formal night is usually the second night of most cruises. With semi-formal being on night 6.
3)
View attachment 127790
4) Yes
7) Time in port varies.
8) Regular coffee from the drink stations, and at meals, yes. Specialty coffees in Cove Cafe have extra cost.
9) No, not allowed.
10) Yes, but you do need to use one of the (free) snorkel vests provided by Disney

Any idea why the formal dinner isn't listed on my cruise itinerary? I would think I'm not the only person that might want to know in advance so that I can plan accordingly.

 

[mom2aprincenprincess]

2) About the same as what you would find at Applebees depending on the brand. The drink of the day is 4.50 with tip and tax comes out to about 5.25. But overall reasonably priced drinks.
5) At Nassau I have only been to Atlantis which I recommend it is amazing even if you just do the aquarium.
6) yes they do heat the pools on the boat once the temp drops past a certain point. I went on a cruise early Dec last year and we were able to enjoy the water at CC.
12) Depending on your kids ages yes I recommend one with a spot for pictures as well.
Misc.
I also recommend getting the picture package if you all enjoy taking pictures and since this is a Merrytime cruise use it as your Christmas card if you all like that kind of stuff. Happy Planning!!

It's the picture package really worth the money? I know that I can get the photographers to take the same photo wit my camera, just like a DW. How much is the package, and must it be purchased in advance?

 

[dugthetalkingdog]

My DD(20) did the jet ski excursion at CC and loved it. She was old enough to go by herself but the jet ski holds up to 2 people. She had purchased a photo matte online that had
the the name of our ship and date of our cruise for characters to sign. She used different colored sharpies. She also took her own snorkel gear and just picked up a life vest at the hut on CC.
Your family will have a wonderful cruise.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Any idea why the formal dinner isn't listed on my cruise itinerary? I would think I'm not the only person that might want to know in advance so that I can plan accordingly.

Are you talking about the "My Cruise Activities" calendar? That will only show actual activities - excursions, pirate night, sail away party, spa, etc. Not a night's themeing.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

It's the picture package really worth the money? I know that I can get the photographers to take the same photo wit my camera, just like a DW. How much is the package, and must it be purchased in advance?

The photographers will not use your camera to take your picture. If there is a DCL CM assisting the photographer, they will usually do it for you. However, I will point out, they are not photographers. We've had mixed success with the CMs taking our photos at the photo locations. And some people have reported that the formal night locations will not allow you to use your own camera.

There are various packages available. Here's the information that I've gleaned:

Individual prices are:
8X10 - $20.95
6X8 - $14.95

The packages are 6 ($99.95), 10 ($149.95), 15 ($199.95), and 20 ($249.95) photos. Different length cruises have different options. You can also purchase an all prints package (all your photos printed) for the same cost as the length of cruise CD.

The length of cruise CD cost varies with length of cruise. The prices I've seen are (for pre-cruise purchase/onboard cost):
7 night $295.95/$100.00 to add prints/$349.95, $100.00 to add prints;

5 night $249.95/$50.00 to add prints;

4 night $194.95/$75.00 to add prints/$229.95, $75.00 to add prints;

2 night $199.95/$50.00 to add prints

Special CD prices –

14 night $339.95/$100.00 to add prints;

12 night $399.95 or $339.95/$100.00 to add prints

The 6, 10, 15, & 20 photo packages can be either prints or the CD with 6, 10, 15, or 20 photos unlocked for your access once home.


Recent reports have the prices for onboard purchases of the above packages at $50.00 more than the pre-purchase price.

If you want to find out specifically what's offered on your cruise, you need to to go the In-Room Gifts section on the DCL website and click on "My Cruise Photos". Packages & prices are put up there about 3 months out from your cruise.

 

[ladypiph]

I will also add that if you find that you didn't take enough pictures to make the package worth the money then you can receive a full refund. On a four night cruise I received a CD with 143 photos, it was well worth it.

 

[mom2aprincenprincess]

Are you talking about the "My Cruise Activities" calendar? That will only show actual activities - excursions, pirate night, sail away party, spa, etc. Not a night's themeing.

Yes. Why doesn't it show what the night theming is?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes. Why doesn't it show what the night theming is?

Maybe because it might vary? Don't know for sure. I just know that it only shows actual activities not themeing.

 

[mom2aprincenprincess]

We are sailing out of Galveston on a Friday, so because of that I'm sending my kids to school for half the day before picking them up to travel to Galveston, only about 45 minutes from us, to board the ship. This trip is a surprise for them! Anyway, I've set our boarding time for 3:00-3:30. It's the latest available. I'm kind of worried this will be too late to enjoy anything before the deck party, etc. How long does it take to check in and board the boat? Do you board and get to go straight to your room? What time is the deck party? We will be on a 7 night cruise, so I think that we'll have plenty of time to enjoy the boat, but I don't want to feel to rushed after boarding. Also, I've seen a lot written about going straight to guest services to get meet and greet tickets and other things. Is that near the entrance where we board the boat? I don't want to miss out on those tickets!

 

[mom2aprincenprincess]

Where can I find cruise autograph books??? The Disney Store doesn't have any

 

[lanejudy]

We are sailing out of Galveston on a Friday, so because of that I'm sending my kids to school for half the day before picking them up to travel to Galveston, only about 45 minutes from us, to board the ship. This trip is a surprise for them! Anyway, I've set our boarding time for 3:00-3:30. It's the latest available. I'm kind of worried this will be too late to enjoy anything before the deck party, etc. How long does it take to check in and board the boat? Do you board and get to go straight to your room? What time is the deck party? We will be on a 7 night cruise, so I think that we'll have plenty of time to enjoy the boat, but I don't want to feel to rushed after boarding. Also, I've seen a lot written about going straight to guest services to get meet and greet tickets and other things. Is that near the entrance where we board the boat? I don't want to miss out on those tickets!

The 3-3:30 time you've selected is actually the PAT = Port Arrival Time, but at that point in the afternoon it should be very quick check-in and immediate boarding as well. Staterooms open around 1:30pm so yes you can go right to your stateroom to drop your carry-ons, and then likely directly to the muster drill. Probably everything else will be closed or closing because nothing is open during the muster drill. Since I haven't cruised out of Galveston so I'm not sure how quickly the tickets will go -- you might have one member go straight to get tickets while the rest of your party drops off bags at the stateroom; check the navigator you receive at check-in to know the location -- it may or may not be the Port Adventures Desk or Guest Services or another location. You MUST be onboard before the muster drill, so make sure you leave enough room in your driving time to account for any traffic delays or such. Personally, I think I'd try to arrive closer to 2pm (PAT shouldn't really matter at that hour) so I don't feel rushed boarding and getting tickets.

Where can I find cruise autograph books??? The Disney Store doesn't have any

You can purchase DCL-themed autograph books onboard the ship. It's quite rare to find them on The Disney Store website; there may be some unofficial ones available on Amazon or something, or some people make their own. Just be aware that if you wait to purchase one onboard, you won't be able to do so until sometime the first evening once the ship has pulled out to sea. Onboard shops are closed while docked in port.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[texas disney mom]

One comment on the cruise photos. We went to shutters to look for our photos the second day on the ship and there was nothing in our folder although I know we had taken several. We were rushed and assumed something was wrong with the identity link or something. Unfortunately we never went back to ask as we were really busy the rest of the cruise and we thought it would be a time consuming fix. We had not pre purchased a package (did not know about it) but might have purchased it on board if we had seen the photos. I have subsequently seen people write on this board in trip reports that their photos we not available one day and so they went back the next day to check. I am now thinking our photos arrived the day or so after we checked if we had only gone back! Not sure if anyone else can comment on this but it sounds like there is a delay between photos being taken and showing up that can be over 24 hours.

 

[com_op_2000]

5. At KW, recommend the get off/on trolley. I found discounted tickets online and we went on our own. Make sure your are back to the ship in plenty of time, they will leave without you.

 

[SonicGuy]

Were going out of Galveston as well - January on the reposition cruise to Puerto Rico. My comments on the photo - yes you can buy ahead. Link on website. They are VERY expensive, but we just plan for it. You can bring the cost per pic down if you know ahead of time you're getting the pics - and then plan to get as many pics taken as you can. I love our cruise pics.

In Nassua, I recommend the Chocolate Factory tour. Our kids (and dad) had a GREAT time. Have a great time and feel free to continue asking questions. The folks on here are so helpful!

 

[DCFDMOUSE]

Where can I find cruise autograph books??? The Disney Store doesn't have any

Most Party supply stores have them. I have even lucked out and found them in Dollar Stores !! I have also bought plain books and a set of Disney Stickers and let my son Decorate his own.

GOOD LUCK !!!!