Some (potential) Newbie Questions

[Lisa D]

and this is only the beginning! As a 4 year DVC member we are finally considering the cruise. Many questions to ask. We will be travelling (by then) with two sons ages 8 and 11 (depending when we cruise may be 9 and 12 by then). First of all I'm a bit confused by the stateroom configurations in the guidebook - can anything under a Category 4 actually fit four people? Our boys will both be over 5 ft. tall by then. Our school schedule, and Disney's schedule, seem to better accommodate the 3-day cruise than the 4-day cruise - although originally I really wanted to do the 4-day. Is the 3-day okay for our first time? Finally, I am trying to figure out if I want to do this over Columbus weekend in 2003 (we will have a 1 or 2 day holiday - won't know which for some time) or wait until June of 2004 immediately when school lets out (which I know will be much more expensive - but easier to do the 4-day cruise). Sorry to ramble on - but I have so many questions - and this is the only place to ask those of you who have already done this many times! Thanks in advance for all your help!

Lisa D

(already having an axiety attack over a trip not even planned yet)

 

[Cruise]

Lisa,

Every category room has the ability to sleep 4 people with the exception of the Cat 7 rooms. So, yes, you can go lower than a Cat 4. You might want to consider a Cat 10 or above though so you'll have the split bathroom which can be beneficial when traveling with two kids.

As for the 3 day vs the 4 day... it's really up to you. If this will be your first cruise, the 3 day would probably be great to "get your feet wet" with. And if it were me, I'd go for the Columbus day weekend and try to save a bit of money. But that's just me

Julie

 

[imgoingtodisney]

The 4day cruise goes Sun-Thurs; The 3day cruise goes Thurs-Sun
So that may decide if you take the 3or4. Which is better for you Sun-Th or Th-Sun?
I took a 4night cruise on NCL last Dec and it was wayyyy too short. DH & DSs 1st cruise will be 7nights.

The 7day goes Sat-Sat which DH, DS10.5 & I are leaving for in less than 8days - 1st time using DVC points. We booked a cat10 secret porthole room by combining almost 2yrs worth of points.
We joined DVC last year - just booked our first trip "home" to the WL for next Oct.

 

[disneygal58]

My two daughters and I began our new found cruise addiction with a 3 night during the inaugural year. We have since sailed another 3 night (category 9), 4 night (category 11) and will enjoy our first 7 night on January 4 (category 9). I think that beginning with a 3 night is a nice introduction if you have never cruised before - after that you may go forth and share in our obsession, never to cruise for shorter durations of time again....
The girls are in their late teens and we never felt cramped in either category. On a 3 night, you will visit your cabin for sleeping and changing clothes only.
And, of course the sooner you may experience the Wonder, the better.
Enjoy,
Dawn Hope