Starting to look at options...

[taniahappy]

Hi all, let me start by saying I have NEVER been on a cruise of any type, but I do want to do a Disney Cruise next year with my husband... we have started looking over the options... so far I think we are 100% sure we want to do the Caribbean/Bahamas so we get to visit Castaway Cay...

Now my question is (or one of them at least) ... what is the big difference between Fantasy and Dream?

Is this a good option for a couple with no kids? What do you recommend?

Thanks.

 

[sambycat]

some of the decor differs and there are slight tweaks to the layout that make the fantasy different from the dream. the fantasy is our favorite ship, we prefer the improvements to the layout and the general decor and theming more. that said, the true main difference is the itineraries and length of cruises. the fantasy does 7 night cruise while the dream does 3,4 and occasionally 5 nights

 

[Sunshine2U]

The Fantasy and Dream are very similar. The Dream is currently alternating 3- and 4-day cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. The Fantasy is making 7-day cruises, same port. Both have very nice adult-only areas, including additional-fee restaurants. The promenade deck 4 is often overlooked and nice place to read and/or relax in a shady area. The spas are very nice adult only space, too.

 

[perditax]

Keep in mind all bets are off after October, Dream goes into dry dock and gets some of the upgrades Fantasy has.

 

[taniahappy]

Thanks for clearing that for me, so... these cruises are all inclusive, right? I imagine that does not include alcohol, so can I bring some with me? O know, I know... the things I worry about ... what important things does the pricing not cover?

Nice to know about the upgrades Dream will get, I am thinking a 7 nighter is what we need... do I need to worry about getting sea sick? ...

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for clearing that for me, so... these cruises are all inclusive, right? I imagine that does not include alcohol, so can I bring some with me? O know, I know... the things I worry about ... what important things does the pricing not cover?

Nice to know about the upgrades Dream will get, I am thinking a 7 nighter is what we need... do I need to worry about getting sea sick? ...

The cruise fare includes your meals, a 24/7 drink station on the Pool deck (sodas/coffee/tea/hot chocolate/water/a couple of Hi-C/Minute Maid drinks), entertainment.

Unlike most major cruiselines, DCL does allow you to bring whatever beverages onboard that you wish, as much as you wish. Only requirement is you must carry it on, it can't be in your checked bags.

Not included in your cruisefare are:
excursions
gratuities
nursery
spa
tastings/mixology classes
photos

Oh, I forgot - adult dining venues also have an extra cost, and, if you get a soda from a bar or a server (except at dinner) you will be charged for it.

 

[PryncessLace]

Alcohol is not included, but yes you can bring your own in your carry on bag. Alcohol cannot be in your checked luggage. They have limited soda options that are included, but not if you get the soda from the bar or room service. Tips can be prepaid, but are not included in your original price. Also, special adults only restaurants have an additional fee.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

The cruise fare includes your meals, a 24/7 drink station on the Pool deck (sodas/coffee/tea/hot chocolate/water/a couple of Hi-C/Minute Maid drinks), entertainment.

Unlike most major cruiselines, DCL does allow you to bring whatever beverages onboard that you wish, as much as you wish. Only requirement is you must carry it on, it can't be in your checked bags.

Not included in your cruisefare are:
excursions
gratuities
nursery
spa
tastings/mixology classes
photos

Oh, I forgot - adult dining venues also have an extra cost, and, if you get a soda from a bar or a server (except at dinner) you will be charged for it.

Just to explain: you don't have to pay anything for food if you don't want, breakfast lunch and dinner are free in the three main dining rooms (MDRs) you will be assigned each night. There are also quick serve hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, pizza ice cram, etc. by the pool (all free) a buffet that is sit down dinner at night (free). But on both ships there are 2 "no kids allowed" restaurants that cost extra and are a little "fancier" (Palo) and a LOT fancier (Remy). Room service is mainly free, but there are a few items (clearly marked) that are extra. Candy and popcorn are extra.

 

[taniahappy]

Got it! More questions... (sorry) but, in your experience, what is the best way to book? Directly from the website? Travel agency? Expedia or similar?
Another thing, and I already know the answer (which is clearly yes, but I kinda need to be persuaded) ... is it worth it? Is it worth the $?

 

[MelSpees]

We've used a TA. It's nice to get the OBC. We might go with Costco next time and get their gift card which amounts to more than an onboard credit. We haven't been on the newer ships but we think the Wonder is worth the money. We get an oceanview and that works great for us. We go on longer cruises.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Got it! More questions... (sorry) but, in your experience, what is the best way to book? Directly from the website? Travel agency? Expedia or similar?
Another thing, and I already know the answer (which is clearly yes, but I kinda need to be persuaded) ... is it worth it? Is it worth the $?

We book online so we can make changes and make payments easily. We always buy Disney gift cards with our Target red card to save 5%.

Worth it is subjective to what you want to experience. We've had 3 amazing DCL cruises and have a 4th coming up in September. But we are branching out to another cruise line for our 2016 Mediterranean cruise. We are excited to go but somewhat apprehensive because we've been spoiled with DCL. That's the biggest problem with starting with DCL. I know, these are luxury problems, but just giving my $.02.

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

We book online so we can make changes and make payments easily. We always buy Disney gift cards with our Target red card to save 5%.

The Target Red Card is a great tip for anyone who wasn't aware of it - I'm sailing in my 8th DCL cruise soon and finally figured that one out!

Got it! More questions... (sorry) but, in your experience, what is the best way to book? Directly from the website? Travel agency? Expedia or similar?
Another thing, and I already know the answer (which is clearly yes, but I kinda need to be persuaded) ... is it worth it? Is it worth the $?

We book on board to get the credits and discounts, which you can do on your first sailing (and each one after that....you'll be hooked so plan to budget a few extra dollars on your first trip to book your next one!). I prefer to handle my own booking online so do not use a TA, but for a first sailing I understand you can often get on board credits using a TA so the savings may be worthwhile and I'm sure they can offer very helpful information too.

Is it worth it? Only you can decide. I trust many experienced cruisers on this board who say there are some other comparable cruiselines, but I'm just not interested in going elsewhere now. We love everything about DCL - from the quality service to ship cleanliness to variety of activities to the incredible CMs to the great food. I guess I'm (happily) spoiled!

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

but for a first sailing I understand you can often get on board credits using a TA

Oops, I want to clarify my statement. I'm sure TAs offer on board credits for all sailings, not just a client's first one - I was referring to the OP going on a first sailing.

 

[Trera]

Keep in mind all bets are off after October, Dream goes into dry dock and gets some of the upgrades Fantasy has.

Agree 100%. Once the Dream gets upgraded with Satellite Falls, Star Wars, Sweet Shop, etc.................it will definitely be up there with the Fantasy. Just different itineraries.

 

[ajgardner]

Got it! More questions... (sorry) but, in your experience, what is the best way to book? Directly from the website? Travel agency? Expedia or similar?
Another thing, and I already know the answer (which is clearly yes, but I kinda need to be persuaded) ... is it worth it? Is it worth the $?

I don't need a travel agent to book it but always use one because many will give you "on board credit" to use. Our first cruise (4 night/family of 4/verandah room) my agent gave us $300, our next cruise (7 night) we got $475 and next year we are getting $475 again. Getting $475 back is worth the "trouble" of calling/emailing the travel agent to have her book it and put in any requests. As for is it worth it? I think that's different for everyone - for us it is...but I'm sure there are many that it's not - you won't know for sure until you try it yourself!

 

[Dug720]

Regarding a TA, definitely look into exactly how much they will give YOU. Yes, big numbers are thrown around, but they're often for higher categories and larger families. I wouldn't ever bother because I travel solo (so my cost would be the same as a couple minus one set of port taxes) and stick with a category 8B, so the most I've ever seen offered to ME is $50. Sorry...that's not worth me having to call a TA and wait for them to contact Disney and then get back to me.

Clearly everyone's mileage varies - you have to decide what's important to you.

 

[taniahappy]

Thanks again for all the replies... will see how much we can get from a TA, its only my husband and myself but we are looking into a 7 night cruise so will see... already sent a message to one that is suppose to be very good... will also browse around Costco...

So what can you tell me about dates... we want to do Bahamas or Caribbean, best dates? your experience?

 

[Mrs Green]

since you don't have children and don't have to deal with school schedules I would highly recommend going during a time when school is in session because it will be cheaper than the same cruise over summer or holiday.

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

since you don't have children and don't have to deal with school schedules I would highly recommend going during a time when school is in session because it will be cheaper than the same cruise over summer or holiday.

Absolutely agree with this. When we sail without the kids, my husband and I really like going in very early December when the boat and Castaway Cay are decorated for the holidays. It's absolutely gorgeous and we've found the weather to be really nice and the ships not nearly as crowded as when we sail with our kids during the summer months. Fewer families on board also means more activity in the clubs at night, which we personally find more fun than when the clubs are empty, which sometimes happens during busy family times. That is only our personal preference, of course!

 

[taniahappy]

Excellent! I will have to go into deep planning now, as I am a teacher LOL! But will do my best to get time off that does not coincide with regular vacations...