The "Double Double-Dip" 17 Day Florida Vacation - 1,233 Pictures Report

[bubba's mom]

He's always been under the impression that you might have to rush at your excursion days to get back to the ship before it leaves you and that you wouldn't get to see much in the time allowed.

All depends where you are and what you want to do. If you book excursions thru the cruiseline you are on, they will not leave without you. If you book one 'on your own', then that's what you are...on your own...boat can leave without you. Ships know who is onboard and who isn't (you have to swipe your roomkey when you board and exit the ship...computer keeps track of who is onboard).

Also, if you book the later dinner, you'll have more time during the day and afternoon before you need to head back to the ship. If you plan excursions for morning, you'll have more time too.

When we did RCCL 5 years ago, we actually booked a 9am and a 1pm excursion....we were back on the ship in plenty of time...but, a little rushed in between those two excursions....and they were RCCL run. We're glad we did them...they were a lot of fun.

When I made our excursions online w/ DCL, it would tell me if we had overlapping excursions or not enough time in between. As for CC, you are at your own pace and get reboard the ship any time you feel like it.

hth

 

[bubba's mom]

Awesome report! I'm so envious because when we went on the Disney Cruise Hurricane Floyd destroyed it and we couldn't go there.
But after seeing this report I think we're going to start planning a return trip!

yes...you must visit CC...it's beautiful & relaxing

Brab! I love your pirate costumes! Another great update!!

aarrgghhhh

your best installment ever!

you've really captured the spirit of the cruise

makes me feel like im there

good...cuz you WILL be there....soon...

 

[jlawall]

JoAnn...why NO pix?


Just realized that I forgot to post our purchased pictures from Pirate night. In my defense, I had a long day at work yesterday and I was pretty tired by the time I got around to finishing adding pictures and posting last night.

I added two, but for those who've already read up to this point, here they are:

Thx for sharing! I went on this trip with my younger two DDs and my oldest always takes my pics.......so, we didn't get many. My trip report coming soon......I've loved reading yours and I REALLY appreciate your detailed reports. You really helped me with my trip.......great job!!!

 

[loribell]

Okay I am finally here and getting started. I am up to the beginning of the cruise and will be back later! It is amazing so far.

 

[keishashadow]

barb - yepper, very soon we'll be baaaaaaack to CC! although my trippie won't be anywhere as detailed as yours is...sorta takes the pressure off

barb - do u remember the photo pricing onboard? we didn't pick up any last time (too pricey ); think they have some sort of pkgs now?

earlier somebody asked re water temp, must chime in we did early Dec. & thought it just fine...although the CM doing the stingray excursion kept telling us he was freezing (2nd group in the am, probably 75 degrees ). He said he was from the islands & had never ventured much further north...it's all relative!

 

[bubba's mom]

Lori...glad you made it

Janet...photos...ugh.... A 6x8 is $9.95. An 8x10 is $19.95. We wanted a 6x8 and the CM talked us into the package. 10 for $84.95. If you didn't buy 10, they would refund the package price and just charge you full price for the ones you bought. (This is what we did.) We would never purchase the package again...since I'm picky about what pix to buy...especially at those prices! If you think there is a remote possibility you may purchase the 10 (or however many it was for the 8x10s) , then take the package...can't get the discount later on after you've bought 10. Be aware, make sure you are watching the size. Beginning of cruise seemed to have a lot of 6x8s...end seemed to be all 8x10s. Knowing I wouldn't buy 10 pictures of the same size, I'd skip the package in the first place. Then again, to each his own

 

[d4est]

Okay...I have read and re-read the cruise portion and you've got me hooked! Dh said he'd cruise, most likely a 4 day. So...the questions:

1-How did you choose category level? Price, deck number, size? I'm not seeing much difference in, say cat 4, 5, & 6. I'm liking the idea of a veranda, but not sure it's worth the extra $$ when you are only sailing 4 days.

2-Room location? I am thinking, from what little I've gathered, mid to aft and starboard?

3-Were there other excursions available? I am assuming you only dock at CC, but are there lots of activity choices?

4-Is there smoking anywhere on the ship? Like, say, the veranda? Dh is a smoker and he might get a tad cranky after 4 days...

5-Did you make your ressie directly with DCL or did you use a service such as Dreams Unlimited?

I guess that's it for the time being. I guess I'm going to have to start reading on the cruise boards too.

Thanks!

 

[scotlass]

Hey youse...

Lovin it........

 

[Zoiebear]

Your trip report!! The more I read the cruise reports the more I want to go back on the DCL for a 4 day!!!
S

 

[bubba's mom]

Okay...I have read and re-read the cruise portion and you've got me hooked! Dh said he'd cruise, most likely a 4 day. So...the questions:

1-How did you choose category level? Price, deck number, size? I'm not seeing much difference in, say cat 4, 5, & 6. I'm liking the idea of a veranda, but not sure it's worth the extra $$ when you are only sailing 4 days.

Price mostly....which mostly determines what deck you're on. We were 'this close' to a verandah room, but we asked ourselves how much time would we really have to use it....only 4 nights and all? Figured for the same money, we could have a verandah on another line (and probably 7 nights instead of 4)....turns out, we were glad we didn't spend the extra...we wouldn't have used it. Unless you have little kids turning in early (and with all the fun stuff for them, why would they want to?) and need to be in your cabin, if you wanted to sit outside, go up to one of the top decks.

2-Room location? I am thinking, from what little I've gathered, mid to aft and starboard?

Low and toward the center of the ship. I prefer the center, that way, it's not too far a walk to either end of the ship. Some people report they prefer the aft..less movement...but I'm afraid of the noise from the engines...but that's just me. Most report feeling less motion lower in the ship vs higher up. We felt nothing the entire cruise...even Bubba noted it didn't feel like he was on a ship. As for port or starboard, can't help there. But, like I said, most said the ship usually backs into CC...we pulled in our first day, backed in the second. Luck of the draw I guess?

3-Were there other excursions available? I am assuming you only dock at CC, but are there lots of activity choices?

4 nighters also dock at Nassau (that's the next day in trip report I'm working on). There is a lot of things to do there. Biking, snorkeling, aqua bikes, sea kayaks, parasailing, waverunner tours, stingray snorkel, Hobie cat sailboats, paddle boats, (the temp. cancelled) banana boat rides, massages, glass bottom boat tour, catamaran snorkel, float rental (of course), and I heard games going on too. I also read they have: shuffleboard, billiards, foosball, ping pong, basketball/football toss, horseshoes, volleyball(sport beach) and a giant checkerboard (altho, I didn't set out to find these things). There is also music (Buffet, Marley) playing on the island. (Don't forget at least 2-3 bars. ) You won't find lack of excursions or things to do...just not enough time to do many....you'd be too busy relaxing

4-Is there smoking anywhere on the ship? Like, say, the veranda? Dh is a smoker and he might get a tad cranky after 4 days...

We don't smoke, but i think smoking is restricted to certain areas of the ship. I don't think they allow it in rooms, but do allow it on verandahs. I know you can smoke in the lounge, Diversions, and open air areas (like Deck 9 & 10), but not sure where else. (Ask the cruise board, they'd know.)

5-Did you make your ressie directly with DCL or did you use a service such as Dreams Unlimited?

I guess that's it for the time being. I guess I'm going to have to start reading on the cruise boards too.

Thanks!

I asked DU for a quote. I checked my Moms timeshare. I got a quote from DCL itself. AAA was the cheapest for us...and $50 per cabin OBC. You have to shop around for a price once you've decided on a cabin and itinerary.


Also...anyone planning a Disney cruise? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing the Passporter book for Disney Cruise Line. It is the equivelant of UOG for Disney and Kelly's book for Universal....definately a MUST get to plan book...you will NOT be disappointed.

Hey youse...

Lovin it........

hey YOUSE!! ...glad to see ya here!

Your trip report!! The more I read the cruise reports the more I want to go back on the DCL for a 4 day!!!
S

thank you. glad you are enjoying it. We really liked it...especially the double dip

 

[d4est]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all my questions. Man, we haven't even gone on our upcoming vacay to UO and I am already thinking/planning for another in late 09 or early 2010 (boy that seems weird to type...2010, makes me think "space odyssey!). Now I am even thinking land and sea, but it may be cheaper to price it out separately. I have a ways to go. I'd better slow down, lol. I guess I have plenty of time to read the cruise boards section.

Thanks again. Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[bubba's mom]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all my questions. Man, we haven't even gone on our upcoming vacay to UO and I am already thinking/planning for another in late 09 or early 2010 (boy that seems weird to type...2010, makes me think "space odyssey!). Now I am even thinking land and sea, but it may be cheaper to price it out separately. I have a ways to go. I'd better slow down, lol. I guess I have plenty of time to read the cruise boards section.

Thanks again. Can't wait for the next installment!

That's okay ... what's the point of a trip report if you can't help/answer questions for someone else? We always have next year's trip in the makes too (actually we are working on 2010 too ) ...we know what we're doing, just working on the dates.

I have heard it's usually cheaper to do land & sea separate...as you usually do get a better price that way....also, of course, be sure to do the land first and the sea second...much more relaxing on the ship than the parks.

For the BEST price on the cruise, book early. As in, almost as soon as they come out with your dates. Deposit is usually around $200pp, so it's easily changeable or refundable. It's never too early to research and 'get your ducks in a row' for when your dates become available to book.

I, and the cruise DISers, are happy to answer any questions. That's what we're here for....to plan and report back to help others.

 

[macraven]

just wanted to let you know when i have insomnia, i always come here and reread your trippies.

they are so creative and easy to follow.

you should have been a writer....

 

[jlawall]

I agree, the weird part is that we both booked the same trip this summer........I hope I will always see these posts and read them in the future...would you like to join us on the Tortola cruise next summer on July 18???? We have an active Meet thread and would love to have you!! Also, I have a friend who I met on these boards who is from Kutztown, not far from you!!!

 

[RVGal]

I'm here!

I'm reading!

It's great!

 

[keishashadow]

i think DCL is still running 1/2 off deposit special on down payments

barb - I didn't buy any of the pics since i thought they we so expensive (yet i don't recall being offered a 6 X 8

2 more photo Qs (sorry to be so specific, just if u can remember; it'd help a bunch)....don't want to get body slammed on cruise thread for being so cheap

*Are they they type of pic that once u buy the u get the "license" and can have them enlarged, duplicated etc? I was thinking Xmas cards

*Remember Carnival offering big reductions on the last sea day as to stuff in gift shops (t-shirts, etc.) & the photographs...i don't recall seeing the same on DCL...did you?

 

[LITTLEKID58]

TFS awesome TR

 

[bubba's mom]

barb - I didn't buy any of the pics since i thought they we so expensive (yet i don't recall being offered a 6 X 8


*Are they they type of pic that once u buy the u get the "license" and can have them enlarged, duplicated etc? I was thinking Xmas cards

Janet...I looked on the back of the pictures and it doesn't have any copyright on it. Just "Kodak" paper

*Remember Carnival offering big reductions on the last sea day as to stuff in gift shops (t-shirts, etc.) & the photographs...i don't recall seeing the same on DCL...did you?

Didn't go into the gift shop the last night (figured it'd be crowded), but I doubt Disney is going to discount anything. If it doesn't sell THAT cruise, it'll sell the next cruise So, guess to answer your question....no, didn't see big discounts latter part of cruise....sorry..... know you like a bargain

 

[jlawall]

i
*Remember Carnival offering big reductions on the last sea day as to stuff in gift shops (t-shirts, etc.) & the photographs...i don't recall seeing the same on DCL...did you?

On the Med cruise last summer, we were one of the last trips so we did see a lot of discounted merchandise. However, on the Wonder, I didn't see any this summer. I guess it depends if the cruise is more specialized.........

 

[bubba's mom]

Sorry...meant to reply to these:

just wanted to let you know when i have insomnia, i always come here and reread your trippies.

your post was around 5Pm....you have insomnia at dinnertime?

...would you like to join us on the Tortola cruise next summer on July 18???? We have an active Meet thread and would love to have you!!

Thanks for the invite next July, but I don't see anymore Disney cruises in our near future. Bubba was the perfect age now and Disney is just too costly for us to justify another one anytime soon. (I recently priced a 7nite/verandah room on another line and it was $450 cheaper than our Cat. 9/4 nite on Disney ) ....but, I will say, we loved the Disney cruise and are glad we did it. Future cruises will be longer and most likely on another line simply because of the cost.