How The Western Caribbean Was Won! Completed 8/10/2016 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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How The Western Caribbean Was Won! Completed 8/10/2016
Celebrating My First Ever Cruise Adventure!!
The Details
Participants: Just Me on my First Cruise!
Dates: Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 19
Where To: 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise with Port Stops in Key West Florida, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel Mexico and Disney's Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Resorts: Deluxe Stateroom on board the Disney Magic with a one night pre stay at the Orlando Airport Hyatt
Activities: Ship activities and fun, port excursions, dining and entertainment
Welcome to my third trip report and I hope this one goes as well as the other two, which I have been quite pleased with! Just like anything else, the more you do it with practice, the easier it gets! Just like my previous two reports, there will be no official PTR, but it will basically be incorporated into the beginning of this one.
So first off....why a cruise? Well, I have never taken one and have always wanted to, but just never pulled the trigger on doing it. It was usually Disney, Europe or somewhere else! So why this time? I was reading Cheryl’s Mediterranean Cruise Live TR and was quite enthralled with her live reports that I knew right then and there, that it was time for me to do a cruise! So kudos to Cheryl for helping me spend my money!
Now, the planning begins!
July 5-11, 2014
One thing I knew was I wanted to do a Disney cruise, so this eliminated a lot of choices. Now where to cruise? I thought about Europe and Alaska, but Europe was too long for a first cruise and Alaska a bit more than I wanted to spend as the staterooms with a verandah (which I definitely wanted) were rather pricey. I then thought a Caribbean cruise would be a good option as I’ve never been there and it’s a warm weather climate. I was thinking of going sometime after Easter and through May as the temps would be good and as it was not yet hurricane season, which is something to definitely consider, when traveling to this region!
Next, I spent quite a few hours on the Disney Cruise Line web site and checking out all the various itineraries and pricing for possible cruises. I looked at the Eastern Caribbean cruises and they seemed to have one less port day than the Western Caribbean cruises on 7 night itineraries. On my first cruise, I wanted more port stops, so I could explore and experience more. Now, I knew it would be the Western Caribbean and just a matter of itinerary A or B. One had Falmouth, Jamaica and the other had Key West Florida. I have always wanted to visit Key West, so now I was sold! I would be sailing on the Disney Magic, which is the oldest of the four Disney ships, but had recently spent time in dry dock with a tremendous overhaul, updating and reimagination. This would definitely be a plus as I also had been checking on the DCL site on the updating that was completed on The Magic and was quite impressed with it.
It was just a matter of selecting a cruise date by checking the different pricing for the Western Caribbean as they varied quite a bit from date to date. I wound up deciding on the cheapest one, which would set sail a week after Easter. I know there is quite a price difference between having a stateroom with a small porthole window and a verandah, but the difference from a room with a large porthole window and a verandah wasn’t a lot per day. So that was my thinking and would go with the verandah room! I just had to decide on my stateroom categories, which would be on deck 6 or 7. I decided on deck 7 as it was one floor closer to the top decks, where I’d be spending a lot of time. It was only about $100 more than deck 6 and probably wouldn’t matter that much with either deck 6 or 7. I also wanted to be located in midship as this was my first cruise and didn’t know how I’d react to sailing on the high seas as this location, you’ll feel much less of the waviness as being aft or forward.
Over the next few days, I spent quite a bit more time on the DCL site, trying to learn as much as I could about my cruise, DCL, Disney Magic and all the dining, entertainment and activities available on my cruise. I also began looking at the various port adventures I might be interested in taking on my cruise. There were a few I knew about as I’d heard about them in some of the various cruise TRs on the board. I looked over a lot of these and their costs and had found a few I’d definitely be interested in taking part in.
Saturday, July 12 2014
With the basic planning for my cruise all in check, I just had to book it! I thought, I would do this differently this time as with most of my trips, I do all the work myself from start to finish. This time I wanted to use a travel agent as there is more involved and being my first cruise may be a bit more complicated executing everything. I checked the various Disney travel planning sites and decided on one of them, which was Mouse Fan Travel. I knew from Cheryl’s cruise TR that she was using Sara from the board and was quite pleased with her work. I was certain that I’d be going with her as I'd also met her a few years ago in WDW for Passporter’s Decade of Dreams celebration.
I went on the Mouse Fan Travel site and contacted Sara by email that I wanted to book this particular cruise and supplied her with the specifics for my cruise including dates, stateroom category and dining time. It was a Saturday, so I probably wouldn’t hear from her until at least Monday.
Now that I was officially getting into a cruise mood, I went on the Passporter site and pre-ordered the 2015 DCL guide. It wouldn’t be mailed to me for a few months, but now I was able to view the online edition, which would help with a lot of things. I also ordered the DCL dvd as just watching this over the next several months, would set a great mood for me at times.
Sunday, July 13
Received an email from Sara on Sunday and I wasn’t expecting her to get back to me this early. She provided a lot of information in the email. I had to provide a lot of information to lock in my price and stateroom category, which also included insurance, air and ground transportation options. She put a no obligation hold on my reservation Once she goes over and enters my information into my reservation than I can proceed with a down payment for the cruise, which will probably be tomorrow. I also mentioned that I’d like to do a one night pre stay at the Orlando Airport Hyatt and with a followup email later today, she recommends a pre stay for cruises. Otherwise, you have to take a very early flight on your cruise departure day and worry about delays. I think it gives one peace of mind and a relaxing day before the cruise.
Monday, July 14
Received another lengthy email from Sara. She needed information regarding the specifics of my passport. I told her I have one, but would be expiring before my cruise. I gave her the info for my current passport and would provide that for my new one once I receive it. Basically, just for the passport number as they change on renewals.
She got me category 5A on The Magic and better yet midship in Stateroom #7556. Just what I wanted and I was quite happy!
I told her I wanted late dining, which would allow me more time to enjoy on the ship and in ports during the day. My dining time would be at 8:15 instead of 5:45 for the first seating. That works best as I don’t usually eat at home until about 7 pm or so.
I would also be purchasing my insurance and airfare separately as it’s quite expensive through DCL and nearly double than what I was expecting to pay on normal rates. I should also be able to use some of my Amex points for my flight as that will save me some $$$. In all likeliness I will be flying on Jet Blue, which I prefer. Jet Blue’s current schedule is only through mid February, 2015 for current booking, so I’ll keep checking and wait for them to extend it.
Since, I will not be purchasing my airfare through DCL, I will have to pay for my ground transportation on Disney’s Magical Express from Orlando Airport to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. I told Sara I’d do this. I forget how much it was, but fairly reasonable in price.
I mentioned that I can get a good AAA rate for the Orlando Hyatt and she thought, I should lock this in soon as the rates can change without warning. Sara said that by traveling on DCL, the Hyatt will take care of your bags and have them transported to the Disney Magic. The hotel will provide you with a letter on check in on what to do. I will just have to mention this on my arrival in Orlando.
I asked her about the various port excursions offered on my cruise and she said I should check the Passporter DCL guide as well as Cruise Critic for reviews of those I’m interested in.
Later in the day I visited the U.S. State Department site and got all the information I needed to renew my passport. A few days ago, I had the passport photos taken at my local CVS. They weren’t that expensive as they’d be at a photo shop. I mailed out my passport renewal application along with my old passport and $95 fee and it just would be a matter of time until I received my new one.
Later in the evening, I purchased my travel insurance through Allianz as well and went with basic coverage for a good rate. I think it’s a good idea to have this on a cruise or any trip in which a package is involved as the cancellation policies are much different than separate purchases for hotels etc.
I received another email from Sara and she had the first of many cruise documents for me to sign over the next few months (as well as through the DCL site) I also provided her with my credit card information for the down payment on my cruise, which was 20% of the cruise price.
I was now officially booked on a 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Disney Magic!!! Could things be any better? ....
NEXT: Talk About Good Timing!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by duck addict; 08-10-2016 at 02:51 PM..
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Great start, Dave! I think you did everything just right, including using a Disney TA for your cruise. I do the same thing as you. For land travel anywhere in the world, I make my own arrangements, but I always go through a TA for a cruise. They make sure you've not forgotten anything, get you the best rates, and usually an on-board credit as a bonus. I'm glad you have a veranda, but now you'll never want to sail without one!
Great start, Dave! I think you did everything just right, including using a Disney TA for your cruise. I do the same thing as you. For land travel anywhere in the world, I make my own arrangements, but I always go through a TA for a cruise. They make sure you've not forgotten anything, get you the best rates, and usually an on-board credit as a bonus. I'm glad you have a veranda, but now you'll never want to sail without one!
Having a verandah was the right choice, even though more money and I agree, I'll probably always go this route on a cruise!
I felt I needed a TA for this trip as there is much more involved! For future cruises (not sure when yet... 2017?), I'm sure I'll do the same even though I'm well organized it just makes things so much easier in the overall planning and execution of a cruise! The other trips, even my two Rick Steves' tours of Italy and France, I did that on my only and just a bit of assistance from their HQ when needed!
Much more to come and hope you enjoy the rest!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I'm in. We plumped for a verandah on our first cruise, and have done so again for our cruise next year. Looking forward to reading the rest of your report.
Great start. I agree having a TA for a cruise is definitely the way to go. Now that you have "stuck your toe in the water" of cruising - I hope to hear you are planning or have already booked your second cruise!
Great start Dave! Our family loves to cruise, although we have yet to take a Disney cruise - mostly due to cost. We always go with a Verandah stateroom and really enjoy them. We have found the Cruise Critic website to be a great resource when planning our cruises and especially when researching port excursions.
Can't wait to see all your photos and hear all about your trip!!
I'm in. We plumped for a verandah on our first cruise, and have done so again for our cruise next year. Looking forward to reading the rest of your report.
Glad you are enjoying the beginnings of my TR! I think now that once you have a verandah, you will never go any other way on a cruise!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Great start Dave! I'm glad I was able to help out both with recommending Sara as a travel agent (she's wonderful! ) and with spending your money.
Much obliged Cheryl as Sara is great! And also for your assistance as I inch towards chapter 11!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
Great start, Dave. I look forward to reading all about the cruise.
You will certainly enjoy it as I know you love your cruises and The Magic as well!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
About This Page: 
Just like anything else, the more you do it with practice, the easier it gets! Just like my previous two reports, there will be no official PTR, but it will basically be incorporated into the beginning of this one.
Well, I have never taken one and have always wanted to, but just never pulled the trigger on doing it. It was usually Disney, Europe or somewhere else! So why this time? I was reading Cheryl’s Mediterranean Cruise Live TR and was quite enthralled with her live reports that I knew right then and there, that it was time for me to do a cruise! 
So kudos to Cheryl for helping me spend my money! 
Now where to cruise? 
I thought about Europe and Alaska, but Europe was too long for a first cruise and Alaska a bit more than I wanted to spend as the staterooms with a verandah (which I definitely wanted) were rather pricey. I then thought a Caribbean cruise would be a good option as I’ve never been there and it’s a warm weather climate. I was thinking of going sometime after Easter and through May as the temps would be good and as it was not yet hurricane season, which is something to definitely consider, when traveling to this region! 
She provided a lot of information in the email. I had to provide a lot of information to lock in my price and stateroom category, which also included insurance, air and ground transportation options. She put a no obligation hold on my reservation Once she goes over and enters my information into my reservation than I can proceed with a down payment for the cruise, which will probably be tomorrow. I also mentioned that I’d like to do a one night pre stay at the Orlando Airport Hyatt and with a followup email later today, she recommends a pre stay for cruises. Otherwise, you have to take a very early flight on your cruise departure day and worry about delays. I think it gives one peace of mind and a relaxing day before the cruise. 
I should also be able to use some of my Amex points for my flight as that will save me some $$$. In all likeliness I will be flying on Jet Blue, which I prefer. Jet Blue’s current schedule is only through mid February, 2015 for current booking, so I’ll keep checking and wait for them to extend it. 
.... 
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Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. 
Jenn
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