1st Ever Cruise Booked! now what?!? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line > Planning Your Disney Cruise Voyage
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-03-2012, 01:45 PM   #1
Clare loves Stitch
Community Rank: Trekker
 
Clare loves Stitch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Essex, UK
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 1,305

Post Thanks / Like
1st Ever Cruise Booked! now what?!?

I am so excited just booked my first ever cruise on the Disney Fantasy 7 nts in the Caribbean (itinerary B) in October 2013 for my honeymoon.
I booked room 8186 - is this an ok room its cat 5e

I have no idea about anything cruise related - what should I read.
do I get information sent to me by Disney?
__________________
Clare Loves Stitch
"sometimes the right path is not the easiest one"
Grandmother Willow - Pocahontas
Proud DVC owner at BWV from March 2011

My Countdown Counting down to: WDW Wedding and DCL honeymoon
I am now a married lady
My Previous TripsDisneyland (Cali) 1993, Disneyland Paris 2000, International Drive - Sept 2007, Disney World POR Aug 29th 2009, BWV and Universals Royal Pacific Dec 2012, BWV DFTW and Disney Fantasy Cruise Oct 2013
Clare loves Stitch is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 04:41 PM   #2
lauriep
Community Rank: Legend
 
lauriep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 15,377

Post Thanks / Like
All you really need is the PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line book! Get it, read it, and then ask any questions you still have here! These folks helped me so much before my first cruise and I think I'd memorized certain chapters of the PassPorters guide book by the time of my cruise.
__________________
lauriep is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 04:45 PM   #3
modisney
Community Rank: Trekker
 
modisney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 1,969

Post Thanks / Like
Congrats, sit back, but a copy of the Passporter Cruise handbook, read the boards and enjoy the entire process of planning and enjoying followed by planning the next one.
__________________
We Luv WDW
My Previous Trips4 M.K. visits 70s/80s, Epcot '88 & '90, M.K. June '04; M.K., A.K., Cont. March '05; M.K. June '05; Epcot, MGM, M.K. Yacht Club March '06; M.K., June '06; Wonder 4 nights, March '07; M.K., Grand Floridian, June '07; M.K., Epcot, Studios, Yacht Club, March '08, M.K. & A.K.L. June '08; the Wonder, March '09, the Poly June '09; G.F. March '10, W.L. '10; W.L. March '11; A.K.L. June '11; Alaska July 2011; W.L., March '12; GF, June '12; Fantasy/Western, March '13
modisney is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 05:36 PM   #4
IdahoDisneyMom
Community Rank: Explorer
 
IdahoDisneyMom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Boise ID
Posts: 14,396

Post Thanks / Like
I agree, Passporter's DCL book is great. There's also tons of info here on the boards, and nice people to answer your questions! I recently found that a few of the excursions we're looking at doing on our next cruise (Eastern Carribean) have been reviewed on TripAdvisor, and include pics too!
__________________
Looking forward to another Christmas with The Mouse!!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips*many trips to DL since childhood; honeymooon Dixie Landings (POR) Jan '96; POR Dec '04; POR Sept/Oct 2007; ASMo/DCL/POR Dec '09; B2Bs on the Dream Oct '11; Aulani June '12; DCL Fantasy/AKLV 2013; Christmas at "home" VGF Dec '14; DCL Magic Northern Europe 2016; Starting to plan for 2017!!
IdahoDisneyMom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 10:47 PM   #5
dwonderz
Community Rank: Trekker
 
dwonderz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northeast
Concierge Level: 1
Posts: 1,904

Post Thanks / Like
We just booked our first cruise also - the PassPorter book is super helpful! The Disney Cruise Line website also has a lot of good information - I think it's better than the WDW website in terms of helpful information, etc.
__________________
-Dutch (and Drew)
<--- Disney Fantasy 2016!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsDisney Fantasy 2016 -- Disney Dream 2013 -- ASM and Wilderness Lodge 2011 -- CSR and AKL 2010 -- Hard Rock Hotel 2008
dwonderz is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 01:40 AM   #6
chezp
PassPorter Message Board Manager
PassPorter Guide Author

Community Rank:
Legend VIP
 
chezp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Maidstone, Kent, UK
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 190,285

Post Thanks / Like
Congrats! I agree - a copy of PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line will tell you everything you need to know.
__________________

Relaxing on board the Magic. The trip report for our back-to-back cruises on the Disney Magic has started!
My Countdown Counting down to: 2019
Happy New Year!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips21 trips to WDW, 6 to Disneyland in California, 9 to Disneyland Paris, 1 to Hong Kong Disneyland, 1 to Tokyo Disney, 1 to Aulani, 1 to Hilton Head, 2 to Vero Beach and 13 Disney cruises on the Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy
chezp is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 08:42 AM   #7
Cheyenne
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Cheyenne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 812

Post Thanks / Like
Congrats! We are taking our first cruise on the Dream in Sept & I bought the Passporter book like everyone above mentioned & it's answered so many of my questions plus I've learned about things offered on board that I didn't know about, such as champagne brunch Happy planning!!
__________________
[/SIGPIC]
My Countdown Counting down to: Wine and Dine! Fall Vacation
My Previous TripsI've been about 30times! Too many to list. Most recent..Summer 2000 Disney Cruise Wonder, Summer 2001 Disney Cruise Wonder, Summer 2002 Yacht Club, August 2004 Yacht Club, May 2005 Caribbean, Nov 2005 off property, May 2007 All Star Movies, Sept. 2007 Port Orleans French Quarter, October 2008 Grand Floridian, September/October 2009 Yacht Club, October 2010 Polynesian, May 2011 Boardwalk, December 2011 CBR, Disney Dream Sept 2012, POFQ May 2013, Disney Fantasy Sept 2013, POFQ Feb 2014, Yacht Club June 2014. Sept 2015 PORS, Nov 2015 Saratoga Springs,May 2016 AKL Kidani Village
Cheyenne is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 10:00 AM   #8
lindadarrall
Community Rank: Trekker
 
lindadarrall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,398

Post Thanks / Like
Read other people's trip reports, too -- I learned a lot there, like taking a mat or pillowcase for character autographs...
__________________
My Countdown Counting down to: MVMCP, Osborne Lights and sailing the Magic
Bon voyage!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips3-night DREAM cruise Dec. 2011; 4-night Disney Wonder 2010; AKL Club level 2009; POFQ free dining bounceback 2008; POFQ free dining 2007; CBR and MNSSHP 2006; June 2006 offsite; POR spring break 2005 w/ My Sweet Cadet
lindadarrall is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 11:50 AM   #9
Mickey4Pres
Community Rank: Wayfarer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: New York
Posts: 192

Post Thanks / Like
I agree with everything especially the Passporter DCL book and these boards! I was so nervous when we took our first ever cruise last Nov on the Dream, but learned so much by asking questions here, reading and highlighting the book, and reading trip reports. Everyone here on the boards are so friendly and full of fantastic advise - read everything and enjoy the planning almost as much as the cruise itself!
__________________
Sue
Watertown, New York
Mickey4Pres is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 11:57 AM   #10
IdahoDisneyMom
Community Rank: Explorer
 
IdahoDisneyMom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Boise ID
Posts: 14,396

Post Thanks / Like
Something else to note is that DCL is run so smoothly, that you could just show up and they'd take care of you. I'm assuming that you're a planner (since you're reading these boards ), so I would definitely get the Passporter DCL book too.
__________________
Looking forward to another Christmas with The Mouse!!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips*many trips to DL since childhood; honeymooon Dixie Landings (POR) Jan '96; POR Dec '04; POR Sept/Oct 2007; ASMo/DCL/POR Dec '09; B2Bs on the Dream Oct '11; Aulani June '12; DCL Fantasy/AKLV 2013; Christmas at "home" VGF Dec '14; DCL Magic Northern Europe 2016; Starting to plan for 2017!!
IdahoDisneyMom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 03:12 PM   #11
Clare loves Stitch
Community Rank: Trekker
 
Clare loves Stitch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Essex, UK
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 1,305

Post Thanks / Like
Thank so much everyone!
Excellent info and I ordered the passporters cruise book from amazon today (as I'm from the uk). I cannot wait to read it. Idahodisneymom I am a huge planner I'm so worried I will miss out if I don't plan.
That's great to know lindadarrall do you think I would be able to get them to sign a photo style surround the guest book alternative as honeymoon style memoir!
Cheyenne ... Champagne brunch I'm looking that up! Lol
__________________
Clare Loves Stitch
"sometimes the right path is not the easiest one"
Grandmother Willow - Pocahontas
Proud DVC owner at BWV from March 2011

My Countdown Counting down to: WDW Wedding and DCL honeymoon
I am now a married lady
My Previous TripsDisneyland (Cali) 1993, Disneyland Paris 2000, International Drive - Sept 2007, Disney World POR Aug 29th 2009, BWV and Universals Royal Pacific Dec 2012, BWV DFTW and Disney Fantasy Cruise Oct 2013

Last edited by Clare loves Stitch; 07-04-2012 at 03:13 PM.. Reason: Ops
Clare loves Stitch is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Reply




Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:36 PM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger