Brand new to cruising...not even sure where to start - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Brand new to cruising...not even sure where to start
You all helped plan our amazing WDW trip last year and now we are beginning to plan a 2011 Disney Cruise. I don't even know where to start. It will be my husband and I and our two boys, who will be 7 and 10 at that time. We'd like to do at least 5 nights and would like to go to Castaway Cay during the trip...
I've looked at the site and see 5-night bahamian trips, but then it gets into decks and categories. I understand what they mean, but can you all help me with what would be best? What decks and categories do you love? We wouldn't mind an inside room if that will save us some $$ (rather have the extra spending $!).
Where should I start?
Thanks in advance!
Jen
Start with a copy of the Passporter Cruise guide. The 2010 isn't out yet, but if you're doing Wonder or Magic you can use an old one.
We've always done Cat 11, because:
1) it is more affordable (and we can use the money we save on shore excursions or other things)
2) my kids sleep better without a window (my son spent a few nights in my parents' cabin that had a porthole, and he was up at 5 am every morning!)
3) we like the area on deck 6 where we've always been
But you will hear lots of opinions on this one!
All the cruises go to CC if you are in the Caribbean (my kids are lamenting the lack of a CC stop on the Northern Europe itin we're about to do!). You will love it there!
Your kids will love all the kids' activities - and you will be able to get some time at the adult areas.
Have fun planning, and post your questions here - you'll get LOTS of answers!
For our first cruise, the DCL PassPorter was a REAL lifesaver! I didn't know where to start either so it helped to read about the different categories of staterooms, what the ships offer etc.
We've been on two Disney cruises now. The first time we were in a category 7 stateroom (outside stateroom with verandah, on deck 7) and loved it. On the second cruise we had booked the same category again but were upgraded to a category 4 stateroom (larger outside stateroom with verandah, on deck 8) and it was AMAZING!!! We absolutely loved that stateroom but would never fork over the money to pay for that.
Since our upcoming cruise (Dover to Barcelona this summer) on the Magic is sort of a budget trip, we went with a category 12 (inside stateroom). It's a guaranteed, meaning that we didn't get our room assignment yet and may be upgraded.
So yeah, the only advice I can give you is that every stateroom on a Disney ship is fine!!! Of course it was awesome to have our own verandah because both my husband and I loved the peace and quiet but it's not something we have to have. So if money is an issue, just go with an inside stateroom!
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I would definetly get the passporter and as you read it highlight tips and info you want to remember, then just before you go you can refresh your memory. I read mine twice before we sailed the first time. I have done 3 cruises and stayed in Cat 10 and the verandah room. Cat 10's are great and just the same as cat 11 except for the split bath and believe me with boys you will apprecieate it. As far as which deck your travel agent should help you out but just look at the cabin areas above and below to make sure there are no theaters or nightclubs that are too loud. But I don't think you can go wrong with any cabin you choose. Happy planning!
The lower deck, middle of the ship rooms have been good for us. I've heard its good for less motion if you have those issues as I do. Good luck on your planning.
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Best bets: Buy the Passporter and find a good TA who knows both Disney and cruising. First cruises can be terrifying to plan, as you have already learned. It's not "Value/Moderate/Deluxe/Luxury" and "which parks in which order" like WDW.
we always book an inside room. #1 reason. Cost. #2 reason, we are never in our room for long periods other than sleeping and changing our clothes. #3 we tend to love the darkness, and helps us sleep.
We have been very lucky and have gotten upgrades for free for the last 2 cruises and had and will have an oceanview room. Granted its nice, a little bigger and the kids like looking out the window in the early morning. But at the end of the day I personally would not spend the money,.
If you are looking into sailing on the Disney Dream, they have "virtual portholes," which sound really cool! I would consider an inside room just to have the virtual porthole
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If you are looking into sailing on the Disney Dream, they have "virtual portholes," which sound really cool! I would consider an inside room just to have the virtual porthole
AGREE! Those look so neat! I was wondering if at least initially it will be harder to get inside staterooms on the Dream, just because that will be an extra bit of magic not available with those porthole & verandah rooms!
Just wanted to say have fun planning your first cruise. I agree to get the DCL Passporter. It gives you lots and lots of information.
We do like the verandah and the split bathroom is wonderful! We stayed Deck 7 midship last cruise and doing that again for this one. I agree that you probably can't go wrong with a room on the DCL.
You will love the cruise! Castaway Cay is just awesome. I wish we just went there and skipped Nassau altogether! LOL! Be sure to plan a Palo dinner for you and your husband. It is definitely worth it. And I couldn't drag my girls out of the kids clubs-they're great!
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