Originally Posted By Any Huis We are more "economical type" travelers, so we've never even considered a cruise of any kind before. But my 14-year-old daughter, a HUGE Disney fan, wants me to take her on a Disney cruise for a father-daughter trip. PLEASE, folks, tell me -- what are the most economical ways of doing a Disney cruise? We don't need the ultra-luxury, but I'm sure she wants to do the "Disney fun" she's seen on TV. Where do they sail from, what places do they stop at, and what are the lengths of these cruises -- both on sea and on land? I'd just like to hear a few more details to help us in advance planning. Thanks!
Originally Posted By fantasmaniac You're question is a very broad one, but I would be happy to answer any specific questions that might come along during your planning stage. My family also travels VERY econo friendly, but that doesn't have to stop you from having a great time! Disney offers TONS to do on the ship, all included in the price of your cruise. If you are economical travelers, a cruise is probably one of the better ways to go. Everything except for shore excursions, some beverages and tips are included. Your daughter will love a Disney cruise and you will be AMAZED! Go to Disney's official web site and you can book out a cruise and get an idea of the cost. They have 7, 4 and 3 day cruises; western, eastern and a special european that was just announced. Just post your questions as they come. I'm sure you will find answers here. Happy Crusing!
Originally Posted By MsLindanne Well, you've come to the right place for Disney Cruise information. My son and I took our first cruise this past July on the Disney Magic to Mexico. Since we live in California, it was very convenient just to drive to Long Beach and go on board the ship that way. Compared to flying all the way to Florida and taking a cruise to the Caribbean. However, now that we've gotten our "sea legs wet", we are hooked! In May of next year we are going, once again, on the Disney Magic to the Western Caribbean. In fact it will be the last trip prior to the "special" cruises that start later in May. I never thought I would ever be able to afford a Disney cruise, but my Dad passed away in 2003 and left an inheritance for each of us 4 kids, so this is how we did it. We splurged and our room had a verandah. It was beautiful. I figured this might be the only chance I'd ever have to go on this ship and I wanted it to be as special as it could possibly be. I did a lot of research and there is a lot of information on websites everywhere. Plus LP can help you a lot. There are 3 or 4 night cruises, and 7 day cruises. Our cruise was for 7 days. For some people 7 day cruises might be to much, and for others 4 night cruises are not enough. We didn't want to get off the ship. It was by far the best vac. we've ever had. So you need to decide how long a cruise you would like, where you'd like to go...and what kind of room you would like. The ones with verandahs are more expensive than others. It is simply up to you. Food is all included, even soda's, at least for our cruise. Hard liquor is not included....excursions from the Ports, there are all different kinds and fees. Some people just go off on their own, or you can even pass them up and stay on the ship. There are movies shown in the theater and musical shows...plus all kinds of activities each and every day. You will never get bored! At the end of the cruise, you will be given envelopes for tips....I think we put out about 225.00 for the whole week for both my son and I as it goes "per person". Each night there is rotation dining, and you'll eat with the same table mates thru your entire cruise. We met some great people and really clicked with each other. If you choose not to do this, you can easily just eat in the buffet. There is also room service, but we rarely used it. They had one night that was designated as "Pirate Night" and everyone is encouraged to dress appropriately for dinner...it was fun! We made our reservations with www.wdwvacations.com. It is actually Small World Vacations and they got us a great deal and were very helpful. Just thought of something else, they require a $250.00 deposit, per person when you book, and you'll need a passport. There is so much to tell you about...it is hard to list it all here. We knew quite a bit before sailing, but learned even more while enjoying our cruise. It was wonderful! Start saving your money! You can do this and I guarantee you won't regret it. We loved it! Look thru some of the previous posts on LP and a lot of your questions will be answered. Have fun! ºoº
Originally Posted By Any Huis Wow, thanks! As this possible trip gets closer, I will indeed check the WDW website, and ask you all more specific questions. But first, some basics: 1. From Florida, they sail out of where? Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral? 2. On board, do they have cabins with 2 separate beds? (15-yr-old daughter would NOT want to sleep in same bed with Dad!) 3. What foreign nations do the 3-day and 4-day cruises stop at? I assume Bahamas. 4. What is the rock bottom lowest price we could do a Disney cruise for? 5. What is NOT included in the price you pay for a Disney cruise? How much would you advise budgeting for these extras? 6. Do all Florida cruises include a visit to WDW? Is this included in the price? How about transportation from the Atlantic to Orlando- included? Thanks again!!
Originally Posted By fantasmaniac 1. Port Canaveral 2. yes, daughter may have to sleep on the sofa bed depending on the cabin, but it's comfy enough. 3. Yep, Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's private island Castaway Cay. 4.That you would have to just search and play around with and see what you could find out there. I'll see what I can find. 5a.Tips, most beverages are INCLUDED except alcohol and soda when not at a sit down restaurant, any excursions. b.Plan on anywhere from $200 - $2000, depending on what you drink and want for entertainment. 6.Not all cruises include WDW however they do have 7 day land and sea packages that include either 3 or 4 days at WDW. You can purchase Disney's travel package where they take you everywhere from the airport, to the hotel, to the parks, to Port Canaveral and back to the airport. It is WONDERFUL to not have to worry about where you are going and let someone else do the driving. The busses are nice and air conditioned. Plus you get to watch a little video about where you are going. Hope this answers your questions. p.s. We are going on our second "Wonder"ful cruise January 11, 2006 (3 day land 4 day sea)
Originally Posted By teachin I just returned from a seven day cruise and will make a few corrections to the last post. Soda is free on the ship in the dining rooms and on deck nine their is a soda station. You only pay for it at the bars, from room service, and in the theater. Have your stateroom host split the bed, the main bed splits into two twin beds. Sometimes it is cheaper to book a private shuttle from your hotel/airport to the cruise terminal. We had one and it cost $95 one way from Orlando to the pier. We split that among seven people which made it cheaper than using Disney transfers. However we took Disney's back to the airport because if you use their services and are flying on a major airline the day you get off of the ship you can check your luggage at the pier. Our flights were late so then we were free of luggage and went to Downtown Disney for the day. If you want to do a three or four day cruise and want to stay at Disney World sometimes it is cheaper to book your cruise as cruise only then book your hotels yourself. We have done that in the past and stayed at the value resorts. It saved us a lot of money on that cruise. If you have any more questions let me know.
Originally Posted By janine Try subscribing to the Mousesavers newsletter - they often have special rates for Disney Cruises.
Originally Posted By fantasmaniac When you use Disney's Travel package (Ground transfers), they pretty much handle your luggage every step of the way. When they pick you up at the airport, they put it on a bus and you are reunited with it when you enter your room later that day. When you leave for Port Canaveral, you leave your luggage in your hotel room. They pick it up and you again are reunited with it in your state room on the ship. Then when returning back to the airport, you again leave it in your state room and if I remember right, pick it up on your way off the ship, and when you board the bus, they will check in your luggage for you. For us, it was worth the price I paid! However, you may want to find your own transportation and save some $'s. (It was $59.00 per person for the cruise we just booked.) By the way, anyone have an answer to my earlier post? Would you do the Dolphin Excursion in Nassau's Blue Lagoon (Salt Cay)? Answer under that topic please
