First Dsney Cruise

[Chernabogfan]

We've booked our first Disney Cruise for late January. Seven day western caribbean jaunt. It's not only our first Disney cruise, it's our first cruise period. We're on the Magic so I'm wondering what to expect from the folks who've actually done it, not just the guides(of which I've read several). Stories, anecdotes, recommendations, I'm looking for it all. Thanks in advance.:wave:

 

[Laura]

Oh man I'm so jealous! We've done the 3 nighter twice, but I would kill to do a 7 night cruise!

What kind of a stateroom did you get? We splurged for the verandah last time and it was SOOO worth it!

Here's some random advice...bring a warm outfit! On our cruise in November it was only in the mid 70's at times and up on the top deck with the wind whipping I was freezing! It was obvious no one brought any warm clothes because everyone up on the decks was wrapped up in towels shivering. :lol:

Maybe January is warmer than November, but I'd bring a sweatshirt and some pants just in case. :lol:

 

[WickedQueen22]

Maybe better than a warm blanket could be a comfy throw from home? We always bring a throw with us in case of not so special weather....

 

[Chernabogfan]

What kind of a stateroom did you get? We splurged for the verandah last time and it was SOOO worth it

Yeah, we went with a deluxe family stateroom with veranda on deck 8, starboard side(two adults, three kids 12 & under). Good tip on the warm clothes. When we were at WDW this past January, it never got above 72 & several days it was downright cold. I hoped that since we'd be further south for the cruise, it wouldn't be an issue but I guess you can never underestimate a sea breeze.

 

[abbeysmom]

Good tip on the warm clothes. We have been on 5 cruises and most of the time the ships are very cool inside. The Dining Room was freezing on our last cruise and I have actually seen people wrapped up in their bedspreads at the shows. (I'm not kidding)!!! LOL I kid around now and say that my most valuable piece of clothing is a hoodie jacket that I keep in the car at all times. I wore it almost everynight in the Dining Room. It wasn't too stylish over my formal dress but hey I wasn't shivering like alot of people...

Most important piece of advice I can give is to relax and have a great time. :wave:

 

[Yankeeplex]

we are booking our cruise for 2010 for my sister-in-law's 40th birthday. We are going to do the mainland/cruise combo and will literally be counting the days down before the trip.

 

[Phonedave]

We've booked our first Disney Cruise for late January. Seven day western caribbean jaunt. It's not only our first Disney cruise, it's our first cruise period. We're on the Magic so I'm wondering what to expect from the folks who've actually done it, not just the guides(of which I've read several). Stories, anecdotes, recommendations, I'm looking for it all. Thanks in advance.:wave:

The kids and I have done a 3 night, and we are booked for a 4 in August of 2009 - they are allready asking me how soon that is.

You may have more time becuase you are on a longer cruise, but watch out when booking shore excursions. We did the stingray encounter in Nassau. It was a lod of fun, but they take you to an island in the middle of nowhere for the encounter, and there is no way to get back to the ship, or the mainland, untill they take you back. We were "trapped" on this tourist trap of an island for the entire day. Granted, it had beaches and a snack bar, but there were other things we would have liked to do. Make sure you check the times on any shore excursions you book,

-dave

 

[WildLodgeFan]

Yeah, we went with a deluxe family stateroom with veranda on deck 8, starboard side(two adults, three kids 12 & under). Good tip on the warm clothes. When we were at WDW this past January, it never got above 72 & several days it was downright cold. I hoped that since we'd be further south for the cruise, it wouldn't be an issue but I guess you can never underestimate a sea breeze.

We went in December on a 4 day cruise near Christmas and I can tell you the temps are a little cooler than you would expect for the tropical area. It was a chilly dipping into the ocean at Castaway Cay. Once your body adjusted it was okay, but brr for that first toe.

There are many wonderful things to do on board - the personal navigator becomes your friend and my son absolutely loved the onboard club for him and he is pretty shy (age 10), so take advantage of that with any children to enjoy some of the adult fun.

My DD who is 15, said she absolutely put this vacation as one of her most favorites. The reason why - because we all got to spend family time in different ways - all together with grandparents, just the four of us, my husband & i alone, brother and sister alone; mom and sister; dad and brother.

Man, just talking about it makes me miss it - LOL! We hope to go back in 4 years for the 7 day cruise for my husband's 50th birthday.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[westie]

The 7 day is great. You will forget about everything back home. Your biggest problem? What NOT to do. Every morning they slip a days itinerary under your door with a list of the days events. There are constantly 2-3 things going on at the same time that thats all you'll argue about! And thats just on the ship, not even mentioning your ports of call. Oh, your gonna have fun all right!!

 

[Laura]

The 7 day is great. You will forget about everything back home. Your biggest problem? What NOT to do. Every morning they slip a days itinerary under your door with a list of the days events. There are constantly 2-3 things going on at the same time that thats all you'll argue about! And thats just on the ship, not even mentioning your ports of call. Oh, your gonna have fun all right!!

I brought 4 different colored pens and circled what each family member wanted to do a different color. There was so much going on all the time!

Don't forget your pirate costumes for Nassau night.
(The 7 nighter stops there right?)

 

[Chernabogfan]

Don't forget your pirate costumes for Nassau night.
(The 7 nighter stops there right?)

Our itenerary has us in Key West, sea day, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, sea day, Castaway Cay, & home. There is a pirate night although I'm not sure which night, and I've got my tri-corn from our night in the MK Pirate/Princess Party(which is a must if you get the chance. No crowds and a really cool fireworks show in place of Wishes).

Thanks for the heads up on the Sting Ray encounter as well, PhoneDave. On this trip, it's in Grand Cayman but it sounds like a similar kind of deal. We're going with my mom, my brother & his family, & of course my wife & three daughters(12, 10, & 8). To say we're geeked is an understatement. The fact that it's Disney makes it all the more exciting. Only six months to go:sohappy:

BTW: Laura, please thank your husband for me for his service. There's no dollar amount that covers what these guys & gals are doing and that should be recognized whenever and whereever possible. Godspeed.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Unfortunately, doing a cruise requires you to learn a whole new set of rules....I would strongly suggest picking up one of the Disney Cruise tour books that will give you an overview of just what you are looking for. You will have the luxury on your 7 day to really get a feel for things by the end...


If you are planning on taking advantage of some of the massage offerings, particularly the outdoor massage when you get to Castaway Cay...book them when you get on the ship. Good times do go fast (although with 7 days, again you have a bit more wiggle room)

Don't know the age of your youngest, but hopefully you will be able to make use of the childrens clubs on board. The kids enjoy them, and it gives you two the opportunity to spend a little time together...say for a nice dinner at Palo.

The off ship adventures can be a little taxing, and prices can add up as well. Especially with the younger children, you can spend some of the island time just getting to explore the ship. You may not feel the need to disembark that much.

I think you will find your day at Castaway Cay one of your favorites. Just a great resort, the family beach provides a lot. There are also separate beaches for teens and adults only that you won't need to take advantage of. They were developing a stingray encounter when we were last there, don't know if that is still there.

 

[DisneyFan1003]

We did the 7-night western a few years ago and loved it...you'll have a great time! Since we do not have children, I can only offer some tips from the "adult" point-of-view. If you get a chance to have a night to yourselves, definitely book dinner at Palo (you can do this in advance online) - the dinner is incredible. The spa is also well worth the time and money - highly recommended! Make it a point to see the shows each evening...they are truly spectacular. We also did the sting-ray excursion on Grand Cayman and loved it!

The best advice, however, is the relax and take it all in...it's over before you know it! Have fun!!

:wave: