New to DCL and need advice

[larlin2]

This will be our first cruise ever and since we are Disney fans we selected a 4 nite Bahama cruise. We are picking rooms and wonder if anyone has experience with the verandahs at the stern. We have a choice of that location or mid-ship Level 7 or 8. Also do you have any tips for someone who is on a budget?

[Scrapnana]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

You will love a Disney cruise. If you want to go budget, you might consider an oceanview cabin rather than a verandah. Also, a lower deck will usually be less expensive than an upper deck.

[darwinsrule]

Wonder or the Dream? Did deck 7 on the Wonder right atthe aft elevators, starboard side. The ships back in to Castaway Cay so you end up with a great view of the beach. Two decks up or down to get to everything. Did port side on the Dream. Stick to starboard. Dream has a lot of cool added features however. Regardless of ship you will love it.

 

There isso much to do that doesn't require money. You really should look at some of the daily Navigators which list everything that is going on. Google for them and enjoy.

 

Sent from my GT-P3113 using Forums mobile app

[larlin2]

Thank you for your quick responses. We are sailing on Disney Dream and are considering a verandah on Deck 7 at the rear for a better view. Does anyone know if the white walls on the stern affect the view? I've done lots of research and see how much is included. Can't imagine having enough time to do it all. Our son, his wife and 6 yr old are joining us in a navigator's verandah on 7. I'm loving all the info. Next want to read up on the Pirate's party and buffet.

[ducklite]

You won't be ale to see much while seated with the white walls as opposed to the plexi.

[OneParticularHarbour 71]

The whitewalls on the Dream are only knee high so you can still see when seated. I am attaching a couple of pics for you. The whitewalls on the classic ships go up to the top rail so you cannot see when sitting.

 

Dream whitewall:

 

 

[larlin2]

Thank you so much, OneParticularHarbour 71. A picture is worth a thousand words and this definitely helps me with my decision. We'll be thrilled with this verandah.

[moki'smommy]

Budget tips....

Cruise off season. Early September and January/early Feb. are very cost effective. Decide WHY you want a verandah. If you have a child who naps, it is a place to hang out while the child sleeps. If you want a romantic breakfast on the balcony, a before dinner drink, and some basic time with spouse, it's great. If your family situation doesn't fit that and you plan to use the cabin as a place to sleep and change clothes, there are many less costly options.

 

Don't get me wrong. We have enjoyed our balcony when we have had one. On the other hand, when I can't get one at a price I'm willing to pay, we are very comfortable in other types of cabins.

 

Use a TA who will give you some onboard credit as a "thanks for booking" gift. The cost of a DCL cruise is the same regardless of whether you book thru a TA or DCL directly, and all agencies must charge the same for the cruise. However, some will give more in terms of service and other benefits of booking thru them--do your homework and get the best deal.

 

Carry your own camera and use it. Professional photos are very expensive. The ship photographers are not permitted to take a photo with your camera, but the character attendants are happy to do so. $10 per print from Shutters vs. virtually no cost if you take it--no brainer.

 

There are lots of similar ways to save money on the cruise. It is really a matter of whether you want to pay for convenience or save money but do a little "work" on your own.

[larlin2]

Thanks Moki'smommy. Since it's our first cruise together I wanted to get as good an experience as possible. I think we'll splurge for the verandahs and just watch it on the "non included items". I'll advise our family to be careful and get sodas/coffee in places where they are included. I've read that there is a charge for beverages and some snacks from room service-so these are the little hidden costs that sometimes add up. The main goal is for everyone to have a wonderful experience and we've always had good times in Disneyworld and are looking forward to our first cruise.

[robhawk]

I totally agree about the whitewall. DW and I had cabin 6182 aft. No issues sitting down whatsoever. We also had no lifeboats below us so no obstruction there.

We also love coffee. At the Cove Cafe get the card that they punch. Buy 5 get 1 free.

[Got2GoGo]

Budget tips....

Cruise off season. Early September and January/early Feb. are very cost effective. Decide WHY you want a verandah. If you have a child who naps' date=' it is a place to hang out while the child sleeps. If you want a romantic breakfast on the balcony, a before dinner drink, and some basic time with spouse, it's great. If your family situation doesn't fit that and you plan to use the cabin as a place to sleep and change clothes, there are many less costly options.

 

Don't get me wrong. We have enjoyed our balcony when we have had one. On the other hand, when I can't get one at a price I'm willing to pay, we are very comfortable in other types of cabins.

 

Use a TA who will give you some onboard credit as a "thanks for booking" gift. The cost of a DCL cruise is the same regardless of whether you book thru a TA or DCL directly, and all agencies must charge the same for the cruise. However, some will give more in terms of service and other benefits of booking thru them--do your homework and get the best deal.

 

Carry your own camera and use it. Professional photos are very expensive. The ship photographers are not permitted to take a photo with your camera, but the character attendants are happy to do so. $10 per print from Shutters vs. virtually no cost if you take it--no brainer.

 

There are lots of similar ways to save money on the cruise. It is really a matter of whether you want to pay for convenience or save money but do a little "work" on your own.[/quote']

 

Thanks for these great tips - especially regarding photographers. I'm used to the PhotoPass photographers in the parks taking pics with my camera. I think I'll try to strike up an arrangement with a near-by family in which we'll trade cameras and take pics of each other at dinners. ;)

[rstout]

Personally, I prefer midship for less movement. Our DS9 sometimes experiences motion sickness a bit, especially at night, and you feel less movement in the middle of the ship.

 

You can always check out the photo packages, too. We've cruised a lot, and our trip on the Dream was the only time we actually took advantage of it...we just had so many pictures. I was surprised how into the characters our kids were. We cruised when the ship was decorated for Christmas (the week after Thanksgiving/first week of December, so it was less expensive, too), and got great pics for Christmas that year.

 

Bring a shirt or pillowcase with markers and drop it off at Guest Services at the beginning of the cruise...the characters will sign it for your child and it will be delivered to the stateroom by the end of the cruise.

 

And, of course, don't forget to bring the autograph book for the signatures!

[darwinsrule]

The whitewalls are actually great because it gave something to sit back and rest your feet on :). Had 8678 (aft starboard) on the Fantasy in March. Loved sitting out on the balcony after spending the day at Castaway and watching us pull away. Best balcony experience ever.