New Disney Cruiser

[daydreamer16]

I just booked a Disney Dream cruise for 11, a combo of adults & children. The cruise is not until July of 2025 so I have lots of time but I also have questions.

 

How do you get assigned a check in time?

Must our group check in together, we have 3 cabins?

I know there are lots of extras that cost $.   Are there any that are must do?

We will be going to Castaway Cay, what are the approximate costs for snorkel gear & bike rentals?

 

Thanks in advance for your help😀

 

I'm sure that I'll have more questions...

 

[Shmoo here]

1 hour ago, daydreamer16 said:

I just booked a Disney Dream cruise for 11, a combo of adults & children. The cruise is not until July of 2025 so I have lots of time but I also have questions.

 

How do you get assigned a check in time?

Must our group check in together, we have 3 cabins?

I know there are lots of extras that cost $.   Are there any that are must do?

We will be going to Castaway Cay, what are the approximate costs for snorkel gear & bike rentals?

 

Thanks in advance for your help😀

 

I'm sure that I'll have more questions...

 

Port Arrive Time and Boarding number are done when you do your online check in.

 

While all 3 rooms won't have to check in together, I believe all persons in any one room must be present to check in.

 

"Must do" really depends on what you want.  As to what extra costs there are here's a list:

1. Gratuities (added to your onboard account automatically)
2. Parking/transportation
3. Porters
4. Room upgrades
6 Cellular phone calls (will be billed later to your phone bill)
7. Ship to shore calls from your room phone
8. Welcome aboard packages (flowers, candy, etc waiting in your cabin)
9. Duty Free Alcohol and cigarettes purchased during cruise
10. Alcoholic drinks at the bars and from roving servers poolside and in theatre
11. Tastings and Mixology
12. Wine by the glass/wine packages
13. Additional tip (over the auto gratuity added to all drinks) for bar servers
14. Tips for room service
15. Soft drinks and candy/snacks from room service/theatre snack bar
16. Specialty coffees
17. Bottled water (sparkling or still)
18. Candy and ice cream from Vanellope’s on the Dream
19. Smoothies from the bar in Senses Spa on the Dream
20. Upcharge food items at the adult clubs
21. Adult dining (Palo, Remy)
22. Shore excursions (including cabanas and rentals at CC)
23. Tip for Castaway Cay cabana host (cash)
24. Stamps from Post Office at Castaway Cay
25. Excursion tips
26. Spa treatments (plus 18% gratuity)
27. Bingo
28. Sports simulator
29. Photos (individual and packages)
30. Internet
31. Art
32. Purchases from the stores: clothing, sundries, jewelry, souvenirs, cameras, etc.
33. Pins sold at trading pin sessions
34. Cigars (Meridian bar)
35. Hair Braiding
36. Laundry room and send-out laundry and dry cleaning
37. Onboard booking for future cruises
38. Disney Vacation Club membership
39. Adventures by Disney
40. Medical care
41. Nursery (for under 3’s)
42. Kid’s club magic bands (if you want to keep them, you lose the deposit)
43. Meeting room rental
44. Onboard or Castaway Cay wedding/vow renewal (currently $3000/$4000)
45. Tuxedo rentals
46. Duties at customs at end of cruise if you've made a LOT of purchases abroad
47. Fuel supplement charge if the price of oil is above a certain level (never happened yet, that I know of)
48. Fish Extender program gifts (if you participate)

[mommb]

You can select a Port Arrival Time starting 30 days in advance, when you do online check-in and provide information about each passenger's documents (passport or birth certificate/drivers license), method of payment, arrival and departure transportation plans, and kids' club registration. 

 

There are no extra-cost activities that are essential to enjoy your cruise. You can have a great time without booking excursions (just walk around by yourself in ports), adult dining (enjoy the main dining rooms and pool-level quick service booths), beverage tastings, bingo, Bibbiti-Bobbiti-Boutique, and spa treatments. You can find plenty to eat and drink without purchasing popcorn, specialty desserts, smoothies, specialty coffee and tea, or alcoholic drinks. It's really up to you what you feel is worth the extra cost.

[daydreamer16]

Any info on snorkeling & bike rentals at Castaway Cay? The kids are more into athletic stuff rather that princess events.

[mommb]

Snorkeling gear is $38 for ages 10 and up, and $22 for kids ages 5-9: 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/castaway-cay-snorkel-lagoon-equipment-rental/

 

Bike rentals are $15 per bike:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/castaway-cay-bicycle-rental-one-hour-rental/

[daydreamer16]

18 minutes ago, mommb said:

Snorkeling gear is $38 for ages 10 and up, and $22 for kids ages 5-9: 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/castaway-cay-snorkel-lagoon-equipment-rental/

 

Bike rentals are $15 per bike:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/castaway-cay-bicycle-rental-one-hour-rental/

Thanks for the links!

[gometros]

On 5/10/2024 at 4:50 PM, mommb said:

Snorkeling gear is $38 for ages 10 and up, and $22 for kids ages 5-9: 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/castaway-cay-snorkel-lagoon-equipment-rental/

 

Bike rentals are $15 per bike:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/castaway-cay-bicycle-rental-one-hour-rental/

 

If, by any chance you reserve a cabana, these items are included. The snorkel gear still needs to be picked up at Gil’s Fins and Boats or Flippers and Floats.

[ArthurUSCG]

Since this is your first DCL cruise, TBH you don't need to do any adventures at CC, there is a good amount to do that is free. There is a water slide area in the lagoon, sports area, a shaded games area, and just a lot to walk around and see. If you bring your own snorkel gear, you have to borrow for free one of the inflatable vests.

[daydreamer16]

You may think that this is a crazy question but do they serve 100% butter on DCL? This is a big topic on the Celebrity & Princess boards since they now serve a butter/oil spread. 

[ArthurUSCG]

18 hours ago, daydreamer16 said:

You may think that this is a crazy question but do they serve 100% butter on DCL? This is a big topic on the Celebrity & Princess boards since they now serve a butter/oil spread. 

Yes, DCL still serves butter.