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Disney Cruise - What do I need to know?


Jenny in Florida
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One of my personal goals for this year is to travel at least a bit. Our last actual "vacation" was almost five years ago, and, now that I have the going-back-to-work thing mostly under control, it seems like time. After discussion with my husband, we decided to aim for one short, relatively casual getaway (the equivalent of a long weekend) and one more major excursion.

 

Neither of us has cruised, and we both have that on our informal bucket lists. Because my husband is a Disney cast member, we have access to attractive rates on DCL. So, yesterday my husband saw a deal on a sailing that fits our schedule and booked it.

 

It will be just the two of us.

 

It's a short hop, just three nights. (I didn't want to commit to anything longer for our first time cruising in case it turns out we hate it.)

 

The primary goals of this trip are to take it easy, be away from home, let someone else worry about feeding us, etc. We're not looking for a thrill-a-minute experience. We're not what one would call party animals. I don't need to worry about what to wear to the nightclub or how much to budget for booze, for example.

 

Obviously, I need to see whether I have a bathing suit that fits. And I need to dig both passports out of the lockbox and pack clothing and toiletries for three days. Each of us has some dietary restrictions (him: vegetarian and mild peanut allergy, me: vegan and gluten free); he checked off the appropriate boxes when he made the reservations, and we know to speak to the chef(s). 

 

What else do I need to know/do to get us ready to have a good time?

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Are you leaving from Port Carnival and going to Bahamas I suppose?  If you are going to Nassau, you can easily do nice things on your own without joining a group tour of any kind.  We have never been on Disney but have cruised a number of times and once did the Royal Caribbean cruise from Port Carnival and I think it was a 3 night cruise but not sure.  We went to both Nassau and a private island.  We snorkeled at the private island but you can swim and hang out at the beach too.  In Nassau, we went to the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo which were very nice.  There are a number of things you can do there depending on your interests.

 

As to cruising, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.  We find it such a very relaxing form of vacationing.  The Disney ship should be pretty relaxing if you are not going during spring break,etc.  I don't think that brand appeals really to the excitement and wild times crowd.  RCL was fine when we went too.  OTOH, my daughter's and SIL  recent cruise has greatly reaffirmed my commitment to never go on a Carnival cruise. I have never heard bad things about Disney cruises so I think you will have a great time.

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We have sailed Disney twice and my Dh is vegan and my ds and I are vegetarian. Because you have the same dinner staff each night, you don't have to keep repeating your dietary restrictions. That was so nice. They have a vegetarian item on each night's menu, but as a vegan you will need to order your meal the previous night so modifications can be made to the meal. The food was usually beautiful, top "food porn" quality for your photos, but hit or miss on actual taste. For lunch you may be better off eating in the restaurant instead of the pool deck. This gives you better quality food and is still "free".

 

The evening shows are nice and fairly enjoyable. Afternoon movies are available. The pool is usually pretty crowded, but we have had good luck relaxing in lounge chairs on the jogging deck. It is usually empty and has perfect ocean views. Check and see if you have a pirate night or dress up night. Probably no formal night on such a short trip, but we enjoyed "cleaning up a bit" and dressing dressy casual for dinner. You can ask for a table for two if you don't want to share your meals with strangers.

 

Castaway Cay is awesome. If that is your one stop, plan on getting off the ship ASAP and secure some good lounge chairs. You can return to the ship any time you are ready and have an action-packed beach day or a totally relaxing day. Great either way!

 

Have fun ;)

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I have been on the Disney Cruise too many times to count...  :huh: My DH and I have been twice by ourselves.  :mellow: You will have a fabulous time. Find your passports, get a swimsuit you can feel comfortable in, and enjoy your trip. 

 

We never do an excursion in the Bahamas. Sometimes we go over to Atlantis. 

 

Since you'll be able to head for the adult side of Castaway Cay, you won't be overwhelmed by the crowds at the family beach. There is also lunch served over there. It's great.

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My impression, from reading the Underground Guide to WDW (several editions) and a recent thing I saw online where Cruise Lines were rated, is that Disney Cruise Line is rated extremely high, with regard to service and customer satisfaction.  

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

ETA: I read the Post #1 slowly and saw that you've already booked. You will have a WONDERFUL VACATION!

Edited by Lanny
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