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Disney Cruise Line and Other Cruise Planning Cruise Questions and Tips. |
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10 Mar 19, 05:40 PM |
#1
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I want to go now!
Join Date: Jan 19
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First time Disney cruiser, how does it work ?
Hi ,
Apologies in advance for what might be some really dumb questions but as a first time cruiser I have no idea what to expect or how things work. Hoping that some Disney cruise veterans will be able to steer me in the right direction. 1. We are staying in the Hyatt at MCO and have arranged Disney transfer on cruise day. Has anyone done this ? What time does this usually get you to Port Canaveral? IS it the regular Magical express check in desk? 2. On the return we are going to WDW so should we take our own luggage off the ship or put it out the night before and pick up once we're off. Trying to imagine 2 of us negotiating approx 4 cases .Do the bus leave at a set time or are there several that go as they fill up? 3.Do you have to take passport when going to Castaway Cay? If so , where do people put it and cameras etc for safety if you want to snorkel , jetski etc ? 4. What time do restaurants open for breakfast and are the sit down restaurants open? 5. Has anyone bought the wine package or is there a wine menu at dinner? 6. Do you need to buy water packages or is it possible to survive with the self service water option? 7. The travel insurance policy covers for cruise but not ship to shore transfer in case of emergency. Is there special cruise insurance and is this an essential requirement in your opinion? I'm sure that lots of stuff will become clear once we're there but I like to try to know what to expect and this is a whole new learning experience. |
11 Mar 19, 08:46 AM |
#2
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Imagineer
Join Date: Aug 06
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So I know transfers start at 9am from the airport and so they get in around 10:30-11 I believe. I'm doing this in September transfer wise but not 100% sure where you pick them up from so hopefully someone will tell me
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Sarah |
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11 Mar 19, 10:24 AM |
#3
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Thread Starter
I want to go now!
Join Date: Jan 19
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Thank you so much for all of that information, you’ve been really helpful.
Jealous of your countdown |
11 Mar 19, 03:30 PM |
#4
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Imagineer
Join Date: Aug 06
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lol I wouldn't be! May is stressing me out no end as still not organised anything but flights!
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Sarah |
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11 Mar 19, 04:30 PM |
#5
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Disney Cruise Line VIP!
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Transfer
If you're staying at the Hyatt, you just let them know when you check in and they will give you some paperwork for your transfer. Sarah is right, it's 9am for the first one - be on it! Luggage Either way, you are going to have to take your cases some of the way. Leave them out the evening before and you'll next see them in the customs hall where you (or a porter if you have a spare $5-10) will take them through customs then on to the bus. With DCL transfers back again, they wait until the bus is full before leaving and may go to 2 or 3 resorts depending on numbers. It's not the quickest. Castaway Cay There are no lockers there - pretty sure Sarah must have had too many Bahama Mama cocktails! Some people buy little safes that lock to your beach chair, other people (like me) don't care and just take a bag off and leave everything in it! You will need your ship card (KTTW card) and ID - they have a Bahamian passport control bit now before you get back to the ship. Breakfast Cabanas normally opens at 7am (slightly earlier on last morning). Other sit down (menu) breakfast restaurants open a little later. Wine To be worth it, you've got to drink 1 bottle a night really. If you don't drink it all, they will bring it to your next restaurant the following evening, or you can take it back to your cabin. Don't forget that you can take on 2 bottles of wine each (over 21 yrs old) for consuming in your cabin anyway. If you want more, you can either do the wine package (don't forget they add on 15% auto gratuity to every 'liquid' package) or just buy it by the glass. Water The water is filtered to within an inch of it's life and taste fine (IMHO). You may wish to bring your own bottle if you drink lots of water, plus you can then fill up with ice and water before getting off the ship. Please ensure you use a disposable cup to refill your own bottle/cup at the drinks station. Keep those germs away, you never know what other peoples hygiene is like. Insurance Personally, I want to know that I can get medi vac'd off the ship, but it's personal choice. Lots of insurance that is included with bank accounts and the like only cover for cancellation of a cruise or medical expenses while on the cruise. Mine has: 1. Medi vac'd for patient plus family taken care of (hotels etc for duration of any hospital stay) 2. Cabin confinement - must be certified by medical officer onboard, but basically, if you get quarantined, you get money back. 3. Missed ports - too windy to dock? We get a partial refund. 4. Missed excursions - if we can't dock and we miss the trips we've paid for, we get that refunded. 5. All medical, lost luggage and all the normal stuff too. Hope that helps. Joa
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30 cruises with DCL and counting ... |
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12 Mar 19, 08:58 AM |
#6
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Imagineer
Join Date: Aug 06
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I'm so glad on this one as that's what I was aiming for!
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Sarah |
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13 Mar 19, 08:53 AM |
#7
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Thread Starter
I want to go now!
Join Date: Jan 19
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I’m sure you’ll pull it all together no problem Sarah.
Thanks Joa for all the info. I’ve been going back over previous posts and squirrelling away all the advice. This is such a fabulous place to get info, tips and advice. Everyone is so generous with their knowledge . It is amazing the little nuggets of advice that you pick up here that can make all the difference to your experience once you’re there. Thanks again. |
13 Mar 19, 12:40 PM |
#8
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Imagineer
Join Date: Aug 06
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Thanks! Definitely need pixie dust this week though as my sisters hip opp might now be in May which means we have to decide to either go without her or rearrange! Honestly this is crazy!
Oh and the 2 bottle of wine to carry on is definitely worth considering. I like a glass when getting ready for dinner in the room and this saved me a fortune on my last cruise. The bottles fit well in the little mini-fridge in the room too
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Sarah |
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13 Mar 19, 01:39 PM |
#9
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Disney Cruise Line VIP!
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If you need a roomie .. #JustSaying!
For Sweep .. Sarah and I forgot to mention that not only can you take on 2 bottles (or 6 lagers/beers) each when you get onboard, but you also take the same allowance on at each port.
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30 cruises with DCL and counting ... |
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14 Mar 19, 09:12 AM |
#10
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Imagineer
Join Date: Aug 06
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Sarah |
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