[brumcg]

My wife and I have tentatively planned to do the Disney Cruise in June 2005. I say 'tentatively' because my wife isn't sure it's her cup of tea, and honestly I'm not sure if it's her cup of tea either. She can't stand 'relaxing' vacations. We've done the beach thing before - she hated it. We've done the mountain thing - she hated it. We've done the 'hang around the pool thing' - we'll actually 'we' didn't because she wouldn't! :) She needs to be on the go, exploring new things.

I'm looking for a source (web, print, film) that really goes into all of the details about the cruise - especially all the things to do on the ship. I think the ports of call will be up her alley, but the thought of her napping on deck is almost comical on the days at sea. Most of the sources that I've seen or read really play up the relaxing aspects.

I love the Passporter for WDW, and I know they just came out with a cruise book; has anybody seen it? Opinions? Any other tips or sources?

Thanks!

Bruce

[mickey]

Bruce

I am the same way as your wife, and balked on going on cruises until last December. I was worried that there would be nothing to do, but I really enjoyed it. They had stuff to do all day and all night. If you are worried about that, I would suggest the Western Caribbean, since you then would only be on the ship for 2 whole days instead of 3 on the Eastern (one more stop along the way).

As a source of info, I would suggest this:

The Magical Disney Cruise Guide

They also have one in a Word doc that you can download if you would rather. It is very comprehensive about pre-cruise as well as during the cruise and ports of call, and includes inportant information about what you will need in terms of paperwork, and what to expect.

I would also suggest getting a cruise video and a brochure ( video and brochure order form ). They are pretty informative, but mostly get you excited about going.

[goofygal1975]

I have the passporter for the DCL. While I didn't read about the Eastern and Western as closely since we are only going on the Wonder, I think they really detailed about what to expect and what there is to do at ports of calls. It's worth the money (its a paperback only version right now I believe, and it was worth if for the money..very inexpensive!!

[brumcg]

Thanks for the link Mickey! Perfect. Hmmm... I was wondering why my wife strongly preferred the Western; now I know! We ordered the video a few months ago; I'll have to try again... To get the WDW videos, I normally have to try 2 or 3 times... :bandit

Goofygal1975... thanks! I'll be ordering it then. One 'thumbs up' was enough to sell me on it since I really like their WDW stuff.

Bruce

[BuzzLightyear]

Hey Bruce,
Before we became addicted to Disney (thanks to a new baby in the family) we were cruise fanatics.
I'd say we've been on 4 or 5 (none Disney) in case you have any specific overall cruise questions.
Hmm, 2005, maybe we'll join ya, baby should be old enough by then LOL
Have fun planning!!

[MickeyMac]

Brum, another link is Castawayclub.com. I hate the format of the site, but it's chock full of information.

I'm so jealous - I'm dying to go on the Western 7 day some time. You'll have to tell me all about it. :D

[karenduncan_99]

Hi Bruce -
Your wife and I are one and the same. I took my sister-in-law and family on one of my "vacations" I had planned and wore them out.

First, she will love a cruise, I went on my first one February 2002 (Princess Cruise). I had waited so long because I had the same concerns I would be bored. Now we are going as a family June 2003 and December 2003 on DCL. One is the 4 day and the other the 7.

There are tons of things to do on a cruise, In fact, you will have to go several times on the same cruise ship to do it all. Yes, the Passporter for DisneyCruise is great and wil give you lots of tips.
Order it online and they will automatically send you updates as they get them. I have had 2-3 updates/corrections since receiving my 2003 version.


Have a great time!

[brumcg]

Buzz - sure! The more the merrier!

Karen and Dave, thanks for the info! I did end up buying the Passporter Cruise Guide, and it is very good.

I'm sure I'll have more questions in the upcoming months... ;)

We're being very cautious about cruising. We'll use our DVC points to book, and that's alot of points.

Bruce

[jbjags]

karenduncan_99 you will love DCL we went last may and had a blast. We hate to wait to do it again but we want to wait till both DK's are older. We plan to go again when DD is 3. So we can leave the kids in the Kids area and really enjoy some time to ourselfs. Without paying for them to be in the Daycare at the younger age.

[lopo]

Bruce, you may want to check out this site They sell several of the Passporter books at big discounts. For instance:

Book: PassPorter's Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line by Jennifer Watson
List Price: $16.95
Price: $9.59
You Save: $7.36 (43%)

Hope this helps!

[brumcg]

Lopo,

Wow...great price. Too late for me, though, and I paid full retail... :nooo:

I've got that site bookmarked for the future though! ;) Thanks!

Bruce