[KiKi]

We just booked our first Disney cruise! I'm so excited. It's something I've wanted to do for a while now, and we are finally going.

We'll be sailing on March 1st for the 7 night eastern caribbean cruise.

I'm sure I'll have some questions as we move ahead in our planning. For now I'm wondering what excursions you would recommend in St-Martin and St-Thomas. We're really just interested in spending the day on the beach and enjoying some family time in the water. Is it worthwhile to take the Disney planned excursions, or is it just as easy to grab a cab and head to a beach on our own?

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kathy

[Dana]

congrats kiki! I haven't ever heard a bad anything about the disney cruises. You are going to have a great time!

[woohoo]

I dont believe they are disney planned excursions unless its on Castaway Cay- its a local excursion that has been given the disney seal of approval- at least this is what it is on Nassau. You can do the same trips via Carnival or any person off the street that goes to a kiosk. As for is it worth it? Well that depends on what your family enjoys doing. But you will love the cruise all in all- its my most favorite vacation and Im jealous!

[MissDisney]

I've never been on a Disney Cruise, and I have never visited those islands, but I wanted to say that I am so excited for you!!!

[timkelmom]

Oh my gosh that is so exciting. You are going to love it. I have only been on the 4 day, so I can not recommend anything in either of your locations. Amelia's Man is our resident cruiser. He has a lot of knowledge. I hope he checks in here.

You're gonna love it.

[softychik]

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dznygrl]

timkelmom beat me to it, but I was going to recommend talking to Amelia's Man! He's got all the cruisin' info!

Congrats on your cruise...I am jealous but of course WAY excited for you!

[jk8]

Originally Posted by KiKi

We just booked our first Disney cruise! I'm so excited. It's something I've wanted to do for a while now, and we are finally going.

We'll be sailing on March 1st for the 7 night eastern caribbean cruise.

I'm sure I'll have some questions as we move ahead in our planning. For now I'm wondering what excursions you would recommend in St-Martin and St-Thomas. We're really just interested in spending the day on the beach and enjoying some family time in the water. Is it worthwhile to take the Disney planned excursions, or is it just as easy to grab a cab and head to a beach on our own?

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kathy

Congrats you !!!

We are sailing our 2nd time in April. We did the Eastern 2 years ago. DH and DD did the Dolphin excursion in St. Thomas. We just took a cab to a beach in St. Martin. There are times taking the Disney excursion is good as if the company is late getting back to the ship with those they will wait for you. If you have questions on specific things I can look in my Passporter. I would recommend getting this book. It is so fun to read and will get you very exicted about your trip!

[nitaworm]

Go to Cruise Critic...you can google it. or Cruise Critic - Cruises, Cruise Lines, Cruise Ships, Reviews, Cruise Deals, Cruise Forums for details on your cruise, your boat and traveler's reviews. It was my best source of information for cruising..

[Jennatrz]

March is a wonderful time to go. You are going to love it. Absolutely fantastic.

[KiKi]

Originally Posted by jk8

Congrats you !!!

We are sailing our 2nd time in April. We did the Eastern 2 years ago. DH and DD did the Dolphin excursion in St. Thomas. We just took a cab to a beach in St. Martin. There are times taking the Disney excursion is good as if the company is late getting back to the ship with those they will wait for you. If you have questions on specific things I can look in my Passporter. I would recommend getting this book. It is so fun to read and will get you very exicted about your trip!

I didn't know there was a dolphin excursion in St. Thomas. I didn't notice it on the DCL website. I hope it still exists, dd really wants to do that.

Just ordered my Passporter, can't wait to get it.

Thanks for the input!

[nitaworm]

Some tips that helped me prep on my cruise, give everyone a backpack with little toys, bathingsuites, change of clothes, sunscreen, small toys. Pack light!!!! I cannot stress this enouph, there is not enouph space for luggage on any ship. We packed only 2 suitcases for 6 people (with 6 backpacks), and each outfit was rolled into a log form and packed in the bag to allow for more items (if you are flying weigh your bags firsts). Also, they have a service that can wash your clothes for you on the ship, but since we stayed at a timeshare after our 3 day cruise we just waited and washed clothes when we returned to our resort. Also, on the day before departure order room service some cereal, milk, fruit, coffee etc. so you are not rushing and starving on the morning of departure. Also, we got off the ship pretty quickly, I wish I would have taken more time as we didn't have to be completely off the ship until 11am.

[jk8]

Originally Posted by KiKi

I didn't know there was a dolphin excursion in St. Thomas. I didn't notice it on the DCL website. I hope it still exists, dd really wants to do that.

Just ordered my Passporter, can't wait to get it.

Thanks for the input!

Hmm, maybe it was the other way around. I'll have to go back and check my notes. You will love your Passporter!

[zoey9797]

Hi,
We just got back from a Land/sea on the Wonder a couple of days ago :O(

Not sure if Nita took a Disney Cruise but on the Wonder and had TONS of room for luggage in the closet- we had 4 suitcases stored and room for a few more! There were plenty of open drawers that were not used. Plus, you could use under the bed if needed. We were told Disney staterooms are 15% bigger or something than any other cruiseline... Someone else might know the exact percent- you can see the square footage on your ship map of each room.

Also- The Wonder did not offer last day room service- it was sit down in the last resturaunt you ate at the night before- scheduled at 7:00 and 8:00ish

You may want to double check the system on the ship you are taking-there may be some differences. I would assume it is the Magic if you are 7-night but they are pretty similar from what I have heard.

Do make sure you use the backpacks for a "day bag" You don't get your luggage right away as you board the ship so if you want to swim ect... you will need it. But don't take a bunch of extra stuff you will need to have scanned at the port ect... that is a hassle if you all have bags and are excited to get on the ship- we each had one carry on and it was ok- some families were juggling kids and bags everywhere and it took them twice as long :O)

As far as excursions- ditto on the info from jk8- We did not use an excursion but wished we would have in Nassau- it was NOT what we expected at all. Very congested and touristy. Reminded me of a border town with people soliciting you all the time ect- (that is how they make a living so you can't blame them - we tourists make it touristy! But it was not the tropical paradise we thought it would be)

I believe all ships port at Castaway Cay which you and your family will LOVE! I can't say that enough! It is a tropical PARADISE!
I have tons of pics if you are interested PM me!

We used the Disney Cruisline Passporter- Search Results for "passporters.com" (I think is the website) VERY WELL WORTH THE $- the most informative book I found. Answers all the regular to odd questions you may have.
Also Birnbaums for photos and various websites.

Any other questions I would be glad to help!
Zoey

[nitaworm]

Oh, I went on the Wonder, had such a great experience I just booked it for next Pre-Thanksgiving 3 Day, since DH would not even consider spending the $$ for a 7day!!! Yippeee! (DH wanted to go on another cruise line this year and said that he would do Disney next year). You will definately love it, love it, love it!!