[WishUponAStar]

Wow guys, thank you for all the encouragement & awesome reviews. I 'ordered' the cruise video & planning guide from the website. I just love how it's pretty much all inclusive as far as food, cabin, etc. goes.

What is NOT included? How much money would you suggest budgeting for over the actual price of the cruise.

If we DO book a Disney Cruise it would most likely be the "7-Night Eastern Caribbean with St. Maarten" departing April 11th, '09 (which seems SOOO crazy far away but I'd have to wait for a school break ) The cabin I was looking at was the "Category 09 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom" is this a bad/good spot?

Any thoughts on this specific cruise? The ports of call are:
St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John, Castaway Cay

The boat is only docked at Castaway Cay for one day, is this enough do you think? What is that island like?

[DisneyFreak78]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Wow guys, thank you for all the encouragement & awesome reviews. I 'ordered' the cruise video & planning guide from the website. I just love how it's pretty much all inclusive as far as food, cabin, etc. goes.

What is NOT included? How much money would you suggest budgeting for over the actual price of the cruise.

If we DO book a Disney Cruise it would most likely be the "7-Night Eastern Caribbean with St. Maarten" departing April 11th, '09 (which seems SOOO crazy far away but I'd have to wait for a school break ) The cabin I was looking at was the "Category 09 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom" is this a bad/good spot?

Any thoughts on this specific cruise? The ports of call are:
St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John, Castaway Cay

The boat is only docked at Castaway Cay for one day, is this enough do you think? What is that island like?

There are very few things that are not included; tips, any drink (whether it be alchohal or sodas) in the bars, clubs or lounges, however sodas juices and non alchohalic beverages are included in all other food locations (Castaway Cay, outside food ares, restaurants, room services) the Starbucks knock off thing located in the adult pool area, massages, excursions, Palo if you chose to go, souveniers, and photos from the pros. One tip on that get a photo package you will take enough to use it up.

However for the very few non included items you can create an on board credit for yourself, so once you pay off the cruise you can keep paying to DCL and it's sort of like prepaying all that stuff.

The ports of call are very nice, I can't remember what we did at those ports but give me a little time to research and I can let you know. I do remember being impressed with those stops so anything would be lovely, from the others on the ship I never heard anything negative about those locations, if that helps.

The cabin sounds nice, it's nice to have some light in the room, and I think that has the split bath so it's great for getting ready quick purposes. If you get the inside cabin it's always dark and easy to oversleep or not want to get up.

One day is good enough for Castaway Cay, this as well has adult, and family beaches. They have a nice bike trail, Castaway Rays Stingray Experience, big 'ol inner tubes for the ocean, game areas for the teenagers (which Sara and I had a lovely time at), good music, and really some of the most delicious food I've EVER had at a picnic.

Hopefully I've sold you. And seriously the night was the BEST! I mean fireworks from the ship. They are the only cruiseline that can do that.

[rlcarmichael]

If you can swing a few more points (bucks) for for the balcony. Catching the sunrise from the balcony was one of the highlights of our cruise.

Also, go for the wine package. It's a bottle each night, and it's reasonable by restaurant standards. Book Pallo one night at least and get the chocolate soufflé. I'm not a big chocolate fan and it is to die for! It alone is worth the $10 per person charge!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by rlcarmichael

If you can swing a few more points (bucks) for for the balcony. Catching the sunrise from the balcony was one of the highlights of our cruise.

Also, go for the wine package. It's a bottle each night, and it's reasonable by restaurant standards. Book Pallo one night at least and get the chocolate soufflé. I'm not a big chocolate fan and it is to die for! It alone is worth the $10 per person charge!

I am almost 100% sure I'd be paying cash instead of using points. The amount of points needed to go on that 7-night cruise for SPRING BREAK is outrageous. I really don't think I can afford the balcony cash either, already with a "deluxe oceanview cabin cat. 9" it's already about $4,200. FOR ONLY TWO ADULTS. I know Spring Break is expensive but I can't take off of school for a week, I just can't do it.

The wine thing would be a 'no go' for us too b/c Daniel does not drink wine, only I do. I WAS thinking about adding that 'romance package' though which sounded nice & you STILL get to make Palo reservations earlier with that package.

[MickeyMcFizzle]

I hope you go for it Wishy, I think you guys would love it. Its a new Disney experience for you! We hope to do one soon too.

[geeman]

My DGF Amneris and I took a 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Magic nearly 5 years ago now (the trip report should still be in the archives here somewhere). We went as a couple and had a complete and total blast - with memories that have lasted for years.
We were seated with other adult couples at dinner, and met some interesting people. NOT ONCE did we feel awkward or odd or strange to be wandering around the Disney ship. The kids were all hauled off to some other place and we hardly noticed them. We went on a few excursions, and kept busy most of the time. We were even able to dine at Palo a few times. Don't worry about doing Disney Cruises without kids. In reality, it's probably a lot more fun, since you won't have to be too restricted in what you want to do.

Actually, here's our trip report from way back when. Can't believe this is still here! (Garsh, this seems like a million years ago)

http://www.mousebuzz.com/forum/take-...an-cruise.html

[nitaworm]

I am going to be honest with you, my DH would never go if it wasn't for the kids. We went and found things to do, however he said that the clubs had NO ONE in them. There was no casino or real adult focused activities with adults there. My husband isn't into the Disney shows, but likes comedy. The only thing he did late in the evening was play Bingo. That was the highlight of his day.

I loved it, but I am a Disney fanatic.

[Peppertink]

I have only sailed with Disney Cruise Line without children...and have loved it every time! I found that there was plenty to do for adults traveling without kids. The main shows, movies, wine tasting, art auctions, dueling piano bars, disco...I never had time to be bored! Don't forget the spa!!!

[chastmastr]

We haven't been, but the impression we got from the cruise planning video, oddly, is precisely because of the way adult, teen and kid stuff is separated out (unlike at WDW), we wouldn't enjoy it much, because the stuff we like most is actually more the "kid" stuff than the "adult" stuff. (I mean, yeah, we like grown-up things like going to bars and all that, but not really in this sort of context. And we can go to bars at home!) If they had "kid stuff for adults who are kids at heart," that would be fun, but I'm just not interested in "couples massage" or the like. I'd want more of the silly fun stuff aimed at the kids. (We're admittedly the only adults we know (who don't have kids) who seek out characters for pics and autographs. "OMG it's Baloo!! We have to get his autograph!!" "Oh wow it's Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters! We have to meet them!!" etc.) The main appeal of the cruise to me is the cool restaurant that changes color.

We'd probably enjoy the stage shows, I suppose.

David

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by chastmastr

The main appeal of the cruise to me is the cool restaurant that changes color.

David, oh my gosh, that's EXACTLY why Daniel wants to go on the ship. He's SO intrigued by this restaurant.

[WishUponAStar]

OoO, I am going to go read your TR right now! Thank you!

Originally Posted by geeman

My DGF Amneris and I took a 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Magic nearly 5 years ago now (the trip report should still be in the archives here somewhere). We went as a couple and had a complete and total blast - with memories that have lasted for years.
We were seated with other adult couples at dinner, and met some interesting people. NOT ONCE did we feel awkward or odd or strange to be wandering around the Disney ship. The kids were all hauled off to some other place and we hardly noticed them. We went on a few excursions, and kept busy most of the time. We were even able to dine at Palo a few times. Don't worry about doing Disney Cruises without kids. In reality, it's probably a lot more fun, since you won't have to be too restricted in what you want to do.

Actually, here's our trip report from way back when. Can't believe this is still here! (Garsh, this seems like a million years ago)

http://www.mousebuzz.com/forum/take-...an-cruise.html

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by Peppertink

I have only sailed with Disney Cruise Line without children...and have loved it every time! I found that there was plenty to do for adults traveling without kids. The main shows, movies, wine tasting, art auctions, dueling piano bars, disco...I never had time to be bored! Don't forget the spa!!!

It defiantely does sound like you enjoyed yourself & it was a great time. I think it sounds like an awesome cruise!

[Peppertink]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

It defiantely does sound like you enjoyed yourself & it was a great time. I think it sounds like an awesome cruise!

It is!!! Oh..and the fireworks that they shoot off the ship are pretty cool too! Animators Palate really is very cool and the desserts there are fun too. Palo...oh my goodness...Palo!! The food is soo yummy and the service is tops! Chocolate souffle is a must...as is the Panicotta!

The one nice thing is that if you want, you and Daniel can enjoy the adults only areas...but also enjoy the family areas too. Nothing says you can't join in some of the kids/family fun. Well...except the stuff that's in the actual kids clubs. But..they do have this really fun game show that anyone can try to take part in. It's very fun

[Erin]

You are so gonna do everything Disney offers by the time you're dead! LOL!

[ddoll]

Originally Posted by nitaworm

I am going to be honest with you, my DH would never go if it wasn't for the kids. We went and found things to do, however he said that the clubs had NO ONE in them. There was no casino or real adult focused activities with adults there. My husband isn't into the Disney shows, but likes comedy. The only thing he did late in the evening was play Bingo. That was the highlight of his day.

I loved it, but I am a Disney fanatic.

I'm sort of on the same page with your DH. We have been on several cruises, only one with the kids, and never on a Disney cruise. To us, a cruise is a romantic vacation, as we've always done it for our anniversaries. So we spend time hanging at the pool drinking and hitting all the clubs at night.

I like Disney and I like cruises, but not together. Sorry.