Let's Cruise...

[mgsmom 9]

So, we are planning to book a Disney cruise for our 10th anniversary next year! DD will be 5, and we think it will make a great family trip! :jumpforjoy I know I can count on the Fiends to have ALL the answers, so here I am!

Now, neither of us have ever been on ANY cruise, so I'm just going to start shooting off questions. Some stupid, some good ones, and some will make you laugh real hard, I'm sure. :rofl2:

First, I have to book a stateroom. I know we want a verandah room. There are like 87 kinds of verandah rooms. I "think" I narrowed it down to either deck 6 or deck 5. The deck 5 listing says it is an "oversize" verandah and is not much more than a regular verandah room.

Question: Is there an advantage to being on a higher deck on the ship?

Another question: What deck level are the life boats on? I don't want a view of a life boat from my verandah...

Any and all input will be helpful!!!!

[Lou... 3,118]

You spend so little time in your stateroom that I would settle for just about any stateroom. You sleep and shower there, that's about it.

So you're not able to go out and have a drink while looking out on the ocean from your verandah, so what. There are so many other and better places that you can do that from that it's not an issue.

We had a huge stateroom and wrap around verandah at the rear of the ship, but we were never in the room. The great room didn't make a difference. Too many other things to occupy the time.

If I'm on a budget and want the biggest bang for my buck, I'm spending as little as possible on the stateroom and spending it on other cruise related things.

But if money is not an issue, go for it.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

The extended verandahs on deck 5 are awesome, BUT they are right next to the lifeboats. We could actually touch a lifeboat from our verandah. We on the other hand DID spend lots of time on our verandah, early morning, late evening, and before and after afternoon naps on sea day. Also had all of the Fiends over for sailaway, plenty of room. We also avoided the crowds on pirate night and watch the fireworks from the verandah.

[Lou... 3,118]

We on the other hand DID spend lots of time on our verandah, early morning, late evening, and before and after afternoon naps on sea day.

Our typical day.

Wake up shower, gone for the day. Come back, shower, leave for the night. Come back, sleep, repeat.

[mgsmom 9]

You spend so little time in your stateroom that I would settle for just about any stateroom. You sleep and shower there, that's about it.

So you're not able to go out and have a drink while looking out on the ocean from your verandah, so what. There are so many other and better places that you can do that from that it's not an issue.

We had a huge stateroom and wrap around verandah at the rear of the ship, but we were never in the room. The great room didn't make a difference. Too many other things to occupy the time.

If I'm on a budget and want the biggest bang for my buck, I'm spending as little as possible on the stateroom and spending it on other cruise related things.

But if money is not an issue, go for it.

Well, I wouldn't say money is not an issue, but we are definitely splurging! I like the thought of spending money on other cruise related things - that makes a lot of sense! The lower decks are cheaper than the uppers, and concierge is seriously more expensive, so we will lay low!

The extended verandahs on deck 5 are awesome, BUT they are right next to the lifeboats. We could actually touch a lifeboat from our verandah. We on the other hand DID spend lots of time on our verandah, early morning, late evening, and before and after afternoon naps on sea day. Also had all of the Fiends over for sailaway, plenty of room. We also avoided the crowds on pirate night and watch the fireworks from the verandah.

Although we have never cruised, this sounds a lot like we vacation in general. We are planning on lots of "doing nothing" in between the fun cruise activities. Even at WDW we take naps and relax in our room. I like the idea of watching the fireworks from the verandah!

Our typical day.

Wake up shower, gone for the day. Come back, shower, leave for the night. Come back, sleep, repeat.

Oh, man, this is how we used to do it before DD came along. Now we have to take rest breaks or somebody gets crabby...

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

I make a lot of use of my verandah. Especially on a huge aft verandah on RCCL. I've been known to spend the night there. Nothing like sleeping under the stars!

[stefa70 205]

I agree with Lou, not too much time spent in the room. like my dear Grandfather would say "Sh*t, shower, shave & sleep" ;D

There's just so much going on, all the time!

Another thing to keep in mind: the lower the deck, the less movement you'll feel. If you're not sure if anyone will be seasick, you may want to try the lower decks for your first time.

"Sea legs" are a whole new ballgame. I am a wimp who can't ride rollercoasters or any spinning rides without tossing my cookies. Trevor can ride them all. I can cruise fine, he gets sick every time, at least once.

Your DD is going to love all the activities!

[mgsmom 9]

I make a lot of use of my verandah. Especially on a huge aft verandah on RCCL. I've been known to spend the night there. Nothing like sleeping under the stars!

Oh, now that would be cool!

I agree with Lou, not too much time spent in the room. like my dear Grandfather would say "Sh*t, shower, shave & sleep" ;D

There's just so much going on, all the time!

Another thing to keep in mind: the lower the deck, the less movement you'll feel. If you're not sure if anyone will be seasick, you may want to try the lower decks for your first time.

"Sea legs" are a whole new ballgame. I am a wimp who can't ride rollercoasters or any spinning rides without tossing my cookies. Trevor can ride them all. I can cruise fine, he gets sick every time, at least once.

Your DD is going to love all the activities!

You read my mind about seasickness! That will be my next line of questions for you guys. I really don't know if we will use the room a ton or not. It really depends on how tired DH and DD get. I am the busy-busy-go-go person, but my peeps need their rest. Woosies. :rofl2:

[mgsmom 9]

Okay I just booked our cruise :banana: and I don't remember what the category is, but it is a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with a Verandah - I remember that because I thought it was funny it had such a long name. :laugh: I wonder why they use the term "deluxe"? All of them are deluxe. But, I guess Disney doesn't want to use a boring old term like "standard" or something. It will also be on Deck 6. Looks like we will be just above the lifeboats, which is fine. Thanks for all the input! I feel very good about that choice now.

I was going to ask if anyone ever had problems with seasickness or not. If so, what are some good things to bring "just in case"? I do get carsick on occasion. Plus, I want to be prepared in case DD or DH need anything. Dramamine? Is there a patch or something?

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Okay I just booked our cruise :banana: and I don't remember what the category is, but it is a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with a Verandah - I remember that because I thought it was funny it had such a long name. :laugh: I wonder why they use the term "deluxe"? All of them are deluxe. But, I guess Disney doesn't want to use a boring old term like "standard" or something. It will also be on Deck 6. Looks like we will be just above the lifeboats, which is fine. Thanks for all the input! I feel very good about that choice now.

I was going to ask if anyone ever had problems with seasickness or not. If so, what are some good things to bring "just in case"? I do get carsick on occasion. Plus, I want to be prepared in case DD or DH need anything. Dramamine? Is there a patch or something?

I have heard good things about Bonine for seasickness, as opposed to Dramamine which can make you tired.

[We4mickey 6]

Deck is awesome. Are you going on the Dream? We were in 6076 and it was convenient to everything. We did have the lifeboats just below us, but it didn't bother us at all. As far as motion, I did get sick the first night and had to leave during dinner. I took meclazine, it is the generic of bonine. You cross a current the first and last night out and there was a lot of rocking. I must say though we were eating in the restaurant at the front of the ship that night. I was fine when I went back to the room and laid down. I never actually got sick. I took this the whole time and also took ginger pills.

[Lou... 3,118]

My wife was seasick for 3 of the 5 days, but not to the point to where she was not able to enjoy the cruise.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

My wife was seasick for 3 of the 5 days, but not to the point to where she was not able to enjoy the cruise.

Did she take anything? If so, what did she take, and did it help?

[Lou... 3,118]

Did she take anything? If so, what did she take, and did it help?

Dramamine and it did work for her.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Dramamine and it did work for her.

Thanks. Do you happen to know whether washing dramamine down with scotch harms its effectiveness?

[Lou... 3,118]

Do you happen to know whether washing dramamine down with scotch harms its effectiveness?

No, let us know how it works out.

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

I do have a strong tendency towards seasickness. My family always had a boat and yes I got seasick every time we went out. That said, it took me until my 50th birthday to decide that I needed to go on a cruise. I did all the research and talked to my Dr. and we came up with a game plan.

Start the bonine or dramamine at least 2 days before the cruise it worked wonders for me. I also brought my favorite pretzels and ginger ale with me. I have cruised 10 times in 6 years and have never been seasick.

I love a verandah, Just being able to sit out there in the morning with my coffee and just before bed with a cocktail was worth the price to me.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I do have a strong tendency towards seasickness. My family always had a boat and yes I got seasick every time we went out. That said, it took me until my 50th birthday to decide that I needed to go on a cruise. I did all the research and talked to my Dr. and we came up with a game plan.

Start the bonine or dramamine at least 2 days before the cruise it worked wonders for me. I also brought my favorite pretzels and ginger ale with me. I have cruised 10 times in 6 years and have never been seasick.

I love a verandah, Just being able to sit out there in the morning with my coffee and just before bed with a cocktail was worth the price to me.

You take the Bonine once per day, beginning 2 days before sailing?

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

Yes, Dave. It might make you a little drowsy but if I remember correctly dramamine makes a less drowsy formula. I'm pretty sure you will know what I'm talking about when I say Vernor's on a cruise can be your best friend.

I may or may not have supplemented the bonine with a couple of Bahama Mama's once we boarded . :rofl2:

[mgsmom 9]

Sounds like a good idea! I will give the non-drowsy dramamine a trial run just to see what it does to me a few weeks before, then do the Cherie method starting early! I definitely think supplementing with akeehol will be in the plan... :rofl3:

I will also pack some ginger snaps for good measure. My first trimester with DD, I was so sick. All I ate was PB&J, ginger snaps, and sour Skittles.

Yes, we are on the Dream! Too excited!

Okay, so next topic of interest... we will have one stop in Nassau. I was considering doing one of those "swim with the dolphins" excursions. I have two main concerns. 1- Will it be appropriate for DD(she'll be 5)? 2-Will it stress me out to have something like that "scheduled" that I have to get to? I just have no idea how the excursion thing works. Will it be Disney transportation to get us there? Clueless... as usual...

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Any excursions you book through Disney, you will meet in a location on the ship, they will check to make sure you have everything you need to go on the tour, AND to get back on the ship. (Such as excursion tickets, ship room key, your personal ID, etc.) They will escort you off the ship to the transportation provided by the tour, and make sure everyone boards. After the tour, you will be dropped within easy walking distance to the ship.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Okay, so next topic of interest... we will have one stop in Nassau. I was considering doing one of those "swim with the dolphins" excursions. I have two main concerns. 1- Will it be appropriate for DD(she'll be 5)? 2-Will it stress me out to have something like that "scheduled" that I have to get to? I just have no idea how the excursion thing works. Will it be Disney transportation to get us there? Clueless... as usual...

Sorry- I somehow missed this thread.

Following up with what Carol said- when you book the excursion through Disney, they handle all the arrangements, but you will be eventually turned over to the tour operator who will take it from there.

All the cruise ships do this. So, the operator of the dolphin excursion will provide your transportation from the Disney ship. For that one, you will be directed to a water taxi that will shuttle you out to the island where they do this. On that water taxi, you will also have passengers from the other ships in port, and your experience will be no different from any one else. If you are going to Atlantis, you are going to be packed into an old van or bus with no seatbelts or air conditioning.

From my experience, the transportation providers on Nassau have no where near the attention to detail or cleanliness standards of Disney. You will likely be uncomfortably packed onto a boat or van filled to or above capacity.

Since this is your first DCL cruise, I would encourage you to think this over very carefully. You will be spending a lot of money to leave the beautiful ship you paid a lot of money to be on and spend the good part of the day at a not-so-nice aquarium where they don't treat the animals the way aquariums treat animals in the U.S. I would suggest you look in to Discovery Cove at Sea World, and plan a visit there with your DD the next time you are at the Fort. Don't waste your money on the inferior experience you would have in Nassau. Stay on the ship and enjoy all that it has to offer.

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

I would encourage you to think this over very carefully. You will be spending a lot of money to leave the beautiful ship you paid a lot of money to be on and spend the good part of the day at a not-so-nice aquarium where they don't treat the animals the way aquariums treat animals in the U.S.

Ditto

[jsh...Joyce 11]

I got sick once on a cruise and they had me eating green apples and crackers and it actually worked. The cook and the room steward loaded us up on them. I was sick of green apples but i sure did feel better.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I just got off the Dream this morning. I can tell you that we never had any issues with sea sickness, even though a couple members of my family do tend to suffer from motion sickness at times. We were blessed with great weather, so I'm sure that helps. Also, we opted to stay on the ship in Nassau. It was remarkably peaceful compared to the at sea day when everyone was crowding the pool decks. I don't feel we missed much in not seeing Nassau, and like TCD said you are paying a lot of money to cruise on a beautiful and well appointed ship. There isn't enough time to do everything anyways, so we decided to stay onboard and enjoy the ship and the free activities as much as possible. I don't regret it.