Well, I took the plunge

[zulaya]

I booked our first Disney Cruise. 4 day on Oct. 12, 2008 departure.

I'm a little nervous, but excited to have the family try out a cruise together.

We booked a category 9.

[CptJacksPrincess]

Hi,

You'll love it!!! Mom & I have done 2 4 days. We are wanting to do a 7 day, bad!! Have fun!

[annavn]

Congratulations! We've never been on a cruise, and I would really like to try it out. Do you really have to book it so far in advance? And if so, is it better to book with points or cash? And is there a DVC discount for cash cruise booking?
Thanks,
Anna

[bababear]

:thumbsup: CONGRATS
You are going to have a great time !!!
So much to plan for on a cruise--have fun planning
:sailing: :sailing: :sailing: :sailing: :sailing: :sailing: :sailing: :sailing:
hugs Mel

[zulaya]

I'm so new to cruising.

I read that the earlier you book, the better the price if paying cash. In the end, we decided to use points, because we had some banked that would need to be used next year.

I checked how many category 9 cabins there were for that cruise and there were only 7 left according to disneycruiseline.com. Since I knew we were going to vacation that week anyway, I just booked it because I didn't want to have it sell out and have to use more points or pay out of pocket.

I'm hoping this is a good experience. DH and I did a RCCL cruise in 06 and we did not care for it at all. So I'm just hoping the pixie dust flows for us.

[SusieBea]

YOU ARE GONNA LOVE IT! Our first cruise was the Disney 4-day, and no other line we've sailed w/ since then compares. Don't worry about your decision, just plan to have a wonderful time! (Wish I was goin'!)

[SusieBea]

I just re-read your post and saw you'd sailed RCCL. We sailed with them and didn't care for it at all either. Disney is so far superior to them, IMHO. Don't worry ...

[zulaya]

Thanks, SusieBea.

I am excited, just a nervous undertone.

We all watched the Podcasts online and the kids were really excited about Castaway Cay and the Oceanears Lab.

[zulaya]

SusieBea,

It was a nice cruise ship. But I really need action. We are more active vacationers than sit on the deck, sun, and in the case of adults, drink all day long.

That and the casino that took up what seemed like half the ship.

[SusieBea]

We're not gamblers either so I didn't need the casino, Mary, plus had to walk through the smoky casino to get to many other areas.

Castaway Cay is "to die for" for everyone. And it's so very nice to be able to get on and off the ship as you want to easily. Also, the entertainment on the Disney ships is just wonderful. I "reiterate again," you are going to have a fabulous vacation. If you think to, let us know how you feel when you return.

Sue

[WILDCAT MICKEY]

You will love the cruise DW & I have done 2 7-day cruises on the MAGIC. Great time, besure and try to book PALO to eat, great meal. Also, try out the spa.

[erikthewise]

congrats on your booking, Mary!
I think the 4-day is the perfect compromise. Half the price of the seven day, and you still get all the best parts (Castaway Cay, Palo dinner and brunch, best shows, etc.).

[zulaya]

Thanks, erikthewise. I think it will be a good way for us to try cruising as a family. And I'm looking at the Navigators, to get an idea of what happens, and it sounds like there's a lot of fun things onboard.