All knowing board, I will be departing on the Disney Fantasy soon. Any reviews, tips or experiences??? Thanks!
OT: Disney Cruises
- Thread starter smealpsu2005
- Start date
Just went on a week long trip in March...
one tip is that you can bring alcohol onboard. Just pack it in your bag and drink in your cabin. Some people I met would actually bring their beer to dinner. You can also bring wine and pay $20 for them to open/store it.
Crowd is very kid centric. Meaning, everyone is on the ship because they have kids... so fewer drunks in the pool. Fewer college spring breakers (if any) etc. The best part of this is everyone seems to get along very well.
Dining: you switch restaurants with your service people.
I did all the shows which were "OK" but the kids loved them.
We really enjoyed our day at Castaway Cay. Not sure your voyage details. We went from Orlando/Port Canaveral
LdN
one tip is that you can bring alcohol onboard. Just pack it in your bag and drink in your cabin. Some people I met would actually bring their beer to dinner. You can also bring wine and pay $20 for them to open/store it.
Crowd is very kid centric. Meaning, everyone is on the ship because they have kids... so fewer drunks in the pool. Fewer college spring breakers (if any) etc. The best part of this is everyone seems to get along very well.
Dining: you switch restaurants with your service people.
I did all the shows which were "OK" but the kids loved them.
We really enjoyed our day at Castaway Cay. Not sure your voyage details. We went from Orlando/Port Canaveral
LdN
We went on one with the family a few years ago
Pluses- food was great, ship was immaculetly clean, service was great. Kids will be in awe.
minuses - not a lot for just adults (no casino on board), expensive, lots of lines (there are lot of disney charactors to take pictures with).
Pluses- food was great, ship was immaculetly clean, service was great. Kids will be in awe.
minuses - not a lot for just adults (no casino on board), expensive, lots of lines (there are lot of disney charactors to take pictures with).
Here is how to make your experience more enjoyable.
1.Stay Home
2. Bite the inside of your cheek repeatedly (thanks GrantGreen!)
3. Jog barefoot every day on Legos
4.Get a rusty pair of pliers
5. Snap off each of your living teeth at the gumline, then eat a Slurpee.
This post was edited on 4/8 1:39 PM by demlion
1.Stay Home
2. Bite the inside of your cheek repeatedly (thanks GrantGreen!)
3. Jog barefoot every day on Legos
4.Get a rusty pair of pliers
5. Snap off each of your living teeth at the gumline, then eat a Slurpee.
This post was edited on 4/8 1:39 PM by demlion
I assume you're taking kids since you've chosen Disney. Since you've chosen a cruise line with kids in mind, when you long for adult activities remember it's about the family and not you individually. Make it a memorable experience for the kid(s). Later you can take an adult cruise to gamble, drink and ogle women.
As mentioned above, one of the best things about Disney:
Disney is extremely unusual among cruise lines in allowing you to bring your own alcoholic beverages onto the ship. Bottles must be sealed and they must be in your carry-on luggage. You can take a soft-sided cooler full of beverages on board, but no hard-sided or wheeled coolers.
Disney does not allow beverages such as bottled water or alcoholic beverages in checked bags, because checked baggage is stacked up and handled roughly during the loading process, which could cause liquids to break and/or leak onto other people's luggage. They do screen for those items. If they find disallowed items, the items will be confiscated and given back at the end of the cruise.
If you are stopping at St Thomas, get over to St John's for the day. Trunk Bay is the easiest place to visit there and it is beautiful.
Disney is extremely unusual among cruise lines in allowing you to bring your own alcoholic beverages onto the ship. Bottles must be sealed and they must be in your carry-on luggage. You can take a soft-sided cooler full of beverages on board, but no hard-sided or wheeled coolers.
Disney does not allow beverages such as bottled water or alcoholic beverages in checked bags, because checked baggage is stacked up and handled roughly during the loading process, which could cause liquids to break and/or leak onto other people's luggage. They do screen for those items. If they find disallowed items, the items will be confiscated and given back at the end of the cruise.
If you are stopping at St Thomas, get over to St John's for the day. Trunk Bay is the easiest place to visit there and it is beautiful.
Thanks for some of the replies! I am taking my two kids, 5 and 2. So I understand it's not adult oriented. We will be stopping at San Juan, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay.
I didn't know I could bring alcohol. If I have two or three carry-ons, would that be two or three bottles?
I didn't know I could bring alcohol. If I have two or three carry-ons, would that be two or three bottles?
I went on one four years ago and got sick as a dog
several hundred people got sick, in fact. They closed down all of the self serve and only allowed staff to serve. I spent two days in the room and could hardly walk. I really should have sued them. This was before this started to be publicized.
They just started to use some kind of environmentally correct water treatment in the onboard pools. As you know, kids aren't great about NOT using the pool as their bathroom. The water was green (mix of blue water and yellow "additives"). I suspect I, and others, got sick in their.
The only other cruise I was ever on was out of NYC to Bermuda. There, the line got bought the week before and the entire staff told they were being laid off at the end. So, service was kind of unenthusiastic, to say the least. We hit a storm with 30 foot swells so everyone was sea sick (except me).
needless to say, I won't be cruising anytime soon.
several hundred people got sick, in fact. They closed down all of the self serve and only allowed staff to serve. I spent two days in the room and could hardly walk. I really should have sued them. This was before this started to be publicized.
They just started to use some kind of environmentally correct water treatment in the onboard pools. As you know, kids aren't great about NOT using the pool as their bathroom. The water was green (mix of blue water and yellow "additives"). I suspect I, and others, got sick in their.
The only other cruise I was ever on was out of NYC to Bermuda. There, the line got bought the week before and the entire staff told they were being laid off at the end. So, service was kind of unenthusiastic, to say the least. We hit a storm with 30 foot swells so everyone was sea sick (except me).
needless to say, I won't be cruising anytime soon.
I believe the rule is it needs to be in it's own...
soft sided cooler that you carry with you.
I have been on several cruises and really there was nothing like this last one on Disney.
I recommend getting in on the early dining time (5:45 I believe) and see the show after dinner.
We enjoyed the "D-Lounge" which is a kids lounge with game shows and karaoke in the evenings although the karaoke constantly being Let It Go was somewhat annoying.
I have no recommendations for your ports. Didn't go to any but Castaway Cay. Bring your own goggles and snorkle equip,
LdN
soft sided cooler that you carry with you.
I have been on several cruises and really there was nothing like this last one on Disney.
I recommend getting in on the early dining time (5:45 I believe) and see the show after dinner.
We enjoyed the "D-Lounge" which is a kids lounge with game shows and karaoke in the evenings although the karaoke constantly being Let It Go was somewhat annoying.
I have no recommendations for your ports. Didn't go to any but Castaway Cay. Bring your own goggles and snorkle equip,
LdN
We had a great experience last summer
Not sure that I have any tips other than to just enjoy. I guess, as with all things Disney, it pays to do a little homework in advance. Birnbaum's Unofficial Guide to Disney is a great source of info for Disney vacations, including the cruises. The website associated with that guide, www.touringplans.com is well worth the $8 or so for a year-long subscription.
One tip, if you can call it a tip, is to take the time to get to know your room attendant and your wait staff. One, because they all seem to have interesting life stories to tell, and two, they may just spread some extra Disney magic your way. (Example from the parks -- chatting up a concierge got me a free upgrade to a concierge-level suite at Wilderness Lodge once.)
Not sure that I have any tips other than to just enjoy. I guess, as with all things Disney, it pays to do a little homework in advance. Birnbaum's Unofficial Guide to Disney is a great source of info for Disney vacations, including the cruises. The website associated with that guide, www.touringplans.com is well worth the $8 or so for a year-long subscription.
One tip, if you can call it a tip, is to take the time to get to know your room attendant and your wait staff. One, because they all seem to have interesting life stories to tell, and two, they may just spread some extra Disney magic your way. (Example from the parks -- chatting up a concierge got me a free upgrade to a concierge-level suite at Wilderness Lodge once.)
There were a lot of couples without kids on our trip. The service and food are top notch. Castaway Cay is awesome. Tip: spend 1/2 the day with kids on beach and then check them in (they have babysitting activities) and go to the 18yr/plus beach.
Recently traveled on the Disney Magic to the western Carib. Fantasy is about twice as large. Went on the Magic to your ports of call many years ago, so keep that in mind.
St. Maarten was very nice. We took a snorkeling excursion. Your kids sound a bit young for that, but that's up to you. We walked around the port area, wandered into a restaurant and casino and made a deposit. Walked the main beach area, which was nice. Since it's Dutch/French, there will be some topless sunbathing.
St. Thomas excursions were a bit expensive, so the wife and I spent the afternoon walking/eating/drinking in Charlotte Amalie. We took a cab over to the Marriott and swam. Probably would follow the earlier advice about taking off for St. John.
Castaway Cay is the highlight of most Disney cruises. Your 5 year old should have a blast. Hope it's warm enough. When we were there in December, it was chilly for swimming. One word of warning about CC and traveling on the Fantasy/Dream: With that amount of passengers, CC can get very busy, ESPECIALLY if both dock together. That seems unlikely, but it does occasionally happen. My point is that if you want a specific activity/excursion, you should book it as soon as you know. Even if the Fantasy is docking solo, you still have thousands of people competing for those slots. (This advice goes for your other ports of call as well.) Your 5 year old might like the stingray area/activity. Food there is so-so. If you are a runner and time isn't an issue with you day's activities, run in the 5k -- everyone gets a medal -- just be warned it's the same medal you can win repeatedly on the ship.
As far as the ship, I cannot speak to the Fantasy. Our family enjoyed some of the nightly shows, but not all. I would think in your situation, you might enjoy the earlier dinner seating. Also, get ready to unplug from the Internet, as access was cost prohibitive (IMO). If you need it, do it, but I didn't need it that badly. Some of the activities were quite fun, including an Amazing Race like scavenger hunt. We also all enjoyed bingo. Some of the jackpots can get quite high, so good luck on that account. They don't like to bring too much cash back to port, so if you play a few times you get a discount on the final jackpot game. You could win thousands. Most of the early, prior jackpots can run $50-a few hundred, depending on the # of winners.
Most of all, as stated above, just have fun. Your family will thank you repeatedly, I hope.
St. Maarten was very nice. We took a snorkeling excursion. Your kids sound a bit young for that, but that's up to you. We walked around the port area, wandered into a restaurant and casino and made a deposit. Walked the main beach area, which was nice. Since it's Dutch/French, there will be some topless sunbathing.
St. Thomas excursions were a bit expensive, so the wife and I spent the afternoon walking/eating/drinking in Charlotte Amalie. We took a cab over to the Marriott and swam. Probably would follow the earlier advice about taking off for St. John.
Castaway Cay is the highlight of most Disney cruises. Your 5 year old should have a blast. Hope it's warm enough. When we were there in December, it was chilly for swimming. One word of warning about CC and traveling on the Fantasy/Dream: With that amount of passengers, CC can get very busy, ESPECIALLY if both dock together. That seems unlikely, but it does occasionally happen. My point is that if you want a specific activity/excursion, you should book it as soon as you know. Even if the Fantasy is docking solo, you still have thousands of people competing for those slots. (This advice goes for your other ports of call as well.) Your 5 year old might like the stingray area/activity. Food there is so-so. If you are a runner and time isn't an issue with you day's activities, run in the 5k -- everyone gets a medal -- just be warned it's the same medal you can win repeatedly on the ship.
As far as the ship, I cannot speak to the Fantasy. Our family enjoyed some of the nightly shows, but not all. I would think in your situation, you might enjoy the earlier dinner seating. Also, get ready to unplug from the Internet, as access was cost prohibitive (IMO). If you need it, do it, but I didn't need it that badly. Some of the activities were quite fun, including an Amazing Race like scavenger hunt. We also all enjoyed bingo. Some of the jackpots can get quite high, so good luck on that account. They don't like to bring too much cash back to port, so if you play a few times you get a discount on the final jackpot game. You could win thousands. Most of the early, prior jackpots can run $50-a few hundred, depending on the # of winners.
Most of all, as stated above, just have fun. Your family will thank you repeatedly, I hope.
Re: 5 & 2 is way too early for a disney cruise. 5 won't appreciate it,
The 5 yo will absolutely appreciate and love it. I never understood why people always tslk about kids remembering trips and how that is a deciding factor on why not to go. If my kids have fun on a trip or doing an activity why do they need to remember it? Them having a blast at any age is more than worth it. Also, just a side note but do people really go on vacation with their kids and then use these babysitting services? The most important part of our family vacations is spending time with our kids. Maybe I am in the minority.
The 5 yo will absolutely appreciate and love it. I never understood why people always tslk about kids remembering trips and how that is a deciding factor on why not to go. If my kids have fun on a trip or doing an activity why do they need to remember it? Them having a blast at any age is more than worth it. Also, just a side note but do people really go on vacation with their kids and then use these babysitting services? The most important part of our family vacations is spending time with our kids. Maybe I am in the minority.
Aside from the noted, enjoy Cookie's BBQ af Castaway Cay. Find out what time the kid's favorite characters will be signing autos at CC. Beware the tides at CC, you can go in at 3' off the beach, and if the tide comes in it quickly becomes 21 - 24' feet deep. If you snorkel, rent at least a 1/2 wet suit, and take an underwater camera or 2 the fish are incredible. Do not wear a shiny watch as barracuda and small sharks can slip through the safety net. There are mab made pods at intervals where you can film the fish.
Beware the beggars, hair twisters and face painters. They're all drunks. If it's on your tour, take the kids to Atlantis, awesome things to do and Aquarium. If one of you watch the kids, the other can go into the casino, the machines are loose, guaranteed you will win something (my wife won $240 American on a 20 buck investment).
If you stay at Disney prior to the trip, don't forget to swim with the Sharks at Blizzard Beach. A lifeguard will sim the 2 year old through.
If you smoke or rub snuff, make sure you take enough. Snuff is like 7 bucks a can in the Bahamas.
Beware the beggars, hair twisters and face painters. They're all drunks. If it's on your tour, take the kids to Atlantis, awesome things to do and Aquarium. If one of you watch the kids, the other can go into the casino, the machines are loose, guaranteed you will win something (my wife won $240 American on a 20 buck investment).
If you stay at Disney prior to the trip, don't forget to swim with the Sharks at Blizzard Beach. A lifeguard will sim the 2 year old through.
If you smoke or rub snuff, make sure you take enough. Snuff is like 7 bucks a can in the Bahamas.
I agree with your last point...
I never understood it.
Kids only enhance your life if you enjoy it with them.
LdN
I never understood it.
Kids only enhance your life if you enjoy it with them.
LdN
I don't plan on using the babysitting services. I understand those who do, but I don't know if my wife would do that. We will also have a set of grandparents, I am sure they would prefer to be with them there.
Similar threads
