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Magically Speaking > Archives > Ask Magically Speaking
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Ask Magically Speaking In each issue we like to answer questions from you. Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths that who would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com. Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the May 19, 2008 issue Q. My family is in the planning stages for a November 2009 cruise. I have a couple questions I know you can answer. Can you tell me what we would be missing out on if we took a four-night cruise as opposed to a seven? We are a family of six – what would be the best deal for our money as far as rooms go? If you have any other cruise tips you'd like to pass on, they would be appreciated. Thank you for all your great information and fun. (Submitted by Charlotte) A. Hi Charlotte. We hope you are getting lots of cruise tips from this special edition of Magically Speaking. A three- or four-night cruise is a good introduction to cruises in general, and a way to find out if you actually like cruising. If you've never sailed previously, it's a good idea to take a short cruise. That way, you can see if it's something you want to do for a longer period of time, because it's not like you can hop in the car and go home halfway through. After sailing for a couple of days, you can quickly determine whether or not you want to cruise again, and if so, whether you want another short cruise, or want to try a longer one. The three-night cruise has no sea days (meaning an entire day spent just at sea); it's enough time to get a good idea of whether you like cruising, to explore the ship a bit, and to hit the "main attractions" on the ship. The downside to a three-night cruise is that by the time you get comfortable, it might be time to go home (or to decide to book your next Disney cruise!). A four-night cruise on DCL adds a day at sea (with exception of the cruises in summer 2008, where they will be making two calls at Castaway Cay). On a four-night cruise, you'll have more time to explore all the ship has to offer. What you're missing on the four-night cruise compared with a seven-night cruise is more time to relax, enjoy the beauty and amenities of the ship, and visit more ports of call. As to cabins, a balcony (verandah) is desirable for a longer cruise, as you are actually in your cabin quite a bit. For a shorter cruise, you may not be in your cabin for much more than sleeping (and the complimentary room service!). All cruise ships have strict cabin occupancy standards and infants do count toward occupancy. Not all cabins on cruise ships accommodate four people, nor do all cabins have connecting doors to adjacent cabins. Luckily, cruises are different from land vacations in that you book a specific stateroom, providing it is available. This means for larger families and those who want more than one room, you want to book early to (1) get the best price and (2) get that very important cabin assignment with the connecting door. Cruise ships have various categories: Suites, Balconies, Window (or "outside" cabins), and Inside. Your basic bare-bones inside cabin on DCL will accommodate three or four people (bed configuration permitting – not all cabins accommodate four). These are your Category 12 and 11 cabins, and connecting doors are not available. DCL also offers a Category 10 Deluxe Inside Stateroom, which has the split bath (unique to DCL and in all categories from 1 through 10). The Category 10 cabins are a bit larger than the Category 11 & 12 cabins. For a window, you need Category 8 & 9. These are the same size cabins, but located in different places on the ship. For families who need two cabins, the Category 9 and 10 options are a viable option, as many of these cabins connect. Category 7 cabins have an enclosed verandah and only accommodate three people. Category 5 & 6 cabins are also the same size, but located in different locations on the ship (with the Category 5s up higher.) Disney has a Category 4 Deluxe Family Stateroom accommodating five people; they are on deck 8. Categories 1-3 are suites on DCL, and usually book rather quickly. In most cases, suites are not an economical option for sailing on DCL. For six people, you will need two cabins, or one two-bedroom suite. The only way to find out the best deal for you is to get pricing. Cruise pricing changes frequently, and the more full a ship becomes, the more expensive the cabin. So get some prices and book early; DCL is imposing a fuel surcharge at the end of May and you want to have your deposits made prior to that time or your cruise will cost significantly more. Whatever you decide the best cruise options are for your family, we wish you a great vacation! Q. We'll be taking the Disney Cruise the second week of October. We have five traveling, ages 61, 40, 17, 14, and 9. I have no idea what to pack! Help! (Submitted by Sherry) A. The Disney Cruise Line offers a casual, informal atmosphere. During the summer months, lightweight shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans, and tops are all appropriate daytime attire in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and central Florida. In the winter, a light jacket, sweater, and socks may be needed for cooler days and nights. You may also need a sweater, jacket, or shawl in the air conditioning of the ship. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes that are appropriate for your activities: you don't want to be doing an active shore excursion in flip flops. Clothing that can multi-task is important during the age of limited luggage on aircraft. Laundry facilities are available on board, so it is possible to pack lightly and wear the same thing twice. (Tips: Bring your own dryer sheets and save some money. Also, the laundry room is typically closed while in port.) Shipboard evening attire depends on that night's dining theme. On the three- and four-night cruises on the Wonder, there's a Dress-up Night, where jackets and ties for men and dresses and nice pantsuits for women are recommended. (Please check the dress code requirements in the above the Palo article for what to bring if you want to dine there.) On other nights, a button-down, open-collar shirt or polo shirt, and slacks are recommended for men. Slacks and a blouse or a casual dress are appropriate for ladies. Disney Cruise Line requests that no shorts, T-shirts, or jeans be worn in any of the restaurants in the evening (although we've seen much more casual attire in all of the non-Palo restaurants at dinner). DCL has a dining FAQ you may want to consult as well. Aboard the seven-night Caribbean cruises there are two evening dinners that require more formal or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance for these special dinners, but a suit or jacket and tie is appropriate as well. Ladies will not be out of place in cocktail dresses or sequin blouses and dressy slacks. Also, currently on all DCL cruises there's a Pirates IN the Caribbean Party. Many people dress up and wear their best pirate attire – but you will be fine if you decide to wear your regular clothes. There are many photo opportunities on the ship too, so if you're looking for a special family photo with everyone dressed up this is the place. Since you will not have your luggage immediately upon boarding, it is suggested that you bring the following items with you on the ship:
Never bring knives, pocket tools, and other weapons or potential weapons; coolers; food (especially fruits or vegetables); plants or plant material. These items will be confiscated. It's your vacation, so be comfortable. And have a wonderful cruise – it's the perfect multi-generational vacation.
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