Disney Cruise - Western Caribbean
At A Glance |
Shopping: 10
Family Friendly Activities: 10+++
Accommodations: 10
Cost/Value Ratio: 10
Dining: 10
Elegance /Upscale appeal: 10
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Old Orchard Beach - September
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Hyannis MA
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Unbiased Reviews
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Disney Cruise - Western
Caribbean Tips from 1/2007 Cruise:
- If you want a spa service or massage, book it in advance for
the Sea Days! My friend suggests the Private Time the first day
you arrive to put you in the "mood", I prefer the hot stone massage
(the therapist I spoke with concurred it was the best massage).
The rain forest is $15 a day and is a nice "sauna and steambath
experience" great for relaxing but I got more enjoyment and relaxation
from 15 minutes in the sun in the adults-only jacuzzi for free.
- If you are in Cat 3 or
higher - SEE PHOTOS, you will have "concierge" services,
let them know immediately your preferences. I didn't appreciate
cookies and sweets that were delivered to my room complimentary - right
before dinner, I let them know, and they delivered fruits and cheese
platters instead. I also didn't care for sodas and had them switch
them to bottled waters.
- Pin Trading, is a blast for the kids, they can trade with any
cruise officer or store clerk for any pin that they don't already have.
Visit the stores frequently as they are the easiest way to find pins to
trade prior to the "pin trading night" which is nice. Bring a
lanyard if this is your first trip or you can buy one on board.
- Sunscreens, bad for the environment but terribly convenient
the sprays are great, none of my kids liked the Banana Boat, they
preferred the CLEAR Panama Jack Spray (bring at least three as they
don't last long).
- Tipping - for a Family of Five, runs about $600, so be ready,
money flies on a Disney Cruise, they charge for EVERYTHING. Expect
to spend at least $1000 more on a 7 day cruise for drinks, extras and
tips.
- Googles and Masks - The pools are very chlorinated, bring eye
protection.
- Bring your own wine, not your own liquor: There
is NO way to buy nice wines inexpensively at ports, so if you stop at a
Publix before your trip, you can get nice wines (check out
www.kenswineguide.com for
ideas) so you can enjoy a glass on your veranda without spending $8 a
glass! On the other hand, duty-free liquors are inexpensive and readily
available at all ports.
- BEST TIP: Playa Mia Beach Break at Cozumel: We
did the Playa Mia Beach Break on our own and saved 50% with a family of
5 - it was easy and nicer (we thought) as we got of the ship when we
wanted and not when dictated by the shore excursion. We took a
taxi directly there (they are just waiting for you), then when we got
there, our kids 2 & 4 were no charge, and our six year old was only $12.
We did the "buffet and open bar" for $46 per adult but found it would
have been cheaper to pay just for entry ($12) as beer and drinks were
only $2-$3 and the food was reasonable as well. So if you are
drinking less than 9 drinks, it's a better deal to pay $12 to get in and
pay for drinks individually, the food is better when ordered
individually too rather than the food that comes with the excursion or
the "open bar - buffet". This is GREAT fun and easy to do, be
adventurous and save your money for more toys!
- In Mexico, you can barter, but don't go to each shop to look
for a better price as prices are "fixed" by unions. They
are happy to barter, but each shop has the same prices as the other.
- 7-Mile Beach - Cayman Islands: Know where you want to
go before you head on your cruise, if you have little ones, the beach is
great fun. The best part of the beach runs from the northern end
to the Cayman Club in the middle of the 7 mile beach. It's all
good! If you are alone or have adventurous children, Sting Ray City
is NOT t be missed.
- Pirate Soul and Shipwreck Historeum at Key West: Again
we highly recommend skipping the excursion and go yourself, you'll save
money and have your own schedule. It's an "okay" museum, our kids
under 6 were scared as were other "little girls" causing most families
with more timid children to exit rather early. We raced through
due to a nervous child and it took about 10 minutes. Then headed
to a beach.
- KEY WEST BEACHES: We were told "Fort Zachary Taylor" was the
best beach, it was beautiful but VERY rocky. Our 4 year old was
convinced the rocks were dinosour bones and spent hours finding the
"best bones".
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