Disney Safari

Disney cruise — did you like your cabin? Any late reservations available?

We’re planning on a cruise in Jan. 08 and according to Disney the cabins with windows are already booked unless you choose the most pricey deluxe cabin (a couple thousand more) than we planned to spend.

I love the Disney Cruises, they are fantastic and with the kids clubs, they have a ball. I don’t have any kids and generally go by myself and I still love the cruise, they are perfect for adults as well. There will be plenty that you can do as a family and also plenty you can do on your own…. Anyhow, it seems you already know Disney is what you want to stick with, so I don’t think you need any more info on that. So, to answer your questions:

The porthole/window rooms are nice. On Disney, there are only two different options for a porthole window and the price difference doesn’t add to be that much. So, it sounds like you may be looking at a room with a verandah, which would be category 7, 6, etc. The only porthole rooms are categories 8 and 9. The main difference is the location the ship. So first, I would check to see what rooms you are actually pricing, perhaps you are finding a verandah instead of just an oceanview room. Verandahs are great, I always choose a verandah just because it is so relaxing, and an especially nice place for the adults to go and be alone. So, if you are looking at a verandah room, that would explain the large difference in cost.

You may want to check if Disney has any guarantee rooms available. If they do, you would book a room in a particular category that is sold out. Disney plans on people cancelling or changing their cruise, so they expect you to get a room in the category you paid for. If they don’t have a room come available, then you would be upgraded to the next available category. You could pay for an oceanview room and end up a verandah room. It’s a great deal, if you don’t mind not being able to pick the room you will be in, it is a great way to go. In some cases you may not get upgraded, but several times you will be able to get a nice upgrade.

Now, I think your best bet is going to be to check with a travel agent. A lot of times they offer group rates in which they reserve rooms for a particular cruise. More often than not, you will be able to get a lower rate with a travel agent and plus you may get a few extra benefits. I always use an agent, even after going on so many cruises and so many Disney cruises. It is just more convenient and often saves you money. So, you should definitely look into using an agent. There is a good chance you will find a room available this way.

Now, if you are more flexible with your dates, this would be even better. You could find a cruise that would offer the room you are looking at. Also, with Disney, the further out you book, the more you save with Disney. Disney raises prices as their ships fill. So, if you are looking at a popular cruise, then you could be paying rates in the higest tier. So, that would be a way to save more money.

As far as the rooms, it really just depends on your personal preference. Personally, I always go with a verandah. I like having the option of going out and looking at the water, in my own private space, not being around other people, or on a noisy deck, or possibly being around smoke, or anything like that. A lot of times, I will get room service and eat on my verandah, it is very nice and very relaxing. I always start my morning out with a cup of coffee on the verandah, sometimes with my breakfast and always end the day out there out way. There is no better way to start and finish the day, in my opinion. I also like being able to get some fresh air in the room.

The oceanview rooms are nice because you are able to see the water right out your window all the time. I also feel that it helps to open up the room some more. Cruise staterooms can be small and very compact, especially if you will be going with several people. Even if the window doesn’t give you anymore square feet, it brings light into the room and allows you to see out and it just feels larger. Plus, you are able to see what time of day it is, the ports as you approach them, etc. Now, if you don’t plan to spend much time in the room, then the porthole may not be a good upgrade for you and will allow you to save more money and use it on shore excursions, and other purchases. Some people leave early in the morning and get back late at night, so when they are in the room it is too dark to see the water anyway. If you are one of those people, then you would probably like an inside room just as well.

Now, the inside rooms are okay. But, you have to consider that you won’t have anyway to look outside while in your room for the whole cruise. This can make the room darker (most people bring a night light, especially for young kids or leave the bathroom light on) This can make it a little harder to get up in the morning, you may sleep in, etc. Also, when you are in the room, it can make it seem a little smaller than with a window. People that don’t spend a lot of time in the room find them to be just fine, basically just there for sleeping and getting ready for the day, the show, etc. It is a great way to save money. As long as it is big enough in size for you, it should be fine, if you don’t think the window is worth it for you.

I hope this answers your questions. If you have any others, need tips, etc. please feel free to e-mail me. I cruise all the time and have been on Disney many, many times over the years and I love to help.

I’ve included a few links to some info that may help you as well.

Good luck with your planning.

BIRNBAUM Guides 2012 DISNEY CRUISE LINE Book ~ OFFICIAL Guide ~ NEW ~ FreeShip $0.99

Handmade Disney Character Autograph Book & Adjustable Bag Scrapbook Cruise TTS $15.00

Birnbaum Guides Disney Cruise Line 2009, Jill Safro, Good Condition, Book $3.85

Disney Cruise Line Panama Canal Book August 2008 LE Pin $6.00

Disney Cruise Line Panama Canal Book May 2008 LE Pin $6.00

Disney LE Nightmare Before Christmas JACK Skellington Wreath Monster Pin NBC $14.99

3 RARE AUST 1/- DISNEY COMICS DONALD DUCK FEBRUARY FUN G304 G332 G362 GOOD! $9.89

Winnie the Pooh and Friends Disney Art Poster 24×36 $31.99

DISNEYS, STITCH, PIN. (NEW). $17.35

Ero Travel Green Heart Disney Hard Case Back Cover For iPhone 4S 4 4G Xmas New $0.01

DISNEYS FAIRIES SPRING TIME IN PIXIE HOLLOW GAME…NEW $5.00

BNWT Disney Toy Story 3 red/grey short pyjamas woody motif age 2 3 5 6 years $9.46

BNWT Disney Toy Story 3 red/grey short pyjamas woody motif age 2 3 5 6 years $9.46

walt disney car pixar 2 MCQUEEN 5 wall stickers decal $29.90

Dell Four Color #874 Disney Old Ironsides Photo Cvr ’57 $35.00

Disney Trading Pins**Lot of 25 Pins** Free Shipping**Great Variety**No doubles $0.99

3 RARE AUST 1/- DISNEY COMICS DONALD DUCK ALBUM G196 G258 G395 60S GOOD-V GOOD!! $9.89

EXCLUSIVE DISNEY TANGLED RAPUNZEL PULL ALONG SUITCASE BAG BRAND NEW WITH TAG $63.18

Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Orlando ’96: Your Complete G 0679030808 $4.97

Disney Star Wars Weekend 2009 – Clone Wars Pin Set $49.99

Australian Walt Disney No.152 – Donald Duck 1959 Mouseketeer section $8.41

Disney’s Legend of Dick Turpin #1 1966 Dell Photo Cvr $13.00

Cinderella by Disney Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz Women NIB $16.05

Sleeping Beauty by Disney Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz Women NIB $16.05

DISNEY MATER’S CAR TUNES – NEW CD $8.47

Disney, Mickey Mouse Disneyland Pin, (Brand New 2010). $15.77

Summer 1978 DISNEYLAND Backstage Magazine Walt Disney Mickey Mouse 50th Bday $24.95

DISNEY MATER’S CAR TUNES – NEW CD $6.51

Australian Walt Disney No.72 – Donald Duck 1952 $12.37

DISNEY Mickey Mouse Ears * ANY YEAR * Paper Piece Die Cut Set 4 pc. SET# DSY-03 $1.25