The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2018
Published on 28. December 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
440 pages
978-1-62809-079-6 (ISBN)
Description
Your no-nonsense, consumer-oriented guide to Disney's Cruise Line
The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line by with Erin Foster, Laurel Stewart, and Ritchey Halphen describes the best of Disney's ships and itineraries, including a couple of stellar restaurants, top-notch children's activities, and Castaway Cay, one of the best vacation islands in the Caribbean.
The book also lists which on-board entertainment and restaurants should be skipped, including recommendations on what to do instead. Along the way, this indispensable travel companion shows how to save money; choose the right stateroom, ship, and itinerary; and get to and from the cruise with ease.
The guide also provides full coverage of the Disney-run European river cruises and includes itinerary and port guides.
The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line by with Erin Foster, Laurel Stewart, and Ritchey Halphen describes the best of Disney's ships and itineraries, including a couple of stellar restaurants, top-notch children's activities, and Castaway Cay, one of the best vacation islands in the Caribbean.
The book also lists which on-board entertainment and restaurants should be skipped, including recommendations on what to do instead. Along the way, this indispensable travel companion shows how to save money; choose the right stateroom, ship, and itinerary; and get to and from the cruise with ease.
The guide also provides full coverage of the Disney-run European river cruises and includes itinerary and port guides.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Birmingham, AL
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 204 mm
Width: 131 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-62809-079-6 (9781628090796)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Len Testa | Erin Foster | Laurel Stewart
The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2019
Book
01/2019
Unofficial Guides
€38.56
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition
Len Testa | Erin Foster | Laurel Stewart
The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2017
Book
12/2016
Unofficial Guides
€36.08
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Len Testa is the coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. He lives in Orlando, FL.
As a charter member of the official Walt Disney Parks Moms Panel, Erin Foster has researched and written answers to more than 10,000 guest questions about Disney travel. She lives in New York City.
Laurel Stewart manages operations and does business development for TouringPlans.com. She is also a contributing writer to the Unofficial Guide series. Before making the move to the travel industry, Laurel worked for a large Redmond, Washington-based software company. She lives in Orlando, FL.
Ritchey Halphen is a project editor at AdventureKEEN. His two decades of publishing experience include editing stints at Cooking Light, Southern Living, and Health magazines. He lives in Birmingham, AL.
As a charter member of the official Walt Disney Parks Moms Panel, Erin Foster has researched and written answers to more than 10,000 guest questions about Disney travel. She lives in New York City.
Laurel Stewart manages operations and does business development for TouringPlans.com. She is also a contributing writer to the Unofficial Guide series. Before making the move to the travel industry, Laurel worked for a large Redmond, Washington-based software company. She lives in Orlando, FL.
Ritchey Halphen is a project editor at AdventureKEEN. His two decades of publishing experience include editing stints at Cooking Light, Southern Living, and Health magazines. He lives in Birmingham, AL.
Content
List of Maps and Diagrams
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Introduction
About This Guide
Why "Unofficial"?
Disney Cruise Line: An Overview
Disney Cruise Line Is Expanding
Is Disney Cruise Line Right for Me?
DCL's Target Market
Competitors and Prices
Reassuring Words for Reluctant Cruisers
How to Contact the Authors
Reader Survey
PART ONE Dollars and Sense
What's Included in Your Disney Cruise Fare
Food
Entertainment and Activities
THE 10 BEST BANGS FOR YOUR BUCK (AND ONE FREEBIE) ON A DISNEY CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Kid Stuff
Miscellaneous
Cruising with Kids
Cruising Without Kids
Where to Find More Information
PART TWO Planning Your Cruise
Choosing an Itinerary
Itinerary Recommendations for First-Time Cruisers
General Recommendations
Saving Money
Surf and Turf, Disney-Style
Combining Your Cruise with a Walt Disney World Vacation
Combining Your Cruise with an Adventures by Disney Trip
Back-to-Back Cruising
The Booking Process
Getting Started
Deposit Terms and Cancellation Policies
Age Requirements for Booking
The DCL Planning Center
Other Prep Work
Packing
Electrical Outlets
Passports and Travel Documents
Credit Cards and Payment Methods
Health Insurance
Phone Service
Motion Sickness and Gastric Distress
A Word About the Weather
Castaway Club
PART THREE Staterooms
How Your Stateroom Category Affects the Price of Your Disney Cruise
Our Stateroom Recommendations
Cabin Appointments
Stateroom Categories
Concierge Level-What You Need to Know, and If It's Worth It
PART FOUR Arriving, Getting Your Sea Legs, and Departing
Transportation to Your Cruise
Choosing a Departure Port Based on Time and Money
Getting to and from the Port
The Day Before Your Cruise
Staying at a Local Hotel the Night Before
Get in the Boat, Men (and Women and Kids)!
Choosing a Boarding Time
Checking In at the Terminal Boarding the Ship
Your First Afternoon Aboard
The Lifeboat Drill
Bare Necessities
The Personal Navigator
Internet
Onboard Services
Airline Check-in for Sailings Ending at Port Canaveral
Laundry Services
Port Adventures
Health Services
Ship-to-Shore Calls
Transfer to Walt Disney World Hotels
Tipping
Checkout and Departure
Your Last Night on the Ship
Express Walk-Off
Breakfast on the Morning of Your Departure
Photo Purchases
US Customs Allowances
PART FIVE Special Tips for Special People
DCL for Singles
DCL "At Large"
DCL for Expectant Moms
DCL for Younger Children
DCL for Older Children
DCL for Seniors
Guests with Disabilities
Dietary Restrictions
Smoking On Board
Traveling with Medication
Friends of Bill W.
Friends of Dorothy
PART S I X The Ships at a Glance
Overview and Our Recommendations
DCL Cheat Sheet
Features Found on Every DCL Ship
Features Unique to Some Ships
Ranking the Ships
The Disney Magic
The Disney Wonder
The Disney Dream
The Disney Fantasy
On Deck: New Ships
PART SEVEN Dining
Noshes, Noshes Everywhere
Rotational Dining
DCL Restaurant Categories
Room Service
Theme Nights
Dining with Kids
Dress Code
Special Diets
Making Reservations
Full-Service Restaurants: Rated and Ranked
DCL ROTATIONAL RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
DCL ADULT-ONLY RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
Disney Magic Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
Disney Wonder Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
Disney Dream Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
Disney Fantasy Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
PART EIGHT Entertainment and Nightlife
Live Theater on the Ships
The Magic's Shows
The Wonder's Shows
The Dream's Shows
The Fantasy's Shows
Other Live Performances
Movies
Live Sports
Themed Events and Holiday Entertainment
Pirate Night
Frozen Days
Star Wars Days
Formal Night
Easter
Independence Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa
New Year's Eve
Nightclubs, Bars, Cafes, and Lounges
On the Magic
On the Wonder
On the Dream
On the Fantasy
PART NINE Activities, Recreation, and Shopping
Family Activities
Bingo
Deck Parties
Family Nightclubs
Sports and Fitness
Children's Programs and Activities
Special Considerations
DCL YOUTH CLUBS IN BRIEF
Youth Clubs
What Goes On in a Kids' Club?
Other Kids' Activities On Board
Children's Performance Opportunities
Children's Activities in Port
Children's Activities at Castaway Cay
Chill Spa for Teens
Where to Meet Characters
Pools and Water-Play Areas
The Magic's and Wonder's Pools
The Dream's Pools
The Fantasy's Pools
Onboard Seminars
Sports and Fitness
Spas
On the Magic and the Wonder
On the Dream and the Fantasy
Shopping
Onboard Shopping
Castaway Cay
In Port
Religious Services
PART TEN Castaway Cay
What to Bring
What to Do
Where to Relax
PART ELEVEN Ports
Alaska
Atlantic Canada
California Coast
Caribbean and Bahamas
Hawaii
Mediterranean
Mexico
Northern Europe, British Isles, and Norway
Panama Canal
Transatlantic
PART TWELVE Port Adventures
Finding Port Adventures
Evaluating a Port Adventure
20 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A PORT ADVENTURE
Booking Excursions on Your Own vs. Through Disney
Canceling a Port Adventure
Port Adventures on Castaway Cay
Bicycle Rentals
Boat Rentals
Castaway Cay 5K Run
Bottom Fishing
Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure
Float and Tube Rentals
Glass-Bottom-Boat Excursion
Parasailing
Snorkeling
Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure
Watercraft Ski Adventure
Nassau
A Note About Nassau Safety
Nassau Port Adventures
Our Suggestions Beyond Castaway Cay
Dolphin Encounters
Mayan Pyramids
Skagway, Alaska
Walking Tours
PART THIRTEEN River Cruising
River Cruising for Families
Excursions on an AbD River Cruise
Sample AbD River-Cruise Excursions
More Differences Between AbD River Cruising and DCL Ocean Cruising
Traveling with Adventures by Disney
Cost Considerations
DCL vs. AbD
AbD vs. Other River-Cruise Lines
What's Next for Disney and River Cruising?
Glossary
Itineraries Index
Subject Index
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Introduction
About This Guide
Why "Unofficial"?
Disney Cruise Line: An Overview
Disney Cruise Line Is Expanding
Is Disney Cruise Line Right for Me?
DCL's Target Market
Competitors and Prices
Reassuring Words for Reluctant Cruisers
How to Contact the Authors
Reader Survey
PART ONE Dollars and Sense
What's Included in Your Disney Cruise Fare
Food
Entertainment and Activities
THE 10 BEST BANGS FOR YOUR BUCK (AND ONE FREEBIE) ON A DISNEY CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Kid Stuff
Miscellaneous
Cruising with Kids
Cruising Without Kids
Where to Find More Information
PART TWO Planning Your Cruise
Choosing an Itinerary
Itinerary Recommendations for First-Time Cruisers
General Recommendations
Saving Money
Surf and Turf, Disney-Style
Combining Your Cruise with a Walt Disney World Vacation
Combining Your Cruise with an Adventures by Disney Trip
Back-to-Back Cruising
The Booking Process
Getting Started
Deposit Terms and Cancellation Policies
Age Requirements for Booking
The DCL Planning Center
Other Prep Work
Packing
Electrical Outlets
Passports and Travel Documents
Credit Cards and Payment Methods
Health Insurance
Phone Service
Motion Sickness and Gastric Distress
A Word About the Weather
Castaway Club
PART THREE Staterooms
How Your Stateroom Category Affects the Price of Your Disney Cruise
Our Stateroom Recommendations
Cabin Appointments
Stateroom Categories
Concierge Level-What You Need to Know, and If It's Worth It
PART FOUR Arriving, Getting Your Sea Legs, and Departing
Transportation to Your Cruise
Choosing a Departure Port Based on Time and Money
Getting to and from the Port
The Day Before Your Cruise
Staying at a Local Hotel the Night Before
Get in the Boat, Men (and Women and Kids)!
Choosing a Boarding Time
Checking In at the Terminal Boarding the Ship
Your First Afternoon Aboard
The Lifeboat Drill
Bare Necessities
The Personal Navigator
Internet
Onboard Services
Airline Check-in for Sailings Ending at Port Canaveral
Laundry Services
Port Adventures
Health Services
Ship-to-Shore Calls
Transfer to Walt Disney World Hotels
Tipping
Checkout and Departure
Your Last Night on the Ship
Express Walk-Off
Breakfast on the Morning of Your Departure
Photo Purchases
US Customs Allowances
PART FIVE Special Tips for Special People
DCL for Singles
DCL "At Large"
DCL for Expectant Moms
DCL for Younger Children
DCL for Older Children
DCL for Seniors
Guests with Disabilities
Dietary Restrictions
Smoking On Board
Traveling with Medication
Friends of Bill W.
Friends of Dorothy
PART S I X The Ships at a Glance
Overview and Our Recommendations
DCL Cheat Sheet
Features Found on Every DCL Ship
Features Unique to Some Ships
Ranking the Ships
The Disney Magic
The Disney Wonder
The Disney Dream
The Disney Fantasy
On Deck: New Ships
PART SEVEN Dining
Noshes, Noshes Everywhere
Rotational Dining
DCL Restaurant Categories
Room Service
Theme Nights
Dining with Kids
Dress Code
Special Diets
Making Reservations
Full-Service Restaurants: Rated and Ranked
DCL ROTATIONAL RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
DCL ADULT-ONLY RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
Disney Magic Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
Disney Wonder Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
Disney Dream Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
Disney Fantasy Dining
Counter-Service Restaurants
Full-Service Restaurants
PART EIGHT Entertainment and Nightlife
Live Theater on the Ships
The Magic's Shows
The Wonder's Shows
The Dream's Shows
The Fantasy's Shows
Other Live Performances
Movies
Live Sports
Themed Events and Holiday Entertainment
Pirate Night
Frozen Days
Star Wars Days
Formal Night
Easter
Independence Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa
New Year's Eve
Nightclubs, Bars, Cafes, and Lounges
On the Magic
On the Wonder
On the Dream
On the Fantasy
PART NINE Activities, Recreation, and Shopping
Family Activities
Bingo
Deck Parties
Family Nightclubs
Sports and Fitness
Children's Programs and Activities
Special Considerations
DCL YOUTH CLUBS IN BRIEF
Youth Clubs
What Goes On in a Kids' Club?
Other Kids' Activities On Board
Children's Performance Opportunities
Children's Activities in Port
Children's Activities at Castaway Cay
Chill Spa for Teens
Where to Meet Characters
Pools and Water-Play Areas
The Magic's and Wonder's Pools
The Dream's Pools
The Fantasy's Pools
Onboard Seminars
Sports and Fitness
Spas
On the Magic and the Wonder
On the Dream and the Fantasy
Shopping
Onboard Shopping
Castaway Cay
In Port
Religious Services
PART TEN Castaway Cay
What to Bring
What to Do
Where to Relax
PART ELEVEN Ports
Alaska
Atlantic Canada
California Coast
Caribbean and Bahamas
Hawaii
Mediterranean
Mexico
Northern Europe, British Isles, and Norway
Panama Canal
Transatlantic
PART TWELVE Port Adventures
Finding Port Adventures
Evaluating a Port Adventure
20 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A PORT ADVENTURE
Booking Excursions on Your Own vs. Through Disney
Canceling a Port Adventure
Port Adventures on Castaway Cay
Bicycle Rentals
Boat Rentals
Castaway Cay 5K Run
Bottom Fishing
Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure
Float and Tube Rentals
Glass-Bottom-Boat Excursion
Parasailing
Snorkeling
Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure
Watercraft Ski Adventure
Nassau
A Note About Nassau Safety
Nassau Port Adventures
Our Suggestions Beyond Castaway Cay
Dolphin Encounters
Mayan Pyramids
Skagway, Alaska
Walking Tours
PART THIRTEEN River Cruising
River Cruising for Families
Excursions on an AbD River Cruise
Sample AbD River-Cruise Excursions
More Differences Between AbD River Cruising and DCL Ocean Cruising
Traveling with Adventures by Disney
Cost Considerations
DCL vs. AbD
AbD vs. Other River-Cruise Lines
What's Next for Disney and River Cruising?
Glossary
Itineraries Index
Subject Index