|
We've never been on a cruise. What do we need to know?
First, relax -- that's the point of your vacation. With Disney Cruise Line, you'll find your ticketing, air transportation, and transfers (if you choose our Air Program), your stateroom accommodations, and
meals and entertainment on board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack -- and you don't
need to bring much, because the atmosphere is casual and informal. And if necessary, you can purchase almost anything you need right on board. |
| Top of Page |
Should I buy travel insurance?
We strongly recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacations Protection Plan that provides
baggage, trip cancellation/interruption, and medical expense coverage for your vacation. Remember,
most major medical policies do not provide coverage outside the U.S. See Terms and Conditions section
for details. |
| Top of Page |
What documentation do I need to bring?
Effective January 31, 2008, all Guests must provide proper citizenship documentation in order to sail on a
Disney cruise. Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding.
All Guests claiming U.S. citizenship, including children, must present one of the following as proof of U.S.
citizenship:
-
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
-
Original state issued birth certificate and guests 18 years must present a photo ID issued by a local,
state or federal government agency
-
Original certificate of naturalization and guests 18 years and older must present a photo ID issued
by a local, state or federal government agency
-
Original certificate of citizenship and guests 18 years and older must present a photo ID issued by a
local, state or federal government agency
At Disney Cruise Line®, ask that Guests provide their passport number at least 75 days prior to the start
of their vacation by visiting www.disneycruise.com and selecting My Disney Cruise and then My Online
Check-In. Please be aware that it is the Guest’s responsibility to acquire proper citizenship documentation (passport and/or green card). Those without proper documentation at time of departure will be denied
boarding.
Canadian Citizens
All Guests claiming Canadian citizenship must present one of the following as proof of Canadian citizenship
for each member of the party:
-
Valid, unexpired, Canadian passport
-
Original birth certificate and a picture ID issued by local or provincial government agency for Guests
18 and older
-
If the Guest lives and works in the United States and is a legal permanent resident, they must provide
a valid, unexpired, Permanent Resident Card, also known as the “Green Card” or “Alien Resident
Card (ARC).”
Copies of any of the above documents are not acceptable.
How to Get a Passport
-
-
Canadian Citizens – Visit the Passport Canada Web site at http://www.ppt.gc.ca or call toll free
at 1-800-567-6868
|
| Top of Page |
Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign currency?
Transactions aboard the ship are in U.S. dollars. In The Bahamas and the Caribbean, U.S. dollars and
major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. But you won't need to bring much cash (except
for shore side purchases), because Disney Cruise Line has a convenient "cash-free" system on board
the ship. When you arrive at the Walt Disney World® Resort or at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at
Port Canaveral, your signature will be requested for check-in. At this time you may also present a
credit card (American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, or The Disney Credit Card), which will give
you charging privileges at both the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard the ship. Any purchases
on the ship, including beverage services, spa, salon services, photography, medical and laundry
services, purchases from our retail shops, gratuities, and any item or service of a personal nature
must be charged to your room charge.
All charges must be settled before your resort departure and debarkation from the ship by cash,
personal check, travelers checks, Disney Dollars, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or The Disney
Credit Card. (Any other expenses are payable on demand.) Note: Credit card payments are subject to
credit clearance, and personal checks must be accompanied by a valid U.S. driver's license and a major
credit card. |
| Top of Page |
What should I pack?
In short, the less the better. The Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line offer a casual,
informal resort 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. Bring comfortable
shoes -- like boat shoes, sandals, or sneakers. And don't forget swimwear, sunglasses, a sunhat or
visor, and sunscreen -especially for the kids.
Shipboard evening attire for the Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay dining rooms is casual. Button-down,
open-collar shirts or polo shirts and slacks are recommended for men. Pants and a blouse or a casual
dress are appropriate for ladies. For Lumière's and Triton's restaurants and our adults-only alternative
dinner restaurant, Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits.
We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts, or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening.
Aboard the 7-Night Caribbean Cruise there are two evening dinners that require more formal, or
"black-tie-optional", attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance for these special dinners.
For those Guests sailing on our 7-Night Cruise, we will celebrate the spirit of The Islands with a special
deck party. You are invited to join in the fun by wearing festive island wear including colorful shirts,
dresses, shorts, or pants.
Also remember to bring prescription medicines in original containers, an extra pair of glasses or contact
lenses, and your camera. Of course, if you do forget something, you can buy it on board. Please note
that strollers are available for rental on board. |
| Top of Page |
How about golf?
During your Walt Disney World stay, you can tee off at any of five championship golf courses. If you
would like information on greens fees, tee times, or tournament information, please call the Master
Starter at (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or fax (407) 824-3704. |
| Top of Page |
We'd love to have a Disney wedding -- how do we arrange it?
Congratulations -- you couldn't pick a more perfect way to celebrate your marriage! All you have to do
is call (407) 828-3400 for information on Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings at the Walt Disney World Resort.
They'll help you make your wedding dreams come true. |
| Top of Page |
Can I park at Port Canaveral?
The parking facility is operated by the Canaveral Port Authority. Cash is the only acceptable form of
payment. Credit cards and personal checks will not be accepted. Outdoor parking at the pier is $21
for the3-Night Cruise, $28 for the 4-Night Cruise, and $49 for the 7-Night Cruise. Rates are subject to change. |
| Top of Page |
Can I call home from the ship?
You can direct-dial anywhere in the world right from your stateroom. Ship-to-shore rates apply and
will be posted in your stateroom. |
| Top of Page |
What's an assembly drill -- and do I have to go?
Everyone on board the ship must participate in a compulsory safety drill before departure to comply
with Coast Guard and international safety regulations. All passengers are required to attend. |
| Top of Page |
There's so much to do on the ship! How will I know what's going on and when?
On your cruise, you can Discover Uncharted Magic of your own. A complete listing of all activities,
adventures, and entertainment will be available upon arrival in your stateroom. Guest Services and the programming counselors will be happy to assist you in developing a customized itinerary for your
one-of-a-kind voyage. |
| Top of Page |
Is there child care on board?
Of course! Supervised children's programs and activities are available on the ship from 9:00 a.m. to
midnight for children ages 3-12. Children must be age 3 and potty trained in order to participate.
Parents sign their children in and out of the programs. Events have been designed for teens as well,
ages 13-17. Teens do not need to be signed in and out by parents. There is no additional charge for
these planned events. Group babysitting is available for a fee and is subject to availability. |
| Top of Page |
Can I work away from home? (Business services)
We know how important it is for business people, even when they are on vacation, to keep in touch
with responsibilities at the office. You'll find a full range of business services at the Walt Disney World
Resort and on board the ship available for an additional charge, including facsimile transmission, copies,
and AV equipment when booked prior to embarkation. On the ship, ship-to-shore calling rates apply. |
| Top of Page |
What is rotation dining?
Cruises are famous for great food, but only Disney Cruise Line features three spectacular main
restaurants where dining is a total artistic experience: Animator’s Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumière’s
(Disney Magic), and Triton’s (Disney Wonder).
Each evening of the cruise, Guests will rotate to one of the three restaurants and dine with the same
table Guests and servers. |
| Top of Page |
What time is dinner?
Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You should inform your Travel Agent of your seating time
preference when you book your vacation. No requests are guaranteed. Generally, adults without
children will dine with other adults while families dine with other families. Children's menus are available
in the restaurants. In addition, a dinner buffet will be offered for children who participate in the
supervised programs during the dinner hour. Times subject to change. |
| Top of Page |
What should I wear to dinner?
The attire in Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay is casual -- open-collar shirts and slacks or men and
pants and a blouse or a casual dress for ladies. In Lumière's, Triton's, and Palo, it is suggested that
men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts ,or
jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening. We request that swimsuits not be worn in the
dining rooms. During the 7-Night Caribbean Cruise, two special evening dinners require more formal,
or "black-tie-optional", attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance. |
| Top of Page |
Is there a romantic restaurant just for adults?
The ship features an adults-only alternative restaurant called Palo. Dining hours for Palo are 6 - 11 p.m. Reservations are required, and taken (once on board) on a first-come first-served basis. Palo dining is
limited to Guests 18 and older. There is a service charge of $5 per Guest for gratuities. |
| Top of Page |
What about breakfast, lunch, and snacks?
Breakfast and lunch are served in Parrot Cay, Lumière's, and Triton's. And there's an indoor/outdoor
buffet or casual poolside dining during breakfast and lunch. |
| Top of Page |
Is room service available?
Would you care for breakfast in bed or a sandwich at midnight? While on board, you can order room
service 24-hours a day. From 7 - 10 a.m., complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to
your stateroom upon request, with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. For Guests occupying
the Walter E. Disney Suite, Roy O. Disney Suite, and the 2-bedroom or 1-bedroom suites, a full
breakfast is served upon request from 7 - 10 a.m., with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. |
| Top of Page |
I’m on a special diet. Can I get it on board?
Low-sodium meals, Kosher meals, and certain other special diet-restricted meals will be available.
Dietary requests should be made at time of booking. At the Walt Disney World® Resort, certain dietary
needs may be accommodated at most full-service restaurants if requested 24-hours in advance. |
| Top of Page |
What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?
The drinking age aboard the ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right
to refuse sales and/or service to anyone. |
| Top of Page |
Do I need an electrical converter?
All stateroom outlets are 110V/60 Hz. Standard U.S. electrical appliances will work on board. There's
a hair dryer in every stateroom bathroom. |
| Top of Page |
What if I run out of film?
You won't because you can buy film at our photo shop, Shutters, which also offers photography
services and a limited selection of cameras and accessories. Of course, with so many exciting photo opportunities happening on board, you might wonder if you can cover it all. But don't feel pressured to
keep your camera handy. Our photographers will wander the ship, putting your fun and excitement on
film. You'll find their photos displayed for purchase at the photo shop. Film and quality photo finishing
services are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. |
| Top of Page |
What can we buy?
Lots! You'll have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Disney Cruise Line logo merchandise available
onboard and nowhere else. From beautiful clothes to towels to fine watches -- this is your chance to
keep the memories alive long after your cruise. You'll also find unique and exclusive Disney collectibles,
and if someone forgets their toothpaste or bathing suits -- we've got that, too! All this, and much more,
is available at the duty-free and retail shops of Disney Cruise Line. |
| Top of Page |
Is there a spa on the ship?
Disney Cruise Line offers one of the largest and most elaborate spa and fitness centers at sea, with
programs ranging from a simple facial to a full range of treatments to relax and refresh your body and
soul. Spa, hair salon, massage, and beauty shop charges are additional and may be charged to your
room charge. |
| Top of Page |
Is there laundry service?
Laundry services are available at your Walt Disney World hotel and we suggest you take advantage of
them if you have a lot of laundry to do during your stay. On board, laundry and dry-cleaning services
(with stateroom pickup) are available for a charge. There is also a self-service Guest Laundry Room
with coin-operated washers, dryers, detergent, and ironing equipment. For safety reasons, irons or
steamers may be used in the laundry room only. |
| Top of Page |
Is there a doctor in the house?
For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24-hours a day on every cruise to provide
basic medical services. The physician and nurse will charge their standard prevailing fees for these
services. Also, please bring an adequate supply of any prescription drugs (in their original containers)
you require and keep them in your carry-on luggage. |
| Top of Page |
Can I bring visitors on board the ship?
Sorry, but for security and safety reasons, we can't allow any visitors aboard. |
| Top of Page |
Are there limits to the amount of merchandise that I may bring into the U.S.
from The Bahamas duty-free?
You'll find lots of exciting duty-free shopping right on board in our shops as well as on shore in Nassau.
Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line returning from The Bahamas to the U.S. can bring back
up to U.S. $600 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price) per guest. Each guest 21 years old and
older is limited to (2) liters of alcohol (of which one (1) liter must be produced in The Bahamas) and
one (1) carton of cigarettes and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars) duty free. U.S. manufactured
tobacco products that are purchased abroad may not be brought back into the U.S. These limits are
mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change. |
| Top of Page |
Are there limits to the amount of merchandise that I may bring into the U.S.
from the Caribbean duty-free?
There sure is. Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line returning from the Caribbean to the U.S.
can bring back up to U.S. $1,200 per traveler (that includes up to $400 worth of on-ship purchases
and up to $600 of purchases in The Bahamas). Each guest 21 years old and older is limited to:
(5) liters of alcohol (Only (1) liter can be acquired in The Bahamas or on the ship); 5 cartons of
cigarettes (only one carton allowed from The Bahamas or from the ship); 100 cigars (excluding
Cuban cigars). U.S. manufactured tobacco products that are purchased abroad may not be brought
back into the U.S. These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change. |
| Top of Page |
How do I declare purchases with U.S. customs?
You must fill out a U.S. Customs Declaration, delivered to your stateroom the night before the cruise
ends, even if you have nothing to declare or haven't gone over the allowance; one form per family with
same last name and submit it to U.S. Customs upon debarkation. Payment for duty can be made in cash
or personal checks only. All articles must be declared. This includes articles purchased in The Bahamas,
the Caribbean, on the ship, gifts presented to you onboard and duty-free items on and off the ship. |
| Top of Page |
Help! I’m really confused about tipping!
We'll make it easy. Of course, you should never feel that a reward is automatically expected from you.
But it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of service, which you will most likely be treated to in abundance aboard the ship. As a guideline, may we suggest the following: |
| |
|
Per Guest per cruise |
|
3-night |
4-night |
7-night |
| Dining Room Server |
$10.50 |
$14.00 |
$24.50 |
| Dining Room Asst. Server |
$7.50 |
$10.00 |
$17.50 |
| Dining Room Head Server |
$2.50 |
$3.50 |
$6.00 |
| Stateroom Host/Hostess |
$10.50 |
$14.00 |
$24.50 |
| Dining Manager |
Your Discretion |
| Room Service |
Your Discretion |
|
For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs.
All gratuities can be charged to your room charge.
At the Walt Disney World Resort, 15% is the customary gratuity at restaurants and bars. |
| Top of Page |
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or other special occasion, please have
your travel agent advise us of such occasions at least three weeks prior to departure. We will be happy
to celebrate the occasion in the dining rooms. We offer a great variety of fun-filled baskets, merchandise,
and other goodies that will get your cruise off to a perfect start. We'll be happy to send you a brochure
listing all these items with your tickets. Then just follow the instructions and a basket full of fun will be waiting for you in your stateroom! |
| Top of Page |
Will we get to see Disney Characters on board?
We thought you'd never ask! On board, the beloved Disney Characters appear like magic in an array of different settings including lively stage shows, plenty of meet and greet and photo opportunities, and
other special programs, especially in kids' areas at Disney's Oceaneer Club and on Castaway Cay. These
are magical moments to remember forever -- only on Disney Cruise Line! |
| Top of Page |
Babysitting
Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks to 3 years old in Flounder's Reef Nursery, located
on Deck 5, Midship. Guests must sign up their children between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on embarkation
day. There is a fee of $6 per child per hour, and $5per additional child per hour, 2-hour minimum
required. The facility will be open daily. Rates and times subject to change. Services are subject to availability. Please note: All children 3 (and potty trained) to 12 years old are welcome to join us. For
the safety and enjoyment of all, our operation has been designed for children to participate in age
appropriate groups which allows them to interact both socially and comfortably with peers of their own
age and size. Unfortunately we are unable to provide one on one care. |
| Top of Page |
| From the Walt Disney World Resort
Take I-4 East to State Road 528 East ( Beeline Expressway ). Continue on State Road 528 over the
Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401 which will loop and head north over
the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the directional signs to Cruise Terminal 8. |
| Top of Page |
| From South Florida
From I-95 North, take Exit #77 East. Continue on over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right
onto State Road 401 which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane
and follow the directional signs to Cruise Terminal 8. |
| Top of Page |
| From North Florida
From I-95 South, take Exit #77 for State East ( Beeline Expressway ). Note that you will pass the
Westbound 528 exit for the Orlando International Airport a few miles prior to Exit #77. Continue on over
the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401 which will loop and head north
over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the directional signs to Cruise Terminal 8. |
| Top of Page |
| |
