I am an old Disneyland veteran and we're cruising for the first time this year with another family.

Of course, the moms are planning this so all the husbands and kids need to do is show up.

Mommies want an onboard massage. Is there an extra charge for this or is it included?

What will the weather be like on board and in port for December 31 - January 4th? We're taking the cruise to the Bahamas.

I know that all meals/refreshments are included, but is this all day long? And for anything our little hearts desire? Is there anything that ISN'T included?

And just how should we dress for dinner. Not sure if we plan to eat a Palo or not, but generally speaking, are meals business casual? Is dinner a bit more dressy?

What about the entertainment? I'm assuming there are live shows and dancing spots. Can the kiddos attend with us? Is there karaoke?

I know these are a lot of questions and I'm sure I'll have more in the coming weeks, I just don't know who to ask! Thanks! :cool:

YEAH!!

Massages are not included -- but all food is except meals at Palo and drinks at the bars. Room service is also free (I think you just pay the tip).

YEAH!!

Massages are not included -- but all food is except meals at Palo and drinks at the bars. Room service is also free (I think you just pay the tip).

Does that mean alcohol at bars or soft drinks, too?

Sorry...such a rookie!

Queenie

Does that mean alcohol at bars or soft drinks, too?

Sorry...such a rookie!

Queenie

Anything at the bar -- although all soft drinks are free at dinner (and possibly other meals) there is also a 24-hour beverage station.

Mommies want an onboard massage. Is there an extra charge for this or is it included?


I'm not sure about the cruise you're going on, but from my experience on many other ships, the massages get cheaper and cheaper as each day passes. I think on the last cruise I was on, the massages were about 1/2 off during the last few days.

What will the weather be like on board and in port for December 31 - January 4th? We're taking the cruise to the Bahamas.

In December, the high averages 78 with lows around 63. January is a degree cooler. Generally, it should be very nice.

And just how should we dress for dinner. Not sure if we plan to eat a Palo or not, but generally speaking, are meals business casual? Is dinner a bit more dressy?

Palo fits into Business Casual mode, though most guys tend to add a tie and/or jacket for dinner. For general dining room dress at dinner, long pants is requested (no shorts, etc), though they won't kick you out if you are wearing shorts. I generally wear jeans or dockers, with a polo to dinner. There will be one Pirate Night themed dinner, and a lot of people dress in pirate costume for that.

What about the entertainment? I'm assuming there are live shows and dancing spots. Can the kiddos attend with us? Is there karaoke?

There is a main theater show every night, performed twice, to allow the early and late dining groups to see it. In addition, there are a number of different programs for both family and adults only - including Karaoke. I don't have copies of Navigators (daily schedules) hand for the 3/4 night cruises to Nassau, but these Navigators (http://www.disneyinvitations.com/panama/panama1.pdf) from the original Panama Canal Transit cruises can give you an idea of what is available for families and for adults.

I'm not sure about the cruise you're going on, but from my experience on many other ships, the massages get cheaper and cheaper as each day passes. I think on the last cruise I was on, the massages were about 1/2 off during the last few days.

I've seen this on other cruise lines too, but have never seen it on Disney. They will occasionally run specials for $10-20 off, especially on the longer cruises, but you don't see the deep discounting on Disney for some reason.

I highly recommend picking up the "Passporter's Guide to The Disney Cruise Line". It'll answer most of your questions and give you a fun taste of what lies in store for you. It has pictures of the cabins and other parts of the ship, too.

I think all your questions have been answered. Just wanted to say happy planning! I am sure you will have a MAGICAL cruise!

We did the New Year's Eve Disney cruise several years ago... the midnight countdown with Mickey was pretty awesome :D Although accidentally getting drunk on champagne thinking it's funny tasting ginger ale... not so much. I walked into the wall of the glass elevator :rolleyes:

I think my favorite part of any cruise is getting dressed up for dinner, especially when there's a photographer out! Pretty much all our nice family photos are from cruise ships because it's the most convenient-- & the Disney ones are even better because they include characters! I doubt it's the same costume, but on our trip, Minnie wore a gorgeous white gown for NYE &, in fact, the family photo of her & all 11 of us is hanging in the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago.

Totally take advantage of the room service; my little cousins & I ordered chicken fingers & fries every night & watched whatever movie was on continuous play in one of our rooms. Almost seven years later & it's still one of my favorite memories.

Have so much fun!