Am thinking/dreaming of a cruise in November 2007. We'd drive from Phx (home) to California and leave from there.

Any great links? advice? thoughts?
Would need to stay as frugal as possible.

It would be me, dh and our kids. Our dd woudl be 18yo (this would be for her bday gift) our then 7yo dd and then 4yo ds
( i can't even believe i'm thinking about in two years, but why not cuz I have to save, right?)

lol

I have found that with a cruise, future planning makes a big difference. I just dont know if DCL has West Coast 07 dates out yet. (They may, I just dont know...)

With five people, you will have to either get two rooms or a category 5 room that sleeps five. (I think the cat 5 rooms sleep 5.) And while I may later stand corrected, if you do get two rooms, at least one of your younger kids may be counted as an adult since the rates are based upon double (adult) occupancy. In essence, this is where category shopping plays a large role in expenses.

As an example...If you dont plan to be in your room much except to sleep, shower, and change clothes...and if having no outside view doesent bother you, then an inside stateroom would be your cheaper bet. But then again, since I believe most of these sleep 3 or 4, you would have to get two rooms.
You would just have to play around with the numbers to determine what is best for you along the lines of cost and value - two rooms or one deluxe room for the whole family.

Adjoining rooms are a possibility but are limited in availability and must be of the same category.

My opinion - try to get a single room that sleeps all of you. It may not be the cheapest option, but it may be of a better value for a family vacation. Again, my opinion and your mileage may vary.

The nice part about DCL is that you can literally walk on board with zero dollars in your pocket and still have a great time. There is that much to do on board.

Since cost is a factor for you, I would like to recommend that you do not skip the travel insurance. While it adds a good amount of costs per person, that is not something you want to skimp on.

Keep us informed with your plans... We would love to hear how it goes.

My opinion - try to get a single room that sleeps all of you. It may not be the cheapest option, but it may be of a better value for a family vacation. Again, my opinion and your mileage may vary.

I agree with GusMan, three adults and two kids might be a tight squeeze, unless you get the larger suite. Good thing is you have two bathrooms. :)

Just FYI, it is doubtful that DCL will be returning to the West Coast this summer. We (Small World Vacations) are currently taking a wait list for Guests interested in the remainder of 2007 cruises, and are being told early April for dates opening up.

You can read more on potential upcoming itineraries here: http://www.mousesavers.com/dcl2007.html