Disney Cruises

[Ckhawaii]

I know this is unrelated to DVC but I am going on my first cruise and Disney cruise ever with my 5 and 3 year old granddaughters. (Disney Wonder/ Alaska) . Any advice or most do’s would be much appreciated. I figured it was Disney minus rides but on a boat, and I get to go to Alaska which has been a dream of mine . We are very young grandparents so we can keep up with the kids…I think. All I have booked is BibbidiBoobbidi Botique makeover.

 

[ljmiii]

We sailed on DCL when our kids were that age and the big surprise was how much they *loved* the kids clubs. They really liked the interactions with the Disney cast and other kids above almost everything else. Other than that, be prepared for lines for the scheduled character meet and greets that form long before the official start time.

We didn’t do DCL Alaska until they were tweens, but there were a number of animal focused excursions that a 5 and 3 year old might enjoy.

 

[elaine]

On most cruises, you can book character meet/greets at 45/60/90(?) days out. You want to do this--saves time standing in line and some make book up. Same for any character breakfast--they used to be free, but now might cost $. If they cost $, I'd skip, as you'll have plenty of free character meet/greets. You can ask the photographer to use your phone also, so you do not have to buy DCL photos. And, book any excursion you want thru the ship ASAP. There are also 3rd party providers, such as shore excursions group. We skipped BB makeover and just bought a pony tail holder with long ringlets and a little plastic crown (and a princess dress). Our daughter was fine with that. The BBB has hair pulled back into a bun and hair gel/spray, which I didn't like.
Our kids loved DCL (And even now in 20s). Have fun!

 

[Ckhawaii]

Thank you for the tips ! I don’t think I can get out of the BBB makeover, I tried !! I am buying every princess costume possible at Walmart so the girls won’t break me down into buying them 10x cost on the cruise.

I am looking into dogsledding for animal excursions. The family just saw a bunch of whales on our last trip to Cabo, and we have been on whale watches in Maui. Mom and grandma are a hard no on the glacier helicopter, I might do that solo. How does tipping work on a Disney cruise ? Do I just bring a bunch of cash? I’ve been getting different responses from blogs and chatgpt.

 

[ljmiii]

How does tipping work on a Disney cruise ? Do I just bring a bunch of cash? I’ve been getting different responses from blogs and chatgpt.

There are Prepaid Gratuities for your stateroom host, server, assistant server, and head server that you can choose to opt out of (though we never have). In addition, you can tip a bit extra for exceptional service (by which I truly mean "exceptional" - it is not expected and we have given an extra $20 or three but on our last voyage only our stateroom host was thus rewarded).

Excursions are different and we often though not always tip on those.

 

[pedro47]

On the Disney Cruise let your children enjoy their cruises. Disney has their kids club full with activities from morning to evening. I have one suggestion have your camera or cell phones ready to take many wonderful moments or videos on aboard the Disney ship. Enjoy.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

We just booked a Disney Cruise on the "Wish" - Halloween on the High Seas - September 8 - 12 --- We got a killer rate, so I'm looking for all info on what will I need and what should I bring with me

 

[ljmiii]

We just booked a Disney Cruise on the "Wish" - Halloween on the High Seas - September 8 - 12 --- We got a killer rate, so I'm looking for all into on what will I need and what should I bring with me

I was looking at the week before…the prices are indeed amazing. But we’re planning on doing a back to back on the Wish in December so couldn’t pull the trigger.

But I’m not sure how I can help. Swimsuit, sunscreen, and nice casual clothes are all you need. If circumstances permit I recommend Palo. If you’re in Nassau on any day but Sunday, Bahamian Cookin’ (formerly Bahamian Kitchen) is wonderful. The Greycliff Chocolate tour is fun and Atlantis is overrated.

 

[nomoretslt]

We just booked a Disney Cruise on the "Wish" - Halloween on the High Seas - September 8 - 12 --- We got a killer rate, so I'm looking for all into on what will I need and what should I bring with me

Us too, but a different date. I think this is still valid: each adult passenger is allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine or one 6 pack of beer . It must be in their carry on bag, not a checked bag. And if I recall correctly, you can replenish your supply at ports of call. Wine, beer or champagne/Prosecco only, not hard liquor. There is an “alcohol policy” on the DCL website. Years ago you could bring wine and spirits…

@Ckhawaii …sorry, no tips for Alaska cruise….but something I’d love to do one day. Flying cross country to get there though is a drawback. The grandkids will love it. It might not be like these mega ships with race cars and surf pools and all that….but they can keep busy and have their own fun. I’m happy just watching the world go by from the top deck. Tipping makes me stressed. They do leave an envelope the last days of the cruise with the names of the people that took care of your needs (room steward, dining room servers, etc.) and recommended amounts if I recall correctly. We usually give more, depending upon the person and if they were exceptional. We always do cash, not prepaid, and hand it directly to the person.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I was looking at the week before…the prices are indeed amazing. But we’re planning on doing a back to back on the Wish in December so couldn’t pull the trigger.

But I’m not sure how I can help. Swimsuit, sunscreen, and nice casual clothes are all you need. If circumstances permit I recommend Palo. If you’re in Nassau on any day but Sunday, Bahamian Cookin’ (formerly Bahamian Kitchen) is wonderful. The Greycliff Chocolate tour is fun and Atlantis is overrated.

@ljmiii, My TA sent me a text that they were offering 30% off + if I booked on July 4th she would give me $250 on board credit (OBC) and by putting it on my disney credit card they gave me another $250 OBC so I got $500 OBC to use. I just could not pass up that good of a deal.

Thank you for all of those tips, We are going on the 4 day so its Monday thru Friday --- The day at Nassau hubby wants to do the excursion swimming with the dolphins but I just want to stay on the boat

 

[ljmiii]

There is an “alcohol policy” on the DCL website. Years ago you could bring wine and spirits…

Yeah. I remember sailing through Europe, tasting a black walnut liquor in a shop and the people around us bemoaning the fact that they couldn't take any back on their cruise ship (Viking I think) and thinking that was the silliest thing I ever heard.

We'd buy a tenth or airplane bottle of whatever the local wine or spirit was to enjoy later...most of which ended up coming home with us. Sadly, no more.

 

[TolmiePeak]

Us too, but a different date. I think this is still valid: each adult passenger is allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine or one 6 pack of beer . It must be in their carry on bag, not a checked bag. And if I recall correctly, you can replenish your supply at ports of call. Wine, beer or champagne/Prosecco only, not hard liquor. There is an “alcohol policy” on the DCL website. Years ago you could bring wine and spirits…

@Ckhawaii …sorry, no tips for Alaska cruise….but something I’d love to do one day. Flying cross country to get there though is a drawback. The grandkids will love it. It might not be like these mega ships with race cars and surf pools and all that….but they can keep busy and have their own fun. I’m happy just watching the world go by from the top deck. Tipping makes me stressed. They do leave an envelope the last days of the cruise with the names of the people that took care of your needs (room steward, dining room servers, etc.) and recommended amounts if I recall correctly. We usually give more, depending upon the person and if they were exceptional. We always do cash, not prepaid, and hand it directly to the person.

You don't need to worry about tipping. They auto charge your account and they give envelopes on the last day with a receipt with the amount. It is already handled for you.

 

[RX8]

I know this is unrelated to DVC but I am going on my first cruise and Disney cruise ever with my 5 and 3 year old granddaughters. (Disney Wonder/ Alaska) . Any advice or most do’s would be much appreciated. I figured it was Disney minus rides but on a boat, and I get to go to Alaska which has been a dream of mine . We are very young grandparents so we can keep up with the kids…I think. All I have booked is BibbidiBoobbidi Botique makeover.

We just did this exact DCL Wonder cruise from 6/2 to 6/9. First time on an Alaskan cruise and the views were spectacular. Our kids are teenagers (both boys) so older than yours but there is so much to do on the ship for little ones. The kids club is very popular (we had a hard time getting our boys out of the club when they were younger). They will absolutely enjoy every minute. There are some excursions that are kid friendly too. I recommend the train in Skagway. In Juneau, we rented a car to visit Mendenhall Glacier at our own pace. We also checked out the world’s smallest Costco in Juneau. On that self excursion we came across dozens of bald
Eagles (zoom in on the pic below).

 

[frank808]

If memory serves me correctly, that eagle spot is above the city garbage dump. We drove around one trip and could not believe the amount of eagles perched above in the trees. Did not need to drive far to see them. Also lots of eagles around the salmon hatchery during the salmon run season.

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[RX8]

If memory serves me correctly, that eagle spot is above the city garbage dump. We drove around one trip and could not believe the amount of eagles perched above in the trees. Did not need to drive far to see them. Also lots of eagles around the salmon hatchery during the salmon run season.

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Your memory serves you well. Yes, there is a dump nearby that spot.

 

[nomoretslt]

You don't need to worry about tipping. They auto charge your account and they give envelopes on the last day with a receipt with the amount. It is already handled for you.

We always opt out of prepaid tipping. When someone goes above and beyond, we like to show our appreciation. Sometimes you end up changing your dinner table due to having unpleasant people at your table, which means having a different server. Tipping can be an awkward subject sometimes when asking others if they add more than the recommended. So we just go with our gut. My dad supplemented his income by being a waiter at night…he said his tips helped buy our first family home. I’m almost 70….but I still hear his words.

 

[Dean]

We always opt out of prepaid tipping. When someone goes above and beyond, we like to show our appreciation. Sometimes you end up changing your dinner table due to having unpleasant people at your table, which means having a different server. Tipping can be an awkward subject sometimes when asking others if they add more than the recommended. So we just go with our gut. My dad supplemented his income by being a waiter at night…he said his tips helped buy our first family home. I’m almost 70….but I still hear his words.

I get it and don't disagree, however, the info I've seen over the years strongly suggests that crew members commonly are aware when you do this and tend to assume they won't get tips as consistently. I've seen lots of reports over the last few years of not only worse service but even subtle hints from the staff to the guest. It sounds like you haven't personally seen this but it has been reported by insiders and those that report in this space. The other argument against doing this is that there are behind the scenes people that are in the pool for the tips that would not interface directly with the guest. While I personally would prefer to tip them directly, I feel the downside of taking off tips routinely isn't worth it to me. I tend to give a little extra for those that I would tip anyway assuming they deserve it, they almost always do. I hate the entire tipping system and would prefer it go away in favor of just paying a fair wage and raising cruise prices.

 

[ljmiii]

I get it and don't disagree, however, the info I've seen over the years...

To us the prepaid gratuities are part of the cast members salary and from what I have read are considered as such by the crew. We tip extra for extraordinary service (as I mentioned upthread) and always bring cash for that purpose.

 

[ljmiii]

The website randomly duplicated my post. Actually when I hit save six copies appeared...but only two survived!

 

[frank808]

I get it and don't disagree, however, the info I've seen over the years strongly suggests that crew members commonly are aware when you do this and tend to assume they won't get tips as consistently. I've seen lots of reports over the last few years of not only worse service but even subtle hints from the staff to the guest. It sounds like you haven't personally seen this but it has been reported by insiders and those that report in this space. The other argument against doing this is that there are behind the scenes people that are in the pool for the tips that would not interface directly with the guest. While I personally would prefer to tip them directly, I feel the downside of taking off tips routinely isn't worth it to me. I tend to give a little extra for those that I would tip anyway assuming they deserve it, they almost always do. I hate the entire tipping system and would prefer it go away in favor of just paying a fair wage and raising cruise prices.

We just leave the auto grats on. Then tip those that serve us directly. I do not consider the auto grants a tip. I treat auto grats like a service charge and tip those that make my cruise that much better directly.

Some agree with me and some do not. Do what you feel is appropriate. I am not wealthy but understand these folks, that serve us miss, so much family milestones to provide for their families. The extra tip, to the awesome crew, that made my cruise so enjoyable is more than warranted.

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[Dean]

We just leave the auto grats on. Then tip those that serve us directly. I do not consider the auto grants a tip. I treat auto grats like a service charge and tip those that make my cruise that much better directly.

Some agree with me and some do not. Do what you feel is appropriate. I am not wealthy but understand these folks, that serve us miss, so much family milestones to provide for their families. The extra tip, to the awesome crew, that made my cruise so enjoyable is more than warranted.

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It would take a lot for me to remove the automatic gratuities, something really aggregious. If I did so I'd likely do so late and tell a front desk manager why as well as speaking directly to those that I didn't want to impact letting them know I had or planned to remove the gratuities and that I would absolutely take care of them individually. I do have a rule when it comes to gratuities in general. If there's a mild issue, I just tip the same as I would otherwise giving the individual the benefit of the doubt. If there's a moderate issue I might reduce the tip though not significantly. If there's a major issue I speak to management and then almost always tip the full amount or for something very major I might slightly reduce the tip after having spoken to management. It would have to be something deliberate and major for me to not tip at all or to speak to management and tip minimally or not at all.

That said, there is some question whether some cruise lines are using the automatic gratuities as intended and as they state. There are reports of them using those monies for other things and to cover the base wages as well though those reports are unconfirmed from what I've been able to see. While I completely hate the process, I understand that it's the way the system is set up. IMO those that remove the automatic gratuities and don't tip at all purposefully are the lowest of the low.

 

[nomoretslt]

I think I was misunderstood. The envelopes left in our room has the suggested tip, the persons name and what their job is…..each person has their own little sheet of paper and an envelope. I have never heard that the suggested tip is any different than what is charged to your account for prepaid tipping. 100% of the time, we add more than suggested. Sometimes way more. Would never give less. What kills us is the head waiter or maitre d……head of the whole restaurant. Some cruises you see them all the time….checking each table, chatting with people, actually helping to clear a table. Others you only see when you get to the restaurant and check in….but on tipping night they make their rounds.
There is one cruise line…..can’t recall the name but more upscale than I can afford….absolutely no tipping….their crew members are paid very well. I’d still feel awkward not tipping.

 

[Dean]

I think I was misunderstood. The envelopes left in our room has the suggested tip, the persons name and what their job is…..each person has their own little sheet of paper and an envelope. I have never heard that the suggested tip is any different than what is charged to your account for prepaid tipping. 100% of the time, we add more than suggested. Sometimes way more. Would never give less. What kills us is the head waiter or maitre d……head of the whole restaurant. Some cruises you see them all the time….checking each table, chatting with people, actually helping to clear a table. Others you only see when you get to the restaurant and check in….but on tipping night they make their rounds.
There is one cruise line…..can’t recall the name but more upscale than I can afford….absolutely no tipping….their crew members are paid very well. I’d still feel awkward not tipping.

I think we understood, you're tipping appropriately in cash. I was pointing out that often the automatic gratuities are split differently than just the people you come in direct contact with AND that if we remove gratuities the crew often finds out, shares the info and assume they may not get a tip or a full tip. And it has been reported to have affected service or at least appeared to.

These lines include tipping in their fares but tipping for optional things like spas may be included:

• Azamara
• Celestyal
• Crystal Cruises
• Marella
• MSC (from Europe)
• P&O
• Regent Seven Seas
• Saga
• Silversea
• Virgin Voyages.

 

[nomoretslt]

I’m not really sure what you mean by behind the scenes (the laundry workers? The cooks? The people that hose down the decks? The person at the courtesy counter?). We tip those that we come in direct contact with. Especially our room steward. They make our bathroom spotless, vacuum our room, make the bed, make cute things out of towels and accessorize them with things laying around (sunglasses, hats), they check on us when we aren’t feeling well. And our wait staff in the dining room (Disneys rotational dining….you are assigned a rotation so you dine in each of the 3 main dining rooms at least once and your wait staff follows you…your wait staff is the same every night). I have not heard of bad service because of tipping directly. But I’m not a frequent cruiser (7 Disney cruises) and have no plans on changing our tipping method.

 

[Dean]

I’m not really sure what you mean by behind the scenes (the laundry workers? The cooks? The people that hose down the decks? The person at the courtesy counter?). We tip those that we come in direct contact with. Especially our room steward. They make our bathroom spotless, vacuum our room, make the bed, make cute things out of towels and accessorize them with things laying around (sunglasses, hats), they check on us when we aren’t feeling well. And our wait staff in the dining room (Disneys rotational dining….you are assigned a rotation so you dine in each of the 3 main dining rooms at least once and your wait staff follows you…your wait staff is the same every night). I have not heard of bad service because of tipping directly. But I’m not a frequent cruiser (7 Disney cruises) and have no plans on changing our tipping method.

I suspect it varies from cruise line to cruise line and they generally don't spell out exactly who is getting a take. The list apparently includes members of the culinary team, busboys, dining support staff, laundry staff and in some cases, bartenders though I suspect it varies by cruise line. I've seen multiple stories of issue when tipping was removed and reports from influences that have spoken to many cruise staff on the subject as well as a couple of former crew members who went on record on the subject. Here were a couple of YouTube viideos I easily found on the subject.

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