Making that dream vacation happen
So, as I type this update from Gate J5 at Miami International Airport, I am grateful. Grateful for a wonderful vacation free of sickies and meltdowns (more on the one single episode later).
As some of you may remember, our last time cruising was full of sickness...and we still loved it. So after almost 6 months of research we decided to stick with Disney Cruise Lines. We loved it so much the first time, despite all the 'challenges' we thought it would be worth trying it again.
PAYING FOR IT ALL - CAN YOU AFFORD IT?
Some of my friends have commented jealously how they wished their husbands (sorry!) would be willing to go but that budgets are tight.
Well, my friends, I think it's possible to cruise with Disney on a budget! We've always travelled on a budget but this time our budget was tight (or shall I say 'unchanged' but 2 years have come and gone since our last cruise and travel expenses have gone up?). Here are some things I learned in the process:
1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT and EXPECT
I find it a lot easier if the family (in our case, my husband and I) discusses what we expect from a family vacation. It's only after hearing from friends who have different expectations than my family that I realize not everyone might have the same expectations. Perhaps agreeing on expectations can help the planning process and lessen some unnecessary stress?
- Do you expect adult time during the vacation?
- Do you want great food?
- Do you want to explore new places?
- Do you want enough activities to keep the kids busy?
- Etc, etc, etc.
For us, family vacations have always been about EASE. With still young kids (they are now in elementary school) and one with severe nut allergies, we really look for vacations that will take away the stress from trying to find places to eat that will be safe for the kids. We are not looking for a gastronomic adventure - just some decent place that is comfortable and carefree but safe!
For us, adult time is a bonus, but not a must. My husband often reminds me that the kids will not remain this age forever; and once this age passes by, we can no longer capture this phase. So, do all the things you'd do together at this age. For instance, a few years ago we visited all the Children's Museums around the area. The thought behind it? We will never visit these museums once the kids grow up!
Having said that, we've adjusted our expectations and hopes for more and more adult time with each passing trip. When the kids were 1 and 3, we expected just nice 'adult' time during nap times. When they were 4 and 6, we expected a couple of hours (for the whole trip). This time around? We were hoping for a couple of hours a day. Yes, our expectations are low.
For us, these are family times. So we do most things together. We really aren't looking for new adventures and discoveries of new cultures. We just want to do things together. So anything that fits that category will suffice.
And...for this mommy? The less planning required during vacation time, the better.
The answer: cruising.
2. BUDGET and PLAN
Agree on a realistic budget your family can afford. I find once you agree on what you expect and want, and pair it with what you can afford, you can then plan on how long it will take for the family to 'get there' so to speak. For us, it has meant a big vacation every 2 years. It might be more, or might be less for you.
Remember, when you budget, the big ticket items will be your cruise, tips and flying to port
Here are my main tallies:
- Cruise price
- Tips
- Flights
- Transportation to and from port
- Any hotels if you do not travel home on the same day you embark/disembark (we flew on the same dates)
- Travel insurance (if your work doesn't cover it already)
- Cruise expenses once on board (Palo dinner? Photos? Souvenirs?)
- Transportation/Parking from home to airport (for us, we park at airport)
We had not travelled for a long time so we had no flight points accumulated but if you do travel, in 2-5 years you might gather enough points to pay for your flights altogether!!! Or, if you live close to the US border (we are in Canada) consider driving to the States. We didn't but we know many people who do and it saves you a bundle
3. RESEARCH
This, I would say, is the most tedious or exciting part...depending on your personality. I researched so much and looked and asked so much even I got tired of it at some points. But I started early, and since I had 2 years, I could always take breaks from the research :D I am on a budget, so I knew I had to research and shop smart if we were going to make this vacation happen!
After a few experiences traveling with kids (cruising, road trips, short trips) we have narrowed down our preference to cruising. It was the least stressful for our family and the most enjoyable. In the last 2 years we also reassessed cruise line preferences and with the danger of sounding like I'm on commission (I am not!), we really decided to stick with Disney Cruise Lines (Royal Caribbean came to a close second).
While researching we found out we could have stretched our money further with Royal Caribbean and would have probably enjoyed the vacation. But we had such a great experience with Disney last time, we all wanted to try to see if we could make a second vacation with them happen with our budget in mind.
After all the planning and research, we decided to sail on a 5 night West Caribbean Cruise with the Disney Wonder out of Miami.
I checked dates and ports and compared prices.
I checked value per day and compared the 4 Disney ships' prices. Of course, Fantasy and Dream are on the top, but Magic's prices have gone up too, probably because the ship was completely overhauled last year. Wonder seemed to be our choice this time around.
Consider booking with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner / agent. We booked through one of them (http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com) in the States though there are others. We had amazing customer service (ask for Tammy Omar) plus onboard credit offers. Definitely recommended!
We have always sailed during the tail end of hurricane season (sep-nov) but I've noticed our family has a tendency to get sick in November, so we thought we'd try out December, just before the prices peak for Christmas. The extra bonus? I knew the ships would be decorated for Christmas by then, and they would begin some programs with a Christmas theme
PACKING FOR THE CRUISE
A friend asked me to include this in the blog. I never thought it would be interesting stuff, but maybe it would be!? Here are a few tips for packing:
Of all the times we have travelled we have always done so on 1 large suitcase (50Kg) and 3 carry ons (2 of which are kids sizes) and 4 backpacks (one for each member). The only exception was when we had to bring diapers. That time, we did have 2 larger carry ons instead of 1
BEFORE CRUISE TRIP
There are other things I've added to my list:
EMBARKATION
Click here for a full review on our cruise trip 2014 :D
As some of you may remember, our last time cruising was full of sickness...and we still loved it. So after almost 6 months of research we decided to stick with Disney Cruise Lines. We loved it so much the first time, despite all the 'challenges' we thought it would be worth trying it again.
PAYING FOR IT ALL - CAN YOU AFFORD IT?
Some of my friends have commented jealously how they wished their husbands (sorry!) would be willing to go but that budgets are tight.
Well, my friends, I think it's possible to cruise with Disney on a budget! We've always travelled on a budget but this time our budget was tight (or shall I say 'unchanged' but 2 years have come and gone since our last cruise and travel expenses have gone up?). Here are some things I learned in the process:
1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT and EXPECT
I find it a lot easier if the family (in our case, my husband and I) discusses what we expect from a family vacation. It's only after hearing from friends who have different expectations than my family that I realize not everyone might have the same expectations. Perhaps agreeing on expectations can help the planning process and lessen some unnecessary stress?
- Do you expect adult time during the vacation?
- Do you want great food?
- Do you want to explore new places?
- Do you want enough activities to keep the kids busy?
- Etc, etc, etc.
For us, family vacations have always been about EASE. With still young kids (they are now in elementary school) and one with severe nut allergies, we really look for vacations that will take away the stress from trying to find places to eat that will be safe for the kids. We are not looking for a gastronomic adventure - just some decent place that is comfortable and carefree but safe!
For us, adult time is a bonus, but not a must. My husband often reminds me that the kids will not remain this age forever; and once this age passes by, we can no longer capture this phase. So, do all the things you'd do together at this age. For instance, a few years ago we visited all the Children's Museums around the area. The thought behind it? We will never visit these museums once the kids grow up!
Having said that, we've adjusted our expectations and hopes for more and more adult time with each passing trip. When the kids were 1 and 3, we expected just nice 'adult' time during nap times. When they were 4 and 6, we expected a couple of hours (for the whole trip). This time around? We were hoping for a couple of hours a day. Yes, our expectations are low.
For us, these are family times. So we do most things together. We really aren't looking for new adventures and discoveries of new cultures. We just want to do things together. So anything that fits that category will suffice.
And...for this mommy? The less planning required during vacation time, the better.
The answer: cruising.
2. BUDGET and PLAN
Agree on a realistic budget your family can afford. I find once you agree on what you expect and want, and pair it with what you can afford, you can then plan on how long it will take for the family to 'get there' so to speak. For us, it has meant a big vacation every 2 years. It might be more, or might be less for you.
Remember, when you budget, the big ticket items will be your cruise, tips and flying to port
Here are my main tallies:
- Cruise price
- Tips
- Flights
- Transportation to and from port
- Any hotels if you do not travel home on the same day you embark/disembark (we flew on the same dates)
- Travel insurance (if your work doesn't cover it already)
- Cruise expenses once on board (Palo dinner? Photos? Souvenirs?)
- Transportation/Parking from home to airport (for us, we park at airport)
We had not travelled for a long time so we had no flight points accumulated but if you do travel, in 2-5 years you might gather enough points to pay for your flights altogether!!! Or, if you live close to the US border (we are in Canada) consider driving to the States. We didn't but we know many people who do and it saves you a bundle
3. RESEARCH
This, I would say, is the most tedious or exciting part...depending on your personality. I researched so much and looked and asked so much even I got tired of it at some points. But I started early, and since I had 2 years, I could always take breaks from the research :D I am on a budget, so I knew I had to research and shop smart if we were going to make this vacation happen!
After a few experiences traveling with kids (cruising, road trips, short trips) we have narrowed down our preference to cruising. It was the least stressful for our family and the most enjoyable. In the last 2 years we also reassessed cruise line preferences and with the danger of sounding like I'm on commission (I am not!), we really decided to stick with Disney Cruise Lines (Royal Caribbean came to a close second).
While researching we found out we could have stretched our money further with Royal Caribbean and would have probably enjoyed the vacation. But we had such a great experience with Disney last time, we all wanted to try to see if we could make a second vacation with them happen with our budget in mind.
After all the planning and research, we decided to sail on a 5 night West Caribbean Cruise with the Disney Wonder out of Miami.
I checked dates and ports and compared prices.
I checked value per day and compared the 4 Disney ships' prices. Of course, Fantasy and Dream are on the top, but Magic's prices have gone up too, probably because the ship was completely overhauled last year. Wonder seemed to be our choice this time around.
Consider booking with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner / agent. We booked through one of them (http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com) in the States though there are others. We had amazing customer service (ask for Tammy Omar) plus onboard credit offers. Definitely recommended!
We have always sailed during the tail end of hurricane season (sep-nov) but I've noticed our family has a tendency to get sick in November, so we thought we'd try out December, just before the prices peak for Christmas. The extra bonus? I knew the ships would be decorated for Christmas by then, and they would begin some programs with a Christmas theme
PACKING FOR THE CRUISE
A friend asked me to include this in the blog. I never thought it would be interesting stuff, but maybe it would be!? Here are a few tips for packing:
- If this is your first time cruising, come up with a packing list! Here is a sample
- If you are going to a hot destination, you don't need to pack too many socks. You'll be on flip flops most of the time unless you hate to wear sandals.
- Some people suggest packing 2 swimsuits per person. I have never found we needed 2 even when we swim twice a day. For example, we swam before breakfast on Day 2, hanged the swimsuits just on the clothesline above the bathtub. By the afternoon, most of it was dry.
- I found those convertible dresses an amazing storage/packing solution this time! I have one for evening wear (black) and one for day that I also turned into evening wear (blue). The blue one was a steal too! Got it during the summer, Walmart, $20
- If you would like to take some family pictures, even those casual ones, think colour. You don't have to match but if you have similar colour clothing it might look nice on pictures
- Those bulky shoes!!!! Just know shoes will take up a lot of space
- Medications - I bring a lot of meds with me (see list) ... but don't forget a thermometer! The only thing I don't pack? Motion sickness pills for adults - just get them for free from the Guest Services desk
- Don't need to bring: towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hair dryer. **Disclaimer: only if you are not picky.
Of all the times we have travelled we have always done so on 1 large suitcase (50Kg) and 3 carry ons (2 of which are kids sizes) and 4 backpacks (one for each member). The only exception was when we had to bring diapers. That time, we did have 2 larger carry ons instead of 1
BEFORE CRUISE TRIP
There are other things I've added to my list:
- Go have a mani/pedi the day before your trip! start the vacation early! I never thought of this but a good friend gave me a gift certificate for a pedi for my birthday and I used it to have an early start to my vacation. Not only was it great, but it really will save you some bucks :D
- Think of packing some food. I know cruising is often associated with food - but remember, on the day you embark, you will most likely not eat till at least 1-2PM If you have kids like mine who like to look at the clock to figure out if they are hungry, you might want to have something to give them at the terminal in case you have to wait to embark
- Register online before the cruise date. If you sail with Disney, you would want to do so the sooner the better. You get to choose the earliest embarkation time (if you want to start your vacation as early as possible!), make reservations for port adventures (we never do these but you might be interested) or dinner at Palo, register the kids for the kids programs, and print and sign your cruise contract, etc.
- Call your credit card company to let them know you are on vacation!
- Get one of those credit cards that do not charge for currency exchange
EMBARKATION
- Embarkation with Disney is super easy. Since most people pre-register, all you need to do is to let them know what your name is. You will have your Disney BOOKING Booklet with you too in case you need anything.
- Give them your signed cruise contract.
- They will ask you to confirm if you will settle your accounts in credit or cash. We have done cash simply because it was better for us at the time.
- Take pictures for your onboard cards. For us, they only took pictures of the kids. They informed us that my husband and I are 'on their file' :D
- Once you get your cards, you are set!
- Wait for your embarkation time. Last time we didn't even need a time. It was so empty when we got there they just allowed anyone to go. This time, we all had to pretty much stick to our embarkation times, though we did end up entering about 30-40 min before our scheduled time.
Click here for a full review on our cruise trip 2014 :D
Comments