Help with some last minute planning About This Page:

[cyndik1111]

Hi, we are a 1st time cruiser Jan 24 2009 western. I have a couple of questions I can't seem to find the answer to.
1) What time should I arrive at the terminal to get on the boat EARLY, so I can make a res. at Palos for Brunch (the ONLY thing I really want to do).

2) Are the times for dinner/brunch at Palos listed somewhere? so I can figure out when would be good for us?

3) What are the chances that castaway cay will be too cold for swimming. should we bother booking snorkling etc? If it is too cold, will we get our $ back?

4) thank you to all the experienced cruisers who have taken the time to post answers to questions, given trip reports and, posted photos. These have been such wonderful things to have while planning.

[Colexis Mom]

1.) When we went, we were at the terminal by 10:30 (I don't think they'll let you in until after 10 anyway). They started boarding at 11:45, and we were in the first group to board after the suites.

2.)Not sure on the times I think brunch went from 10 until noon (we had an 11:30 seating) and dinner maybe from 5:30 or 6 until 9 (I think we had an 8:30 seating).

3.) You can snorkle on your own, so I wouldn't book an excursion for it I think if you decide you want to go, you could just go to the shop and rent at that time. It says in the PassPorter DCL guide that only refundable if the ship doesn't dock at CC

[cyndik1111]

Thanks for the info. When you arrive at the terminal, do you take a number? How do they decide who boards 1st?

[HeatherD]

When you arrive at the terminal, do you take a number? How do they decide who boards 1st?

You don't actually "take a number" but it's close. You are put into groups, sort of in the order you arrive/check in. Then, the groups are called and when your group number is called you can go in. You can enter whenever, as long as your group number has been called.

[MelissaL]

Originally Posted by cyndik1111

1) What time should I arrive at the terminal to get on the boat EARLY, so I can make a res. at Palos for Brunch (the ONLY thing I really want to do).

I just want to point out that you should be able to book brunch at Palo online before your cruise -- I think it's 75 days in advance, but you will get a letter from the Disney Cruise Line giving the exact date. If you are unable to secure a reservation in advance, you certainly can make a beeline for the lounge where they're taking reservations as soon as you're onboard.

Castaway Cay will probably be warm enough for swimming -- it has been on our two cruises in January. Once it was a little chilly when we first docked, but it warmed up within a couple of hours. (My husband did say that the water was so cold that men might be uncomfortable in water above waist height or so.)

Happy planning! Please don't hesitate to post any other questions you may have.

Melissa

[Dave Marx]

There's always the question of "too cold for swimming." Average temperatures in the Bahamas vary by 10 degrees between winter and summer. Water temperatures change even less.

On a sunny, calm day surface water temps can be close to 80, but if there's been a lot of wind (especially if there was a storm recently) surface water will mix with deeper water and cool things off. Some folks will consider 72 degree water to be "cool," but others won't. If you've ever gone swimming in Lake Erie or the Atlantic in a New England state... there's no contest.

No, you won't get money back if the weather is less than perfect. If the ship can't dock at Castaway Cay due to bad weather, you'll generally get a credit to spend on board, since DCL doesn't have to pay the docking fees and other port charges.

[Lumieregirl]

Both times I've been at CC, Serenity Bay water was cold, but the family beach was warmer. I think it had to do with the winds. So, if SB seems chilly, try the family beach.

[buckysmom]

We were at the Port right about 10 and tho' they looked at us like we were nuts (I think it officially opens around 1030!) the very nice folks let us in and well, it was very empty and lonely in the terminal for a while...I'd recommend about 1030...but agree w/ fellow posters to go on-line to book Palo ressies!

As for Castaway Cay water temps-it had been unseasonably cold early in Jan when we left FL, so to our thin blooded FL selves, it was a bit chilly for swimming, taking a while to acclimate for DS and DBF (I never quite got accustomed to it!) but the hardier stock from Up North had no problems...so I'd not fret-you'll be fine.

Enjoy.

[mdisneygirl]

I am cruising in Jan and last time we went to CC around that time, it was pretty cold. I remember the vests at Typhoon Lagoon Snorkeling attraction. Does anyone know where you can get one for cheap? I am just remembering that the water at Typhoon was pretty cold, but the vest seemed to make it a lot warmer. Any ideas? Thanks!

[dmpyron]

Find a local dive shop or sporting goods store for a vest. Although at this time of year, the dive shop might be a better place. You might also look at Find Scuba Gear and Diving Gear at the World's Largest Scuba Equipment and Dive Equipment Retailer!. I haven't shopped with them in years and years, but that's only because the shop I teach at gives me good discounts.

In addition to just vests or shirts, look into full body suits (called skins). They also give sun protection, which some people discover they needed.

[elis mom 08]

Whoever wrote it that you should book online before you go, had a good idea, that way you can avoid the lines.
When we went a couple of weeks ago, we were given a number ( you get a number 1-12) and they call your number, and you board in a huge group that way.
And as far as snorkeling, you can rent the stuff right there on the beach. My husband loved it, and would definately recommed it. He saw some amazing fish ( a black stingray with yellow spots, an barracuda, and all kinds of other wonderful fish. I don't think it is ever to cold, I think it will be in the mid 70s ( the temp of the water). Have a wonderful time.