Tag: Disney Dream cruise

Tipping on the Disney Cruise Line

March 5, 2014

The service you receive on the Disney Cruise Line is quite amazing! I have to say I didn’t think Disney World service could be topped, but I have found the Disney Cruise is even more magical in terms of guest service.

Castaway Cay

I have traveled on multiple cruises and I think my favorite cast member was our Dining Room Server from Taiwan. He was so friendly and every night would ask us, “what can I do to make your day more magical?” My friend joked, “let us have 2 desserts”. Well, needless to say my friend and I got extra desserts each night after that! He also gave us crayon puzzles to solve each night. We were a group of all adults but he stumped us each time!

As far as the Stateroom Host/Hostess, I am always amazed by how spotless the staterooms are. They are immaculate even after tracking in sand after a relaxing day enjoying Castaway Cay. Even with all this great service, I have to admit when the tip envelopes arrive on the last night, it sure feels daunting to shell out an average of $48 per person on a 4 night cruise. I want to take a moment to explain this and how you can give generously and not let it be a bump in your day. This is honestly the only thing I have ever had to pay for on the ship besides a few souvenirs. So if you are worried about any hidden fees, it won’t happen on the Disney ships.

travel agent

Who you tip and how much:

  • Dining Room Server – This is your main waiter that you have each night. He/she not only explains the menu, takes your order, and delivers it but also asks about your day, gives advice, and is ready to make extra magic for your party. On my cruises this person often played games with us and was really interactive. I tend to tip this person more than the suggested amount. On a 4 night cruise it is suggested that you tip $16 per guest for the server.
  • Dining Room Assistant Server – This person takes your drink orders and additional requests. On the cruises I have been on this person was great. He/She would remember our drink orders and was very friendly. On a 4 night cruise it is suggested that you tip $12 per guest for the assistant server.
  • Dining Room Head Server – This person is in charge of taking special requests and seeing to the entire dining room section. Honestly on the cruises I have been on this person just stops by and says hello. I can imagine that if you are dealing with food allergies, celebrations, etc this person is more involved. On a 4 night cruise it is suggested that you tip this person $4 per guest.

When you start crunching numbers, you might think wow, $32 per person just for dinner service!? This was my husband’s response and this is how I explained it to him. When you think about the meals you receive on the cruise, it is safe to say that each meal would be at least $45 of food per person (drink, appetizer/soup/salad, entrée & dessert). If you tipped the standard 18% that would be around $8 per night so about $32 for the 4 nights. Your one tip would include all of these people.

  • Stateroom Host/Hostess – This person takes care of your stateroom and any housekeeping needs. Something to mention here is that you actually see this person and interact with them unlike at most hotels. They clean your room multiple times per day, put a chocolate on your pillow, and decorate your room with towel animals. It is suggested that on a 4 night cruise you tip your Host/Hostess $16 per guest.

How to Pay for Tips-

 

  • Online prior to sailing
  • At guest services on the ship
  • Cash

Although I feel that paying in advance is great because it is taken care of, I do like adjusting my amount for exceptional guest service. I almost think on my next cruise I will prepay and maybe add a little extra cash to the envelope that you give the crew members.

Tipping in this way is all part of the “cruise culture” that you will learn about on your first cruise. The first time I cruised, I was a little sticker shocked when the tipping guide arrived in my stateroom, since we are not accustomed to tipping for multiple meals and services all at once. On subsequent cruises, I really enjoyed presenting my favorite crew members with their tip envelopes the last night on-board.

Are you interested in learning more about a Disney Cruise?

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Make it a magical day!

Julie Hauck *o*
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
1-513-313-9531 (cell)
julie@mickeytravels.com
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Disney Cruise Line – Don’t miss…The Nighttime shows!

January 10, 2014

Are you thinking about taking your family on a Disney Cruise?  The good news is there is so much to do and experience for kids and adults of all ages!  Every night of every sailing on a Disney cruise will feature evening entertainment.  But make sure you note which nights feature one of Disney’s live Broadway style stage shows!  These are not to be missed!  The shows are spectacular and everyone will appreciate their high quality talent and storylines.  Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun and funny (and often touching, as well!) shows.
Disney Cruise Ship
On the Disney Dream, you can enjoy Disney’s Believe, Golden Mickey’s, and Villains Tonight (don’t worry—it’s funny, not scary!)

On the Disney Fantasy, you can enjoy Disney’s Believe, Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular, and Disney Wishes.

On the Disney Magic, you’ll find Villains Tonight, Let the Magic Begin, Disney Dreams, Remember the Magic, and Twice Charmed—A Cinderella Story.

On the Disney Wonder, you’ll enjoy Let the Magic Begin, Disney Dreams, Toy Story—A Musical, and The Golden Mickey’s.
entertainment
These are subject to change and not all shows may be available on every sailing.  Shows on a Disney cruise are generally presented at 6:15 and 8:30 pm each evening and they last almost an hour.

When you are on board the ship, it’s easy to relax at the pool or in the dining room and forget to check the time, but these shows are worth setting your watch or phone alarm for!  You won’t be disappointed!

Want some more information on Disney Cruises?  Please feel free to send me an email or give me a call.  My services are 100% FREE!

Leanne Phelps
MickeyTravels, LLC
1-888-755-9626 (direct)
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leanne@mickeytravels.com
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Disney Dream Cruise Review

February 25, 2013

I recently had the opportunity to take a 3 night cruise on the Disney Dream.  This was my very first cruise ever and I was a little nervous as to what I would be experiencing.  I shouldn’t have worried!

From the moment that I walked into the terminal at the port there was no doubt that I was at a Disney property.  The terminal was clean, the staff was friendly, and the transition to the ship was seamless.

Upon walking onto the ship our names were announced and the crew began to clap. What could make you feel more special??

Disney Cruise

During our three night cruise we tried to experience all that we could.  We took a walk through Nassau, visited the adults only area on Castaway Cay, saw all three shows, and enjoyed our dining rotation with our awesome servers.  We shopped, played bingo, met Mickey and Minnie Mouse, saw an awesome firework display, and even got to dance with a pirate.

Disney Dream Cruise

One of my favorite moments of the Disney Dream Cruise was we on Castaway Cay.  We were sitting on the beach when all of a sudden we heard movement down by the shore.  We looked up and who should we see but Jack Sparrow walking down the beach.  People began to flock to him to get their pictures made.  He was joking and doing a great job!!  I never expected to see a character walk down the adult only beach!!

I am so excited to go cruising again, and even have the next one planned.  There are so many things to enjoy on the Disney Dream cruise for adults, kids, and families.  I can’t wait to do some of the activities that we missed because we learned that there is so much to do you can’t do it all in one short trip!!

Contact me to learn all about the Disney Dream cruise and my FREE Disney Vacation Planning services!

Kristi Letsinger
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
1-865-548-0586
kristi@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com



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