Hi there, Jill!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Your Disney Cruise Line vacation will be here before you know it!! It appEARs that you are headed out to sea for eight-nights with Captain Mickey to explore the Caribbean! Along with the always fun
Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party, your itinerary also includes
Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Party at Sea! I am sure that will be a very fun celebration that you won't want to miss!
Disney Cruise Line’s
Port Adventures team does an incredible job of finding the best of the best activities for Guests allowing them the chance to experience the most while on land! I love that they do all the “legwork” allowing you to just show up and enjoy! But I also understand the frustration and disappointment if a particular activity is already booked and you are unable to secure your spot. Since the excursions are booked with local vendors there are limited numbers of spots available so it’s not always guaranteed that you will be able to get a spot once onboard unless someone cancels their reservation. I recommend checking back online regularly in the next few weeks as Guests will often change their plans, freeing up space in an excursion. Port Adventures can be changed or cancelled up to three days prior to embarkation, so there is a good chance there will be some movement in availability leading up to your voyage.
Another option that we have had to do when unable to secure enough spots for our travel party is to book an excursion through an outside vendor. Often you will be able to find another local company or vendor that has the same activity and you can book directly through them. Just be sure that you are well aware of your “All Aboard” time to ensure you make it back to the ship on time! We have also found that at all the ports there are a number of local companies right there ready to take you where you want to go and see what you want to see.
I know you are going to have a FANTAStic time and I am so very excited for you and your family! Wishing you nothing but a magical and memorable adventure!
Happy Sailing!
Stephanie