1st time cruiser w/ family of 6, need help

[miketiuf]

1st time cruiser w/ Wfamily of 6 w/2 inside cabins (just happy to be going ?)
What is dress code for kids, 2yrs, 8, 10 and 11?
Is babysitting really hard to get?
Do I need to bring pool, beach toys?
Do I need to bring a clock?
Should I bring a travel steamer/iron?
Is spa worth it for a couple who are on a budget?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Getting really excited, trip will be surprise for kids, I hope.
Thanks in advance.

[jlima]

Dress code - for dinner, a shirt with a collar or other dressy shirt & khaki pants will work fine. Maybe a dress shirt & tie for formal nights with the same khaki pants.

Babysitting - Ask yourself if your 2-yr old will last through a sit-down dinner for an hour and a half every night for seven nights. We travelled with a 16 mo old & used FRN every night. It was worth it as he was going through a phase of not wanting to stay in his high chair and sitting through an hour & a half dinner with him on my lap would have been unreasonable for everyone. Go to Flounder's at 1:30 on embarcation day & request the time slots you want; they call you each day & tell you if you've gotten the slot or not. On our cruise I made it there by 1:40 and I got every time I asked for.

Pool & beach toys - I would buy inexpensive inflatables & simple sand toys if you're going to beaches on St Maarten or St Thomas; you can just leave them in the cabin at the end of the cruise. Better quality floats can be rented at CC; not sure if there are sand toys at CC.

Clock - we had a cat 3 1-br suite & it didn't have a clock. I did bring one with me & forgot it in the cabin at the end of the cruise & DCL lost & found could not locate it. We did use the ship's wake up service, though. If you're bringing a clock for its alarm you probably won't need it.

Iron/Steamer - there are irons in the laundry rooms; and your cruise docs I believe state that irons aren't permitted in cabins. I wouldn't bring one; you're on vacation!!! Also, the cabins have limited electrical outlets and it would be a challenge to plug one in.

Spa - DH & I had massages on the beach at CC & it was nice; but not sure it was worth $200 + tip. But the surial bath sure sounded great - maybe next cruise!

Hope this helps!


:bounce:

[disney6]

We too are a family of 6. First cruised Oct. 2000, kids were then 8,4,2,1. Had connecting cabins - they were great - just left the door open between the two the entire time so 3 "older" kids slept in one cabin, us and 1 year old (in pack n play) in the other.
Going again this Oct. with cat 10 connecting cabins (with DS10 and DD's 6,4,3).
1.Dressed our girls in sundresses/capris for dinners. Formal nights they wore Disney costumes (used as Halloween costumes and dress up after cruise). Son wore khakis and golf type shirts for every meal and Capt. Hook for formal night. He wore tennis shoes the entire time - no dress shoes for him (he was the 8 year old). He does not own a jacket or tie. Planning on doing the same type of dress this year although son (now 10) will NOT be in a costume but khakis and button down for formal nights - still no tie and still in tennis shoes!
2. Flounders was easy to get IF you get there early to book. We only used it twice - both times for Palo's (with 2 cabins you get to book two nights of Palo's!!)and surial bath. The rest of the time the little ones were with us (me).
3. We did bring beach toys in a mesh bag and were very happy we did. Had buckets and shovels at St. Maarten and CC (did not go to the beach in St. Thomas - stayed on ship and enjoyed empty Mickey Pool). Will DEFINATELY bring these toys again. Did not use these toys at the pool
4. Absolutely bring a clock! One that stays lite at night is even better.
5. With 4 kids I don't iron, always buy cotton knit clothes!!! or stay a little wrinkled - who cares? LOL
6. DH and I did surial bath - it was nice just having an hour to ourselves - we (you) deserve at least that. This time I am going to have a massage I think - but will do the surial bath again!

Budget: We did not do any excursions and still had a great time! Brought our own wine, beer and some soda on board and bought one soda mug which I used more than anyone else. Bring something for the kids to do while waiting to board (gameboys, paper, markers, you get the idea). Have fun!

[kimber79]

I too have an inside stateroom, and am just glad to be going! How much time are you actually going to be in your room anyways! I just wanted to pass along that I have read on these boards that a night lite is a good idea, especially with the inside staterooms, as they are very dark at night!

Have a wonderful cruise!!

Kim