Cruise?

[LittleDisneyLovers]

We are going on the Westbound Transatlantic in September 2010. Anyone else going??? And ....I have read all the tips under the DCL section of the boards but thought someone might have some tips or suggestions that only us Aussies would appreciate???? TIA

 

[AussiePJ]

Not for the Cruise but if you are in WDW in October visit Universal for Halloween Horror nights. Brilliant fun.

If you do it the express pass is also worth the investment.

We will be there the first week of October

 

[Jade+3]

We have recently returned from our holiday, where we did the 4 night cruise.

I thought I had read all the information possible when planning our cruise, but was still unprepared for a few things:

- We needed motion sickness medication on the first night.

- The clocks in the staterooms do not have a light in them.

- There is often discussion on the cruise board about the quality of the drinking water. We had no problems with it. Tastes better than Brisbane water.

- The evening shows in the theater are also broadcast on the stateroom tv. Handy if you have small kids.

- Even though you know you are expected to tip, you will still be annoyed when you actually have to do it. Our cruise tips were just under $250 for the 4 nights for 5 of us.

- I kept lining up at the wrong end at the drinks station, and going in the wrong direction at the buffet stations.

- Get a lanyard for your room key/card.

- Take a highlighter for the Navigator. I left mine in the car and regretted not having it.

- The aircon in the rooms is cool.

- Check your account before disembarking. I had an error on mine that guest services told me they had fixed, which they hadn't. It would have been easier to sort it out onboard, rather than a week later.

- Be prepared for everyone to think you are from the UK, that goes for WDW too.

Thats all I can think of for now. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

WOW, Thanks for those tips!
We have travelled to the USA heaps, but haven't cruised before, so we are prepared for tipping and everone thinking we are from the UK! I also get caught out going the wrong direction on buffets, footpaths and once driving down Sunset Blvd!!!!!
The "Mickey's not so scary Halloween party" at WDW is also great, we went last year. Maybe we'll do the Universal one this year for a change, Thanks!
OK, so have added highlighter and battery night light to packing list.
We live on the Gold Coast, so I know Brissie drinking water is not good, Glad to know the water was OK, Can get expensive buying bottles, especially for a 14 day cruise!
Awesome, keep the tips coming!!! So Exciting!

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

WOW, Thanks for those tips!
We have travelled to the USA heaps, but haven't cruised before, so we are prepared for tipping and everone thinking we are from the UK! I also get caught out going the wrong direction on buffets, footpaths and once driving down Sunset Blvd!!!!!
The "Mickey's not so scary Halloween party" at WDW is also great, we went last year. Maybe we'll do the Universal one this year for a change, Thanks!
OK, so have added highlighter and battery night light to packing list.
We live on the Gold Coast, so I know Brissie drinking water is not good, Glad to know the water was OK, Can get expensive buying bottles, especially for a 14 day cruise!
Awesome, keep the tips coming!!! So Exciting!

 

[shushh]

We're going on a med cruise in April next year and very excited about it! Preparing myself for the long flights with 3 kids...

 

[Jade+3]

Here is the link for the cruise tip calculator, just in case you haven't come across it in the other threads

http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/

Are you travelling with kids? We took pillowcases to guest services on our first night. On the last night they were delivered to our room with all the characters autographs on them.

We did take a case of water onboard, as we needed it for the baby formula. I had read that it could not go in checked baggage, but we were able to check it in. It was handy to have the bottles to refill. We had a fridge full of water.

I will also pass on a tip our server gave us for Castaway Cay, but it is for the family/kids beach. Our server told us to make sure we were off the boat early. Once we got off the tram, we were to keep walking until we passed the Bar, then go down the path to the beach. He said this was the best spot on the beach as it was near the toilets, and the food, plus the lounges were underneath palm trees so they got shade most of the day. We had the best spot. We did get to witness some sun lounge rage though, with people taking other peoples lounges when they were in the water or had gone to get lunch. We always left personal belongings like caps on our lounges and they did not get touched. It seemed to be the ones with only towels on them that got taken.

Your cruise itinerary looks awesome. No wonder you are excited!

 

[AussiePJ]

Maybe we'll do the Universal one this year for a change, Thanks!

Should have mentioned though, the Universal one gets very crowded and it is very, very adult. They will try and scare the hell out of you and generally succeed at least a couple of times. Definately not for kids, and I would hesitate with teenagers as well.

If you like scary movies and/or books though you will love it.

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

OK, Thanks. I have a DD7 and DD8 so might give that one a miss and stick to WDW!

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

We're going on a med cruise in April next year and very excited about it! Preparing myself for the long flights with 3 kids...

Preparing is half the fun!! We have 2 kids, so not looking forward to that huge flight, the longest flight they've done is Orlando from Brisbane, They tend to take it better than adults do though! They are small enough to sleep comfortably, Just keep them well hydrated.
Keep us updated!

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

Here is the link for the cruise tip calculator, just in case you haven't come across it in the other threads

http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/

Are you travelling with kids? We took pillowcases to guest services on our first night. On the last night they were delivered to our room with all the characters autographs on them.

We did take a case of water onboard, as we needed it for the baby formula. I had read that it could not go in checked baggage, but we were able to check it in. It was handy to have the bottles to refill. We had a fridge full of water.

I will also pass on a tip our server gave us for Castaway Cay, but it is for the family/kids beach. Our server told us to make sure we were off the boat early. Once we got off the tram, we were to keep walking until we passed the Bar, then go down the path to the beach. He said this was the best spot on the beach as it was near the toilets, and the food, plus the lounges were underneath palm trees so they got shade most of the day. We had the best spot. We did get to witness some sun lounge rage though, with people taking other peoples lounges when they were in the water or had gone to get lunch. We always left personal belongings like caps on our lounges and they did not get touched. It seemed to be the ones with only towels on them that got taken.

Your cruise itinerary looks awesome. No wonder you are excited!

Thanks, have worked out tips, they are a killer, But I expect tourists in our country to conform to our customs, so I feel we should conform to their customs while in their country. So, I just work it into the budget, even if it takes away from my shopping money!!!!!
Heard about the pillowcases, definately will do that! Love that idea!
As for the best spot on the beach, I have written down instructions, I will be there!!!
Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!!!

 

[AussiePJ]

OK, Thanks. I have a DD7 and DD8 so might give that one a miss and stick to WDW

We will have an 11 and 9 year with us but are getting a sitter for the night.

For mine it is well worth the expense.