DCL expriences?

[JennMouse32]

I'm currently in the pre-planning for the disney cruise i want to take in 2011, its a 7 night to the caribbean.. but i just want to know about some others expriences on the DCL, i have never been on a cruise period, disney or otherwise.. so i have no clue...​

 

[Grandma4ever]

Just be prepared to have a good time. Everyone likes different things about cruising. I enjoy being able to see different ports and not need to pack and unpack. I enjoy the Disney feel of DCL. I enjoy the fact that the ship is clean and I seldom see people drunk nor do I hear any foul language. I enjoy the food and the service we have recieved as well. If you can give us an idea of what you would like to know we can provide more detailed information.

 

[JennMouse32]

i really want to know what to expect, having not been on any cruise im pretty much a virgin to cruises... i know the cruise i want, its on the Disney Magic i believe.. to the eastern Caribbean, im getting the room with the verandah, cuz i want to enjoy the view...

 

[disney 2010]

You will have an amazing time We went on our first cruise in Jan and all loved it! The ship is beautiful, The Cast Members are all incredibly friendly and helpful,the shows, movies,kids clubs, food........ all incredible we have nothing bad to say
Enjoy!!

 

[Tneah]

One thing I didn't know before my cruise was that embarkation was listed as 4:00pm. So, I knew we just needed to be there a few hours before leaving the port. Well, if I didn't read the boards I wouldn't have known that you can start checking in the port around 9:30 ish and be on the ship 11:30-ish. This practically is another full day. You also get lunch.

On disney they announce your family name once you enter onto the ship.

You can go swimming as soon as you get on the ship, eat lunch or tour the ship.
Your stateroom will not be ready until about 1:45pm, so pack a light carry on bag for suits, meds or anything else that you'll need during this time.
No need to pack towels.
On Disney, you can carry on alcohol, soda and water.

You will have a safety drill around 4:00pm.
There is a sailaway party around 4:30pm.
There is a show or entertainment of some sort before or after dinner depending on early or late seating.

There's more, but lets start here.

 

[NC_Tink]

i really want to know what to expect, having not been on any cruise im pretty much a virgin to cruises... i know the cruise i want, its on the Disney Magic i believe.. to the eastern Caribbean, im getting the room with the verandah, cuz i want to enjoy the view...

I guess it's a little difficult to definitively tell you what to expect. Every person can have a different experience depending on their own personality and how "involved" you get. One person can have a cruise that is quiet and relaxing and basically they do nothing but enjoy the sea air, eat and sleep. The person sitting right next to them may have a cruise where they attend art auctions, play bingo, go to the clubs in the evening, attend lectures, have a massage in a cabana, go snorkeling in every port, etc. etc. So, you see, a cruise, like any vacation, is what you make it You can be super laid-back or try to squeeze as much into your vacation as possible. But, just remember that if you are the type to "squeeze" - you won't be able to do everything in one trip -- that's why so many of us rebook

Some things I can share: You can expect great service from a staff that is there to serve Very good food and and plenty of it Wonderful locations to visit Broadway style shows A beautiful ship Disney characters Lots of kids You won't be bored, if you don't want to be

The DIS boards is a great place to learn about the DCL experience. You'll hear both the good and the bad here. I can say from personal experience the Magic is a great ship - I loved our verandah room and my family is booked on a Mediterranean cruise this spring, in a veranda room, on the Magic Once you've booked or know which cruise you're going to book - go out to your MEET thread and get to know some of your fellow cruisers. It's always nice to make friends prior to the cruise and most groups schedule some activities together while on board the ship - lots of fun!

Good luck and enjoy your trip!!!

 

[luvmyprincess]

On Disney, you can carry on alcohol, soda and water..

You Can ??? Reading the cruise "book" , brochure ...whichever... it states that no outside coolers, food or drink is allowed to be brought on . I was secretly hoping to get away with it, but if it's ok that would be awesome!!

 

[JennMouse32]

WOW..there is sooo much. im glad i am getting the planning dvd and stuff.. i hope to be going with my boyfriend, but i have a backup in case

 

[NC_Tink]

You Can ??? Reading the cruise "book" , brochure ...whichever... it states that no outside coolers, food or drink is allowed to be brought on . I was secretly hoping to get away with it, but if it's ok that would be awesome!!

As long as you bring it in your carry-on luggage - then it's not a problem. We came with a couple of six-packs of beer and a few bottles of wine, as well as several bottles of water! It must be in carrier (soft sided cooler or carry on luggage), but no ice! I did have a couple of small reusable ice packs in my soft-sided cooler and this did not seem to be a problem.

 

[Grandma4ever]

So you are looking at a 7 day eastern. You should know that you will have three days at sea. This is a good time to relax and explore the ship. It will be a good idea to join your cruise meet once you know which week you are going to be cruising. They will plan group activities so you have a chance to get to know those that you will be cruising with.

A big one for us it to fly in the day before. There is too much that can delay your arrival for me to risk it ever again. We have stayed at the Hyatt in the airport and it was great. This fall we are driving from the midwest and staying at the port for two nights before the cruise.

There is a sticky at the top of this forum that lists a number of tips and important information. Keep asking questions on this thread and others and you will be more than prepared before it is time to leave. Planning and learning is half the fun.

Don't worry about food you can get most anything you want.

Plan for your tips. On a 7 day it is about 76.00 dollars per person for the week. You tip four persons each cruise; 3 in the dining room and your stateroom host. I have always felt that that more than earned the tip and often added a little extra.

Palo is the adult only resturant and there is a fee to eat there. Well worth it if you want time away while you are away. Many of us add an extra tip to the sitting fee because the food and service is very good.

I could go on and on. Each cruise I learn more about cruising and seem to enjoy my cruise that much more more. Take time as you cannot learn it all in one sitting. This site and DCL can be very addicting.

One last thing I cannot ever recommend that any one take less than a 4 day cruise. In fact, I have issues with considering only being on board for 7 days it seems too short of a time.

 

[aurorafan65]

once you cruise - you'll be hooked, we started with a land & sea & have been on 4 cruises since with one planned this summer. I suggest you use this board for all the info you can & another one called Cruise Critic. Do a lot of reading so you can plan. Alot of the stuff on-board is included in the price but make sure you budget in extras like shore excursions.
I know someone mentioned the info sticky, there's a great packing list which I have tailored for our family needs. Also if you get the Travel Channel, every once in awhile they have a show about DCL - watch it, it shows all kinds of stuff on the ship

 

[Grandma4ever]

If you drink Alcohol it is extra as is bottled water, canned sodas, and speciality drinks including smoothies and coffees. There is a drink station on deck 9 that is free with regular coffee, hot water for tea, milk and many different coke products.

 

[JennMouse32]

translation bring my own dr pepper..lol

 

[moochpuppy]

You Can ??? Reading the cruise "book" , brochure ...whichever... it states that no outside coolers, food or drink is allowed to be brought on . I was secretly hoping to get away with it, but if it's ok that would be awesome!!

We called DCL twice before our cruise and you can bring it onboard. We had one seperate carry-on where all there was in it was alcohol & water.