Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[stephent92]

Free Stuff! There is a ton of free stuff onboard the ship for you to lay your hands on.... unfortunately you normally have to do something to get it!

The kids clubs have boxes of Disney stuff (Tattoos, small toys, postcards etc.). They use them for prizes and bribes. It is amazing what you can get by helping tidy up!

The ships use to have trading cards that you could collect from each department. These were discontinued back in 2005, however, some are still about (Wonder and Magic only).

DCL has a set of coins which can be collected. You normally have to 'win' them. Gold coins are in Youth Activities, Silver on Castaway, Ent Staff have blue...

Coke Float. The best invention ever! Why not put some ice cream in the bottom of a coke cup and then top up at the drinks station?

If you don't ask, you don't get. If you have a special event happening in your family, and would like something special - ask! They might say yes, they might say no - but if you don't ask, you don't get.



If your young'un has to do some sort of homework activity about their vacation ask guest services or Youth Activities for some help. I had a child that had to write a report about the ship - I was able to get an exclusive tour of the bridge for him, and a short Q&A with a bridge officer.

 

[princessarielle]

Great tips!

I'm already planning on doing a pillowcase for my daughter but I like the photo mat idea too.

 

[jtw999]

Love these ideas! Thanks!

 

[Camonkeygirl]

There is a galley tour offered, although recent reports seem to indicate it is becoming a hit or miss thing. Just have to wait until you're onboard.

There are no bridge tours anymore except in very rare circumstances such as Make A Wish kids or naval officers of one sort or another. Even in those cases, it is not always guaranteed.

I believe you are free to walk around the spa and look around, just not in any areas where someone might be getting a treatment.

Thanks for the info. DH was a quartermaster in the Navy, so he is really into that stuff

Bridge tours are still being done, you have to ask as soon as you get onboard. We arent affiliated with any of the mentioned groups, all we did was ask and we were given a date and time to show up for the tour.

Where did you go to ask. May send DH to do that to keep him busy.

 

[glassslipper2004]

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[jujupixiedust]

My best tip is clothespins, not for your laundry, but for keeping your towel on the chair. Not only does it not blow away, but if you get up to get a drink. take a dip in the pool or even a potty break, others will know your seat is occupied.

 

[juliebug1997]

I read in one of my books that they don't do the pillowcase/mat thing any more. Has anyone who has gone recently done this? Thanks!

 

[Sir William]

My best tip is clothespins, not for your laundry, but for keeping your towel on the chair. Not only does it not blow away, but if you get up to get a drink. take a dip in the pool or even a potty break, others will know your seat is occupied.

We had some plastic clothepins with hooks on them. We used them to hang things in the shower, and also on the veranda (usually on the back of the chairs when in port). I never thought about using them at the pool. Good idea!

 

[Sir William]

I read in one of my books that they don't do the pillowcase/mat thing any more. Has anyone who has gone recently done this? Thanks!

They did it on our 8-15 January cruise. I gave them a Tinkerbell totebag on Saturday to get signed and asked for as many characters as possible to sign the back of the bag. I also gave them a fabric marker and left a bag of candy for the CM, all inside of a plastic bag.

The following Friday the bag (and marker) were returned to our stateroom.

 

[DizDaddy]

I read in one of my books that they don't do the pillowcase/mat thing any more. Has anyone who has gone recently done this? Thanks!

I've seen several VERY RECENT entries that indicate that they still do this. Do a search on 'pillowcase' and you should find quite a bit of info. We plan on doing the pillowcases and mats on our next cruise.

 

[melmar136]

I've seen several VERY RECENT entries that indicate that they still do this. Do a search on 'pillowcase' and you should find quite a bit of info. We plan on doing the pillowcases and mats on our next cruise.

I'm so glad! Told my DD about this, and she was more excited about it than I thought she would be! We found a person on etsy.com who embroiders them with name,dates,and ship. Very cute!

 

[DizDaddy]

I hope she is not disappointed! I don't intend to get any hopes up.....hopefully someone that has cruised very recently will reply with more information.

 

[Lake_Mary]

I've seen several VERY RECENT entries that indicate that they still do this. Do a search on 'pillowcase' and you should find quite a bit of info. We plan on doing the pillowcases and mats on our next cruise.

We got off the Magic yesterday and brought 2 pillowcases to be signed, along with a pack of assorted color sharpies. Dropped it at guest services Wednesday and the pillowcases and markers were returned to our room Friday.

Yes, they still offer this service

 

[Billinaz]

I got these from EBAY. She did a great job on my request to put the Name of the ship above a DCL logo then the cruise dates below.

Came out great!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220729526688

 

[Princess Sleepy]

Castaway Cay treasure hunt anyone?

 

[Erickson99]

You guys ROCK. Subscribing to this thread!!! THANKS!!!

 

[llqool]

I'm so glad! Told my DD about this, and she was more excited about it than I thought she would be! We found a person on etsy.com who embroiders them with name,dates,and ship. Very cute!

Do you have a link to the person on etsy? Thanks!

 

[jamielynn]

Do you have a link to the person on etsy? Thanks!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchesNBows#

She also does Fish Extenders and has a FB page. Jen is WONDERFUL to work with!!!

 

[spacecanada]

About the bridge tours, where would one ask as soon as arriving onboard? Guest services?

My husband would absolutely love this. Where do we sign up? We're celebrating his birthday onboard and this would be the best present ever for him.

 

[tracielynn]

This is so great!! Thanks!