This was a quick list I made for a friend that was taking his family on their first Dream cruise (first cruise actually) in Feb 2012. It was him, his wife, their three kids (1,5, and 7) plus some extended family.
The lights in the stateroom have this card thingy that you put your room key into for the lights to come on. However, you can use any card that has a magnetic strip, like a library card or a Kroger card. If you use your stateroom key in the lights and forget it, you could be locked out of your room. This will make more sense when you see it.
Ride the Aqua Duck at night. Shorter lines, water feels warmer and you can see the lights on the tube.
Make sure your family has early seating dinner. If not change that first thing once on board. Check your Navigator for dining changes location.
Pack your swimsuits in your carryon. Your luggage will not be to your stateroom until late in the afternoon.
Do the Shipboard Detective Game. It is very cool!
Take a photo mat, markers and a bag of candy to Guest Services. Your photo mat will be returned to your stateroom with autographs from the characters. It is a great souvenir.
Do your check in online. It will make your check in at the port faster and easier. In addition, only one member of the family (per stateroom) has to stand in line for check in. Just make sure that person has all the documents and passports. You will just need to gather for the security photo.
Are your dining reservations linked with your other family members in different staterooms? If not, you will want to have this done, otherwise you may not up sitting with your extended family at dinner (unless that is not important.)
Always carry your camera and autograph books and pens with you. You would be surprised at how many characters you will run into.
Order coffee from room service before you turn in for the night. It is a great wakeup call and you do not have to schlep upstairs to get coffee while you are getting ready for the day. By the way, room service is free, so go ahead and indulge.
Re-book your next
Disney cruise onboard to get 10% off and $100 onboard credit.
An over the door shoe organizer with clear pockets is a great way of keeping everything organized. You can find them at the dollar store usually.
Your suitcases on the last night have to be outside your stateroom by 10pm (check your Navigator for the exact time.) Make sure that you have everything in your carry ons that you will need for the next morning. Otherwise, someone in your party may go home in their pajamas.
See the shows if you can. They are cute and entertaining. Most people arrive about 30 minutes before show time but you do not have to. There are always good seats.
You can make signs to decorate your stateroom door. Just make sure that you use magnets to attach the signs to the door.
There is a hair dryer in the stateroom if you do not bring one with you. You have to plug it in at the outlet at the desk; otherwise, it will not work properly.
Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are not listed on the menu but you can order them for dessert or from room service.
Do not go to dinner early. You will just end up waiting in a long line. Wait until about 5 minutes after the time and just join the end of the line.
If you are flying home after your cruise, use the airline check in option that Guest Services offers. It will save time at the airport. Note: Not all airlines participate in this.
Purchases made at the shops onboard and
Castaway Cay can be delivered to your stateroom.
Do not miss the Sail Away or the Pirates in the Caribbean party. Good times!
Walk or take the tram to far end of family beach on Castaway Cay. Great water activities there, it is a little quieter than the heart of the family beach, there is nice shopping and an excellent bar with terrific views.
If you can find the time, rent bikes on Castaway Cay. The bike path takes you around the island and gives you the opportunity to check out the island from the observation tower.
You can ship one box of stuff ahead of time to the port, like baby products to save room in your luggage.
Regardless of what you may read, you can wear business casual- Dockers/Polo shirts to dinner and not be frowned upon or turned away.
If your daughter is in to Princesses, purchase a princess dress before you leave home. The prices on the ship are crazy.
People will dress up for Pirate Night. See above
.
Make sure
DCL knows if your family is celebrating anything (birthday!) and you may get a surprise.
If you want to do a 5k on Castaway Cay, there should be one. It is an easy run/walk and a great way to see the island and you may get a medal for your effort. Check your Navigator for information.
Book brunch on your sea day if available and try for the first one of the day. It is an adult only meal but it is the best meal you will have during your vacation. Keep in mind that there is (was) a $15 service charge for this meal. If you cannot book it online before you leave, go to the area for Palo reservations/dining changes when you first board.
The chest/coffee table opens for more storage. You can also store your luggage under the bed.
The Rainforest Room at the Spa is heaven. A day pass is (was) $16 and worth it after a day at the beach.
I do not drink coffee but I have heard that the regular coffee on the ship is horrible. If you want a Starbucks like drink, head to the Cove Café.
