Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[rescuetink]

Thanks for all these tips - I'm nearly done reading all 72 pages of them!!! My husband and 8yr old DD have booked 2 weeks at WDW (Port Orleans) followed by a week on the Dream - all to celebrate my 40th birthday, which was last month. I can't wait, although my DD is now very excited, now she has been allowed to let the secret out - it's a long time for the excitement to grow too ;-)

Partially consolidated: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pg2mG-lswenU_d5chdnQ5VA9R34owEeevcTnQeDYrkA/edit

 

[DeejP]

Thanks SO much

 

[Gillett]

Gracias, Rescuetink!

 

[COASTIEandMATE]

They also asked me, and noted it on my form

Hi! where did you get your form? I have never seen this... Thanks, Aloha, Karen

 

[tessa67]

Hi! where did you get your form? I have never seen this... Thanks, Aloha, Karen

They have you fill it out when you drop off your item.

 

[Momma2Jax]

Hi! where did you get your form? I have never seen this... Thanks, Aloha, Karen

They fill it out for you at GS when you drop it off.

 

[rescuetink]

Thanks SO much

Gracias, Rescuetink!

 

[tita155]

I am traveling in February , this is our first cruise and we don't have passports. Should we consider getting them or are they totally not necessary?

 

[cruisecrasher]

I am traveling in February , this is our first cruise and we don't have passports. Should we consider getting them or are they totally not necessary?

They're really nice just in case. Much like trip insurance, it depends on your comfort level with risk.

 

[jhowell08]

I am traveling in February , this is our first cruise and we don't have passports. Should we consider getting them or are they totally not necessary?

If you do not think you will cruise or travel outside of the country much, then you may not need them. However, if you do plan on going on more cruises, it is well worth it. Much easier than carrying original birth certificates. We took my mother on her first cruise to see if she would like it before I got her a passport.

 

[goofystitchfan]

The past 4 years we have been Disney cruising. Fyi when we got off Wednesday and went thru customs when we were disembarking they did request our passports.

 

[tita155]

They're really nice just in case. Much like trip insurance, it depends on your comfort level with risk.

Thanks so much for your feedback.

 

[tita155]

The past 4 years we have been Disney cruising. Fyi when we got off Wednesday and went thru customs when we were disembarking they did request our passports.

Thanks so much

 

[tita155]

If you do not think you will cruise or travel outside of the country much, then you may not need them. However, if you do plan on going on more cruises, it is well worth it. Much easier than carrying original birth certificates. We took my mother on her first cruise to see if she would like it before I got her a passport.

Thanks so much! This so our first and I think I agree with you. Let's see how this goes first.

 

[DizDragonfly]

Thanks so much! This so our first and I think I agree with you. Let's see how this goes first.

Just be aware that if an emergency occurs (sickness, injury or death of someone in your traveling party or someone at home, etc.) and you need to fly home from outside the US, you have to go through the US Embassy. In an emergency situation, you want to be able to book a flight and go, not spin your wheels while dealing with paperwork and bureaucrats.

Personally, we don't cruise without passports or travel insurance. Yeah, it costs a little upfront, but it more than pays for itself in piece of mind. And if you do end up needing one or the other or both, you'll be SO glad you have them.

 

[tita155]

Just be aware that if an emergency occurs (sickness, injury or death of someone in your traveling party or someone at home, etc.) and you need to fly home from outside the US, you have to go through the US Embassy. In an emergency situation, you want to be able to book a flight and go, not spin your wheels while dealing with paperwork and bureaucrats.

Personally, we don't cruise without passports or travel insurance. Yeah, it costs a little upfront, but it more than pays for itself in piece of mind. And if you do end up needing one or the other or both, you'll be SO glad you have them.

Great point, I having been going back and forth since its only a 3day cruise I should really consider.

 

[kristieboyd]

It took me a while to track this thread down, so I figured I'd bump it for any other newbies looking for some fantastic tips!

thanks so much to everyone who contributed....I've read through the entire thing (all 73 pages! whew!) and took LOTS of notes!

Thanks again! Y'all rock!

 

[disneybeachprincess]

Disney doesn't tell you that you will be so addicted to Disney cruising after your first cruise! I love the addiction to all things Disney

 

[geffric]

Personally, we don't cruise without passports or travel insurance. Yeah, it costs a little upfront, but it more than pays for itself in piece of mind. And if you do end up needing one or the other or both, you'll be SO glad you have them.

I second that..passports and travel insurance are a most to me..

 

[TheLabelles]

Has anyone experienced problems printing out their maganets? I am new to this and don't really know what I am doing wrong. I have always wanted to put them on our door but never knew where to find them. With everyone's discussion I am eager to do some but when I print it out on the magnetic paper it just comes out cut off but with regular paper it is fine.
If someone can help me that would be greatly appreciated. My kids would love to have someone on our door this year.

Therese
Disney Magic 2009 Western
Disney Magic 2011 Eastern
Disney Fantasy 2013 Western