Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[kdeans1010]

I've read that the Sharpies fade more than those permanent markers specifically made for fabric FWIW. Hence, we went with fabric markers last cruise but are going with Sharpies this cruise as we're having a photo mat signed.

I found Sharpies that are meant for fabric. They're kinda' awesome.

 

[rescuetink]

I found Sharpies that are meant for fabric. They're kinda' awesome.

We have those two!!!

 

[violetmonarch]

I am torn between getting a photo mat signed or not....I bought two kinds: one that has two openings for 4x6 photos and another that is for an 8x10 photo.

 

[marciagms]

great ideas!!! Keep them coming!!

 

[heastonfam]

soooo many great ideas, it's our first cruise (FEB 2013, Magic) and I had no idea about the pillowcases. My kids will love that! Thank you!

 

[rescuetink]

I haven't posted this in awhile, so I'm re-posting it now!! And it hasn't been updated in awhile, but I don't think it misses much!!!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pg2mG-lswenU_d5chdnQ5VA9R34owEeevcTnQeDYrkA/edit?pli=1

 

[Clochette nordique]

We are a year out from our cruise on the Dream and figure it is never too early to begin planning our adventure. This will be my 2nd and a 1/2 cruise but the first for the rest of the family. This thread is awesome and has me psyched.

What is a "1/2" cruise? I really am curious about it.

Poussière de fée!

 

[Ashleyfaz]

Staples has the 12 packs of sharpies on sale too! $3

Are they different colors or all black? I got 2 10 packs of different colors for $7.50 (3.75 each).

 

[uscgmouse]

Are they different colors or all black? I got 2 10 packs of different colors for $7.50 (3.75 each).

They are the packs with different colors.

 

[tntmaresca]

I am a technically challenged web user so I hope I am posting my questions in the right place. We are taking our first cruise next month on the Magic for 6 night western caribbean cruise departing Galveston. I would appreciate any tips or advice.

1. My husband is a smoker and is concerned he will only be able to smoke from 6pm - 6am, is that correct? certain decks? we did not get a room with a veranda

2. My boys are 7 & 9 and want to do a Stringray excursion tour. I am concerned about the safety of this due to their barbs, thoughts?

3. Is it really OK to pack your own beer, wine and alcohol in your luggage?

4. Trying to decide between the Dophin Extreme Swim and Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman or Dolphin Push Pull Swim in Cozumel. Suggestions?

 

[uscgmouse]

Sorry double post

 

[uscgmouse]

I am a technically challenged web user so I hope I am posting my questions in the right place. We are taking our first cruise next month on the Magic for 6 night western caribbean cruise departing Galveston. I would appreciate any tips or advice.

1. My husband is a smoker and is concerned he will only be able to smoke from 6pm - 6am, is that correct? certain decks? we did not get a room with a veranda

2. My boys are 7 & 9 and want to do a Stringray excursion tour. I am concerned about the safety of this due to their barbs, thoughts?

3. Is it really OK to pack your own beer, wine and alcohol in your luggage?

4. Trying to decide between the Dophin Extreme Swim and Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman or Dolphin Push Pull Swim in Cozumel. Suggestions?

Not sure about all your questions but regarding smoking and bringing on booze: per Disney website:

Question
May Guests bring alcohol onboard?
Answer
While adult Guests ages 21 and older may bring alcohol onboard, the following guidelines apply:

Outside alcohol cannot be consumed in any lounge or public area
At Palo and Remy, a $20 corkage fee will be charged for outside wine and champagne
Beverages must be packed in your carry-on bagwhich must not exceed 22 inches wide, 14 inches high and 9 inches deep in dimension
Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, alcohol, chips, candy, etc.) may not be brought on board.
Please note: Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to remove fragile items (including beverages) from checked luggage. In such cases, items will be stored and returned at the end of the voyage. Beverage containers are considered fragile and have previously caused damage in checked luggage. All fragile items must be transported inside carry-on luggage.

Smoking:
Question
Where can I smoke on board?
Answer
Disney Cruise Line has never allowed smoking in Guest staterooms. In addition, smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces throughout our ships. In an effort to provide a cruise experience that satisfies both our non-smoking and smoking Guests, smoking is permitted in designated areas of the ship.

On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, smoking is permitted on:

Private verandahs
Outdoors on Deck 4 starboard side from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. only
The starboard side open-air decks 9 and 10 (excluding the Mickey Pool area).
On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, smoking is permitted on:

Stateroom verandahs
Deck 4 port side, aft, the outside Promenade Deck from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Deck 12 port side, aft, the outdoor area that is accessible through the Meridian Lounge
Deck 13 port side, forward, by Currents Bar
Guests who are found smoking in their staterooms will be charged a $250 stateroom recovery fee. This fee covers deep cleaning that includes air filter replacement, carpet extraction and the cleaning and replacement of drapes, comforters, blankets and pillows.

Due to differences in size and the availability of some services while out at sea, our policies will sometimes differ slightly from similar ones at the Walt Disney World Resort. We have carefully considered which areas of our ships to designate as smoking and non-smoking, and we do periodically review our policies to ensure continued Guest satisfaction.

 

[tntmaresca]

great info, thanks so much for the quick response... my husband would never smoke inside, he'd have a bigger problem with me than Disney if he did... lol

Just to clarify - The starboard side open-air decks 9 and 10 (excluding the Mickey Pool area). - is this also 6pm - 6am or anytime?

thanks again,

 

[violetmonarch]

Going back to packing the alcohol...I was planning on taking a Disney reusable shopping bag as my carry on. However, I think that it is too tall, and it is open on the top. Does this mean that I cannot use it as my carry on bag?

 

[sunshineNJ]

I have been on this thread for hours!!! I'm learning alot. It will be our first cruise 8/13. I wanted to find out for sure if you can bring on water and snacks because we are staying in Cocoa Beach for a few days post cruise and I wanted to save water and snacks for then. I have been reading conflicting answers. Thanks

 

[NCConch]

What is a "1/2" cruise? I really am curious about it.

Poussière de fée!

Back in the day...

I grew up in South Florida and one of the cruise lines ran a boat daily from West Palm Beach to Freeport. You went over in the morning and came back that night or any other night. You could do all of the typical cruise things like drink and gamble. Cabins were extra. My friends and I went over and spent a night at a casino for my 21st birthday.

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

I am torn between getting a photo mat signed or not....I bought two kinds: one that has two openings for 4x6 photos and another that is for an 8x10 photo.

We had a few signed. 8x10. 4x6 and 5x7. And we had 2sets signed plus 5 pillow cases All it cost was 2 packages of double stuff Oreos as a CM gift.

 

[Cheerio]

great info, thanks so much for the quick response... my husband would never smoke inside, he'd have a bigger problem with me than Disney if he did... lol

Just to clarify - The starboard side open-air decks 9 and 10 (excluding the Mickey Pool area). - is this also 6pm - 6am or anytime?

thanks again,

Anytime you can smoke upstairs, except when in port and the ship is re-fueling. For the magic in January it was about 3pm on embarkation day when they announced smoking was allowed.

 

[The Lorax]

Thread = Subbed
A huge to all the posters in this thread, definately a must read for DCL 'rookies'.
Your collective experience will ease any confusion for DW and I during our first DC with 3 DD's.

 

[violetmonarch]

We had a few signed. 8x10. 4x6 and 5x7. And we had 2sets signed plus 5 pillow cases All it cost was 2 packages of double stuff Oreos as a CM gift.

I thought that that they could only sign one or two items per cabin
If they can do more that would be great!

Still do not know if I am able to take my reusable shopping bag as a carry-on with my champagne in it