What I would do/not do next cruise

[fairytalelover]

What I wouldn't do again:



take high heel shoes

take really dressy clothes

Now, this proves how different people are. The best part was to be able to dress up every night in my pretty heals and dressy clothes for dinner. Going casual for everything just takes the special-ness out of it. I wore a different dress every night with heals and we took some fantastic family photos where we are not all frumpy (we keep frumpy for the parks) On formal night I wore a gorgeous black dress with heals and the works and had my husband and 6 year old son wear matching tuxedo t-shirts. They looked adorable and we had some fantastic professional family photos taken that night.

 

[TempusFugit]

On formal night I wore a gorgeous black dress with heals and the works and had my husband and 6 year old son wear matching tuxedo t-shirts.

Wow

 

[Silverfox97]

Now, this proves how different people are. The best part was to be able to dress up every night in my pretty heals and dressy clothes for dinner. Going casual for everything just takes the special-ness out of it. I wore a different dress every night with heals

This for us too. DH loves wearing a tie and looking sharp. DD thinks the pouffier the dress, the better. We dress up in different outfits every night as well. In fact, DH even changed after Remy brunch and wore something totally different to dinner! Our serving team commented every night about how nice we all looked

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Purplejewel]

This for us too. DH loves wearing a tie and looking sharp. DD thinks the pouffier the dress, the better. We dress up in different outfits every night as well. In fact, DH even changed after Remy brunch and wore something totally different to dinner! Our serving team commented every night about how nice we all looked

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

So nice to see I am not the only other person who likes to dress up each night for dinner on the cruises. All of the restaurants are so beautifully decorated that it just seems appropriate to be in in formal wear each night when I eat in them. I usually don't see that many other people dressing up each night and I use to feel a little awkward but I have gotten over that since it is all about what a person is comfortable wearing and what makes them happy - and dressing up each night makes me happy. The cruises are the only time I ever get to dress in fancy clothes and I get fantastic pictures each night too. Plus, getting to see my DH in his suits is rare and he always looks so handsome. I bring a different cocktail dress for each night, plus a long gown for formal night. I also bring nice dresses to wear to Palo or Remy Brunches. On my last cruise in February, for the first time, I brought a complete pirate outfit to wear on pirate night - including boots. What a lot of fun that was I got awsome pictures with Jack Sparrow and I felt like it was Halloween, which is one of my favorite holidays. Yes, bringing all those outfits requires alot of packing space. I end up having a very large suitcase plus a full-size garment bag just for my things - got to have room for lots of shoes and jewelry as well I am bringing my four daughters on their first 7-day cruise this November and after seeing all the beautiful pictures of DH and I from our cruises they want to dress up each night too. Yikes - I can already see the mountain of suitcases I will be lugging to the next cruise. But it will be worth it to see my girls all dressed up like princesses each night and getting such wonderful family photos to take home - there goes another $400.00 for photos I love seeing other people dressed up too - I get new ideas for outfits that way.

 

[Heyriddle]

So nice to see I am not the only other person who likes to dress up each night for dinner on the cruises. All of the restaurants are so beautifully decorated that it just seems appropriate to be in in formal wear each night when I eat in them. I usually don't see that many other people dressing up each night and I use to feel a little awkward but I have gotten over that since it is all about what a person is comfortable wearing and what makes them happy - and dressing up each night makes me happy. The cruises are the only time I ever get to dress in fancy clothes and I get fantastic pictures each night too. Plus, getting to see my DH in his suits is rare and he always looks so handsome. I bring a different cocktail dress for each night, plus a long gown for formal night. I also bring nice dresses to wear to Palo or Remy Brunches. On my last cruise in February, for the first time, I brought a complete pirate outfit to wear on pirate night - including boots. What a lot of fun that was I got awsome pictures with Jack Sparrow and I felt like it was Halloween, which is one of my favorite holidays. Yes, bringing all those outfits requires alot of packing space. I end up having a very large suitcase plus a full-size garment bag just for my things - got to have room for lots of shoes and jewelry as well I am bringing my four daughters on their first 7-day cruise this November and after seeing all the beautiful pictures of DH and I from our cruises they want to dress up each night too. Yikes - I can already see the mountain of suitcases I will be lugging to the next cruise. But it will be worth it to see my girls all dressed up like princesses each night and getting such wonderful family photos to take home - there goes another $400.00 for photos I love seeing other people dressed up too - I get new ideas for outfits that way.

I agree. When else do we have the opportunity to dress up?

 

[NickAndAnt]

So nice to see I am not the only other person who likes to dress up each night for dinner on the cruises. All of the restaurants are so beautifully decorated that it just seems appropriate to be in in formal wear each night when I eat in them. I usually don't see that many other people dressing up each night and I use to feel a little awkward but I have gotten over that since it is all about what a person is comfortable wearing and what makes them happy - and dressing up each night makes me happy. The cruises are the only time I ever get to dress in fancy clothes and I get fantastic pictures each night too. Plus, getting to see my DH in his suits is rare and he always looks so handsome. I bring a different cocktail dress for each night, plus a long gown for formal night. I also bring nice dresses to wear to Palo or Remy Brunches. On my last cruise in February, for the first time, I brought a complete pirate outfit to wear on pirate night - including boots. What a lot of fun that was I got awsome pictures with Jack Sparrow and I felt like it was Halloween, which is one of my favorite holidays. Yes, bringing all those outfits requires alot of packing space. I end up having a very large suitcase plus a full-size garment bag just for my things - got to have room for lots of shoes and jewelry as well I am bringing my four daughters on their first 7-day cruise this November and after seeing all the beautiful pictures of DH and I from our cruises they want to dress up each night too. Yikes - I can already see the mountain of suitcases I will be lugging to the next cruise. But it will be worth it to see my girls all dressed up like princesses each night and getting such wonderful family photos to take home - there goes another $400.00 for photos I love seeing other people dressed up too - I get new ideas for outfits that way.

I would guess you get a lot of smiles and maybe some compliments when your whole family is dressed up. (instead of funny looks.)

 

[Centex]

We simply fed the children at the table then my hubs walked them to the kids club and back down to rejoin us for dinner. Of course, we only ate with family so we didn't hold up any one elses dinner. But still an option.

 

[fairfax]

So nice to see I am not the only other person who likes to dress up each night for dinner on the cruises. All of the restaurants are so beautifully decorated that it just seems appropriate to be in in formal wear each night when I eat in them. I usually don't see that many other people dressing up each night and I use to feel a little awkward but I have gotten over that since it is all about what a person is comfortable wearing and what makes them happy - and dressing up each night makes me happy. The cruises are the only time I ever get to dress in fancy clothes and I get fantastic pictures each night too. Plus, getting to see my DH in his suits is rare and he always looks so handsome. I bring a different cocktail dress for each night, plus a long gown for formal night. I also bring nice dresses to wear to Palo or Remy Brunches. On my last cruise in February, for the first time, I brought a complete pirate outfit to wear on pirate night - including boots. What a lot of fun that was I got awsome pictures with Jack Sparrow and I felt like it was Halloween, which is one of my favorite holidays. Yes, bringing all those outfits requires alot of packing space. I end up having a very large suitcase plus a full-size garment bag just for my things - got to have room for lots of shoes and jewelry as well I am bringing my four daughters on their first 7-day cruise this November and after seeing all the beautiful pictures of DH and I from our cruises they want to dress up each night too. Yikes - I can already see the mountain of suitcases I will be lugging to the next cruise. But it will be worth it to see my girls all dressed up like princesses each night and getting such wonderful family photos to take home - there goes another $400.00 for photos I love seeing other people dressed up too - I get new ideas for outfits that way.

I love your way of thinking!

We like to dress up, too. My husband even bought his own tux. I love shopping Dillards' awesome sales for "cruise clothes" (last new year's day I got a gorgeous formal dress for $40!) I have so many great pictures and memories from our cruises. My kids have been great sports about getting dressed up as well. It's all about what you enjoy doing and what will make your vacation the best for your family

 

[flyersfan1129]

What we WILL do again:
Palo brunch (will be booking on 06/02)
Disney Port Adventures ( I don't CARE that they are more expensive...the whole "the ship will wait for you" is worth it to me and my family!)
Have breakfast at Royal Court
Pack a LBD that can be dressed up/down
See the matinee show
Mixology
Cruise meet
Bring air freshener
Bring our own beach towels to Castaway. It was soooo much easier to find our loungers with our towels.
Be among the 1st off the ship at CC. Had our pick of prime beach spots!


What we will NOT do again
Bingo (rip off!!)
Do any port "on our own"
Bring "gifts" for staff...they really, really prefer $$$. Oh, and our room attendant said they have to pay for bottled water if they want it, so when we gifted him with our extras, he was thrilled.
Bring refillable mugs for me/hubby. The child used one to make ice cream sodas, but that was the only one that got used.
Bring cheap batteries....bought so many packs on board for our camera, I will buy the good ones before we leave!

 

[outtabux]

I've seen a few people say they would not bring their refillable mugs. Why is that? On other posts people complain about how small the cups are. How do I decide if I should bring them or not?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I've seen a few people say they would not bring their refillable mugs. Why is that? On other posts people complain about how small the cups are. How do I decide if I should bring them or not?

The cups are not the large size you get at fast food places. I think they are about 12 oz, maybe a little larger. We found them plenty large enough. And, since you are requested to use their cups to fill your refillable one, you're already using up a cup that's destined for the trash now.

Bringing your own personal refillable mugs, you have to wash them out once in a while. I don't do dishes at home, why do it on vacation?

 

[mom2aredhead]

Bringing your own personal refillable mugs, you have to wash them out once in a while. I don't do dishes at home, why do it on vacation?

And besides the rinsing/washing my issue was what to do with it!
Once I finished my drink I either had to carry around an empty mug (or 2 or 3), or walk back to the cabin to put it away. Much easier to use theirs.

 

[omalley1118]

Really enjoying this thread!!! Thanks for all of the great ideas!


Will do again:
Walk on Deck 4 every morning-loved the peace and quiet, and it was great exercise
Skip some of the MDRs
Let the kids stay in the clubs for meals if they want
Have lunch the first day on the pool deck
Sit on a quiet deck and read a book
Try new food that I didn't think I would like

Will not:
Pedicure at the spa-overpriced as expected but only a handful of color choices and not pleased with the finished look
Play quite as much bingo--no point in even thinking of saying I won't do it at all...
Try to use the treadmills..it's a weird motion thing for me. The deck walk was much better
Walk barefoot on the pool deck...very hot!!!
Pack as much...yeah right!

 

[scrapycruiser]

Will do again :
request the same server each cruise
Palo Dinner, platinum diners eat free
Grab lounge chairs early at the adult pool, then get coffee & pastry from Cove
Get off early at CC to get a good spot and to enjoy a full day of paradise !

Will Not do again :
Play bingo, ripoff, plus no fun w electronic cards
Spa, too pushy for products, never have nail polish colors I like
Will not go to all the shows. Have seen them many times
Pirate party, instead we'll get a drink, grab a lounge chair on Deck 4 and watch the fireworks
Buy bottled water. Ships water is filtered and taste good.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

And besides the rinsing/washing my issue was what to do with it!
Once I finished my drink I either had to carry around an empty mug (or 2 or 3), or walk back to the cabin to put it away. Much easier to use theirs.

True . this is the case with souvenir cups too. On my Feb CCL, my cool twisty souvenir cup blew away and no one was willing to replace it...

 

[jm106]

Will do- Palo now that we had a chance to see everything and eat in the MDR I would like to try it.
- more pool time
-Eat more TS breakfast. I always felt we were running off to do something so we did buffet breakfast and lunch and I really dont like buffets. The breakfast at tritons was substantially nicer then the buffet.
- one of the shows- we skipped them, too much else to do and we wanted to relax more this trip. Dinner took long enough and kids wanted to either swim at night or do activities in the clubs
-Watch sunrise again, and watch it set more then once.

Wont do- Rainforest pass. It was fine but not amazing. The tile loungers were sort of uncomfortable on my sciatica. DH fell asleep so he didnt care. One steam room was just too hot the other was nice but really it was lovely sunshine outside with a pool and cocktails and I was inside. On a rainy day, It would be nice.

 

[Manders77]

OK. Haven't been on Disney yet, but have cruised before. I already know the answer for my first DCL cruise, which won't be till 2015.

I WILL NOT try to do everything in 1 cruise.

I WILL book onboard so I can do different things the next time.

 

[AKchristmasqueen]

Great list! I would also add- pack less! They have washer/dryers on board which we took advantage of. I didn't wear half the clothes I packed for myself.

 

[ladyj0212]

Will do again:

Palo. I LOVE that chocolate souflee. Plus I have not visited Palo on the new ships.

Aquaduck. Both at night and in the day. Nighttime is the best with the lights!

Board with bathing suits under your clothes. Once you board the ship, you can grab lunch then hit the pools!

The pools on embarkation day. I love the jams they play at the pool, and it really gets you in a vacation spirit.

FISH EXTENDERS!!! We did it for the first time on our last cruise and it was so much fun and you get to come home with tons of souvenirs!

The Midship Detective Agency My husband and I did this while our daughter was in the oceanears club, and it was so much fun running around the boat trying to solve the mystery.

Late night club buffets You can find a little buffet set up outside the clubs with offerings such as chocolate covered strawberries, coconut shrimp, ribs, and more!

Will do next time:

The Rainforest room. I have yet to do that. Seems like a real deal for a day of relaxation.

Order cookies and milk before bed. Something so simple that these boards rave about, and I always forget to do it while I'm there.

a couple's treatment at the spa.

Konk Kooker I am not a drinker, but I really want to try a virgin version of this drink...coconut and pineapple? YUMMY!

Match Your Mate I would love to be on this show, but if not, watching it seems entertaining in itself.

Pelican Plundge Missed it last time. Will do it next time.

Character dance party

Book next cruise on board.


Will not do:

Bingo: although Bingo is a blast, I would rather put my money toward something else on board.

Arrive 10-15 minutes before princess gathering.This line was already crazy long. I plan on going way earlier next time so we don't have to wait over an hour.

Stress about not getting to do everything. It's your vacation. Take it one step at a time. Plus if you don't get to do everything, that is one more excuse to come right back!

 

[Jillpie]

Will do again:

Go to adult pool/jacuzzi at 10:00 pm till midnight on first night spontaneously with DH. We had the whole place to ourselves.

Wear capris to Palo. I called them in advance to check. Brought a skirt for dinner, was so worried about "dressing to the nines", capris are accepted and felt so relaxed.

Be one of first ones out on CC, makes for fantastic pictures of freshly raked sand.

Get two choc. chip cookies at Cabanas, go over to hard scooped ice cream, put together to make ice cream sandwich. Outstanding dessert.

Definitely stay at Hyatt again! Was sooo worried about them losing our luggage and it was a seamless process.

Won't do again

When it pours in Nassau and I'm on board, I'll have a backup plan and not just sit in lounge chair with nothing to do.

Will do next cruise:

Verandah. I loved our huge porthole, but there were a few times I just missed the fresh air.

Will get more lotion from the Hyatt!! They're going to start selling it there this Summer. Got totally addicted to it and want more.

Enjoy the deck ice cream even more, LOVED IT.

Speak up to server on first night earlier, after not getting our drinks for 30 minutes. Otherwise they were terrific.

Book onboard. Almost as soon as I got home, I booked again for 2014. Lost the benefits.