Disney Cruise Do's & Don'ts

[JJsmama]

I'll definitely also follow the suggestion of booking a Rainforest Room day pass ahead of time. I didn't realize this was even an option.

Yes, me too. I had forgetten that I read that the 1 day ones are sometimes sold out onboard. Thanks for reminder OP.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

The tip from the OP that rings most true for me is don't pack shampoo/conditioner/lotion. This is a constant concern for me when I travel since many hotels and cruise lines cheap out with "conditioning shampoo," so I always pack tiny travel bottles of conditioner. It was definitely completely unnecessary on DCL.

If you like the scent, it's fine. I feel like after using it, I always smell like seaweed fresh out of the ocean and my hair just doesn't respond well to the H2O products. My hair is curly/frizzy and I need a shampoo that's gentle and a conditioner that's extremely moisture rich. I always bring my own on DCL.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If you like the scent, it's fine. I feel like after using it, I always smell like seaweed fresh out of the ocean and my hair just doesn't respond well to the H2O products. My hair is curly/frizzy and I need a shampoo that's gentle and a conditioner that's extremely moisture rich. I always bring my own on DCL.

I really like the H2O products. I, also have very curly/frizzy (and fine) hair. After a number of DCL cruises I've found the shampoo doesn't really work well with my hair (sad, because I love the scent), but the conditioner is great. But, generally, I just overload on the conditioner to make up for the shampoo problems, as I don't like to bring along extra stuff.

 

[RedSox68]

Order the cheese plate and fruit bowl from room service for Sail Away. The party is too crowded for an introvert like me, but wine and cheese on the verandah is my idea of heaven.
One of our very favorite things to do. Also nice to order if you have late dining and want something to munch on while you get ready for the show.

Worry about skipping the MDRs if it doesn't fit the evening's plans. We had a great time snacking in the adult lounge area, enjoying the live music, and ordering room service later. That was much more enjoyable than the MDRs for us.
After six Disney cruises and doing the dining/formal/semi-formal dining to the hilt, we discovered a wonderful new "trend" of skipping dinner and (1) doing the quiet dining upstairs; (2) order room service and watch an in room movie or (3) snacking at the food counters up on deck and just tasting everything. Sometimes after a long day, breaking tradition and getting off the grid is nice. Our last time packing formal wear was in the Med in 2007 -- and we were on deck in the rain just enjoying splashing round and getting wet with our daughter and suddenly realized we had to get ready for dinner. We all looked at each other and said "is anyone really in the mood to go to dinner" and the overwhelming answer was no -- so we ordered room service and loved it.

 

[diznymom]

If you like the scent, it's fine. I feel like after using it, I always smell like seaweed fresh out of the ocean and my hair just doesn't respond well to the H2O products. My hair is curly/frizzy and I need a shampoo that's gentle and a conditioner that's extremely moisture rich. I always bring my own on DCL.

I don't like the H2O products aboard the ships. I try to go to the showers in the spa area and use their shampoo and conditioners. These are different and I like them much better.

 

[crabbygal902]

Glad you had a great time. I disagree however about 'don't bring fancy dress and heels.' Fine, if you don't want to, but for women who enjoy wearing a little black dress and heels, it is a great opportunity. The elegance of the atrium, some dining rooms, clubs and the theatre make a fantastic backdrop for more formal dress and a romantic date night.

I totally agree with what you are saying in theory. Cruises are a great time to dress up and have your picture made with those beautiful surroundings. I just about ended up on flat on my butt or showing my butt while walking across a windy, wet deck on the way to dinner. Whoops! I am just too clumsy for a dress and heels sometimes!

 

[crabbygal902]

I don't like the H2O products aboard the ships. I try to go to the showers in the spa area and use their shampoo and conditioners. These are different and I like them much better.

Oh, I like those too! Such a nice, clean smell.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I don't like the H2O products aboard the ships. I try to go to the showers in the spa area and use their shampoo and conditioners. These are different and I like them much better.

What do they use in the spa?

 

[crabbygal902]

What do they use in the spa?

I want to say the brand is Elemis, but I am not certain. I tried looking it up when I got home and couldn't find any info about the brand that the spa uses. Perhaps someone here can clarify.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I want to say the brand is Elemis, but I am not certain. I tried looking it up when I got home and couldn't find any info about the brand that the spa uses. Perhaps someone here can clarify.

If it's Elemis, I'm glad I don't use the spa. HAL uses Elemis, and it really does a number on my hair. For our HAL cruises I have to take my own shampoo and conditioner. Also find the Elemis lotion less than moisturizing.

 

[RedSox68]

If it's Elemis, I'm glad I don't use the spa. HAL uses Elemis, and it really does a number on my hair. For our HAL cruises I have to take my own shampoo and conditioner. Also find the Elemis lotion less than moisturizing.

I agree about Elimis -- we bring travel size bottles of our favorite shampoos and cream rinses. They don't take that much room but at least we know what we're getting. Nothing worse than mad hair on vacation LOL

 

[DLM1980]

If you like the scent, it's fine. I feel like after using it, I always smell like seaweed fresh out of the ocean and my hair just doesn't respond well to the H2O products. My hair is curly/frizzy and I need a shampoo that's gentle and a conditioner that's extremely moisture rich. I always bring my own on DCL.

it's sea-derived products so thats no surprise

I really like the H2O products. I, also have very curly/frizzy (and fine) hair. After a number of DCL cruises I've found the shampoo doesn't really work well with my hair (sad, because I love the scent), but the conditioner is great. But, generally, I just overload on the conditioner to make up for the shampoo problems, as I don't like to bring along extra stuff.

Oh, I like those too! Such a nice, clean smell.

I love the way the H20 smells, well the Spa and Aquatics lines, the new grapefruit/blushing orange line that WDW gets not so much. However if I stick with H20 for more than a week my scalp gets the dandruff and itch and its back to Head n Shoulders till its under control before I switch back to Basin White's Satsuma or Basin White fragranced shampoo and conditioners

For vacationing for a week if it's DCL or WDW, I leave the shampoo and conditioner at home. If it's any other hotel my Basin bars are traveling with me!

 

[Shelly Artello]

Join a forum of cruisers who are going at the same time. It was fun getting to know people and share the excitement of the cruise countdown.

Where do you go to find the cruise specific forums?

 

[crabbygal902]

Where do you go to find the cruise specific forums?

I found one on a social media site. Not sure if I'm allowed to mention it, but it has so many faces, a book could be written!

 

[scgustafson]

I found one on a social media site. Not sure if I'm allowed to mention it, but it has so many faces, a book could be written!

If you go to a prominent social media site and type in "Disney Cruise Meet ******** Groups", it will help point you to the right place(s).

 

[DLM1980]

If you go to a prominent social media site and type in "Disney Cruise Meet ******** Groups", it will help point you to the right place(s).

If you scroll to the top of this forum you will find a sticky to cruise meets / fish extenders for your specific date. Forget Facebook stay with the dis

 

[CScott095]

I love the Magic and will be embarking on our next cruise on May 1st. I love your Do's and Don't and appreciate them. I only slightly disagree with one and that's dressing up for dinner in the MDRs. I make my family dress for dinner because there are really no occasions where we can and they tend to take the "professional" photographs at the dinners. I see it as an excuse to "glam" up a bit from my yoga pant/flip flop everyday life!!

 

[DisneyQuartet]

Such a great list! Very helpful. May I ask what the rainforest room is?

 

[bethy]

Order the cheese plate and fruit bowl from room service for Sail Away. The party is too crowded for an introvert like me, but wine and cheese on the verandah is my idea of heaven.
One of our very favorite things to do. Also nice to order if you have late dining and want something to munch on while you get ready for the show.

Worry about skipping the MDRs if it doesn't fit the evening's plans. We had a great time snacking in the adult lounge area, enjoying the live music, and ordering room service later. That was much more enjoyable than the MDRs for us.
After six Disney cruises and doing the dining/formal/semi-formal dining to the hilt, we discovered a wonderful new "trend" of skipping dinner and (1) doing the quiet dining upstairs; (2) order room service and watch an in room movie or (3) snacking at the food counters up on deck and just tasting everything. Sometimes after a long day, breaking tradition and getting off the grid is nice. Our last time packing formal wear was in the Med in 2007 -- and we were on deck in the rain just enjoying splashing round and getting wet with our daughter and suddenly realized we had to get ready for dinner. We all looked at each other and said "is anyone really in the mood to go to dinner" and the overwhelming answer was no -- so we ordered room service and loved it.

We enjoy the MDR's but there are several nights we would prefer to do our own thing. The trouble is I feel sooooo guilty not letting the servers do their thing. I would still tip them the same but they are so conscientious about their jobs and eager to do well that I wouldn't want to worry them....

ugh - a dilemma for us.

 

[valee]

As a courtesy, I always try to let my servers know if I won't be at a meal. Especially if there are others at your table, the servers may delay serving the others waiting to see if you're running late.