Newbie questions for 10/10/09 cruise

[fissapoosa]

Sorry I have so many questions, but there's so much to know! If anyone can help with a few questions I have I'd greatly appreciate it. 1) When you get the Key to the World cards, do you get a lanyard? Just want to know if I need to buy them cause my kids will lose them without it. 2) Any ideas for St Croix? My youngest is 7 and so she's not old enough for some of the excursions. I was thinking about booking a kayak tour independently- comments? Suggestions? 3) My son is 11 and I was only able to register my 7 yr old online (kids club). Is this because on the Magic, 11 year olds don't need to be registered? 4) If I don't prepay for tips through the travel agent, how can I pay for tips with my credit card on board? 5) We are flying in a week before the cruise. Should I be getting luggage tags in the mail? The cruise is a month away- should I be worried? Any additional advice appreciated!!!!

[MickC]

Don't have all the answers, but:

- We received lanyards when we arrived at the port. They were Castaway Club lanyards (for people who have cruised DCL before). I saw other people with lanyards, but am not sure if they also received them at port. I am guessing that you can purchase them on the ship if they don't give them to you free at the port.

- Your key is backed by your credit card. During the cruise, you will receive a tip form and little envelopes. You fill out the amounts for each person tipped and bring it to Guest Services. They provide you with a ticket for each person that you put into the envelop and then hand to each person. The envelops and tickets both have info on them for each person as the tip amounts are different. For example, you'll get one for your Server, Assistant Server, Head Server, etc. The only other tips we had on the ship were for room service. We paid for those in cash. although I suppose would could have put the tips on the form they had us sign when delivering the room service to us.

- Luggage tags do come in the mail. I am pretty sure we received them more than a week ahead of out trip, but not that much before.

[calmpets]

Originally Posted by fissapoosa

1) When you get the Key to the World cards, do you get a lanyard? Just want to know if I need to buy them cause my kids will lose them without it.

The do not give you a lanyard unless you are a Castaway Club member.

Originally Posted by fissapoosa

2) Any ideas for St Croix? My youngest is 7 and so she's not old enough for some of the excursions. I was thinking about booking a kayak tour independently- comments? Suggestions?

I've never been to St Croix, but just be aware that if you are on a DCL excursion that runs late they will hold the ship for you. If you are off on your own and get back late they will leave without you.

Originally Posted by fissapoosa

3) My son is 11 and I was only able to register my 7 yr old online (kids club). Is this because on the Magic, 11 year olds don't need to be registered?

11 year olds are in Oceanquest on the Magic, which is come and go as you please.

Originally Posted by fissapoosa

4) If I don't prepay for tips through the travel agent, how can I pay for tips with my credit card on board?

On the second to last night they will leave a form in your room with the recommended tips. Just fill out the form (you can adjust the amounts however you like) and they will bill it to your room charge and provide chits to give the appropriate crew members.

Originally Posted by fissapoosa

5) We are flying in a week before the cruise. Should I be getting luggage tags in the mail? The cruise is a month away- should I be worried?

Cruise docs come about two weeks before you sail.

[fissapoosa]

Thanks for all of the good info!