Help for 1st cruiser, single mom with ds9 and dd8, leaving in just over 3 weeks!

[Irish9697]

We're very excited, but admittedly very anxious about our upcoming cruise. Well, at least, I am since I'm the only adult. My kids and I have been on our own in life, so to speak, for 4 years and have done lots together alone, but generally, we travel with others (my mom, my boyfriend, my family, etc.). We have done Disney alone, just the 3 of us, and it was great! But, not only have *WE* never been on a cruise, *I* haven't been on one. So, it's all new to me too. And, I'm getting slightly nervous to be the only adult in our group. We're so excited about this trip, though. It's kind of our last hoorah as a threesome because my boyfriend and I are planning to marry in February. The kids and I all love him dearly and he was with us for our week at WDW in March this year so we'll miss him this time around, but this trip is ours to discover together and have an adventure just the 3 of us. I say that bravely (lol), but am getting nervous!!! Can I get some help/advice?

We're doing the 3 night Wonder because I felt that was a safe choice.

Originally, I booked Comfort Suites for the 3 of us to do Nassau, but I've recently had worries about that and think I'm going to cancel. My kids are small for their age (they are 8 3/4 and 9 3/4 and like 51 lbs. and 49 in. and 53 lbs. and 51 ins.). I see they make the cut for most slides, but they're so young and small, I worry about sending them down alone. It doesn't look like there's many family slides. I think I'd spend my day nervous trying to get us to regroup at the bottom. And, I'd worry on their whole wat down. And, also getting a taxi on our own vs. sticking with Disney makes me nervous. So, we're considering the Blue Lagoon Beach Day or the Blackbeard's Stingray Day. Anyone have any recommendations? Like either of those? Or, any better suggestions?

I know we want to rent bikes on CC. Is that something we MUST do in advance or can we just show up and do it? I ask because we're also interested in snorkeling and floats and see the combo package, but the reality is...one float would do for the 3 of us to share and I'm not much of a snorkeler. I'd love to try it, but I think it might make me a little nervous. The same with my kiddos. So, can we wait until last minute, if need be, to do this package?

We have late dining because that is what was available and honestly, we are late eaters at home (7-7:30 is normal on any given week night). Will this be a problem onboard in terms of missing out on anything? I know there are other options if we miss our normal time, but I also know the restaurants are part of the experience.

Anything for me, as the single mom, you see as a must do or a big treat? The yoga on CC appeals to me. Honestly, the 5K does too, but I could definitely live without. lol On vacay, I like to sleep later than that will allow generally. I don't necessarily want to spend extra $ on something for me, but I know my kids will like time in OL, so it'd be cool for me to have something to do, too.

What about the cell phone thing? Basically, I can make calls and text from the ship in Port Canaveral for no charge, right? Otherwise, I need to call AT&T and add an int'l package for any calls from the Bahamas? I don't plan to text or make calls while we sail, but if I add the int'l package, will that help make any calls made from the Bahamas more reasonable? I'm clueless on this, so please help. I have an iPhone and understand I need to turn it to Airplane Mode so that it doesn't send/receive while onboard. My grandmother is not doing well at all right now, though, and I'd like to be reachable, if necessary. Is there another option for that?

I think the kids would have a great time decorating our ship door as I have seen many do, but honestly, I am a CPA and am in busy tax season until the week before we leave. I don't have much time or energy to devote. Nothing needs to be elaborate, but can anyone give me a few simple but really fun/festive ideas?

I am sure I have more questions, but this is a start. Thank you for your help!

As an fyi, we're staying 2 nights at POFQ (our first time there) before the cruise and contemplating the kids' first trip to TL one of the days...Also, want to spend an evening at Downtown Disney. Recommendations on what we should do?

[kcashner]

For 3 nights, forget the cell phone. Turn it off when the ship sails, and turn it back on when you arrive back in Port Canaveral.

I'm a professional and a single mom. I've traveled the world (literally) with my daughter.

The ship is about as easy and safe as a vacation can possibly be. I joke that on the ship, MOM is on vacation too, while at the parks, mom is still "on duty."

What I'd do in the Bahamas--either stay on the ship or take a cab to either Cable Beach or Cabbage Beach. This is essentially the same beach used by Atlantis. No, you won't have the slides, etc., but you'll have a free beach with whatever you want available for rental. You can rent jet skis or whatever if you feel that you want them. If you stay on the ship, you can enjoy it while it's way less crowded. The worst thing about the 3 day is that you don't have a sea day to just do the ship.

No need to rent bikes in advance on Castaway...plenty available after you get there. Yoga on the beach and 5K are "show up" sort of things...so you can decide after you get on the ship. Of course, that means the kids will be in the programming during those times as they are adult activities. You can also get floats and snorkel equipment after arrival at Castaway. It will take a little longer, but it also makes you more flexible. And if you get there and don't like the weather, you're not obligated. (If the weather is terrible, DCL will not charge, but there's a difference between their definition of terrible and what you might choose). One hint--you can BUY snorkel equipment for the kids for about the same price as a rental...and the younger will grow into the older one's size. That way, you can snorkel off the beach at Nassau and at Castaway if you wanted to.

The easiest door decs--go to Home Depot and get the paint chips from the Disney Collection paints....they're in the shape of (guess what?). Go to any craft shop and get stick on magnets. Apply to the back of the paint shapes and cut the shape out. Alternate--go to any office supply store and get magnet paper for your computer printer. Make a page of designs (fill the paper)....print, and cut out.

Mom hints....put each kid's full outfit in a large ziplock bag. One outfit per bag. Include undies, socks, etc. Don't know how many suitcases you plan, but probably more than one. Make sure that each suitcase includes at least one outfit for each person. Don't pack Mom's in one and Kid's in other--guess which one will get lost! Easy each day--you pull out a bag and they have all the clothes they need. Each kid should have a carry on, nice if it rolls. Rule--you bring it, you carry it. Depending on when you're flying in/out...a rental car is cheaper, but DCL transfers are ever so easy, especially if you're on a participating airline on the way home.

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I'm with Kcashner on this, turn off the cell phone. If something happens to your grandmother, unfortunately you won't be able to do anything about it as you will be too far from home. The only thing that it will accomplish is making you feel bad.

Please do not think I'm being insensitive. My DH's grandmother was dying when we went on our 7 day cruise. We left early for FL to see her. DH wanted to just drive us to the boat and stay with his grandmother. His father talked him out of it. We boarded Saturday, she died Sunday and the funeral was over before we even docked back in PC.
While he was upset, his father said that staying would have been for DH and not his GM because she was already that ill. She didn't even wake up long enough to acknowledge us when we were there. He did phone when we docked in St. Thomas and was upset the rest of the day. She passed on our DD's birthday. We didn't tell DD until we were driving home.
Go and have fun. Forget reality for the short time you are cruising. You'll be fine.

[Irish9697]

Thank you for your thoughts. It means a lot.

My grandmother was diagnosed mid-July with Esophageal cancer. They quickly found that it had spread to most of her vital organs and nodes. She is still at home and hospice comes daily. She refuses even i.v. fluids, but can manage very little in terms of sustenance each day. She was given months at diagnosis, but I know it has progressed faster than originally thought because of the spreading. I am just so worried that something will happen and we will miss it. I come from a very large and very close extended family (majority in town with us, but many out of town as well, so opportunities to be together are slim). She is our matriarch and the only living relative of that generation. Thankfully, we're close and see her often. In her illness, she continues to be strong (and hard-headed, lol!), and that is great to see. I planned this trip before any of this was known, but as it approaches and is only 3 weeks away, her condition definitely *colors* our excitement since we're all worried about what will happen and when. It will be a huge loss for our family and it would be upsetting for all if we were not able to be together with everyone. So, my prayers remain. I know that my grandmother has a few "bucket list" dreams for November, so I would love nothing more than to see her accomplish those things. Prayers with her!

Another worry about communication...in general, my parents won't be crazy being incommunicado with the kids and me for even 3 days and the same with my boyfriend. And, then, there's the kids' dad, who deservedly, would probably like to hear from them and know they are safe and the like. I know, if tables were turned, I would INSIST on it (overbearing momma that I am. lol!)

[patsfan101]

I don't have any suggestions for the cruise - I was reading for answers/suggestions myself; but...
While you are at POFQ take the water launch to DTD and catch the Cirque du Soliel. It's a fabulous show! Dinner at T-Rex is really fun. The food is okay - tons to choose from, but the dinos are awesome!

[clten]

Originally Posted by Irish9697

Another worry about communication...in general, my parents won't be crazy being incommunicado with the kids and me for even 3 days and the same with my boyfriend. And, then, there's the kids' dad, who deservedly, would probably like to hear from them and know they are safe and the like. I know, if tables were turned, I would INSIST on it (overbearing momma that I am. lol!)

The least expensive way may be to e-mail. There are computers near the promenade lounge. DCL charges by the minute. I'd take a couple of minutes each day to send everyone a quick e-mail to let you know that everyone's having fun. They can send you an e-mail if something happens at home -- even if there isn't much you can do, I know you can feel more in control if you know you have a way to keep in touch.

As far as Nassau, I wouldn't stress about it. If it is your first cruise and you are uncomfortable going out on your own (cabbies can be a little pushy on the islands), go on a cruiseline excursion and think of the extra money as your peace of mind insurance. You'll be better prepared for adventuring out on your next cruise. Or stay on board and get your money's worth there. Still plenty of things to do during Nassau day on board.

[kcashner]

OK, how about asking the family to e-mail you if anything happens. You can go to the computer area by the Promenade Lounge. The most economical thing to do is to log on and download your "stuff." Log off and write answers. Then log on and send them. You could agree to check in once a day. Advantage--kids aren't over-hearing conversations and if something happens you'll have a little time to compose yourself and decide how much you want to share while cruising. You're also checking in with boyfriend and family that way.

Alternative--we found internet cafes in most ports that rent international cell phones very inexpensively--like $3 for 30 minutes. It's enough time to check in. I didn't specifically look in Nassau, but found them on the Eastern and Western cruises.

You're really only going to be gone 2 1/2 days. The ship sails at 5 pm on Thursday and you'll be at the dock about 5 am on Sunday.

[ua1992]

I would stay on the boat at Nassau and enjoy the ship. We've done that twice and we end up having a great time just exploring and relaxing. Our DD has the pools to herself practically and loves the slide on the Mickey pool.

[kcashner]

Originally Posted by clten

The least expensive way may be to e-mail. There are computers near the promenade lounge. DCL charges by the minute. I'd take a couple of minutes each day to send everyone a quick e-mail to let you know that everyone's having fun. They can send you an e-mail if something happens at home -- even if there isn't much you can do, I know you can feel more in control if you know you have a way to keep in touch.

As far as Nassau, I wouldn't stress about it. If it is your first cruise and you are uncomfortable going out on your own (cabbies can be a little pushy on the islands), go on a cruiseline excursion and think of the extra money as your peace of mind insurance. You'll be better prepared for adventuring out on your next cruise. Or stay on board and get your money's worth there. Still plenty of things to do during Nassau day on board.

I think we were typing at the same time.....

[courtnvm]

I have service with Verizon Wireless and called to ask them questions about cell phone use while onboard and in port. If you have to have a phone call and have to use the boat's phone, it is like $7.00 to $9.50 a minute (from the Birnbaum Guide). Through Verizon, they will charge us $1.99 a minute. Best thing though....text messages that we send are $.50 each and every one that we receive is $.05 a piece. Check with AT&T and see what they charge.

Relax, and have a great time. Take it day by day and enjoy every minute of it. I know that you will have a blast!

[Evan&Kimberly]

Single Mom &Cruising- OK I am a single mother, so I will give you my view! I have a 3yr old son, and we just got back from the Wonder 3 day cruise, and we had a GREAT TIME, I choose this cruise due to it being a short one, I just thought it would be the best way to see how my little Prince would do! I have been on other cruises before but never with a child, He did fantastic, so much that we are going again at the end of this year but this time we will do the 4 day, but honestly he could do the seven day with no problem! I will say that there is sooo much to do and sooo little time, I would advise you to catch all the shows they are great, and get to Castaway Cay soon as possible it is such a great island! Make sure you read your the Navigator everyday, that way you can have a general idea of what is going on, this way you wont be clueless as to what is going on,
Dining- When you go to the dining room to eat remember to order anything and any amount of what you want, if you don’t like something order something else if you like something order another and if you cant make your mind up of what you want, order both that’s part of cruising, if your boys don’t like the children’s menu they can order off the adult menu, my 3 yr old did and cleaned his plate each night, If you like something that was served in another restaurant they will get it for you, I had the Sea Bass from Tritons ever night!
Tips- also check out the character marquee so that you will know when the characters are going to be there to take pics, the earlier you get there the better, and like myself I had no one to take pics of me and my son, so I ask the photographer or the characters assistant to take our photos, they were great about that, so much that I didn’t even have to purchase any from the ship which can be expensive. Lay back relax and enjoy yourself(me time is important we single mothers don’t get much of that) your children are at the age that you can take some time for yourself, for me my lil prince is not used to staying in a childcare environment so he didn’t stay to long in the club, but when he did it was nice to just go to the quiet cove cafe and read a magazine, so take a little time for yourself, and at night take the boys up to the deck get some pizza and ice cream and just lay out in the night air my son loved it and we just caught whatever movie was playing! The only problem that I had was that after the cruise we went to WDW for 8 days after and lil Prince was pooped so I would suggest that if anyone is going on the cruise do it after WDW, or if you do just stay a couple of days after but 8 days was to long!
Cell Phone-The phone thing I just cut my phone off, I made sure that I texted everyone when I got on the ship to let them know we were okay, and once we got to Castaway Cay I tried to text but I got no signal and I am with Verizon, but if you plan to talk, get with your cell phone provider, cause the rates can be out of this world on the ship so make sure you check that out and do not use the ships phone I think it is like $6 or $7 dollars a MINUTE!
Down Town Disney- If you guys go to DTD just enjoy the shops and maybe check out the T-ReX restaurant.oh and let the boys stand in front of the store that Stitch is on top of he likes to squirt people with water!
Cruise Concept- My whole concept for this 3 day cruise was not to do what I could do at home, so we didn’t check out any movies or anything like that, we tried to do and see things that we don’t normally do, a 3 day cruise is so different than a 7 day cruise, and this 3 day cruise there is no day at sea so Relax and enjoy!