April 17, 2015 3 night Bahamian Cruise Meet

[PhillyCruiser]

Okay, as a first-time cruiser (Disney or otherwise!), do you guys have any advice? We chose two excursion packages, keeping it simple--we're just looking for SUN and HEAT, as it's friggin' cold here in Boston. Should we bring lanyards and plastic slip-cases for our KTTW cards, or just pocket them? Bring bottled water (from the airport??), or just pay the price on the ship? And--apologies for being a newbie here--but how challenging is it to head back on board at your leisure when you're done with the beach? Traveling with a kid means anything can happen, and if it's a case of "once your off the ship in the morning, you can't get back on until x-o'clock," I need to be prepared for that. Any lessons you guys have learned over the years would be appreciated.

Fellow "newbie" here so no experience on DCL yet, but: we're doing lanyards (I "borrowed" my DD's Phillies lanyard and will get one for DH on the ship) because I'm afraid the KTTW cards may fall out of pockets, get lost etc. Not sure what to do about bottled water; PP's on other threads have mentioned BYO'ing a case of water. And I also gather from the boards that you can return to the ship at your leisure but always good to double check. Sorry I can't provide more info, but hope this little bit helps. "Happy Cruising"!!

 

[*tinker*bell*]

Okay, as a first-time cruiser (Disney or otherwise!), do you guys have any advice? We chose two excursion packages, keeping it simple--we're just looking for SUN and HEAT, as it's friggin' cold here in Boston. Should we bring lanyards and plastic slip-cases for our KTTW cards, or just pocket them? Bring bottled water (from the airport??), or just pay the price on the ship? And--apologies for being a newbie here--but how challenging is it to head back on board at your leisure when you're done with the beach? Traveling with a kid means anything can happen, and if it's a case of "once your off the ship in the morning, you can't get back on until x-o'clock," I need to be prepared for that. Any lessons you guys have learned over the years would be appreciated.

I never use a lanyard, however I hate having things around my neck. You certainly could bring a lanyard with a plastic case on the end for the kttw card, or you can pocket it which ever. I usually carry a little wristlet around with me and keep my navigator and card in that, when my hubby comes he just pockets the card.

Sorry can't help too much with this one, I have never needed to buy water on the ship. Carrying it on with you is an option, although seems like a pain to me, you can also buy it onboard, probably not the cheapest option though. I have always been fine with what I get at meals and from the drink station but to each there own.

You can come and go from the ship at your leisure while in port. However if you are on an excursion expect to be away from the ship for that entire time. Getting off the ship is fairly easy, line up they scan your kttw card and you are off. Getting back on is similar however they usually run any bags through a scanner and scan your card so they know you are on the ship. Also do not be late for all aboard, the ship isn't one to wait, I have seen people be left behind, probably wont happen at CC but could in Nassau.

 

[ChicagoCruiser]

Can't wait for our trip we have snow in chicago, just had a question is there a formal night for dinner on our trip?

 

[PhillyCruiser]

I usually carry a little wristlet around with me and keep my navigator and card in that.

That's a great idea!!!

 

[PhillyCruiser]

Can't wait for our trip we have snow in chicago, just had a question is there a formal night for dinner on our trip?

I don't think so. But I'm going to 'dress up' for our Palo dinner! "Date Night"!

 

[Lisat0630]

Okay, as a first-time cruiser (Disney or otherwise!), do you guys have any advice? We chose two excursion packages, keeping it simple--we're just looking for SUN and HEAT, as it's friggin' cold here in Boston. Should we bring lanyards and plastic slip-cases for our KTTW cards, or just pocket them? Bring bottled water (from the airport??), or just pay the price on the ship? And--apologies for being a newbie here--but how challenging is it to head back on board at your leisure when you're done with the beach? Traveling with a kid means anything can happen, and if it's a case of "once your off the ship in the morning, you can't get back on until x-o'clock," I need to be prepared for that. Any lessons you guys have learned over the years would be appreciated.

I have not been on a Disney cruise but I have been on other cruises. First Pintrest is amazing for advise. Search tips for Disney cruises. Bring lots of sunblock it gets hot! Bring outfit or costume for pirate night. I personally am bringing one bottle per person and any extra we need we will purchase just prefer to have a few to knock off some cost but I also don't drink soda. If you drink soda don't worry about it chances are you may buy a couple but not enough that it will be worth lugging water on. If your prone to losing things and especially since you are doing excursions traveling I would definitely recommend a lanyard. That card is everything. It's how you purchase anything on the ship no cash can be used to make purchases. You will need cash in Nassau and to tip room service. Get off the ship early the lines back up to get off because there is a photo opt when you get off and If you have transportation to your excursion waiting you may get left. Lastly you need to get back on time you can not be late you will get left and If you don't have a passport for everyone it is a nightmare! In castaway cay they check the island the be sure everyone had boarded before they leave.

 

[MarKerH]

All great advice. Do you guys bring your passports on excursions, or (because they're Disney-organized) is the KTTW enough?

I can't imagine running late on shore and being left behind! What a way to blow a great vacation.

Thanks, all!

 

[Lisat0630]

The only time you will need your passport is to check in on the cruise or If you get left in Nassau and need to book a flight. But it is very unlikely if you booked your excursion through Disney. If you excursion is running late and booked through Disney they will wait for you.

 

[*tinker*bell*]

I put my passport in the safe for the whole cruise. I do usually carry a copy of it with me just in case though, and I always have another form of ID with me. As well if you are doing Disney excursions there will be a ticket in your room on embarkation day that tells you where and when to meet. You will meet on the ship somewhere and then be escorted off with the rest of the people on that tour, at least that has always been my experience with their excursions. If you are doing an excursion on your own do leave enough time to get off, however even with a long line I've never waited very long. I do not however stop for any photos ops... although I don't think I've seen many on DCL, but maybe they have them in Nassau, this will be my first time there.

 

[Lisat0630]

Only 23 days left!!! Yay!!

 

[PhillyCruiser]

Only 23 days left!!! Yay!!

I can't stand it! So excited!! We're already packed!

Current Nassau weather:
84 degrees & partly cloudy

 

[ZeeBell]

We're (partially) packed too! The warm weather stuff. Still have to pack for the "spring" portion of our trip.
I read a tip on Pinterest - there are energy saving lights in the room. You place your KTTW card in the light switch, but if someone in your party leaves and take it so they can re-enter the room, the lights go out in the room, leaving everyone else in the dark. The tip was to attach a magnet to the short edge of a (used) gift card so that you can insert it instead of your KTTW card, and when you leave, you can just place it on the door to use later. I used an old PhotoPass card.
We've cruised before, but not with Disney. I always have some type of bag with me - shoulder or crossover bag - need some place to put the navigator, camera/phone, autograph book, etc. I use the small pocket for JUST my KTTW card so I don't accidentally lose it while pulling something else out.
What are some things you are packing that the average person wouldn't think to bring?
-zip ties were mentioned
-magnetic card as mentioned in the Pinterest tip
-night light

 

[Lisat0630]

I absolutely love Pintrest! Another fun tip is door magnets! I'm not crafty at all and I made mine in a word document. I copy and pasted a Mickey mouse head and added a picture of each persons favorite Disney character, printed them bought magnet tape from staples and laminated them there! Super easy, or you can buy mangnetic paper to put right in your printer! eBay and esty also sells them personalized but it's much more fun to make them!

 

[PhillyCruiser]

I absolutely love Pintrest! Another fun tip is door magnets! I'm not crafty at all and I made mine in a word document. I copy and pasted a Mickey mouse head and added a picture of each persons favorite Disney character, printed them bought magnet tape from staples and laminated them there! Super easy, or you can buy mangnetic paper to put right in your printer! eBay and esty also sells them personalized but it's much more fun to make them!

Confession: I am NOT the most creative/craft-oriented mom. So I cheated: bought both door magnet AND fish extender on Etsy! Will send kids to AquaDuck with dad while I "unpack" and hang them! When they return to our stateroom they'll get quite a surprise!

(Maybe it's me and my Type-A personality, but I'm just as excited about all the "surprises" in store for the kids as I am about the cruise itself! )

 

[Lisat0630]

Haha don't be ashamed I'm sure yours look better than mine! I bought my fish extender from Amazon it's not personalized but for $8 I can't complain! Thats a great idea to surprise them! I'm so excited too! I don't think I can hold out once we finally get there but I will try!

 

[Yandino]

We're (partially) packed too! The warm weather stuff. Still have to pack for the "spring" portion of our trip.
I read a tip on Pinterest - there are energy saving lights in the room. You place your KTTW card in the light switch, but if someone in your party leaves and take it so they can re-enter the room, the lights go out in the room, leaving everyone else in the dark. The tip was to attach a magnet to the short edge of a (used) gift card so that you can insert it instead of your KTTW card, and when you leave, you can just place it on the door to use later. I used an old PhotoPass card.
We've cruised before, but not with Disney. I always have some type of bag with me - shoulder or crossover bag - need some place to put the navigator, camera/phone, autograph book, etc. I use the small pocket for JUST my KTTW card so I don't accidentally lose it while pulling something else out.
What are some things you are packing that the average person wouldn't think to bring?
-zip ties were mentioned
-magnetic card as mentioned in the Pinterest tip
-night light

-travel mugs

 

[PhillyCruiser]

Three weeks away!

Nassau weather for Friday:
86 degrees & clear!

 

[ChicagoCruiser]

why would i need zip ties???? and i'm making my own extender and i was going to use fabric glue does anyone know if that will work or will i have to sew??

 

[PhillyCruiser]

why would i need zip ties????

Zip ties were suggested on other threads as an option to deter theft of your FE (unlikely... but still a possibility). Of course, you don't HAVE to use zip ties if you prefer not to.

 

[ChicagoCruiser]

i see that's a really good idea im going to pack some thank you for the idea.