We had a wonderful cruise. If we were to do it again some things we'd keep and others would be tossed. My family consists of a husband, wife, 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.
One more time:
1) Palo's- Probably the best food and service we've ever had! Definately worth an early entry and line. We gave up a night at Parrot Cay.
2) On Board entertainment- The nightly shows were awesome! During Golden Mickey's, if you have a 5-7 year old, be sure to sit toward the front center. Seven kids are invited to join the show as dwarfs. A highlight of my daughter's trip! Also free and entertaining were the Art of the ship tour and gingerbread house making. Due to our kids ages, we didn't get to check out the evening clubs.
3) Kid's Club- It was super to have the kids in the clubs at times. We had family time and "date time". Be sure to have the kids join the club for the kid's show. They learn some songs, put on a show and get a free t-shirt.
4) Personal schedule- I love an early start. My wife takes it slower. I had served bfast daily and brought some back to her. We also disembarked in our own time. I brought food back from the buffet and we strolled off when ready. I believe we were 2nd to last. a far cry from the 6 or so scheduled bfast time for early diners. We also didn't follow the crowd in a rush for others dockings. On board activities were preferred.
5) Bring items from home- We saved some money by bringing with us needed items. Film. snack bars (WDW trip later), sunglasses, sunblock etc. were much cheaper at home. We could have used extra sunglasses (lost 2), camera battery (1 died), sand toy(s) which were bought at hefty Disney sums.
6) Scrapbook Kit- Most on board items were overpriced. But the Cruise kit was unique. Some other kits are available at the parks. Even better, a few were discounted at the Character Warehouse at Belz Mall though they tended to be 8X10. This (and a twin shop) were THE SPOTS for our trip souveniers.
7) Early Arrival- We enjoyed talking with others in line and later characters.. We were 3rd on board and one of the first done with the buffet. My wife lined up for Spa ressies and I went for Palo's. We had plenty of time after to explore. If it had been hotter, we would have swam.
Skip it:
1) Preplanning excursions- We were glad we waited. We changed our original Bahama's time to take advantage of morning on-board activities such as a princess meet. They're easy enough to sign up on board after checking out the schedule. Of course, we weren't planning any "hot" excursions.
2) BINGO- As a family activity, it was pricey and too fast paced for our kids.
3) Mug pop purchase- We bought one and barely filled up 4 times. It would have been cheaper for us to purchase individuals as needed.
4) Zoo excursion- The kids DID enjoy the trip but they are toddlers. The Ardastra Zoo was 2nd rate by most standards. The bus tour was safe but short and still didn't alleviate the hoards pushing for sales.
5) Shutters photos- We brought our camera to all character meets and got some great shots. The Shutters pics were more posed and expensive. We wished we brought our camera and autograph books everywhere though. We missed some special characters before the Golden Mickey's Show (Queen of Hearts). We did take some non-flash photos at some of the shows which I believe was kosher. With 800 speed film, they turned out beautifully. We took around 10 rolls on board and had plenty to pick and choose from for the family scrapbook.
6) Overpacking- We packed WAY too many clothes, but had room to store them. We didn't need some of the organiztional stuff we thought we'd need in the cabin, like the over the door pocket holder. We had many cubbies and drawers.
There's probably more, but these are the highlights.
One more time:
1) Palo's- Probably the best food and service we've ever had! Definately worth an early entry and line. We gave up a night at Parrot Cay.
2) On Board entertainment- The nightly shows were awesome! During Golden Mickey's, if you have a 5-7 year old, be sure to sit toward the front center. Seven kids are invited to join the show as dwarfs. A highlight of my daughter's trip! Also free and entertaining were the Art of the ship tour and gingerbread house making. Due to our kids ages, we didn't get to check out the evening clubs.
3) Kid's Club- It was super to have the kids in the clubs at times. We had family time and "date time". Be sure to have the kids join the club for the kid's show. They learn some songs, put on a show and get a free t-shirt.
4) Personal schedule- I love an early start. My wife takes it slower. I had served bfast daily and brought some back to her. We also disembarked in our own time. I brought food back from the buffet and we strolled off when ready. I believe we were 2nd to last. a far cry from the 6 or so scheduled bfast time for early diners. We also didn't follow the crowd in a rush for others dockings. On board activities were preferred.
5) Bring items from home- We saved some money by bringing with us needed items. Film. snack bars (WDW trip later), sunglasses, sunblock etc. were much cheaper at home. We could have used extra sunglasses (lost 2), camera battery (1 died), sand toy(s) which were bought at hefty Disney sums.
6) Scrapbook Kit- Most on board items were overpriced. But the Cruise kit was unique. Some other kits are available at the parks. Even better, a few were discounted at the Character Warehouse at Belz Mall though they tended to be 8X10. This (and a twin shop) were THE SPOTS for our trip souveniers.
7) Early Arrival- We enjoyed talking with others in line and later characters.. We were 3rd on board and one of the first done with the buffet. My wife lined up for Spa ressies and I went for Palo's. We had plenty of time after to explore. If it had been hotter, we would have swam.
Skip it:
1) Preplanning excursions- We were glad we waited. We changed our original Bahama's time to take advantage of morning on-board activities such as a princess meet. They're easy enough to sign up on board after checking out the schedule. Of course, we weren't planning any "hot" excursions.
2) BINGO- As a family activity, it was pricey and too fast paced for our kids.
3) Mug pop purchase- We bought one and barely filled up 4 times. It would have been cheaper for us to purchase individuals as needed.
4) Zoo excursion- The kids DID enjoy the trip but they are toddlers. The Ardastra Zoo was 2nd rate by most standards. The bus tour was safe but short and still didn't alleviate the hoards pushing for sales.
5) Shutters photos- We brought our camera to all character meets and got some great shots. The Shutters pics were more posed and expensive. We wished we brought our camera and autograph books everywhere though. We missed some special characters before the Golden Mickey's Show (Queen of Hearts). We did take some non-flash photos at some of the shows which I believe was kosher. With 800 speed film, they turned out beautifully. We took around 10 rolls on board and had plenty to pick and choose from for the family scrapbook.
6) Overpacking- We packed WAY too many clothes, but had room to store them. We didn't need some of the organiztional stuff we thought we'd need in the cabin, like the over the door pocket holder. We had many cubbies and drawers.
There's probably more, but these are the highlights.
