1st time Cruiser - need tips

[sam08223]

OK Gang -- DW and I are taking our 1st DisCruise next week - 3 night Wonder. We are spending 4 nights at BCV then on the cruise. DVC members and AP holders. One on either side of 50 yrs old. Love WDW! We've been reading the boards and the Disney Cruise sites for months. Lots of info -- I think it may help to employ the "KISS" (Keep it Simple Stupid) approach. Wondering if there are 2 or 3 "must do" cruise suggestions from the cruise veterans out there? Thanks

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

My first thing is, don't try and do everything. Spend time just relaxing.

Check your navigator and pick a few things to do everyday.

 

[belle41379]

I agree. Don't try to do everything. We spend most of our time at the pool and really enjoy the relaxation!

My must-do's include at LEAST one spa treatment. This is the best way to feel like you are really on vacation, imo! Lay in the ham. at Serenity Bay. Such a great thing! Third, don't miss a show. They are too amazing to miss!

Have fun!!

 

[alexandrew]

PALO.....

 

[dclwdwlover]

Definitely see the shows. They make the experience so much more memorable.
Do things you can't do @ home / try new things, such as participating in the events they hold throughout the day. We find this to be a lot of fun & it's a great way to meet new people.
In general, aside from relaxing & enjoying the entire experience of a DCL cruise, partaking of all of the wonderful things on board will make your trip exciting & memorable.

Enjoy!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I agree with most here. Don't do everything! Do what you want & relax. If you like Italian, do Palo's (adult only & WONDERFUL!!) You must book soon after you board. The spa is great too. Book within the 1st day. Have fun!

Allison an associate

 

[jwann]

Though I agree with the "don't do it all" approach - I must say that you would miss something special if you missed ANY of the shows on the 3- or 4-day Wonder. All are spectacular and really make DCL feel like Disney. We've done a 4-day without a spa treatment and we've done a 3-day without Palo. Both were still excellent vacations. I would say - don't miss....
1. the shows
2. the dining rooms
3. Castaway Cay

Finally, the cruise just wouldn't be the same for me if I missed things like....sports trivia, wonderquest, music and disney trivia, and match your mate. Our group is a very "game oriented" group so we LOVE those activities.

 

[lotsofboys]

Absolutely, positively don't miss the shows. We have been on two cruises and can't get enough of the shows. My DH and one DS actually went to the matinee of Disney Dreams and our 6:30 show because they like it so much I agree with the poster who said do the things you can't do at home.

 

[pwcarlson]

Did the three day last fall. I would say that you could miss Nassau with out losing anything. I would maybe get off and then walk around the town and do some shopping. The natives are very pushy there. They would sell their mothers I think for $5.00.

Don't Miss:
1. The SHOWS
2. Castaway Cay - Serenity Bay
3. Dining Room rotation
4. Room service- Cheese platter
5. Crab claws at the lunch buffet - Nassau Day

I think if we did the 3 day cruise again, I would stay onboard and enjoy the ship while we are in Nassau. I would maybe get off to go get a drink at Senor Frogs but if I could get a spa treatment at that time I would pass on Senor Frogs.

 

[Pootsie]

We were on the 3-day in June. We stayed on the ship in Nassau too! We have already been to Nassau and were thrilled to be able to spend the extra time on the ship! Don't miss Palo's, the shows, and getting your picture taken by the professionals. At first we avoided having our pictures taken, but by the end of our cruise we were so glad we had our family portrait taken while we are all tan and happy! It really is a treasure for us!

:

 

[uncle al]

Palo - make your reservations as soon as possible after boarding. Don't miss the shows. I'm not sure about The Wonder, but we really enjoyed the adults only shows in the lounges. I definitely agree with the "do the things you don't get to do at home". Relax - Have fun!!!

 

[Celestine]

I know this is probably a daft question, but if you get off the ship in Nassau, are you stuck all day or can you get back on after an hour or so? We are planning our first cruise & want to make best use of our time

 

[iluvtink]

We were able to walk off the ship and into Nassau into the straw market for about an hour. Yes, those folks selling stuff are PUSHY (and I felt bad saying "no" because we have so much more than they do.) I don't think we'll go back there in August. We had no problem getting back to the ship in time to leave for a shore excursion. And...Disney will tell you what time to be back on board for departure, and they make it very clear that they can't wait for you if you are late!

Have a great trip!

Kim