45 days out

[toni nicole]

We are now 45 days away from sailing, and I'm starting to freak out that I'm not preparing. This is our first cruise, so for anyone that's cruised before is there anything you start to do around this time? I do want to prepay tips and prepay parking, is this a good idea?

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Get your packing list worked out and start picking up anything you're missing. Throw it into a box or suitcase. It starts to look like progress.

And, if you haven't already, finalize your day-day itinerary. If you're anything like us, we rush on board and try to pick up an extra Palo, tasting, etc. Having a ready list of when you have open time makes that so much simpler.

 

[Weedy]

If you haven't yet go online to the Disney Cruise website and log onto your reservation. There is some info you need to fill out (name, flight info) and some papers you need to bring with you.
You can make reservations for the Princess and Frozen meet and greets. If it's full there are lots of others that don't require a reservation.
You can make reservations for any excursions and adult dining venues.

 

[Sytrace]

How exciting! Here are a few ideas on what you may or may not have thought of.
1. Now that you can do your online check in, be sure to do that and print up your signature page at the end. It makes check in at the terminal go a bit quicker. It is also when you pick your port arrival time and will help you plan accordingly.
2. You can choose your excursions, pre book meet and greets, adult dining reservations and character breakfast if you want to.
3. If you are considering purchasing any gifts and amenities, you will need to do so, 3 days before sailing. Might as well do it now and get it out of the way.
4. If you were planning on ordering a special occasion cake, do that SEVEN days before sailing. You can fax in the order form to the phone number given on the order page under Gifts and Amenities.
If you miss the deadline, you can still go to GS onboard and get one there. BUT it will not be personalized nor will it be in a flavor you would actually choose. (personal experience on this one) The cake is still good, but the special cakes are better because you can choose the cake type, frosting type and have a message on it.
5. Pre pay gratuities...this is something that just makes it so much easier and you don't have to think about it once onboard.
6. I wouldn't suggest pre paying for parking. It is a large parking area and I doubt you would not get a space.
7. If you are planning on purchasing a photo package, do that in advance as well. There is a small discount offered if you pre purchase before sail date.
8. I would start a "Go Bag" of toiletries that you would normally use the morning you leave for the port.
For example, my go bag consists of toothpaste, toothbrushes for the 4 of us, mouthwash, hairbrush, deodorant, etc. This go bag then can be packed into a suitcase and you just also have the same supplies at home for the day you leave for the port. You don't have to remember to pack them and you have this bag everytime you travel.
9. I pack a carryon bag that contains my DCL booklet, signature page and other travel documents/items I will need. Also, medications that you will need as well should be in the carryon bag.
10 Pack a swimsuit bag with suits, flip flops, sunscreen, after sun care and coverups. Add a few zip loc baggies for wet swimsuits that you might have on debarkation day.

Have a great first cruise!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

We had a lot of "last minute" shopping to do around that time. Does everyone have enough swimsuits/coverups? Do you want to bring goggles, watershoes? Hats? Enough sunscreen (3 bottles for 4 people almost wasn't enough when one bottle disappeared in our stateroom for a few days). We picked up some extra books too. Crazy, I know, but personally I find it relaxing. Good for the plane ride at least.