A couple of observations from a newbie cruiser

[GoofyforDisney3]

Just finished our very first cruise (ever!) Friday morning on the Disney Magic. It was awesome and I will definitely would love to cruise again. It was a 4 night sailing and during those few days I tried to write down a few things that I don't remember seeing mentioned / asked a lot around here.

1) Be aware that some of the assembly stations can be IN a restaurant and not just out on deck. We had assembly station T and it was madness trying to find it! Why was it hard? Because it was IN Animators Palate. Because we had never cruised before we did start to the assembly station early, even before the assembly teams had started to them. Because of that we didn't really have anyone to ask. DH and DD went up to guest services and they told him it was aft and port side. Well, first he got the port and star board side mixed up. Ok, no big deal, we just would walk around the circle of the ship, right? We did and still couldn't find T and I asked a crew member who was holding up a sign with a different letter on it that was in front of the doors going back inside. He said "oh, it's right there and pointed" I look and saw it was the direction into the restaurant, so I said "it's inside Animators Palate?" and was told "yep!". At this point I was frustrated and irritated. I put a note on the survey to let them know this wasn't expectable. For something to be mandatory and for my safety they should make it easier to find the locations. Also, wasn't very impressed with the way the directions of what to do in an emergency was presented. I feel if we really had needed to depend on that information in an emergency I would have been screwed.

2) When you return to the ship from an excursion in Nassau, you have to go thru a building that is called the Festival Place. You need your KTWC and ID at this point and it is checked before you are allowed back into the port area. I didn't know this and it was a little confusing.

3) Be prepared for a longer than normal port stop. We got to stay in Nassau until 2 a.m. the next day. Nice for the crew and some passengers I'm sure, but I didn't know enough about the island to feel comfortable going back out after dinner. We ended up just staying on the ship, which was fine since they had more than enough activities to keep us entertained. Just would have been nice to be prepared.

4) The Magic does have the new hair dryers, but they aren't great. Never really got hot and didn't dry my hair very easy and my hair is short (like pixie short) and dries in no time normally. Next time I'll bring my own hair dryer.

5) If you are going to use your own drink cups, please, please, please fill them and then move to the side to deal with getting the lids on, etc. I just wanted a little water, but ended up waiting behind someone filling 3 big mug things, using the paper cup, and then took forever to get the lids back on.

6) Get your luggage ready early! If you aren't doing the express debarkment, start early because 10:30 p.m. comes really fast. Plus, you may miss the final goodbye if you don't. I had most of our stuff ready after dinner, went to the 8:30 show and the next thing I know it's 10:00 and I'm not ready. DH had to take DD to the final goodbye they do in the atrium. Not sure exactly what it was since I did miss it, but DD seemed to enjoy it.

7) Do not be afraid to ask for substitutions on dinner entrees. My DD wanted chicken, but I knew she wouldn't like any of the sides since it was sweet potatoes, collard greens and something else unusual. She asked for mashed potatoes instead and they had no problems bringing them to her.

8) The "refrigerator" keeps things colder than you think. I ordered 3 Mickey bars on Tuesday night, about 11:30. One didn't get eaten since I was asleep by time DH got back from the movie and I forgot to tell him it was there. It was still partially frozen on Friday morning. I was very surprised since I had read these didn't keep cold very well.

9) For us, a four day cruise just wasn't long enough. I felt like I missed out on a lot the ship had to offer since we did an excursion in Nassau, but would have felt like I was missing out on port stops if I had stayed on the ship. Next cruise will need to be at least 7 nights so we can get a little bit of everything, including relaxing. LOL

10) The navigator app was pretty cool and since I was using my phone as a camera, it was nice not to carry around the paper. The only issue I had was I kept getting kicked off the Wi-Fi and had to reconnect all the time.

That's all I have notes on, but I'll add on if I think of anything else!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Just finished our very first cruise (ever!) Friday morning on the Disney Magic. It was awesome and I will definitely would love to cruise again. It was a 4 night sailing and during those few days I tried to write down a few things that I don't remember seeing mentioned / asked a lot around here.

1) Be aware that some of the assembly stations can be IN a restaurant and not just out on deck. We had assembly station T and it was madness trying to find it! Why was it hard? Because it was IN Animators Palate. There should have been a diagram/map posted on the inside of your stateroom door, showing you where to find your muster station. Because we had never cruised before we did start to the assembly station early, even before the assembly teams had started to them. Because of that we didn't really have anyone to ask. DH and DD went up to guest services and they told him it was aft and port side. Well, first he got the port and star board side mixed up. Ok, no big deal, we just would walk around the circle of the ship, right? We did and still couldn't find T and I asked a crew member who was holding up a sign with a different letter on it that was in front of the doors going back inside. He said "oh, it's right there and pointed" I look and saw it was the direction into the restaurant, so I said "it's inside Animators Palate?" and was told "yep!". At this point I was frustrated and irritated. I put a note on the survey to let them know this wasn't expectable. For something to be mandatory and for my safety they should make it easier to find the locations. Also, wasn't very impressed with the way the directions of what to do in an emergency was presented. I feel if we really had needed to depend on that information in an emergency I would have been screwed.

3) Be prepared for a longer than normal port stop. We got to stay in Nassau until 2 a.m. the next day. Nice for the crew and some passengers I'm sure, but I didn't know enough about the island to feel comfortable going back out after dinner. We ended up just staying on the ship, which was fine since they had more than enough activities to keep us entertained. Just would have been nice to be prepared. What would you have done differently? A lot of people prefer to stay on the ship in Nassau.

9) For us, a four day cruise just wasn't long enough. I felt like I missed out on a lot the ship had to offer since we did an excursion in Nassau, but would have felt like I was missing out on port stops if I had stayed on the ship. Next cruise will need to be at least 7 nights so we can get a little bit of everything, including relaxing.

The last time I mentioned that we prefer longer cruises, someone here on the DIS called me a snob. Which is fine; I don't plan to sail with them.

 

[Zandy595]

As jdb in AZ said, there is a plaque on the inside of your stateroom door with directions on how to get to your muster/assembly station. Just like they do on the inside of hotel room doors for emergency exits.

 

[Dug720]

Late-night Nassau does not happen all the time. It is a periodic reward for the crew for over a certain percentage positive comment cards.

Lest people assume it always happens.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Just finished our very first cruise (ever!) Friday morning on the Disney Magic. It was awesome and I will definitely would love to cruise again. It was a 4 night sailing and during those few days I tried to write down a few things that I don't remember seeing mentioned / asked a lot around here.

1) Be aware that some of the assembly stations can be IN a restaurant and not just out on deck. We had assembly station T and it was madness trying to find it! Why was it hard? Because it was IN Animators Palate. Because we had never cruised before we did start to the assembly station early, even before the assembly teams had started to them. Because of that we didn't really have anyone to ask. DH and DD went up to guest services and they told him it was aft and port side. Well, first he got the port and star board side mixed up. Ok, no big deal, we just would walk around the circle of the ship, right? We did and still couldn't find T and I asked a crew member who was holding up a sign with a different letter on it that was in front of the doors going back inside. He said "oh, it's right there and pointed" I look and saw it was the direction into the restaurant, so I said "it's inside Animators Palate?" and was told "yep!". At this point I was frustrated and irritated. I put a note on the survey to let them know this wasn't expectable. For something to be mandatory and for my safety they should make it easier to find the locations. Also, wasn't very impressed with the way the directions of what to do in an emergency was presented. I feel if we really had needed to depend on that information in an emergency I would have been screwed.

2) When you return to the ship from an excursion in Nassau, you have to go thru a building that is called the Festival Place. You need your KTWC and ID at this point and it is checked before you are allowed back into the port area. I didn't know this and it was a little confusing.

3) Be prepared for a longer than normal port stop. We got to stay in Nassau until 2 a.m. the next day. Nice for the crew and some passengers I'm sure, but I didn't know enough about the island to feel comfortable going back out after dinner. We ended up just staying on the ship, which was fine since they had more than enough activities to keep us entertained. Just would have been nice to be prepared.

4) The Magic does have the new hair dryers, but they aren't great. Never really got hot and didn't dry my hair very easy and my hair is short (like pixie short) and dries in no time normally. Next time I'll bring my own hair dryer.

5) If you are going to use your own drink cups, please, please, please fill them and then move to the side to deal with getting the lids on, etc. I just wanted a little water, but ended up waiting behind someone filling 3 big mug things, using the paper cup, and then took forever to get the lids back on.

6) Get your luggage ready early! If you aren't doing the express debarkment, start early because 10:30 p.m. comes really fast. Plus, you may miss the final goodbye if you don't. I had most of our stuff ready after dinner, went to the 8:30 show and the next thing I know it's 10:00 and I'm not ready. DH had to take DD to the final goodbye they do in the atrium. Not sure exactly what it was since I did miss it, but DD seemed to enjoy it.

7) Do not be afraid to ask for substitutions on dinner entrees. My DD wanted chicken, but I knew she wouldn't like any of the sides since it was sweet potatoes, collard greens and something else unusual. She asked for mashed potatoes instead and they had no problems bringing them to her.

8) The "refrigerator" keeps things colder than you think. I ordered 3 Mickey bars on Tuesday night, about 11:30. One didn't get eaten since I was asleep by time DH got back from the movie and I forgot to tell him it was there. It was still partially frozen on Friday morning. I was very surprised since I had read these didn't keep cold very well.

9) For us, a four day cruise just wasn't long enough. I felt like I missed out on a lot the ship had to offer since we did an excursion in Nassau, but would have felt like I was missing out on port stops if I had stayed on the ship. Next cruise will need to be at least 7 nights so we can get a little bit of everything, including relaxing. LOL

10) The navigator app was pretty cool and since I was using my phone as a camera, it was nice not to carry around the paper. The only issue I had was I kept getting kicked off the Wi-Fi and had to reconnect all the time.

That's all I have notes on, but I'll add on if I think of anything else!

I notice that this was your first cruise. There is a bit of learning when starting to take cruises. Many of your comments (complaints?) seem to be related to not having done a cruise before.

Specifically, 1) where your muster station is. As noted, directions to your station are posted in your room, just as in a hotel. And, on some ships not just DCL, the muster stations are indoors. Certainly not a problem in my eyes - you're not required to stand during the whole thing that way.

2) I'm not sure if you were unprepared to have to go though a building to get to the pier, or if you didn't have your ID ready. Showing ship's card and photo ID is standard in most port stops.

3) Not sure why it was a problem that the ship stayed longer in Nassau. If you planned on being onboard that evening/night anyway once the ship departed, I'm not sure why you felt staying in port changed that?

5) I agree that those who have finished filling their cups (whether their own or the supplied ones) should move on.

7) We've often asked for substitutes on the sides of our dishes. It's not unusual to have the request granted.

8) I believe on the Magic, they've replaced the "cooling box" with real fridges. I would hope that they keep things colder than the old cooling boxes did.

9) We also prefer the longer cruises. Our comfort zone is about 10 night cruises, but we can make do with 7 night ones.

10) Wi-Fi connections at sea are somewhat less reliable than at home. It's just something you get used to on cruises.

I'm glad you had a good cruise overall and are planning on others.

 

[PRINCESSnPIRATESOHMY]

Just finished our very first cruise (ever!) Friday morning on the Disney Magic. It was awesome and I will definitely would love to cruise again. It was a 4 night sailing and during those few days I tried to write down a few things that I don't remember seeing mentioned / asked a lot around here.

1) Be aware that some of the assembly stations can be IN a restaurant and not just out on deck. We had assembly station T and it was madness trying to find it! Why was it hard? Because it was IN Animators Palate. Because we had never cruised before we did start to the assembly station early, even before the assembly teams had started to them. Because of that we didn't really have anyone to ask. DH and DD went up to guest services and they told him it was aft and port side. Well, first he got the port and star board side mixed up. Ok, no big deal, we just would walk around the circle of the ship, right? We did and still couldn't find T and I asked a crew member who was holding up a sign with a different letter on it that was in front of the doors going back inside. He said "oh, it's right there and pointed" I look and saw it was the direction into the restaurant, so I said "it's inside Animators Palate?" and was told "yep!". At this point I was frustrated and irritated. I put a note on the survey to let them know this wasn't expectable. For something to be mandatory and for my safety they should make it easier to find the locations. Also, wasn't very impressed with the way the directions of what to do in an emergency was presented. I feel if we really had needed to depend on that information in an emergency I would have been screwed. this happens to most of us on the first cruise...learning your way around the ship takes time. let's face it the back of the door should be the first thing we look at when checking into any "hotel" but I think the majority of us would say we didn't!

2) When you return to the ship from an excursion in Nassau, you have to go thru a building that is called the Festival Place. You need your KTWC and ID at this point and it is checked before you are allowed back into the port area. I didn't know this and it was a little confusing. At all ports you are advised to take your ID and KTWC !

3) Be prepared for a longer than normal port stop. We got to stay in Nassau until 2 a.m. the next day. Nice for the crew and some passengers I'm sure, but I didn't know enough about the island to feel comfortable going back out after dinner. We ended up just staying on the ship, which was fine since they had more than enough activities to keep us entertained. Just would have been nice to be prepared.

4) The Magic does have the new hair dryers, but they aren't great. Never really got hot and didn't dry my hair very easy and my hair is short (like pixie short) and dries in no time normally. Next time I'll bring my own hair dryer. i think it's possible you plugged the hair dryer in the wrong socket! I have long thick hair and the hair dryers on the Magic worked fine. For example, You can't use it in the bathrooms!

5) If you are going to use your own drink cups, please, please, please fill them and then move to the side to deal with getting the lids on, etc. I just wanted a little water, but ended up waiting behind someone filling 3 big mug things, using the paper cup, and then took forever to get the lids back on. AGREED!

6) Get your luggage ready early! If you aren't doing the express debarkment, start early because 10:30 p.m. comes really fast. Plus, you may miss the final goodbye if you don't. I had most of our stuff ready after dinner, went to the 8:30 show and the next thing I know it's 10:00 and I'm not ready. DH had to take DD to the final goodbye they do in the atrium. Not sure exactly what it was since I did miss it, but DD seemed to enjoy it. This is very true! I've learned to pack up more during the cruise to avoid this happening to me again!

7) Do not be afraid to ask for substitutions on dinner entrees. My DD wanted chicken, but I knew she wouldn't like any of the sides since it was sweet potatoes, collard greens and something else unusual. She asked for mashed potatoes instead and they had no problems bringing them to her.

8) The "refrigerator" keeps things colder than you think. I ordered 3 Mickey bars on Tuesday night, about 11:30. One didn't get eaten since I was asleep by time DH got back from the movie and I forgot to tell him it was there. It was still partially frozen on Friday morning. I was very surprised since I had read these didn't keep cold very well.

9) For us, a four day cruise just wasn't long enough. I felt like I missed out on a lot the ship had to offer since we did an excursion in Nassau, but would have felt like I was missing out on port stops if I had stayed on the ship. Next cruise will need to be at least 7 nights so we can get a little bit of everything, including relaxing. LOL i feel the same way. I love the longer cruises! And everyone can call me a snob if they want to! Glad you enjoyed yours and want to go again!

10) The navigator app was pretty cool and since I was using my phone as a camera, it was nice not to carry around the paper. The only issue I had was I kept getting kicked off the Wi-Fi and had to reconnect all the time. I can't wait to use it next time!

That's all I have notes on, but I'll add on if I think of anything else!

 

[SuperDry]

1) Be aware that some of the assembly stations can be IN a restaurant and not just out on deck. We had assembly station T and it was madness trying to find it!

Well, the drill served its purpose, didn't it? You found out the location of your muster station before the ship departed - that's the whole point. In the event of an emergency, you'd know exactly where to go. As others have pointed out, there's a large map showing your station's location on the inside of your stateroom door. There are signs in the hallways. Starting 15 minutes before the drill, they have traffic controllers at every intersection on every deck that will give directions. I'm not sure what more they could do.

10) The navigator app was pretty cool and since I was using my phone as a camera, it was nice not to carry around the paper. The only issue I had was I kept getting kicked off the Wi-Fi and had to reconnect all the time.

That may be controllable by a setting on your phone. Some models have a "connect to this location automatically" setting that you need to turn on in order for it to re-connect automatically.

As far as it dropping out in the first place, this is much more of a problem on the Wonder and Magic, as WiFi was added years later and they didn't put in enough hotspots to provide full coverage. There are many rooms that have a weak signal, or where you have to prop open the door to get a signal at all. The Dream and Fantasy had WiFi installed during original construction, and it was engineered properly to provide coverage throughout the ship.

 

[magrudersmakes3]

The last time I mentioned that we prefer longer cruises, someone here on the DIS called me a snob. Which is fine; I don't plan to sail with them.

I wanna be a snob too then

 

[Crittermom]

So, I have read that if you plug the hairdryer into a "round" socket it will have much more power. Is that what you mean?

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

WOW! You know, it is really a wonder that people want to share experiences on here sometimes. I NEVER said I was complaining, but making OBSERVATIONS and providing information from a new cruiser for other possible new cruisers so they didn't have the same issues I had. Has everyone on here gotten so jaded that any comment that isn't all sunshine and roses is automatically a complaint and it in necessary to practically bash the poster?

I know there was a map on the back of the door, but if you have NEVER been on a ship before the map still doesn't make it all that clear that I had to actually go into the restaurant. I just felt that they could have done a much better job and not just assume that I had even been in my room and saw the map at that point. We did get on the ship fairly early, but what if I had just arrived on board at 3:30 and decided I needed to make my way to the assembly station because they had already started making the announcement?

I knew we needed our KTWC and DL to show to get back into the port, but I did not know you had to go thru that building. That was the point I was trying to make. There are signs pointing you in the direction, but nothing ever really said "HEY! YOU STUPID TOUREST TRYING TO GET BACK TO YOUR BOAT! YOU MUST GO THRU THIS BUILIDNG OF PEOPLE HAWKING THEIR WARES IN ORDER TO GET BACK TO YOUR BOAT!" Sorry if that wasn't clear in my original post.

Again, the reason I mention being prepared for the possibility of the longer than normal port stop was that had I read a little bit more about what times stuff was open, maybe what else there was to do in the evening, that sort of thing I too could have taken advantage of the longer port time. But since I didn't do very much research other than what excursion I wanted to do, I didn't feel comfortable going back out after dinner. I just wanted to point out to NEW cruisers that this can happen so they didn't get caught if it possibly happened to them. I'm not one to just go out into a new area/city with no knowledge and just wonder around and hope for the best.

I used the hair dryer at the desk/vanity out in the room and plugged it into the only plug that it would fit into. I don't know how I could have used it wrong, but I guess anything is possible. *edit to add that the hair dryer worked just fine as it blew air powerfully enough. It just didn't get hot or even really warm. Maybe it is just the type of hair dryer it is, but thought I'd point it out.

 

[momof2n2]

I, for one, appreciate your observations. We leave for a 4-n next Monday. I'm starting to freak out a little packing for the 8 of us.

 

[jahber]

WOW! You know, it is really a wonder that people want to share experiences on here sometimes. I NEVER said I was complaining, but making OBSERVATIONS and providing information from a new cruiser for other possible new cruisers so they didn't have the same issues I had. Has everyone on here gotten so jaded that any comment that isn't all sunshine and roses is automatically a complaint and it in necessary to practically bash the poster? I know there was a map on the back of the door, but if you have NEVER been on a ship before the map still doesn't make it all that clear that I had to actually go into the restaurant. I just felt that they could have done a much better job and not just assume that I had even been in my room and saw the map at that point. We did get on the ship fairly early, but what if I had just arrived on board at 3:30 and decided I needed to make my way to the assembly station because they had already started making the announcement? I knew we needed our KTWC and DL to show to get back into the port, but I did not know you had to go thru that building. That was the point I was trying to make. There are signs pointing you in the direction, but nothing ever really said "HEY! YOU STUPID TOUREST TRYING TO GET BACK TO YOUR BOAT! YOU MUST GO THRU THIS BUILIDNG OF PEOPLE HAWKING THEIR WARES IN ORDER TO GET BACK TO YOUR BOAT!" Sorry if that wasn't clear in my original post. Again, the reason I mention being prepared for the possibility of the longer than normal port stop was that had I read a little bit more about what times stuff was open, maybe what else there was to do in the evening, that sort of thing I too could have taken advantage of the longer port time. But since I didn't do very much research other than what excursion I wanted to do, I didn't feel comfortable going back out after dinner. I just wanted to point out to NEW cruisers that this can happen so they didn't get caught if it possibly happened to them. I'm not one to just go out into a new area/city with no knowledge and just wonder around and hope for the best. I used the hair dryer at the desk/vanity out in the room and plugged it into the only plug that it would fit into. I don't know how I could have used it wrong, but I guess anything is possible. *edit to add that the hair dryer worked just fine as it blew air powerfully enough. It just didn't get hot or even really warm. Maybe it is just the type of hair dryer it is, but thought I'd point it out.

Just to clarify about the hair dryer, because I know how important they are, truly: the hair dryer will plug into a regular plug AND the hairdryer plug. It will blow air and seem to be working even when in the wrong plug. But it won't get hot unless it's in the correct plug. I learned this the hard way--didn't realize it until my second cruise, so I know how frustrating it is. The alternative is that you had a dud hairdryer. Request a replacement next time to see if that helps. I completely understand wanting to bring your own just to be sure, but it's worth giving it another try to save room for more shoes next time! Happy sailing!

 

[hetheric]

I think it is helpful for everyone to share their experiences. One I suggest, but did not think of the first time is cold medicine, pain reliever, nausea meds, and a basic first aid kit. Little things that are more costly onboard.

 

[DahliaRW]

Just to clarify about the hair dryer, because I know how important they are, truly: the hair dryer will plug into a regular plug AND the hairdryer plug. It will blow air and seem to be working even when in the wrong plug. But it won't get hot unless it's in the correct plug. I learned this the hard way--didn't realize it until my second cruise, so I know how frustrating it is. The alternative is that you had a dud hairdryer. Request a replacement next time to see if that helps. I completely understand wanting to bring your own just to be sure, but it's worth giving it another try to save room for more shoes next time! Happy sailing!

On the Fantasy, I had to unplug the wave phone charger and use that plug for the hair dryer. It was higher voltage. Didn't figure this out until I had already spent forever drying my hair once with the lower voltage outlet!

 

[Nachos Libres]

Thanks for the tips OP!

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

Just to clarify about the hair dryer, because I know how important they are, truly: the hair dryer will plug into a regular plug AND the hairdryer plug. It will blow air and seem to be working even when in the wrong plug. But it won't get hot unless it's in the correct plug. I learned this the hard way--didn't realize it until my second cruise, so I know how frustrating it is. The alternative is that you had a dud hairdryer. Request a replacement next time to see if that helps. I completely understand wanting to bring your own just to be sure, but it's worth giving it another try to save room for more shoes next time! Happy sailing!

It is possible. I didn't try it in a different outlet since it blew air ok. It was round and had to kind of straight round prongs. I put it in the plug that appeared to match the plug shape, round, instead of the one that looked more square. But, I very well could have just assumed on that one.

 

[gadisfamily]

We're going on our first cruise this year so any tips I can find are helpful. Thanks for posting!!

 

[gadisfamily]

 

[Madame]

We are also going on our first cruise this year & I too appreciate the tips (especially the blow dryer - i can see myself now spending forever trying to get my 6 yr old's hair dry!!!). I find posts from newer cruisers most helpful-They often give answers to questions I'd never think to ask.

 

[cgolf]

WOW! You know, it is really a wonder that people want to share experiences on here sometimes. I NEVER said I was complaining, but making OBSERVATIONS and providing information from a new cruiser for other possible new cruisers so they didn't have the same issues I had. Has everyone on here gotten so jaded that any comment that isn't all sunshine and roses is automatically a complaint and it in necessary to practically bash the poster? I know there was a map on the back of the door, but if you have NEVER been on a ship before the map still doesn't make it all that clear that I had to actually go into the restaurant. I just felt that they could have done a much better job and not just assume that I had even been in my room and saw the map at that point. We did get on the ship fairly early, but what if I had just arrived on board at 3:30 and decided I needed to make my way to the assembly station because they had already started making the announcement? I knew we needed our KTWC and DL to show to get back into the port, but I did not know you had to go thru that building. That was the point I was trying to make. There are signs pointing you in the direction, but nothing ever really said "HEY! YOU STUPID TOUREST TRYING TO GET BACK TO YOUR BOAT! YOU MUST GO THRU THIS BUILIDNG OF PEOPLE HAWKING THEIR WARES IN ORDER TO GET BACK TO YOUR BOAT!" Sorry if that wasn't clear in my original post. Again, the reason I mention being prepared for the possibility of the longer than normal port stop was that had I read a little bit more about what times stuff was open, maybe what else there was to do in the evening, that sort of thing I too could have taken advantage of the longer port time. But since I didn't do very much research other than what excursion I wanted to do, I didn't feel comfortable going back out after dinner. I just wanted to point out to NEW cruisers that this can happen so they didn't get caught if it possibly happened to them. I'm not one to just go out into a new area/city with no knowledge and just wonder around and hope for the best. I used the hair dryer at the desk/vanity out in the room and plugged it into the only plug that it would fit into. I don't know how I could have used it wrong, but I guess anything is possible. *edit to add that the hair dryer worked just fine as it blew air powerfully enough. It just didn't get hot or even really warm. Maybe it is just the type of hair dryer it is, but thought I'd point it out.

I do believe that if you go from your room you should be able to find your muster station in that way as I believe they have the signs on the walls pointing out the way (can someone double check my memory). On our 9 cruises we have always started our drill from our stateroom and followed the proper path down, even though by now we know our way around all of the ships. I am curious what you found lacking about the presentation, I believe this is the standard for all vessels, and they also show something on tv too. I do know sometime in the last couple of years they stopped having everyone wear the life vests to the muster station, not sure if this was a good or bad thing.
Cgolf