A couple of observations from a newbie cruiser

[cgolf]

One thing we found is we always packed too many dress clothes. I now take 2 dress pants and 3 dress shirts and rotate them over the 7 nights. It is not as bad as it sounds because the only time they are worn is for dinner. I also don't pack dress shoes, as I wear my close toed sandals for all meals, now theses are the kind that still cover most of your foot with lots of webbing, so nothing like flip flops. Also on the classic ships in the early am you can usually swim mini laps in the quiet cove pool because no one else is using it.

Cgolf

 

[jdb in AZ]

One thing we found is we always packed too many dress clothes. I now take 2 dress pants and 3 dress shirts and rotate them over the 7 nights. It is not as bad as it sounds because the only time they are worn is for dinner. I also don't pack dress shoes, as I wear my close toed sandals for all meals, now these are the kind that still cover most of your foot with lots of webbing, so nothing like flip flops. Also on the classic ships in the early am you can usually swim mini laps in the quiet cove pool because no one else is using it.

Cgolf

When we cruised to Hawaii, a couple who shared our dinner table packed just one carry-on each, no large suitcases, for 15 days. Not sure how they managed, but they always looked elegant.

 

[debsters41]

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.

First, thanks for the observations. I have been on a couple cruises but I always appreciate people's take on things, because there may be something I have been missing!

I think you were using the 'correct' plug, because it is indeed a European plug (It's where I charge my devices....) So, yes, I would suggest you bring your own hairdryer if the one provided was not up to the performance level you are used to. I unfortunately have very thin hair so the ones provided work fine. I say this because other first time cruisers should not assume that the new hairdryers are 'all that' because some people report them as being so. Just because they are ok for me, doesn't mean that they are for you... kwim?

 

[mypixiedust]

Just want to say good job! I like tips from the new cruisers too! I hope to post about my first cruise too! Like I tell all my new coworkers "everyone had a first day too!"

 

[Claire4dpins]

Thanks for the observations -- we have our first cruise on the Magic in September.

I think I will try the hair dryer in all the sockets it will fit in to make sure I have the most power possible -- I have thick frizzy hair!

I like the suggestion of following the prescribed route shown on the map on your door to get to our muster station -- we might try that. We will only just be beginning to learn where things are on the ship at that early stage. I -- no doubt -- will be distracted -- Dory-like -- by each new thing I see. It will take me a good while to figure oout where things are -- I don't have the best sense of direction!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts -- I love hearing from other cruise newbies!

 

[mschaber]

I appreciate the observations and tips. Since we have never cruised, I did NOT know I needed to have my KTTW and ID to get back on the ship. Now I do

 

[jdb in AZ]

I appreciate the observations and tips. Since we have never cruised, I did NOT know I needed to have my KTTW and ID to get back on the ship. Now I do

The DCL crew will tell you (several times) to remember your I.D. plus you have to have your KTTW card to even get off the ship. They keep track of who's onboard and who's ashore by scanning your KTTW card through a computer each time you board and disembark.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I'm a long time cruiser but only 1 DCL and I appreciate the tips about the outlets too. We will be seeing the Magic in a week! LITERALLY!

 

[MPS516]

I like the suggestion of following the prescribed route shown on the map on your door to get to our muster station -- we might try that. We will only just be beginning to learn where things are on the ship at that early stage. I -- no doubt -- will be distracted -- Dory-like -- by each new thing I see. It will take me a good while to figure oout where things are -- I don't have the best sense of direction!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts -- I love hearing from other cruise newbies!

A real good reason to do this at drill time is that several routes take you down (or up) stairs that are not open during other than emergency situations so the only time you really see the route is during the drill. For most emergencies you will be returning to your stateroom and getting your life vests therefore starting from there is where you would most likely start during the actual emergency. Have a great cruise

 

[CraftyMommy]

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 have never thought of myself as a snob. But I'll proudly wear that label if it gets me a longer cruise!

 

[bumbershoot]

I appreciate the observations and tips. Since we have never cruised, I did NOT know I needed to have my KTTW and ID to get back on the ship. Now I do

It will be on the Navigators and mentioned often.

But it was the route to get past the officials to get to the pier to get back on the ship that the op was talking about that was confusing for them.

 

[Dug720]

The only thing I'm not sure anyone could prepare for in advance is "late-night Nassau" as it is not announced ahead of sailing.

 

[cgolf]

The only thing I'm not sure anyone could prepare for in advance is "late-night Nassau" as it is not announced ahead of sailing.

If you are on the Dream this is a bonus, the Aqua Duck at night in a port is really cool to do. When we were on the Dream they had a late night in Nassau

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

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

For me, the presentation was a little to brief, almost had a nonchalant type of vibe to it, and didn't make it very clear on what to do after you met at the station and put your life vest on. I just could see people panic and mayhem ensue and it made me nervous being I had NEVER been on a ship like that. I've been on little boats on a lake, but never a ship in the ocean and that is a little stressful.

The DCL crew will tell you (several times) to remember your I.D. plus you have to have your KTTW card to even get off the ship. They keep track of who's onboard and who's ashore by scanning your KTTW card through a computer each time you board and disembark.

Yes, you scan your card before you can even leave the ship. You also have to have an adult pass thru first, then kids, because they will stop any underage child trying to leave the ship without a parent or a approved adult with the waiver filled out.

A real good reason to do this at drill time is that several routes take you down (or up) stairs that are not open during other than emergency situations so the only time you really see the route is during the drill. For most emergencies you will be returning to your stateroom and getting your life vests therefore starting from there is where you would most likely start during the actual emergency. Have a great cruise

I kind of wish they did have you bring your life jacket because then I would have been coming from my room and may not have had the issues I had finding the station like I did. It does make more sense to have you do it exactly the way you would need to if you were having an emergency and had I not had Dory brain I may have thought to do just that and returned to our room and gone from there. So thanks for that tip! Never saw that mentioned before I left and it would have been a good tip to read.

 

[jdb in AZ]

For me, the presentation was a little to brief, almost had a nonchalant type of vibe to it, and didn't make it very clear on what to do after you met at the station and put your life vest on. I just could see people panic and mayhem ensue and it made me nervous being I had NEVER been on a ship like that. I've been on little boats on a lake, but never a ship in the ocean and that is a little stressful.

I kind of wish they did have you bring your life jacket because then I would have been coming from my room and may not have had the issues I had finding the station like I did. It does make more sense to have you do it exactly the way you would need to if you were having an emergency and had I not had Dory brain I may have thought to do just that and returned to our room and gone from there. So thanks for that tip! Never saw that mentioned before I left and it would have been a good tip to read.

In a real emergency you might not have time to return to your room (which could be underwater or otherwise inaccessible) to get your life jacket, so DCL has extra life jackets at the muster stations, just as they have more life boats than absolutely necessary.

 

[SeattleSuz]

Thanks OP for the observations and tips!! I hope I can remember these when we do our first DCL cruise in October!

 

[LWQuestie]

For me, the presentation was a little to brief, almost had a nonchalant type of vibe to it, and didn't make it very clear on what to do after you met at the station and put your life vest on. I just could see people panic and mayhem ensue and it made me nervous being I had NEVER been on a ship like that. I've been on little boats on a lake, but never a ship in the ocean and that is a little stressful.

If I recall correctly, the most important part is to listen and do what you are told. The actual activity in an emergency situation may differ from situation to situation, so it's not realistic to outline all possibilities in the muster drill. It's a drill to make sure that the cruisers get to the right location. When everyone is in their location, they are to be quiet and listen to the crew member instructions for whatever's next.

 

[DahliaRW]

If I recall correctly, the most important part is to listen and do what you are told. The actual activity in an emergency situation may differ from situation to situation, so it's not realistic to outline all possibilities in the muster drill. It's a drill to make sure that the cruisers get to the right location. When everyone is in their location, they are to be quiet and listen to the crew member instructions for whatever's next.

I do remember them saying that if evacuation was necessary they'd take people in small groups to life boats, keeping families together. That was enough information to me.

 

[ptcbass]

We are going on our first cruise next week. Thanks for the tips! I always thought the munster drills were on the upper decks outside and everyone went to that one main area. Now I will look at the back of the door as soon as our room is ready.

I have read about the hairdryers so I plan on bringing mine. I didn't know the wave phone plug was a good one to use too. I will keep that in mind as a back up.

I also wasn't aware that in Nassau that you had to go through the Festival building. Thanks for letting us know. Also due to crime I probably wouldn't advise getting off the ship in the afternoons anyway.

Thanks again!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I do remember them saying that if evacuation was necessary they'd take people in small groups to life boats, keeping families together. That was enough information to me.

Yes, and don't go to the kids' clubs to collect your kids. In an emergency the crew will bring your kids to your muster station.