Any tips for first time cruiser?

[MICHAELB1]

I reserved a cruise on the Wonder for this December, and was wondering if anyone had any tips for Disney cruises. I am so excited!!

 

[jkburns]

Welcome! Take a deep breath and keep lurking on this board for great tips and advice. Most of all, remember it's a vacation. It was easy for me to get all caught up in the planning and the details and the lists, etc. I realized - almost too late - that I was so busy trying to do EVERYTHING that I let myself enjoy almost NOTHING. Have fun planning, but don't forget to have fun during you trip!

 

[MICHAELB1]

Welcome! Take a deep breath and keep lurking on this board for great tips and advice. Most of all, remember it's a vacation. It was easy for me to get all caught up in the planning and the details and the lists, etc. I realized - almost too late - that I was so busy trying to do EVERYTHING that I let myself enjoy almost NOTHING. Have fun planning, but don't forget to have fun during you trip!

Thank you!

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

It's like those potato chips - you can't have just one! Best advice is that you can't do everything. Scour the official DCL website to learn about the ships & ports you're visiting. Go over the Deck plans of the Wonder (which was our first cruise too) to find out where everything is located. Read ahead here and at Scott's blog. He's got great stuff. If you can figure out the basic shipboard routine, the rest is so much gravy. Welcome! and enjoy your cruise

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/

 

[Annabell]

Best thing to do is reading the trip reports posted here !

 

[mygiantrobot]

Explore the ship. Get a Mickey Ice Cream bar delivered to your room (and give the room service person a tip!)

 

[Travel60]

Biggest thing is that you should look at these posts then do what fits you.

Some people spend weeks (months?) buying or making little gifts to give to others in groups formed online (fish extenders). I've never done that.

Some people sign up for drink tastings (extra$) or bingo. Never done that.

For little girls there's a boutique experience. Never done that. There are character meetings...some are random around ship but there may be some you schedule. You can also buy photo packages...we did the first few cruises but don't anymore.

My kids did enjoy the various kids and teen clubs. Unless required during Covid, those don't require advance signups. I have done a couple of spa things that were nice (but pricey).

Dinner is scheduled each night in each of the main dining rooms. You choose main dining (usually 5-5:30) or late (usually 8ish) and get your dining rotation when you board. Additionally (and for additional$) you can reserve a lunch or dinner at one of the adult only restaurants. Some people like to dress up for formal, semi-formal or specialty nights. Others not so much. No one will care as long as you look presentable (no swimsuits/holey tanks, etc).

You can sign up for excursions at each port either through DCL or on your own. Through DCL is more $$ but the boat won't leave you if something happens and you are late getting back. Depends on your risk tolerance.

You can be as busy or as laid back as you like. As a previous poster said....it's vacation.