Booked last minute- now several random questions

[Cynthia1215]

Just booked our first cruise yesterday and we sail in 15 days! (Magic, 5-night Western Caribbean) I'm trying to crash study everything I can learn about what to expect, tips, etc. Several random questions that I would really appreciate you answering if you can. I seriously appreciate your help so much!

The tickets for the meet and Greets- Princess and Frozen: 1. Are there set times the meet and greets occur which are basically the same each sailing? I reviewed past navigators which mentioned the distribution but it wasn't on the list of activities. 2. I've heard the distribution does get all handed out and some do not get tickets. Distribution is scheduled 12-3. I know to head there right away when getting on the boat. But are we talking that distribution is usually done in 30 min or what?

We have 2nd dinner seating. Show times at 6:15, dinner at 8:15. About how long are the shows? How much time between the show ending and the meal time?

Since 2nd seating, planning to eat later lunch. At Castaway Cay it says the BBQ is 11:30-2. If we arrived to eat at 1:30, will we have enough time before it ends at 2?

Also, at Castaway Cay, are there any shaded spots with seats for my mom who is older and can't really spend too much time in the sun?

How long is the process to get on or off the boat at the port stops? Is it something we should only plan on doing once or could we hop off, go back on the ship and come back off until the end of the stop.

Is there a room service menu posted somewhere?

How soon do you have to cancel nursery appts? Like if I take my 2.5 there and she won't calm down to play the first day, I probably wouldn't take her the next two days.

Our cabins only allowed 3 guests. I have 3 daughters 8, 5, 2. My 8yr old is booked in a room with my mom. I was reading that children could only go off the ship with the adult in their room. Do I need to feel out the parent form to authorize myself to take her or as the parent, even if not in the same room, would be ok?

Are there pack N Plays or cribs that can be requested and are they very limited? Or are bed rails available?

Thank you!!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Just booked our first cruise yesterday and we sail in 15 days! (Magic, 5-night Western Caribbean) I'm trying to crash study everything I can learn about what to expect, tips, etc. Several random questions that I would really appreciate you answering if you can. I seriously appreciate your help so much!

The tickets for the meet and Greets- Princess and Frozen: 1. Are there set times the meet and greets occur which are basically the same each sailing? I reviewed past navigators which mentioned the distribution but it wasn't on the list of activities. 2. I've heard the distribution does get all handed out and some do not get tickets. Distribution is scheduled 12-3. I know to head there right away when getting on the boat. But are we talking that distribution is usually done in 30 min or what?

We have 2nd dinner seating. Show times at 6:15, dinner at 8:15. About how long are the shows? How much time between the show ending and the meal time?

Since 2nd seating, planning to eat later lunch. At Castaway Cay it says the BBQ is 11:30-2. If we arrived to eat at 1:30, will we have enough time before it ends at 2?

Also, at Castaway Cay, are there any shaded spots with seats for my mom who is older and can't really spend too much time in the sun?

How long is the process to get on or off the boat at the port stops? Is it something we should only plan on doing once or could we hop off, go back on the ship and come back off until the end of the stop.

Is there a room service menu posted somewhere?

How soon do you have to cancel nursery appts? Like if I take my 2.5 there and she won't calm down to play the first day, I probably wouldn't take her the next two days.

Our cabins only allowed 3 guests. I have 3 daughters 8, 5, 2. My 8yr old is booked in a room with my mom. I was reading that children could only go off the ship with the adult in their room. Do I need to feel out the parent form to authorize myself to take her or as the parent, even if not in the same room, would be ok?

Are there pack N Plays or cribs that can be requested and are they very limited? Or are bed rails available?

Thank you!!!

The meet & greets do tend to be at similar times/dates from cruise to cruise, but can vary. It's not noted in the Navigator when a meet & greet is happening, as anyone going to them will have a ticket with a time/date on it to attend. Yes, some may not be able to get ticket, if they run out. As to how quickly they run out - it's a crap shoot.

Shows in the Walt Disney Theater are about 45 minutes. There's plenty of time to get from one to the other.

If you have your food at 2, you can continue to eat until you are finished. But the buffet won't be restocked after 2:00.

There are lots of trees and umbrellas. If you can't find one at the first tram stop, just keep walking down the beach.

Getting off and on only requires showing your KTTW card (plus you ID to return). No big long process, except for when the doors first open- there's usually a line then.

Room service menu:


Cancellations for the nursery must be made 4 hours prior.

Yes, you must fill out the form to take your own child off the ship, if she is in another room.

There are pack and plays, also bed rails. Just ask either your room host, or at Guest Services for them.

 

[Cynthia1215]

The meet & greets do tend to be at similar times/dates from cruise to cruise, but can vary. It's not noted in the Navigator when a meet & greet is happening, as anyone going to them will have a ticket with a time/date on it to attend. Yes, some may not be able to get ticket, if they run out. As to how quickly they run out - it's a crap shoot.

Shows in the Walt Disney Theater are about 45 minutes. There's plenty of time to get from one to the other.

If you have your food at 2, you can continue to eat until you are finished. But the buffet won't be restocked after 2:00.

There are lots of trees and umbrellas. If you can't find one at the first tram stop, just keep walking down the beach.

Getting off and on only requires showing your KTTW card (plus you ID to return). No big long process, except for when the doors first open- there's usually a line then.

Room service menu:
View attachment 142156

Cancellations for the nursery must be made 4 hours prior.

Yes, you must fill out the form to take your own child off the ship, if she is in another room.

There are pack and plays, also bed rails. Just ask either your room host, or at Guest Services for them.

Thank you so much for answering all these questions and for the menu photo. Sending you pixie dust!

 

[samily]

It looks like you are doing a Western cruise, I just wanted to add that if Grand Cayman is one of your stops, the ship does not dock there - you will tender back and forth so that adds a bit of time.

Also, is your 2.5yo potty trained? If not, you can ask for a diaper genie for your cabin.

Have a great cruise!

 

[Cynthia1215]

It looks like you are doing a Western cruise, I just wanted to add that if Grand Cayman is one of your stops, the ship does not dock there - you will tender back and forth so that adds a bit of time.

Also, is your 2.5yo potty trained? If not, you can ask for a diaper genie for your cabin.

Have a great cruise!

We are doing the Grand Cayman stop. Very good to know. That was the port I considered going back out to, but I think we won't plan on it. The 2.5 is not potty trained, very good to know about the diaper genie!

 

[ladypiph]

Not sure if this applies with your date being so close but we requested a bed rail online with our reservation and I am pretty sure you can do the same with the pack n play. And if you will need shaded areas keep in mind as the day goes on the sun does move so your once nice and shady spot may not be shaded a few hours later. Room service food is good and the service itself is complimentary however it is customary to tip the cast member who delivered it. CC is an open buffet so arriving at 1:30 will allow you all time to grab your food and eat. CC also has strollers that are good on sand, but they are limited in quantity. The stroller was very nice to have for my DS to take a much needed midday nap without confining us to one spot. HAVE A MAGICAL TIME!