Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[chuckm403]

 

[TorontoGirl]

Any tips on pin trading? My boys love to pin trade. I know when we've been to the resorts, at certain times of the night they will bring out a pin trading board. Do they do this on the cruises?

Just thought I would share this as something special - I don't know if its something you can ASK for but if you should a helping spirit you may get picked for it!

One night when I was pin trading early on my 1st cruise I was at the Limited Edition Pin stand that they bring out every night and I was explaining to different parents what Pin Trading was and how it worked because there kids were asking to do it - then I would trade or give a pin to the kids to get them started - I was then asked by one of the CM if I would like to participate in Officer Pin Trading on the Semi-Formal Night. I got an offical invitation in my Fish and then a certificate afterwards saying that I had participated. I stood in line with all the officers and traded with people before going to dinner...it was fun and I got quite a few great pins out of it

 

[Gilland18]

Thanks for all the ideas. I think I might try the photo mat idea.

 

[farah]

Great tips! thank you

 

[GettinReadyforDisney]

Be sure to bring plenty of small bills ($20's or less) if you choose to do ports on your own -- as you will likely be told (by cabbies, store owners, etc) that they cannot break anything bigger -- while this is likely not true --- you may still be told that.

This happened to us when we did Trunk Bay in St. John on our own. By the time we paid for a cab to the ferry, the ferry, a cab (a truck, really) to Trunk Bay, lunch in Trunk Bay . . . we only had $100 bills left and the driver from Trunk Bay to the ferry said he could not break our bill . I highly doubt that he was telling the truth (and we did think later that we could have told him -- fine, we will wait for the next driver, who will likely break the bill . . . and he probably would have then said he could break the bill!!)

Luckily, another cruiseline passenger with us was able to break the bill for us!!!

But, I don't think we'll let that happen again!!!

 

[hollyjolly]

This is a great tip, something that could easily be overlooked. Thanks!

 

[Nicoledee44]

Love all the tips. First Disney cruise in May 2011.....

 

[lovetotravel07]

I didn't read through the whole thread so this might be a repeat.

We were told it is nice to thank the cast members if you get things signed. We had 2 staterooms, for my girls I got two white pillow cases put in multi-colored sharpies and actually asked for what characters I wanted to sign. I threw in a bunch of chocolate candy in the large ziploc as a thank you. For the house/family. I bought an 11 X 14 frame that had a large, thick white matt and just brought that matt with me to have all the characters sign. I bought a sticker in the gift shop before I turned it in with the ship name and stuck that on the top of the matt. I put that in another large ziploc with more candy! It's an awesome souvenir.

Also, I was told you can get mickey ice cream treats delivered to your room, so when we were in for the night, the first night, I ordered room service and 2 mickey ear ice cream pops came on a silver platter to my girls! They thought that was the best thing ever!

 

[axfather]

This is especially helpful for families in small cabins. Dads can go to the spa and shave (with free provided premium shave essentials) and then shower in regularly sized (bigger) showers which the staff constantly keep spotless. There is a changing room, towels and lockers, etc....all free...I do this every cruise and very much enjoy the alone time...usually I am alone in the locker room when I go. Just make sure to wear shower shoes to be on the safe side.

 

[SuzPasq]

I love the idea of givng a thank you gift to the signees and club CMs.... but I wonder if they get incredibly sick of candy.

What's the best thank you gift you've ever given/heard of?

EmsaBems

I know that many of the crew members appreciate international calling cards. We pick them up in various small amounts and give them to people who go above and beyond that would not receive a grat from us otherwise.

 

[kato0627]

Great ideas!!!!

 

[denas]

We bring one of those nightlight/air freshener plug in for the bathroom. It helps when the kids have to get up in the middle of the night.

I have a small extension cord with 3 outlets since we have so many things to charge these days

It's not on the room service menu, but we get the Peanut Butter and Jelly Uncrustables the night before a port day. Ask them not to heat it up and we keep it in the fridge until the next day. It makes a great snack to hold you over or if you have picky kids-this is their lunch.

Just a couple of our tidbits.

My kids think PB&J is an essential food group on its own. This is great since we can pack them with us for port days and not be stuck trying to find something kid friendly to eat! My kids are a lot more likely to try something new if they know they have a fall back in case it is "yucky"! Thanks so much for this tip!!!!

 

[Can't wait to cruise]

We're booked for the Transatlantic May 2011 which will be our sixth Disney cruise including the Transatlantic in May 07. We get a case of bottled water and check it as luggage with a luggage tag taped on it. Great for having water on port calls.

Rather than buy a smoothie for the evening shows (late dinner), we stop by the soft serve machine with a soda cup and get a large ice cream to take to the show. We also bring large insulated sports bottles for our beverages on deck 9.

I also ask for a shrimp coctail with dinner every evening even if it isn't on the menu. Works most nights.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

There are books and magazines to borrow in the Cove Cafe.

You can get a "frequent buyer" punch card at the Cove Cafe and eventually get a free drink. You can use the card for multiple cruises if needed.

You can order "midnight snacks" from room service. Buy beware, soda has a cost when coming from room service.

Order coffee before you go to sleep, and the carafe the coffee is delivered in will keep the coffee warm until morning.

Have your formalwear pressed for half the price of dry cleaning and skip ironing your own clothes in the laundry room.

Never be afraid to ask for modifications to items on the menu in the dining rooms. Ask for what you want, and the serving team will do their best.

 

[aseyrick]

We get a case of bottled water and check it as luggage with a luggage tag taped on it. Great for having water on port calls.

This is awesome! Can someone please verify that this is the case for W. Caribbean cruises as well? I had read somewhere that in order to bring bottle water (or any drink) onboard, we have to have it in a carryon luggage??

Thanks!

 

[mainegal]

Not sure why people bring on bottled water.

The water on the ship is treated on board and is very good.

 

[MarkRG]

One of the DCL porters who regularly posts here anonymously said a few days ago that DCL is clamping down on the water thing in that yes you'll have to have it in luggage going forward, they're being told to not check the shrinkwrapped packages anymore.

Here's one I havn't seen sofar.

If you're sailing on the Magic or Wonder, bring your own clock. The propeller clock is very cute.... in a fully lighted cabin. It is not self lit nor can glow in the dark, and honestly don't even know IF it has an alarm.

It seems the Dream has a new digital clock with ipod dock, from reports.

 

[heatherwillmom]

Not sure why people bring on bottled water.

The water on the ship is treated on board and is very good.

Most people who mentioned water were talking about taking it on excursions

 

[Superman81]

Thanks for the great tips. Subscribing.

 

[ribica]

Just joining in - the picture matting idea sounds awesome! Love it! I also really like the idea of calling cards for the "extra" gift for staff. I imagine that they get pretty tired of candy!