Cruising Refresher Course

[rwjx2kahaj]

It's been a little over 2 years since our last cruise. We are on the Dream for 4 days this time, where last time we were on the Fantasy for seven days. Our children (19,16,13,11) are (obviously) older than they were the last time. I've done some research to see what's changed and what's the same. It looks as if there is a change in the alcohol policy, procedure for meet and greets, and Star Wars has taken over the Oceaneer. Could someone bring me up to date? Frankly, I don't have the time (67 days and counting) to do the research that I did for that first cruise!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

It's been a little over 2 years since our last cruise. We are on the Dream for 4 days this time, where last time we were on the Fantasy for seven days. Our children (19,16,13,11) are (obviously) older than they were the last time. I've done some research to see what's changed and what's the same. It looks as if there is a change in the alcohol policy, procedure for meet and greets, and Star Wars has taken over the Oceaneer. Could someone bring me up to date? Frankly, I don't have the time (67 days and counting) to do the research that I did for that first cruise!

You've hit most of the highlights (changes) in the past couple of years. Also now on the Dream - Satellite Falls; Funnel Puddle Wading pool; extra pay bar snacks; no more Mickey Mail (dropping off items for signatures at Guest Services); no more arcade (extra pay ice cream/candy parlor).

 

[rwjx2kahaj]

Thanks for filling me in! My Ds is going to be disappointed about the arcade. We have enough character signature that I think we'll all survive the Mickey Mail loss, though it is sad to have it discontinued.

Can anyone tell me more about how the meet and greets are done now?

Also, my dd is 11. Last time she loved the Oceaneer but this time she might be interested in moving up to Edge with her brother. Can she go between the two?

 

[ajo]

Yes - an 11 year-old can go to both the Club/Lab and the Edge.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for filling me in! My Ds is going to be disappointed about the arcade. We have enough character signature that I think we'll all survive the Mickey Mail loss, though it is sad to have it discontinued.

Can anyone tell me more about how the meet and greets are done now?

Also, my dd is 11. Last time she loved the Oceaneer but this time she might be interested in moving up to Edge with her brother. Can she go between the two?

Anna & Elsa; Princess Gathering are now ticketed events. You pick up tickets (best to do this upon embarkation as they are limited). The location/times for pick up will be noted in the Navigator you get at check in.

All the other character meets are still - check the Navigator where/when/who for them. Then show up.

 

[over50visits]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Although there are a lot of (IMHO) minor changes, really the ship's overall experience has felt the same to us over the years.

For those who liked to bring on a LOT of alcohol, that is a big recent change. If meet and greets were important, even though a few have tickets you can still do them just fine. Renovation may change the buffet, coffee shop, or some clubs, but really you'll feel right at home. I don't want to minimize changes which may feel really important, but the Dream is still the Dream!

 

[lanejudy]

Not necessarily new but in case you weren't aware -- your 19-yr-old will not be allowed to attend Vibe except for Open House times. There may be a group for 18-21 yr olds, and if your oldest is interested in that s/he should plan to join them the first night. If nobody shows up, that group won't have anything planned for the cruise. The 19-yr-old will also be able to do any "adult only" activities.

Yes, the 11-yr-old can do both the Club/Lab and Edge. The 13-yr-old is the right age for Edge, and the 16-yr-old is the right age for Vibe. Anyone may attend any of the kids' spaces during scheduled "Open House" times.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[rwjx2kahaj]

Not necessarily new but in case you weren't aware -- your 19-yr-old will not be allowed to attend Vibe except for Open House times. There may be a group for 18-21 yr olds, and if your oldest is interested in that s/he should plan to join them the first night. If nobody shows up, that group won't have anything planned for the cruise. The 19-yr-old will also be able to do any "adult only" activities.

Enjoy your cruise!

The oldest didn't join the group activities last time so I expect she won't miss them. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[TestingH2O]

Was the Navigator app available last time? We really enjoyed being able to check the navigator easily and get reminders. The messaging was not 100%, but it was a convenience.

 

[rwjx2kahaj]

Was the Navigator app available last time?

Yes, it was.