Days away -a few questions

[Betsyp]

So I’m only a few days away …but I have a few questions

- I guess take a bag/knapsack with my medicines, phone chargers, or anything I think I’ll need before my luggage arrives at my room?

Do you guys take a bathing suit in case you want to take a dip or do you check out the ship (especially as a 1st time DCL)

- Will the room have instructions as to how to purchase interest usage plan?

- I don’t have formal outfits, but I plan to wear what I might wear to work (nice/decent pants, nice shirt or blouse)…Will this be ok?

I can’t think of anything else - I’ve cruised before, but not for awhile. I’m going to do my best not to overpack - I doubt I’ll succeed, lol

Thank you!

 

[kiford]

I don't bother with a swimsuit but we never bother to go to the pool on the first day. If you think you might want to, then I'd pack it. We usually pack 1-2 extra shirts and underwear just in case (in 14 cruises, our luggage has always arrived and arrived before dinner but I'm paranoid) and I make sure that the nicer pants/shirt is available for dinner. We normally do late dining so it's never been an issue but if we had early dining, I might want to make sure about having that.

Cruise casual is usually khakis and shirt, or lightweight pants and shirt or sundress and the first night is always cruise casual so that's fine.

I have a backpack that is my airplane carry on so I keep that with me but lighter than what I carry on the plane. And yes, chargers, iPad, some toiletries I might want right away to freshen up.

We just came back less than a month ago but I'm jealous.

 

[AgentMama]

We use our carryon backpacks to walk on with as well.

We did bathing suits our first couple of cruises but find now we prefer to enjoy the ship when get on. But definitely try it if that's your thing!

What you're planning on wearing sounds perfect. Be comfortable and have a great time!

Happy cruising!

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

The internet usage plan is accessed via the DCL app (under "More" if I remember correctly). Navigate to that, where you'll select the tier of plan (explained there with good examples of activity supported), select the number of devices for your stateroom, create your login and you're off. I usually do this for our family then login/password share for them to use of of the devices selected.

We usually bring our bathing suits in our carryon. Even if the weather doesn't support pool/sunbathing, the hot tub is ALWAYS awesome .

For clothes: you do you. We like to make every dinner date night whether its one of the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants. I bring a tux for Remy & my wife a gown, but that's because we really like dressing for dinner - our preference. If you're more comfortable in slacks/blouse, go for it. No swimsuits at dinner, though, please . Seriously, I did see one person in their swimsuit wearing a DCL bathrobe eating at Animator's Palate on the Dream one time. Yuck. Didn't need to see all that at dinner

 

[Erica1016]

It sounds like you're in good shape and ready to go! DH is an overpacker, and sometimes I follow suit. We've started to get it down now after 7 DCL trips!

As someone else said, I have a backpack that I bring on the plane and often have that with the essentials until the room is ready. We also don't bother with swimsuits, but it's just me and DH. If you have kids, this might be a good idea as pools maybe less crowded when you get on? I'm not really sure as I don't usually pay attention to that.

As far as dress, we don't get super dressy, even on formal night. We do "dress" for dinner, meaning we don't wear our athletic clothes and loungy stuff. We like going to the room to reset before going to the show and dinner. I usually wear nice jeans and a nicer shirt/blouse. Same for DH, usually jeans and what I call a "back to school" shirt...he has a couple of "nice" t-shirts, solid colors with a stripe across the chest. They just look like he's going to school picture day, but in a good way?

I'm not positive, because we haven't done internet, but I think you will be able to find that information in the app. Make sure you've downloaded the app ahead of time!

I'm sure you're going to have an awesome time!

 

[NAB]

Yes we use a back pack , same one we use on the plane. Never carry extra clothes just meds, ipad and chargers. You don’t want it to heavy since you will have it until the cabins open.

We use to bring suit , dresses but go for dress pant shirt and dress or tops that travel well . You will see a lot of t shirts , shorts in the dinning room now Even on formal night. So you should be fine , we like getting nice pics so are a little dressy.

We never go in the pools the first day we like to go to the open houses and see the kids clubs even though our kids are grown now. Anyone can go. Just walking around the ship to get your bearings .

 

[Betsyp]

I don't bother with a swimsuit but we never bother to go to the pool on the first day. If you think you might want to, then I'd pack it. We usually pack 1-2 extra shirts and underwear just in case (in 14 cruises, our luggage has always arrived and arrived before dinner but I'm paranoid) and I make sure that the nicer pants/shirt is available for dinner. We normally do late dining so it's never been an issue but if we had early dining, I might want to make sure about having that.

Cruise casual is usually khakis and shirt, or lightweight pants and shirt or sundress and the first night is always cruise casual so that's fine.

I have a backpack that is my airplane carry on so I keep that with me but lighter than what I carry on the plane. And yes, chargers, iPad, some toiletries I might want right away to freshen up.

We just came back less than a month ago but I'm jealous.

I guess a bathing suit can’t hurt - it’s light-but yeah, I agree - an extra set of clothes/underwear is a good idea. I might need to carry my book/tote bag as well just so I’m not crushing my clothes, but then again, I don’t want to be carrying too much

Where did you go?

Thank you!

 

[Betsyp]

We use our carryon backpacks to walk on with as well.

We did bathing suits our first couple of cruises but find now we prefer to enjoy the ship when get on. But definitely try it if that's your thing!

What you're planning on wearing sounds perfect. Be comfortable and have a great time!

Happy cruising!

I’m thinking of taking a suit, but - I’ll have plenty of pool/beach time….so I suspect I’ll spend the time exploring the ship

Thank you!!!!

 

[Betsyp]

The internet usage plan is accessed via the DCL app (under "More" if I remember correctly). Navigate to that, where you'll select the tier of plan (explained there with good examples of activity supported), select the number of devices for your stateroom, create your login and you're off. I usually do this for our family then login/password share for them to use of of the devices selected.

We usually bring our bathing suits in our carryon. Even if the weather doesn't support pool/sunbathing, the hot tub is ALWAYS awesome .

For clothes: you do you. We like to make every dinner date night whether its one of the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants. I bring a tux for Remy & my wife a gown, but that's because we really like dressing for dinner - our preference. If you're more comfortable in slacks/blouse, go for it. No swimsuits at dinner, though, please . Seriously, I did see one person in their swimsuit wearing a DCL bathrobe eating at Animator's Palate on the Dream one time. Yuck. Didn't need to see all that at dinner

Thank you - so helpful!

That’s cool that you like to dress up ! Um, no chance if anyone seeing me in that get up ….

 

[Alicatt]

Don't forget that all drinks must be carried on, including wine, beer, soda and water.

 

[Betsyp]

It sounds like you're in good shape and ready to go! DH is an overpacker, and sometimes I follow suit. We've started to get it down now after 7 DCL trips!

As someone else said, I have a backpack that I bring on the plane and often have that with the essentials until the room is ready. We also don't bother with swimsuits, but it's just me and DH. If you have kids, this might be a good idea as pools maybe less crowded when you get on? I'm not really sure as I don't usually pay attention to that.

As far as dress, we don't get super dressy, even on formal night. We do "dress" for dinner, meaning we don't wear our athletic clothes and loungy stuff. We like going to the room to reset before going to the show and dinner. I usually wear nice jeans and a nicer shirt/blouse. Same for DH, usually jeans and what I call a "back to school" shirt...he has a couple of "nice" t-shirts, solid colors with a stripe across the chest. They just look like he's going to school picture day, but in a good way?

I'm not positive, because we haven't done internet, but I think you will be able to find that information in the app. Make sure you've downloaded the app ahead of time!

I'm sure you're going to have an awesome time!

I like to mix and match outfits, so I end up wearing things more than once. The good thing is that sea days are basically swim suit, shorts, cover up - I can get bet with just a few of each (one cover up). I always get “just in case” fever - oh let me take this just in case, lol. That’s the killer!

That’s me, too! I need to shower and clean up nice - especially after spending days in the pool/sun.

Thank you again ! I will post a report!

 

[Betsyp]

Yes we use a back pack , same one we use on the plane. Never carry extra clothes just meds, ipad and chargers. You don’t want it to heavy since you will have it until the cabins open.

We use to bring suit , dresses but go for dress pant shirt and dress or tops that travel well . You will see a lot of t shirts , shorts in the dinning room now Even on formal night. So you should be fine , we like getting nice pics so are a little dressy.

We never go in the pools the first day we like to go to the open houses and see the kids clubs even though our kids are grown now. Anyone can go. Just walking around the ship to get your bearings .

Yeah, I’m leaning towards no bathing suit…and, exactly. I’ll also take all my glasses - so they take up room, too. Yep, the lighter, the better

Thank you!!!

 

[Ensusieasm]

So I’m only a few days away …but I have a few questions

- I guess take a bag/knapsack with my medicines, phone chargers, or anything I think I’ll need before my luggage arrives at my room?

Do you guys take a bathing suit in case you want to take a dip or do you check out the ship (especially as a 1st time DCL)

- Will the room have instructions as to how to purchase interest usage plan?

- I don’t have formal outfits, but I plan to wear what I might wear to work (nice/decent pants, nice shirt or blouse)…Will this be ok?

I can’t think of anything else - I’ve cruised before, but not for awhile. I’m going to do my best not to overpack - I doubt I’ll succeed, lol

Thank you!

I don’t know what ship you are sailing on, but last March I wore my swim suit under my clothes and the moment I set foot on the ship I made my way to the aft elevator and went up to the 13th deck to the adult infinity pool. I knew it was small and I knew everyone else would go straight to lunch, so this would be my best chance to have it all to myself! It was wonderful!

 

[Erica1016]

I always get “just in case” fever - oh let me take this just in case, lol. That’s the killer!

This is a great way to describe it! I do the same as you said, lots of mix and match. Usually the same pants most nights to dinner with different shirts. And then I think...I'll bring this dress, just in case I feel like wearing a dress...and what if I don't like the way this swimsuit fits one day, I'll pack a second. Then, it is suddenly too much.

I look forward to your report. It's things like that that get me through my countdown (66 days right now)!

 

[Betsyp]

I don’t know what ship you are sailing on, but last March I wore my swim suit under my clothes and the moment I set foot on the ship I made my way to the aft elevator and went up to the 13th deck to the adult infinity pool. I knew it was small and I knew everyone else would go straight to lunch, so this would be my best chance to have it all to myself! It was wonderful!

I’m on the Fantasy…

Ooh, infinity pool? I LOVE those! That’s a great idea ! Just a pain to go to the bathroom, lol - but a great idea. My parents and I are going to have lunch in Cocoa Beach before dropping me off, so I won’t need to eat on the ship

 

[lilmc]

We are definitely in the “explore the ship first” camp and don't have our bathing suits with us. We love checking out the kids’ club and my kids love seeing the adult only restaurants empty. The less we are lugging things around, the better, so essentials only. We also aren’t drinkers really and we drink the ship’s water just fine, so that lightens the load as well.

 

[Betsyp]

This is a great way to describe it! I do the same as you said, lots of mix and match. Usually the same pants most nights to dinner with different shirts. And then I think...I'll bring this dress, just in case I feel like wearing a dress...and what if I don't like the way this swimsuit fits one day, I'll pack a second. Then, it is suddenly too much.

I look forward to your report. It's things like that that get me through my countdown (66 days right now)!

Thanks!

Yep, lol. I’m bringing two suits so that one can dry while I’m using the other one…Usually I bring one too many pants, one too many cardigans, aetvbb

 

[Betsyp]

We are definitely in the “explore the ship first” camp and don't have our bathing suits with us. We love checking out the kids’ club and my kids love seeing the adult only restaurants empty. The less we are lugging things around, the better, so essentials only. We also aren’t drinkers really and we drink the ship’s water just fine, so that lightens the load as well.

That’s probably what I’ll do - and I don’t wavy to explore the ship while all wet!

 

[Betsyp]

Don't forget that all drinks must be carried on, including wine, beer, soda and water.

You mean no water in luggage? Do people do that?

At home in FL we generally drink from water bottles- I assume I can buy them on board?

Thanks!

 

[Cheburashka]

So I’m only a few days away …but I have a few questions

- I guess take a bag/knapsack with my medicines, phone chargers, or anything I think I’ll need before my luggage arrives at my room?

Do you guys take a bathing suit in case you want to take a dip or do you check out the ship (especially as a 1st time DCL)

- Will the room have instructions as to how to purchase interest usage plan?

- I don’t have formal outfits, but I plan to wear what I might wear to work (nice/decent pants, nice shirt or blouse)…Will this be ok?

I can’t think of anything else - I’ve cruised before, but not for awhile. I’m going to do my best not to overpack - I doubt I’ll succeed, lol

Thank you!

Yes, carrying on medicine and other must-haves is important. Remember to carry your passport both as you embark and as you disembark- don't accidentally pack it in checked luggage, as you'll need it both to get on the ship for initial boarding and to leave the ship at the end of the cruise.

I always carry on a bathing suit in case I feel like swimming, water sliding or getting in the hot tub immediately upon boarding. It also would be one of the worst items to not have in the unlikely case that some checked luggage didn't make it onboard, which is another reason I carry it on.

The app will have instructions about the Internet plan, and you can get help at Guest Services if needed.

The clothes you describe will be fine.

Have fun!