Disney Magic Cruise

[tarheeldisfan]

I am a novice cruiser! We have never been on a cruise of any kind and don't really know what to expect. We have been to the Carribean a few times and know the stops well just not the ship. I have heard that there are certain night to try to go to Palo's , which is the best?
I have heard mixed things about tipping the crew and when. Should you stick strictly to what the Disney recomendations are?
Do many women wear formals (long dresses) or just cocktail dresses?
Should we buy a wine deal or just buy a bottle a couple of nights? Which is cheaper? I've heard the wine package is not a great deal.
We are planning to take our own excursions in St. Martin and St. Thomas. Can we take beach towels from the ship?
I've heard that we should take our 2-way radios? Anyone with experience on this suggestion?

Any tips would be appreciated!!!! We sail on the 19th!!!

 

[NCRedding]

As a fellow tarheel, welcome to the boards! I have only been on a 3 night Wonder, but am going on the Magic 1/12. Here are my opinions on your questions. Tipping: I tipped above the guidelines on the 3 night cruise, because I felt it was deserved. I plan on tipping at least the guidelines on the next cruise. We did our tipping by using the envelopes provided by Disney. We gave these out on the last night. We plan on going to Palo's on the first night of the cruise. Most suggestions on this board say read the menus on Dave's site (dcltribute.com) and see which of those look the least appealing--make that night your Palos night. I have read on these boards that anything goes for formal--from long dresses to cocktail dresses to church dress. I plan on wearing a sequin short dress, and I am looking at the sales (when I can get out from this snow/ice) for another dress. Not sure about the wine package. I think I read that you do get to keep the extra unopened bottles. but I wouldn't want to worry with getting them home on the plane. I don't plan to do the wine deal. It is my understanding that you can take towels from the ship--they aren't beach size though--plain white bath size towels are used, and you can find them up by the pools. I am told that you can use 2 ways. Have fun. Be sure to go to the meet for all the Dis members--posted above by Gretel.