Do people over plan things on a cruse?

[ludari]

On my first Disney cruise I was travelling with friends who have sailed before with Disney and I felt the wife over planned. I understand that my friend was really trying to take advantage of everything the cruise had to offer and wanted me to have a great time, but there was some obvious things I could have done without. Nevertheless I was appreciative of everything she did and I had a great time.

 

[bethy]

A reasonable amount of planning is done by me - mainly for fun but also to help the trip go more smoothly. I have a high maintenance family situation and limited vacation time.

For me, what I mostly need is information and not planning. And then I keep all that knowledge in my back pocket and only pull it out if needed. My family gets to blissfully go on vacation with hardly a care in the world because they know I've got us covered when necessary. Especially when doing something new (e.g. cruising), I don't like to waste an entire vacation figuring stuff out for next time.

A little bit of planning and a lot of stored information makes for a more relaxing and go with the flow attitude while actually on vacation.

 

[Tracerr00]

I feel like I’m a planner but my planning doesn’t go so far as to request certain servers or certain dining rotations. I just take what I get and have fun with it! I like to be informed but I feel like planning every single detail will set me up for disappointment if something doesn’t go my way so I like to just go with the flow as much as I can.

 

[Mousesmom]

I like to plan for port adventures but I don't worry about too much else.

DIS helped me understand things like PATs, door decorations and FE. DH thought I overdid it the first time with magnets.

My idea of pre-planning is to choose a cruise I want (itinerary/price), research ports, check the weather and go. The rest takes care of itself...... oh and buy WINE!

 

[RebelHawk]

When it comes to vacation plans I tend to WAY over plan what we are doing. The only exception to this is cruises. I look at the excursion and read every review I can find. We then decided on what we want to do each day in port and let Disney take care of the rest. For sea days we book wine/beer tastings when we board and spend the rest of the time relaxing pool side.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I like to plan. But I am not so OCD that I need to plan what night I'm eating in what MDR and who my servers should be. As stated previously, I like the surprise. Other than selecting my stateroom, I let things on the cruise ship fall out as they may. On the other hand, I do spend my planning time on the ports. Don't like surprises there.

 

[mom4fun]

I've only regretted not planning, not over planning.

 

[darkwing818]

We rarely plan anything on the vessel, and after a number of cruises are planning less and less shore...........taking it all as it comes!

Absolutely

AKK

 

[wcw57]

Overplan?!?! Just because I'm working on a cruise that is over 2 years away, why would you say I overplan????

I can't write more, I need to go buy some packing cubes and a label maker.....a hand press french coffee thingy, usb charging splitter, and sooooo much more!!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

It seems to get a little out of control sometimes.

I'm in the same boat... I don't over plan...I could care less what the dining rotation is, or who my server is. There has to be SOME element of surprise on vacation...
I do understand that some people need to over-plan/OCD and all that stuff. I do look at excursions and have them booked prior to sailing, I do work with my wonderful TA to get a room location that meets our needs, and I do read the DisBoards to see what sorts of fun stuff we can do while on board, but mostly I just want to put the stress of planning behind me when I hear my family's name announced when we walk onboard.
We had a lot of things "planned" out to do when we sailed in September 2014, and I'd say half - or maybe even more than half - didn't get done! We didn't see all the shows, as the kids wanted to ride Aquaduck at night...stuff like that.
But we were all very happy that our vacation was just what we wanted it to be....and while sad it was over, were very happy it happened!

Yes, there are many over-planners. Just take a look at the cruise meets and look at how much over-planning many first time cruisers attempt.

Don't even start people going on the iced tea or root beer question....

I do get the chicken tenders issue. Many years ago I worked in Dining Reservations (the old priority seating days). Some families built their dining around chicken tenders as that was the only food their preschooler would consistently eat. I do not think a constant diet of chicken tenders is healthy, but do understand not wanting to force the issue while on vacation. Meanwhile, I have never requested a serving team or rotation and have always had excellent servers and great tablemates.

People should plan to a level that makes them happy and comfortable. For some, that extends only to choosing the date of the cruise. For others, they have examined past Navigators and already have a daily plan in mind before even boarding the ship. One person's overplanning is another person's underplanning.

And here I thought you were just trying to get your post count up.



I do believe some people overplan their cruises, but what seems OCD to one person might be a completely reasonable question for someone else.

I can see benefit for asking which sodas are available on the ship. Some people are very particular about which sodas they like to drink, and since DCL lets you carry on beverages, if a person's preferred soda isn't available on the ship, then they can plan on stopping at the grocery store to pick some up before arriving at the port.

I can understand the questions about chicken tenders from people who are traveling with picky eaters. My DD used to be in that category due to sensory issues related to her autism. There was a point in time when mac and cheese (but only Stouffers brand) and chicken nuggets were the only protein she would eat. Thanks to a wonderful occupational therapist and a lot of hard work, we've managed to expand her palate to the point where she can find something to eat on just about any menu. But there are adults I know that are extremely picky and might only eat a few foods, so chicken tenders being available could be important to them.

I do see the benefit to requesting a particular dining rotation, especially if you are trying to schedule a meal at Palo and Remy and don't want to miss a particular MDR, like AP.

Conversely, I don't understand the benefit of requesting a particular server, unless it's someone you've had before. I've seen posts from people who have never been on a cruise before asking what server they should request. There are a multitude of excellent servers on the ships. If you get one that is a dud, then complain at that time and try to get it resolved. I just don't see a need for this request before you embark.

My DD has never been on a cruise before. She is used to our WDW trips where we plan out ADRs 6 months in advance and now book FP+ 60 days in advance. She has been trying to carry over that level of planning to this cruise, and I'm trying to explain that there are far fewer things to plan ahead of time. I have made a dining rotation request. I've booked Palo brunch and dinner. I have our excursions planned. But for the most part, I'm trying to leave things unscheduled.

I like to plan. But I am not so OCD that I need to plan what night I'm eating in what MDR and who my servers should be. As stated previously, I like the surprise. Other than selecting my stateroom, I let things on the cruise ship fall out as they may. On the other hand, I do spend my planning time on the ports. Don't like surprises there.

Firstly sorry again the system this morning was slow and I thought was locking me out and then it reposted me a number of times.

There is planning and over planning as many have said here.


Planning.


MDR rotation, some logic to avoid missing AP shows and schedule Remy/Palo.
Port adventures.
Places to go in ports.
Private shore trips.
Shows and what to go to.
Stateroom location and size.
Activities.
Servers, I have never asked before but we had great ones last year do asked this year first time.
Medical needs.
Main or late dinner.
Tipping.

Over planning.

If they serve chicken tenders.
What flavour of ice cream, served.
What soda fountain drinks.
If they serve Cranberry juice.
If the port side or starboard gets a better view.
Which Cabana is best.
Port arrival times.
WDW to port coach times.
Mixology.
Seeing characters getting tickets.
If you get Mickey bars on room service.
If you get Mickey bars in Europe.
Laundry locations ( there are signs).
What Cabanas serves at night.
Packing cubes.

A cruise is better with surprises and spontaneous experience, to be honest go with the flow, spoilers lead to less enjoyment, and a sense of entitlement, they got it do I should have it.

I have not said all the services we got in concierge as it would lead to people expecting it and if they didn't get it annoyance and dissatisfaction.

Yes it's good to be in control, but these board actually suck the life out of spontaneity and the Magic and you can nearly ruin a cruise by knowing too much, and when as things occur DCL change things you say, well XYZ on the Dis said I could get my new car signed by all the characters in the car parking lot!

 

[jtba]

Conversely, I don't understand the benefit of requesting a particular server, unless it's someone you've had before. I've seen posts from people who have never been on a cruise before asking what server they should request. There are a multitude of excellent servers on the ships. If you get one that is a dud, then complain at that time and try to get it resolved. I just don't see a need for this request before you embark.

can't speak for other folks, but we're requesting a specific head server (actually a few names, in case someone is on vacation or doesn't work on the ship any more) because my family has multiple clinically confirmed food allergies, and i've heard some head servers are better at dealing with this than others. the good ones will practically bend over backwards to accommodate different needs, while others act like it's a complete bother.

that's the only reason we're making this request.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

can't speak for other folks, but we're requesting a specific head server (actually a few names, in case someone is on vacation or doesn't work on the ship any more) because my family has multiple clinically confirmed food allergies, and i've heard some head servers are better at dealing with this than others. the good ones will practically bend over backwards to accommodate different needs, while others act like it's a complete bother.

that's the only reason we're making this request.

In the case of food allergies, I can see the reason for the request. But a lot of the threads we see on here about requesting servers have nothing to do with food allergies. This just goes back to my main point of what one person sees as overplanning is completely reasonable for someone else. In my case, requesting a serving team would be overkill. But in your case, it is an important part of your vacation planning.

 

[kiford]

If the port side or starboard gets a better view.

Yes, I've seen this question asked before. DH laughs himself silly because I can't even remember which is which and he has to say "pointy end" and "blunt end" because half the time I can't remember whether aft is back or front (admittedly I do that sometimes now just to annoy him). So which side of the ship I should get my cabin on so that I can get the best views when coming into port at what is probably a time that I'm only ever awake if I haven't been to sleep is so waaaay overplanning for me.

 

[Mrs Green]

Yes, I've seen this question asked before. DH laughs himself silly because I can't even remember which is which and he has to say "pointy end" and "blunt end" because half the time I can't remember whether aft is back or front (admittedly I do that sometimes now just to annoy him). So which side of the ship I should get my cabin on so that I can get the best views when coming into port at what is probably a time that I'm only ever awake if I haven't been to sleep is so waaaay overplanning for me.

I think this is a reasonable discussion for the Alaska cruise.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Yes, there are many over-planners. Just take a look at the cruise meets and look at how much over-planning many first time cruisers attempt.

We're you also this way as a first time cruiser?

 

[MelSpees]

Firstly sorry again the system this morning was slow and I thought was locking me out and then it reposted me a number of times.

There is planning and over planning as many have said here.


Planning.


MDR rotation, some logic to avoid missing AP shows and schedule Remy/Palo.
Port adventures.
Places to go in ports.
Private shore trips.
Shows and what to go to.
Stateroom location and size.
Activities.
Servers, I have never asked before but we had great ones last year do asked this year first time.
Medical needs.
Main or late dinner.
Tipping.

Over planning.

If they serve chicken tenders.
What flavour of ice cream, served.
What soda fountain drinks.
If they serve Cranberry juice.
If the port side or starboard gets a better view.
Which Cabana is best.
Port arrival times.
WDW to port coach times.
Mixology.
Seeing characters getting tickets.
If you get Mickey bars on room service.
If you get Mickey bars in Europe.
Laundry locations ( there are signs).
What Cabanas serves at night.
Packing cubes.

A cruise is better with surprises and spontaneous experience, to be honest go with the flow, spoilers lead to less enjoyment, and a sense of entitlement, they got it do I should have it.

I have not said all the services we got in concierge as it would lead to people expecting it and if they didn't get it annoyance and dissatisfaction.

Yes it's good to be in control, but these board actually suck the life out of spontaneity and the Magic and you can nearly ruin a cruise by knowing too much, and when as things occur DCL change things you say, well XYZ on the Dis said I could get my new car signed by all the characters in the car parking lot!

It's funny how we're all so different. Some of the things you put in the "planning" list are over-planning to many, eg. who your servers are and shows. Some of the things you put in "over-planning" I can see people really wanting to know eg. "WDW to port coach times" can be very important. You need to know that so you can plan to be ready, get PTA etc.

I enjoy reading a lot on the DIS boards. That doesn't mean I take it all as gospel, or expect special things. I take it as it comes on the ship, but knowing what to expect can be fun--anticipation! So we all have our own way of preparing and planning. What seems ridiculous to me may seem a necessity to others. (Of course, my way is the best way.)

 

[kiford]

It's funny how we're all so different. Some of the things you put in the "planning" list are over-planning to many, eg. who your servers are and shows. Some of the things you put in "over-planning" I can see people really wanting to know eg. "WDW to port coach times" can be very important. You need to know that so you can plan to be ready, get PTA etc.

I enjoy reading a lot on the DIS boards. That doesn't mean I take it all as gospel, or expect special things. I take it as it comes on the ship, but knowing what to expect can be fun--anticipation! So we all have our own way of preparing and planning. What seems ridiculous to me may seem a necessity to others. (Of course, my way is the best way.)

It's important, though, for first time cruisers to know that such a level of planning is not really required to have a great time. It could seem overwhelming for a first timer to think that they have to be concerned about their dining rotation, servers, etc. Our first cruise we knew about Palo and you couldn't book it online at that time, you had to go up to Palo's to book it when you arrived (we did that). We knew about the rotational dining. We knew about most of the other food options. We booked DCL transfers from WDW. At that time, they walked you through filling out the paperwork on the bus. Nothing could be booked online so we checked out the port adventures when we arrived and booked. Other than that, we pretty much flew by the seat of our pants.

It was a four day cruise and we loved it so much we wanted to do it again although it was five years before we did and we did very little more planning or investigation. I'm responsible for all of the travel arrangements in our family including the packing and I'm very organized and do all of the research so I get the overplanning thing. But while you may WANT to overplan, it's not necessary to get a great deal of enjoyment out of a cruise and if you don't do it, you can still do many things without feeling that you've missed stuff. I find that DCL does a great job of walking you through the whole thing. The only major piece of advice that I would give a newbie is to check the Navigator many times during the day as it will be your lifeline to what's happening, what's open, what the hours are and what you can do. Excessive planning is then only personal preference, not an absolute requirement.

 

[Mrs Green]

It's important, though, for first time cruisers to know that such a level of planning is not really required to have a great time. It could seem overwhelming for a first timer to think that they have to be concerned about their dining rotation, servers, etc. Our first cruise we knew about Palo and you couldn't book it online at that time, you had to go up to Palo's to book it when you arrived (we did that). We knew about the rotational dining. We knew about most of the other food options. We booked DCL transfers from WDW. At that time, they walked you through filling out the paperwork on the bus. Nothing could be booked online so we checked out the port adventures when we arrived and booked. Other than that, we pretty much flew by the seat of our pants.

It was a four day cruise and we loved it so much we wanted to do it again although it was five years before we did and we did very little more planning or investigation. I'm responsible for all of the travel arrangements in our family including the packing and I'm very organized and do all of the research so I get the overplanning thing. But while you may WANT to overplan, it's not necessary to get a great deal of enjoyment out of a cruise and if you don't do it, you can still do many things without feeling that you've missed stuff. I find that DCL does a great job of walking you through the whole thing. The only major piece of advice that I would give a newbie is to check the Navigator many times during the day as it will be your lifeline to what's happening, what's open, what the hours are and what you can do. Excessive planning is then only personal preference, not an absolute requirement.

Such a good point. I think many of us new cruisers have wdw experience, where planning is a must so it is assumed that a Disney cruise also requires a high level of planning.

 

[MelSpees]

Such a good point. I think many of us new cruisers have wdw experience, where planning is a must so it is assumed that a Disney cruise also requires a high level of planning.

It's funny, I'll read all of the Unofficial Guide to WDW, but I actually plan very little. We like to "wing it" there, too.

 

[grimgrinnin]

yes

First Post Nails It