first cruise questions

[jeeper9]

Hi there! We are taking our 3 grandkids on the Wonder next month. Since this is our first cruise I was wondering what items we should pack in our carry-on and if water is readily available for the children to drink. Thankfully, they are not big soda drinkers. I also would appreciate any other suggestions and tips that will make this vacation easier for us.

Thanks in advance

 

[kcashner]

There is a drink station on deck 9 where you can get milk, fruit juice, punch, soda, tea, coffee, etc. all free, all available all day. Your steward should put ice in your room. The tap water is safe and tastes good. Bottled water is available, but is expensive. Pop, iced tea, fruit juices, etc. are all available in the dining rooms at meals too.

What to pack in your carry on--any medications, sunscreen, swimsuits (the pool is empty on the first day, so after check in and making reservations, it's a great time for a swim...you may not have your luggage yet.) Pack anything that you need before 5 pm on the first day and anything that you literally or figuartively can't live without. Camera too. Try to keep the carry ons light. You can't get to your stateroom till about 1:30, so you may be carrying them for awhile after you board.

Register the kids in the programming, and insist that they do at least one activity per day in the club/lab. That will give YOU a break. Hopefully, they will make friends and want to be in the programming, but if not, you still need some adult time. Pack light, remember that it is OK to say NO, and relax and enjoy! I think you should get the grandparent of the year award!

 

[jeeper9]

Thanks for the advice ~~ it helps to have all the information I can get. They are very sweet children so all should go well.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

jeeper9,

We just came back from our first cruise with our grand daughter who is 3 yrs. old. (We sailed June 20-24, 2004 on the 4 night Wonder.) We found it helpful to have along several of her familiar toys and a blanket from home. She really enjoyed the ship and the activities at the oceaneers club, but she wanted some quiet time in the cabin just coloring or playing with her own toys while watching the cabin t.v. We had our grand daughter wear her swim suit under her clothes when we boarded the ship so that we could head straight to the pool after lunch.

How old are your grandchildren? Knowing this information may help us answer your questions.

Be sure to take lots of film along!! You will have lots of opportunities to make some very special memories!!


P.S. Welcome to the cruise boards!!! It's nice to have you on board!!

 

[jeeper9]

Thanks for the reply EmmasGrammy

Our grandchildren are a boy (9), girl (8) and girl (5). They have never flown before so this should be a trip of a lifetime for them.

Thanks for the swimsuit tip!

 

[CM_Mom]

I'd like to second kcashner's suggestion to insist that your grandkids do AT LEAST one activity a day in the Club for the 5 YO and the Lab for the 8 and 9. I think it makes your vacation so much more enjoyable and you and they will enjoy the time you spend together more.

My DD is a counselor in the Club on the Magic so unfortunately since you'll be on the Wonder your GK will have second best

But you will love the cruise and they will too.

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

jeeper9 - why not go out to Dave's site - dcltribute.com and print off the Kids Navigators. Then the kids can see what kind of activities are available and start to get excited. After looking over some of the other great stuff on Dave's site you may have more questions, so feel free to ask away. People here are VERY helpful.

Have a WONDERful time!!!!

 

[TheWog]

For the kids clubs you will want to come up with a password for the children. Maybe do that on the airplane on the way down. Its necessary to release the children to you. Try not to do everything, it can't happen. Order room service in the morning while getting ready so that the children can have something to snack on until breakfast if they are early risers. You can order Mickey Bars through room service as well even though they are not on the menu. Don't be afraid to ask the crew for anything, they can usually accomodate you. and remember to relax and have fun it will be one of the greatest times of yours and their lives. Enjoy!

 

[jeeper9]

what are Mickey Bars?

 

[TheWog]

Originally posted by jeeper9
what are Mickey Bars?

Mickey Bars are the ice cream bars on a stick in the shape of Mickey Ears. They are the vanilla ice cream dipped in hard chocolate shell. Similar to a Dove bar only Disneyized.

 

[jeeper9]

thanks ~~ sounds delicious

 

[EileenAmI]

Another thing you might want to bring (but not in your carry on) is a shoe holder that hangs on the back of a door. You can get those in Walmart or Target. It has numerous pouches to put shoes in, but my DH and I used it for our toiletries. We hung it over the inside of the bathroom door, and it made for easy access to our shampoos, soaps, etc. It keeps the bathroom clutterfree, and does not take up much room in your suitcase

 

[Itinkso]

The shoeholder is a must have - just returned from a RCCL cruise ane the bathroom vanity was very small. The 8 pocket shoeholder held most of our necessities. Also, with 3 small children with you, a nightlight will come in handy!! I took the small ones from the dollar store - they give off just enough light to see where you are going without being overly bright on the eyes. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[jeeper9]

thanks for the good tips ~ please keep them coming

jeeper


:thewave: 51 days