First ever cruise...I know nothing

[auntlynne]

What do you need to know to make the most of the cruise?

This is not a trip to WDW! Such a different vibe. Even a full ship will not have the crowded feel of the parks. Caribbean cruises are about relaxing, sun and beach.

And this is not Carnival nor Royal Caribbean cruising. No loud music streaming everywhere or wild parties on deck. There are plenty of bars, but not a lot of raucous drinkers. (Tamer than EPCOT at night).

And no casino. Unlike most cruise lines. The gamblers are not subsidizing your cruise. Which also means no indoor smoking; there are a few designated areas outdoors.

Although thought of as a cruise for children, there are plenty of children at heart adult cruisers onboard.

Visiting cruise ports can be different than other international travel. Selling tourism and souvenirs hits you as you step off the ship. It’s not the same as going to Europe for the culture and history. You can find these in the Caribbean, but you have to get away from the port.

 

[auntlynne]

I’m not the OP, but I wanted to let you all know how much we appreciate these responses! We are going on our first Disney cruise in less than a week!

Congratulations! Soon you will be ones giving more up-to-date info to newbies.

If you have any specific questions, let us know.

I have cruised a bunch, but still get excited when a trip is upcoming. I hope you find it an enjoyable experience.

Bon Voyage.

 

[auntlynne]

One port that is peaceful when you arrive is Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas (it is most likely on your itinerary, either Western or Eastern Caribbean). No other cruise lines or people utilize this island.

The ship docks in the morning. You come down the ramp and are on the island. Pick up some beach towels to use (grab what you need - I have never seen more in another location). You’ll drop them off at the end of the day.

Walk about 5 minutes to catch a tram to the all-ages Family Beach or to a second tram to go to the adults-only Serenity Bay.

Lunch is served at both beach areas for a few hours midday. Bars are located in both areas. You will not hear great things about the food, but you should be able to find something to carry you through a beach day. The adult lunch includes grilled fish and a sirloin or ribeye steak.

Loungers and umbrellas are set up and complimentary. On Serenity Bay, you will see the small chairs carried to the water by guests. Unlike general cruise reports of pool chair hogs, I have never had problems getting a lounger on the island.

Serenity Bay is shallow! I have never gone out to a point where the water is above chest level. It is very clear, pale, and calm. Not A great fish-viewing spot, but lovely for just relaxing. It is great place to just float (Rentals if mats and rings are ~ $12-15/day, I think).

The family beach is near the dock, with a protective rock wall enclosure. There is also a net to keep larger fish out. This water will be deep. There are lots of lifeguards. Snorkeling here has an underwater trail of Disney items. All snorkelers are required to wear a type of life vest (provided).

There is no pool on the island. There is one water feature - a swim-up slide structure. In addition to the dining areas (either covered pavilions or tables with umbrellas - Serenity Bay) and bars, there are a few souvenir shops, Bahamian goods shop (need $ for this), and restrooms.

Unlike public beaches, I feel safe placing my bag on a chair and not worry about someone rifling through it to steal my phone. No need for a wallet - but you do need your ID to get back in the ship.

The island is basically empty by 3/3:30, despite an all-aboard time of 4:30.

You can rent bicycles to ride around (somewhat limited area). You can follow a designated route for a DIY Castaway Cay 5K (used to be organized, with a medal. The medal may or may not be available When you cruise).

Sometimes, excursions are available (fishing, parasailing). They have a stingray interaction program.

Some of us think it’s not really a Disney cruise without one (or a Double Dip - 2 stop) visit to Castaway Cay.

 

[Keyser]

I think it's great that you are getting to go see your daughter perform! She may have better "insider" suggestions beyond anything we have...

Others have mentioned the things I would have, but just to re-emphasize the dinner options if you are certain about eating alone:
- If you have late dining, you will be more likely to get a private table, I think, since there will be fewer people assigned there. But no guarantee ahead of time.
- This may (or may not) be obvious, but your daughter would not be able to join you for dinner in the main dining rooms, since they have seats assigned by room (unless DCL makes some sort of exception for cast members).
- You can eat an early meal from the food court area, but as others said, it closes around 6 (the pizza place is open later, though). Also, if you do choose to go to late dining, you can get a snack there to hold you over if you will be too hungry waiting. And, while it's definitely not ideal, you may be able to get food from there and save it for later.
- There is room service (free except for any tip), and I've always liked the food I've gotten from there. We've never made it a "main" meal, but you could easily do so for 1 or maybe 2 meals (you can find the room service menu with a quick web search). I would think more than about 2 meals from there is probably more than I'd want, though, unless you want to eat the same limited menu each day.
- If you can get (and want to pay extra for) meals at Palo and/or Remy, they are certainly "eat alone" options (and are very good). I haven't had dinner at Remy, but Palo dinners are a highlight of our trip.
- The concern is really just dinner (and breakfast the last morning if you eat in the dining room instead of Cabanas); you shouldn't have any issue with sharing a table at breakfast/lunch other times.

 

[auntlynne]

If you like to know dining menus ahead of time, check out disneycruiselineblog. They have the standard 3 MDR menus. One night you will have the Pirate’s Menu. Probably Welcome Aboard the first night and Til We Meet Again. Other night - ?

You can also find old Navigator’s - the daily schedule. They have them listed by ship and then by length of sailing / itinerary. Ones from pre-Covid will be scanned copies and will also show daily drink specials, recommended attire for dinner and dinner theme/ menu.

 

[auntlynne]

Typically, there is a Captain’s Cocktail Party (or two nights). These are typically on designated Formal, Semi-Formal or dress-up nights. It is a time to mix and mingle, meet officers and have a complimentary drink before the dinner times. It is held in the Atrium in Deck 4, in the heart of the ship.

There will be a back-drop set up for photos. Photos are often a main attraction. Just like in the parks, photos with characters are a big deal. You can use your own phone or camera and are not obliged to purchase professional photos.

 

[auntlynne]

Boarding Day. This is the least relaxing day of the cruise. Get to the port, drop off your luggage with a porter. Stand in line to check in. Keep your paperwork and passport readily available. Clear hand bag x-ray. (You are carrying that bag for several hours. But you can bring on limited quantities of wine and beer.) Up the escalator wait for your Boarding Group to be called.

You will be welcomed onboard by name (Not designed by an introvert).

Most people head to lunch now. Up to Cabanas for the buffet or to the designated MDR for sit down. (Cabanas will have peel and eat shrimp and stone crab claws on this day, in addition to other stuff.).

Other people head to a designated place to request changes to their dinner dining rotation or time or to get a reservation at the specialty restaurants Palo (Italian / steak$45 pp Prix Fixe or a la carte ) or Remy (French $125+ pp). Palo also has brunch on Sea Days or select ports.

Your dining rotation and time will be listed on your room key, as will the table number (you have a designated table, it is the same in all the dining rooms, for every night). As to how many are seated there, that is a mystery until you arrive at dinner on Night 1 (unless you go to the change place after boarding).

Rooms are clean and available sometime mid-afternoon. It will be announced. Your luggage will be placed outside your door before 8 pm. Mine has always arrived before early dinner.

Going forward (this is a changing situation), the lifeboat (muster) drill may be done as it was pre-Covid. Around 3:30, all venues will be closed, activities will stop, and all guests will report to their designated Assembly Station. This is where you would report in case of the need to evacuate the ship. The Letter representing your station is printed on your room key. The location of the station is on the placard in the back of your stateroom door. Cast Members are stationed at the stair wells to direct you. The lifeboats load from Deck 4, so all stations are located near that deck. Some are outside on the Deck 4 Promenade, while others are in MDRs or the theater. The Muster Drill is not over until all guests onboard have reported to the station.

There is a Sail-A-Wave party around the pool and deck above and then it’s time for early dining or the first show in the Walt Disney Theater.

Around 10 pm, there is adults- only entertainment available, which has typically been about PG-13, at most. There is usually a different event each evening. One favorite among guests is Match Your Mate, similar to the Newlywed Game, but involving guests both newly married and longer-married. Guest entertainers (comedians, magicians… often are included). DJs provide dance parties, including silent dance parties utilizing head phones.

Throughout the cruise, trivia (family, Disney, and adult), easy crafts, and Bingo ($) are in the daily activities.

 

[Lilsia]

Boarding Day. This is the least relaxing day of the cruise. Get to the port, drop off your luggage with a porter. Stand in line to check in. Keep your paperwork and passport readily available. Clear hand bag x-ray. (You are carrying that bag for several hours. But you can bring on limited quantities of wine and beer.) Up the escalator wait for your Boarding Group to be called.

You will be welcomed onboard by name (Not designed by an introvert).

Most people head to lunch now. Up to Cabanas for the buffet or to the designated MDR for sit down. (Cabanas will have peel and eat shrimp and stone crab claws on this day, in addition to other stuff.).

Other people head to a designated place to request changes to their dinner dining rotation or time or to get a reservation at the specialty restaurants Palo (Italian / steak$45 pp Prix Fixe or a la carte ) or Remy (French $125+ pp). Palo also has brunch on Sea Days or select ports.

Your dining rotation and time will be listed on your room key, as will the table number (you have a designated table, it is the same in all the dining rooms, for every night). As to how many are seated there, that is a mystery until you arrive at dinner on Night 1 (unless you go to the change place after boarding).

Rooms are clean and available sometime mid-afternoon. It will be announced. Your luggage will be placed outside your door before 8 pm. Mine has always arrived before early dinner.

Going forward (this is a changing situation), the lifeboat (muster) drill may be done as it was pre-Covid. Around 3:30, all venues will be closed, activities will stop, and all guests will report to their designated Assembly Station. This is where you would report in case of the need to evacuate the ship. The Letter representing your station is printed on your room key. The location of the station is on the placard in the back of your stateroom door. Cast Members are stationed at the stair wells to direct you. The lifeboats load from Deck 4, so all stations are located near that deck. Some are outside on the Deck 4 Promenade, while others are in MDRs or the theater. The Muster Drill is not over until all guests onboard have reported to the station.

There is a Sail-A-Wave party around the pool and deck above and then it’s time for early dining or the first show in the Walt Disney Theater.

Around 10 pm, there is adults- only entertainment available, which has typically been about PG-13, at most. There is usually a different event each evening. One favorite among guests is Match Your Mate, similar to the Newlywed Game, but involving guests both newly married and longer-married. Guest entertainers (comedians, magicians… often are included). DJs provide dance parties, including silent dance parties utilizing head phones.

Throughout the cruise, trivia (family, Disney, and adult), easy crafts, and Bingo ($) are in the daily activities.

They actually don't do that anymore. All of that info is on the app now.

 

[katmigordon]

First lunch is not the only day they have the shrimp and claws is it?

Most people head to lunch now. Up to Cabanas for the buffet or to the designated MDR for sit down. (Cabanas will have peel and eat shrimp and stone crab claws on this day, in addition to other stuff.).

 

[dancin Disney style]

A lot of great info! Thank you all. This is exactly the type of info that I’ve been looking for.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

First lunch is not the only day they have the shrimp and claws is it?

I have seen the shrimp pretty much available every day. The Claws can rotate depending on the time of year etc. Much to my delight, we had Alaskan crab on the Wish all last week instead of stone crab.

 

[Cupcakesmum]

I just wanted to add (also as a fellow Canadian) we weren’t sure if we were “cruise people” before our first cruise. We had also been on lots of vacations and different types. The cruise experience was AMAZING. There really is a reason these ships are full. Not to worry you will have an amazing time. The last time we cruised we were seated near two couples with their own tables and this was pre-covid. There is LOTS of food available at all times on the ship. You won’t be starving and I definitely recommend late dinner. Relax and just plan as if it’s an all inclusive. Use the boards to research fun, free or lost cost things to do near the port and get ready for a fabulous trip while also getting to see your daughter perform! You’ll have a wonderful time!

 

[Weedy]

As you know dinner is either early 5:45ish or late 8:00ish.
If you have early dinner you will see the late show 8:30
Late dinner you will see the early show 6:15.
No reservations are needed for the shows. If you want you could see both the early and the late show and get room service.
Late dinner typically has less kids because most families with little children like to eat earlier and because of that the early show has less (still a lot) of children.
Typically there are 3 Disney stage shows on a 7 night cruise and there will be guest entertainment (juggling, magician) on the other nights.

 

[Weedy]

I’ll add more tips as I think of them
So here goes:
Things to do before your cruise
As a first time cruiser your booking window opens 75 days prior to your cruise (midnight eastern time)
At this time you can book your:
Port Arrival Time (PAT)
* if you are taking Disney Transportation you don’t need a PAT
Your PAT is the time you can arrive at the port and begin your check in. The port opens at 10 am and they usually start boarding 11:45.

When your booking window opens you can also book excursions, speciality dining and spa treatments.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I have palo at 8:30pm on pirate night. What time does fireworks start on a 3 night wish cruise and is it worth it to go to pirate night as 2 adults. First time Disney cruise



Thanks.

 

[BlueBayou]

We are going on our first cruise. Our DD is going to be working on the Fantasy and we want to go visit. I am a micro planner and am not finding a whole lot of good info about the things I need to know to make the most of a cruise. So what do I need to know? What are really important things? I'm really lost on planning this.

I'm aware that shared tables are a thing at dinner. That for me is a HUGE no....it would actually ruin my experience. I have reasons. What options do we have? Also, on the subject of dinner....I see 2 seatings 5:30 (too early) and 8pm (we would be starving by then). What do people do?

Please don’t over think this. I love Disney trips, but a cruises are a different thing. Very relaxing, but tons to do if you want to.

I prefer early seating - but on Disney with the shows there is a strong pull for adults to do late. If you get hungry there are snack options on the pool deck to tide you over.

Looking forward to hearing what you think about cruising. I went on nine cruises as a child and young adult with my parents. I had talked for years with my husband about going on cruises. My husband was not a fan of “being trapped on a boat,” but after our first cruise he was like “why haven’t we been doing this before.” He’s now been on four and his 5th is a week from today. It will be our college kids‘ 3rd.

 

[Weedy]

More tips:
A few weeks before you cruise Disney will send you luggage tags.
Wait to attach them until you are leaving your hotel for the cruise.
Once you arrive at the port If you are driving or taking private transportation you will pull up to the curb and drop your luggage off to the porters (you should tip a few $$ per bag) and your luggage will be delivered to your cabin.
You will then pull into the garage you pay to park before the cruise.
There is lots of parking inside the garage. On the 3rd floor there is a walkway into the terminal or you can enter from the ground floor. There are restrooms available in the garage.
Cabins aren’t available until 2pm
You should keep a small bag with you with RX, sunscreen bathing suits if you think you will want to swim.
Luggage may not arrive in your cabin until 5pm. Remember they are delivering luggage for 3000-4000 people.
***If you are taking Disney Transportation your luggage will be picked up early morning the day of your cruise (you have to be staying at a Disney resort or the Orlando airport) and will be delivered to your cabin.

 

[Weedy]

Dinner:
As you know you will be assigned either early or late dinner.
There are 3 restaurants that you will rotate through. You will have the same serving team for all 7 nights. You will eat in each restaurant twice and one 3x’s.
The menus will be different all 7 nights.
You will also have a table number and will be seated at that table in each restaurant.
I’ve never understood why people line up for the restaurant before it opens. You have a table!!! The restaurants do not open early.
We usually have a drink before dinner near the restaurant we are eating at that night. We wait until the exact time the restaurant opens (maybe 5 minutes after) and then head to the restaurant.
By that time the line is gone and we walk right to our table.
It’s can be organized chaos (especially the first night) they are serving about 500 people at each seating.

 

[Carohs]

Dinner:
As you know you will be assigned either early or late dinner.
There are 3 restaurants that you will rotate through. You will have the same serving team for all 7 nights. You will eat in each restaurant twice and one 3x’s.
The menus will be different all 7 nights.
You will also have a table number and will be seated at that table in each restaurant.
I’ve never understood why people line up for the restaurant before it opens. You have a table!!! The restaurants do not open early.
We usually have a drink before dinner near the restaurant we are eating at that night. We wait until the exact time the restaurant opens (maybe 5 minutes after) and then head to the restaurant.
By that time the line is gone and we walk right to our table.
It’s can be organized chaos (especially the first night) they are serving about 500 people at each seating.

If I'm lining up, it's because I forgot to grab lunch, and I'm hungry. Logically, I know we won't be served any quicker. Psychologically, I want that bread and butter!!

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

How do you get to Disney transport from terminal c