First-Time Cruiser Getting Overwhelmed by Day-One To-Do List

[Princesca]

I've been reading posts on this forum for awhile, since we signed up for our first DCL voyage for spring 2023. There seem to be a lot of 'free-floating' odds and ends you have to do leading up to the day, and on the first day you board, in terms of booking experiences, etc, and I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed/panicked about being too late on the draw for something and missing out.

Is there, anywhere, a comprehensive 'to do' list for pre-boarding and day of embarkation with a nod to what things you HAVE to be on top of or it will be too late?

 

[BadPinkTink]

its on Disney cruise website https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us-checklist/

 

[Princesca]

its on Disney cruise website https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us-checklist/

I was hoping to see this on one big ole comprehensive list, but this helps! Maybe I can just make my own. Thanks!

 

[Clarkson U]

I was hoping to see this on one big ole comprehensive list, but this helps! Maybe I can just make my own. Thanks!

Make sure you know some key dates:
1. When is your paid in full date (PIF date). Don’t miss it or your cruise is cancelled by Disney.

2. What date does your booking window open. If first time DCL cruiser it will open later than others and generally (pre covid) was after your PIF date.

3. Online check in date - 30 days prior to sailing

4. Safe passage access date and load your reservation info - currently 15 days prior to sailing (subject to change as this is a covid newbie)

5. Pre-embarkation testing and upload information (also subject to change).

On day of sailing:
Arrive on time, have documents ready and board the ship.

First day on ship (not hard)
1. Board ship, do welcome show and then currently go and do Muster Drill (literally this drill now takes 5 minutes compared to pre covid and is super easy)

2. Go and have lunch

3. If you need something like a Palo or Remy or tasting experience that you didn’t get before then go and do that. Again super easy.

4. Finally if for some reason you need to change dining etc try to get that done (but if you need dining help honestly I would start asking Disney now about it and getting on any lists you need to get on or make any special requests well before first day of cruise)

I am sure there are more but to me these are some highlights!

Happy sailing!

 

[cmph]

In terms of the embarkation day stuff - it's not as much as you are thinking but I totally get why you'd think that. Personally, the only things I would do quickly are: 1) book alcohol tastings, and 2) double-check that we have our own dinner table AND confirm food allergies are noted on our res (both done at the same time/place). That is it! Many people will also try to get an adult dining reservation (Palo, etc.) if they didn't get one in advance. I can't think of anything kid-related that you have to do right away. I would guess that all the very new Wish stuff (and all the uber-fans on the early sailings who have platinum status but still didn't get all the pre-reserved adult dining they normally get) are adding to the impression it's stressful.

I am not aware of anyone having a master list, since things will change a bit ship-by-ship and over time. Trip reports from similar sailings to yours are often really helpful!

 

[MomOTwins]

Step 1: Download the DCL app
Step 2: Get on the ship.
Step 3: Do the muster drill which is explained when you get on board and involves the app, which you downloaded in step 1.
Step 4: Eat and have fun. Don’t overthink it. Most people on the ship are nothing like us loonies on disboards—we plan everything because we like to. But most do not and have a great time.

 

[Karin1984]

Keep in mind there are things you HAVE to do to get on board the ship, getting your check in done, bring your travel papers, get tested etc.

And everything else you CAN do, like booking tastings or Palo. Those are all optional. This is your first cruise, there will be plenty to do either way without all the extra options.

Besides... your trip is in Spring 2023, you really do not have to worry now about what you can do on embarkation day.
Take a breath and just read the boards for trip reports or general tips. By just reading in the coming months you will educate yourself.

 

[NAB]

I know people say go to the spa to win something but I thought that it took to much of our time for what is a commercial for the spa…lol Not everyone wins too so I’m not wasting my time again on that.

First day just getting to know the ship . We did the kids clubs to look around all of them since they were open house and parents get to look too .

Really didn’t do the dining stuff unless you need to change anything. Or looking for a Palo reservation.

Some people just hit the pool right away with their bathing suits on or change in the bathroom .

You will never be able to do everything, we tried…lol Enjoy!

 

[Princesca]

Step 4: Eat and have fun. Don’t overthink it. Most people on the ship are nothing like us loonies on disboards—we plan everything because we like to. But most do not and have a great time.

I'm like that kid in Encanto who is like IT IS PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO RELAX!

(And that's why coffee's for grownups.)

 

[DL1WDW2]

Well the one thing I did not know about on my first ever cruise …
room service nighttime cookie delivery ! Hope they still offer that!
Also would want to go to the Spa Open House first afternoon upon boarding to sign up for the special “Pass” to just relax and use the steamroom. Is that still offered?
And I would want the Brunch at Palo. The WISH has another new restaurant along with Palo, I think .

But original poster is correct… it is so much to figure out.
Wait til you are overhearing the children talking about their10th + cruise !