First time with Disney Cruise Line

[the_princess]

Hi all,
I have decided on Disney Dream for me, my mom and my girls (5&7) next year in May out of Barcelona. I know quite a lot about cruising because I work at a cruise agency, but I know nothing about DCL. So please point me in the right direction (blogs, podcasts, information sites) for DCL newbies?
When it comes to booking, should I use a travel agent? And is this even possible when I live in Europe? I don’t know any agents who works with DCL here.
At the moment I’m trying to choose the right cabin. I’m looking for an oceanview family in a quiet area but close to stairs or elevator. Cabin 9656 is availeble, but what should I look out for?
I feel like a complete newbie

 

[Travel60]

Cruising Disney is not like going to the parks. The level of planning required is much less.

Download the DCL app before you board. It won't do much until you are on the ship. Then it will populate with your dining rotation including menus. It will give the timing of shows and activities, etc.

As to the room, we like the area just aft of the aft elevator, mid level of room floors. It is quiet, only a few floors up for breakfast, pools, spa and only a few floors down for evening restaurants. We never take elevators.

You need to decide which of the two dining times. We like second seating because it gives us longer days. But with younger ones, you may want to consider early. The evening shows are opposite the seating times so you don't miss a show either way.

Then consider excursions. As a first time DCL cruiser, you are last in line to sign up for excursions so pick a first, second, third choice. A lot of the cities you visit on a Med cruise are quite a long way from the cruise terminal so keep that in mind for your young ones. You can't see the excursions for your cruise until your time but, you can see the typical excursions for each city.

The kids clubs at that age don't require reservations but take your girls to open house the first afternoon so they can see what it's about and decide if they are comfortable.

That's all you really NEED to plan. You may want for you and your mother to try to get a reservation at one of the premium restaurants. You may want to get your girls a Princess makeover. If you are a drink connoisseur, there are various tastings but they fill up fast. But most everything else is open to all, first come.

Don't try to do it all, especially with young ones. Just enjoy!