First timer desparately needs help

[Uferlives]

First time family reunion cruise upcoming September 4-11 (special San Juan itinerary). 20 all told in our group. I am normally a big time advance planner, at least for our trips to WDW, but have not had time to get on top of planning for the cruise. What I am interested in knowing is:

1) What are 5 must-do items from you experienced old salt cruisers?

2) Is there anything that is a "must do" activity that we need to get on top of, and sign up for, now (anything analogous to the Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast at MK, for instance, where you absolutely need to get in 90 days before at 7:00 a.m.?).

Thanks much! Appreciate any help the veterans can provide.

 

[Luv2Dream]

The only must-do on our past cruise was to eat at Palo's. To make sure we got in we purchased the REAS package. Therefore, we didn't have to worry about "ressie rush" and being one of the first to board the ship. However, for 20 people, all the groups would have to get a package. Other than that, we made sure to send in our excursion requests on the first day that you were allowed to do so.

 

[Uferlives]

Thanks Lynn. So, I take it if we want to do Palos and don't want to sign up for this REAS (what is that, btw?), then we need to storm aboard the boat as soon as possible?

Another silly question: how far out can you send in your excursion requests? What is the "magic date?"

Thanks!

 

[Luv2Dream]

You're welcome. Yes, if you don't book REAS you definitely need to storm the boat and be like one of the first 50 parties onto the boat. At least that's what I've been told. I believe the magic date for the excursions is the 60th day before the sail date of your cruise.

 

[flexsmom]

I've read that there's a family reunion package you can also get for $29 per person (for the first two people per cabin - it's $19 for the extra people in each stateroom) that's a shirt, photo in leather folio, etc. With 20 of you, that could be cool. I second the adult-Palo night - that would be kind of nice, too. I think there's a private room you can get for a party larger than 12. For a 7-night, you'll also have a character breakfast - I'm sure you all have your dining rotation together?

 

[PoohJen]

REAS is "Romantic Escape At Sea" package. For $299, you get two massages (get to pre-book these), dinner for two at Palo's (again, get to pre-book), a gift basket, champagne breakfast in bed, a special turn down service. The major bennie is the advance reservations for the spa and Palo's. See the DCL website for a more extensive description.

As for storming the boat, I haven't read yet on these boards that someone got shut out of Palo's (maybe just didn't get their preferred time/day). Ressies don't start as soon as the ship boards, rather, I believe they start at 1pm officially, but a little earlier in actuality.

 

[absame]

not sure what your budget is, but if one group of your party is in a cat 1-3, the concierge staff can arrange for the palo reservation.

 

[my3kids]

I had absolutely no problem getting spa or Palo reservations. On a 7 night trip, that gives a lot of slots for Palo dining. Our waiter said theyone on the ship gets a chance at one time, but they have a list, and if people don't want to take advantage of their time, they call others on the list. He said he has some people eat there maybe 4 times in the week.

 

[kcashner]

We have NEVER had a problem getting Palo or Spa ressies. That said, we have always sailed on the Magic. There is much talk on these boards about the ressie rush, and in 10 Magic cruises, I've never experienced it.

We arrive at the port about 11. That puts us in the first 150 or so people boarding. We go immediately to "Dining changes" if needed, then to Palo/Spa ressies. I've never waited behind more than 2 people in line, and always gotten what I've wanted.

Then we go to pick up Tea with Wendy tickets at guest services, go to lunch, then register the kids. You don't need to rush to register kids--every kid on board has a guaranteed registration slot. One group member can go to Dining Changes. One can go to Guest Services for the Tea with Wendy tickets.

I don't know how many Palo ressies one person can make, but I do know that you can book for at least one cabin besides your own (that is, you can make a ressie for 4 when there are only 2 adults in your cabin.)