For all repeat cruisers: What would you do differently based on first cruise?

[TMTIP]

Since the kids are older this time around, I want to stay up later and enjoy the adult entertainment. My kids love the kids programs and can't wait to go back, so we are going to take advantage of it!

 

[brack]

We've done four 7 day DCL cruises (the last two were back to back). Each time we have learned something new to do.

a. Except for Castaway Cay we stayed onboard ship in port. Loved it!
b. I awoke at 3AM one night to take photos around the ship without the crowds.
c. Room service delivers great oatmeal raisin cookies (along with other stuff)
d. Take lots & lots of pictures. I took over 1000 this last trip.
e. Spend more time in the Rainforest
f. Never miss the evening meal and only do Palo's for lunch.

 

[Tera]

Wide Awake - I can be like that to a certain extent. I was starting to get worried that we wouldn't be able to do everything, but after reading everyone's comments and experiences, I'm learning to get over it.

I've definitely taken note of doing Palo's for brunch and not dinner like Brack said. Will be bringing my digital camera, so pictures won't be a issue.

I'm wondering if getting off at every stop (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) is worth it. I've heard those are great days to do stuff on the boat (SPA!). If there is one stop to miss, which one would anyone recommend??? I'm thinking Key West myself.

 

[mouseclick1]

For our first cruise, we flew in the day of the cruise. Our plane was delayed 2 hours, and I was going into panic mode! Luckily we had an early enough flight so we still got to the ship on time. On our second cruise, we flew in the day before and spent a very relaxing day at AKL before driving to the ship in the morning. It was soooo much better that way! We are again flying in a day early for our April cruise, though this time we are going to check out Diney's Vero Beach.

 

[Tera]

mouseclick - I've had several people tell us to fly the day before, especially since we're coming from Colorado and would be cutting it close. I still haven't decided if it's better to fly in and stay near the airport or stay near the port and catch their shuttle. We weren't planning on renting a car since we're just doing the cruise. I've heard of hotels near the port will pick you up at the airport and then take you to the port the next day.

 

[jrabbit]

Tera - We've stay at hotels near the airport and had them take us back to the airport in the morning to catch the DCL bus to the port - works well.

bmag - where the heck did that come from, Go crawl back into your hole!

 

[crisi]

One of the things I did was booked my spa appointments for a local day spa at home the day before we left. The services were cheaper than Disney, got an extra day of vacation, didn't need to stand in line to get ressies, and my pedicure looked great the moment I put on my sandals. Plus I spent about five hours getting pampered - five hours that while I was on the ship I would have needed to give up some other activity.

Although there is something tempting about the spa on the ship (we talked about doing the Rainforest Room one day, but didn't have a chance - too busy).

 

[Tera]

jrabbit - I think with us flying early enough the day before, it would be easier to stay somewhere close to the port, that way, the next morning we won't have to get up so early (even though the kids will probably be up at the crack of dawn *LOL*)

I'm not sure what's up with bmag. Obviously someone didn't do their homework before their trip.

Crisi - I'm going to have my nails done before my trip too, but everyone has talked so much about do the surial bath, that I'm willing to give up that hour with my DH

 

[brack]

Our first DCL cruise we drove down to arrive the night before and drove home after the cruise.

The next cruise we flew down, stayed at an airport hotel before and one night at the All Star after, with an early flight the next day.

We have finally gotten it right! Our last trip we flew down two days early, stayed at the Coronado Springs and after the two week DCL cruise we stayed three nights at the Caribbean Beach. None of this rushing to arrive and leave!

What a vacation. It still brings a tear to my eye.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Eat less!!!! I gained 4 pounds on my 7 day cruise....but it was soooooo good!

 

[jlawall]

Go to Disney for a day or two before the trip.

Arrive at the port by noon.

Use the adult pool as much as possible.

Go to Rainforest Spa.

Read Navigator and try new things.

Go to wine tasting.

Try Palo brunch.

Lose weight!!!

 

[jrabbit]

I gained 4 pounds on my 7 day cruise

Big whoop - it's only 4 pounds, and well worth it - the food is great!

Lose weight!!!

Can't be done - well it can but at what cost? So why worry about it.

I take the stairs almost all of the time. After a day or two, I skip lunch because I can't eat 3 meals a day like that (and I'm NOT a tiny guy)

Stay up late, get up early (that's not how it's done at home, but on vacation - that's the way we do it)

Have lots of fun, make many memories!

 

[dreaming of BCV]

#1. Stay on the ship in Nassau and just relax.

#2. Don't go in the ocean at CC with the pager from the kid's club. That alone will save me $150. FYI - Guest Services said that sometimes they dry out, but mine never did!

#3. Encourage my 4 year old DS to see the Golden Mickey's. Last time he wanted to stay in the kid's club and we let him, but I know he would love the show.

 

[ksjayhawks]

We took extension cord, over door hanger, and suction cups---never used them. There were enough plug ins to charge items in a timely manner, plenty of storage, and used clothes pins to hang swimsuits on clothesline in shower. We put personal care items in men's kits and set them on shelves under sink. Also, take one tube of toothpaste, etc.

We put lifejackets under bed and used the shelf in the closet for clothes.

We took an air freshner and it was great to have.

We moved the seat from under the dresser--it fit perfectly in front of the mirror--and put a duffel under there for dirty clothes. Then each night, would put them in plastic bags and into the dirty clothes suitcase. Took only a few minutes and was easy to pack last night.

Take less clothes! Take several tops/shirts that will go with a pair of shorts/slacks.

We did brunch and dinner at Palo's. Next time I would do the brunch and forget the dinner.

Do the rainforest at the spa.!!!!!!! Sit outside on Deck 4 in early morning or late at night!!!!!!!!

Use the stairs--it is quicker to get around at some times of the day.

Carry your camera all the time.

Try out all of the restaurants for breakfast and lunch. Order the cheese tray and cookies from room service!

We came down a few days early and stayed on International Drive. Took us about 20 minutes to get to terminal and we were on the second bus out--we did the bus transfers.

Don't do an excursion in every port.

If you have kids, make them a pillowcase and take it to guest services in a plastic bag along with sharpies and your name/stateroom and you will get it back signed by the characters.

 

[NCRedding]

bmag sounds like a guy on the cruisecritic board, who booked a land/sea package and then tried to change the package. Apparently expedia didn't book the flight he wanted, so he arrived late on his first day. He was complaining about disney because he didn't understand a "package"

What I did differently on my 2nd-4th cruise (probably all added before): Try every drink of the day; nap on deck 4; catch some of the smaller shows and acts in the lounge areas. Bring a 12 pack of Diet Mt. Dew on board; try new foods. Relax alot (I'm getting better at this one each time)