How about a helpful hint thread?? Put your helpful hint here........

[LAMPSKIES]

I have seen so many threads come and go about helpful hints from first time to 35th time sailors. Here are a few of my ideas........I hope some of you fellow disers have some also.....


Pack small amounts of toiletries....toothpaste, mouthwash, deoderant etc and throw it out the before disembarking. You are going to have more souvies going home than you came with....thus more room.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

If your children are older, (6 and up) book the late dinner seating, so you won't have to rush back from shore excursions.

 

[jwann]

ALWAYS get to port early - be the first ones on the ship - hey you paid for that day - spend as much time as you can on the ship!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Pack two sizes of pants/shorts, as the larger size might be needed for the weight gained from all the wonderful food devoured!

 

[PizzieDuster]

For the sailaway - our family of 5 - picked a spot on Deck 10, a table by the containers that store life jackets, etc. When the party starts, it gets pretty crowded and we had a lovely view. It gets really crowded.

This time around, we plan to dance and when the we start to sail off, - after the horn - we are going to go down one level to our verandah because the front of the ship and all the railings are VERY crowded. It's hard to dance at the sail away party then go to the rail with your entire family together. So we already decided right after the horn is blown, to go to our verandah which is port side.

Bring all sizes of zip locks. I put all film in zip locks. We ordered room service the night before any excursions and put sandwiches, chips, juices (from Shirley's gift bags), etc. in zip locks for excursions and especially bus rides to the airport. Your lil ones may wake up not hungry but as soon as they see someone else eating... they want a snack! This was ONE of the best hints I got from these boards.

 

[webray]

Swim shoes for castaway cay are a must.

 

[WDWLVR]

A tip we use not only for cruising but for all vacations. Pack a medium size duffle bag. When you get to your destination open it up and use it as a laundry bag. Coming home check it through with the dirty clothes in it. It leave extra space in your other luggage for everything you bought on vacation!

 

[LAMPSKIES]

DCL allows you to "carry on" beverages. We bring a carry on size suitcase with some of my favorite beverages (miller lite), and some water bottles etc. The empty piece of luggage is perfect for the little "extras" you will be bringing back.

 

[Boomdocker]

Make use of the room service. We cruised twice before realising that this was complimentary (soft drinks and alcohol are extra) Tip your server a couple of bucks.

Third cruise we thoroughly enjoyed ordering snacks like the cheese platter or fruit plate to enjoy on the verandah.

 

[MrsPete]

When your at-home toiletries are almost empty, put them aside for the cruise. You'll use up the last bits on the ship, then toss the bottles. Because the full-sized bottles take up more space in your bags, you'll automatically have more space for souveneirs.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Pack sand toys for the kids and fill them with their socks and undies. They really don't take up that much room if you pack them full. Get the cheaper ones at the $ Store near home. The cost of these toys at the various ports is unbelieveable!! After the day at CC "donate" the sand toys to the CC childrens club for others to use. The "extra room" in your suitcases can be used for the new "stuff" you buy on board.

 

[abitjaded]

Photocopy or scan all the cards you are taking, credit cards, passport, bc, etc. Make sure the 1-800- emergency numbers are legible. Put a copy in your suitcase and one in your carry-on. Leave a copy with a contact at home, too. Call your credit card company in advance and tell them where you are going or they may deny out-of-country purchases.

Carla

 

[Wendybird63]

If you arrive early on embarkation day, make sure to wear your bathing suits under your clothes. Your room probably won't be ready yet, and you'll want to get in the pool on one of the few days that it's not too busy.
Wendy