I'm starting over! Changes you would make to your first cruise.

[bethy]

I would go on a longer cruise. It's a lot of money and hassle and 4 nights just wasn't nearly enough. A 7 night cruise is a better value IMO. I was worried about what might happen if it turned out we didn't like cruising.

 

[CScott095]

1) Did you have enough time for lunch? I've heard mixed things about arrival time. Most say to go later, but some say to go early so you get on early and have to explore the ship. Lord knows I don't want to schlep a bunch of crap around though.
2) Good point for #1
3) Noted! I want to minimize stress!
4) I considered Palo or Remy, but I think I'll save the $$ unless DH really wants to do it. The only meal I *truly* care about is AP. Been looking forward to that since I was in college, almost 20y ago (which is nuts, because I'm 28... really... I swear...) Did I hear right that they'll come get your kids and take them to the kids' club if you're not done with dinner but the kids are?
5) We're only doing a 4 night, so that's the plan, to stay on the ship. Nassau holds zero interest for me.
6) Great idea!
7) Good tip. Heels are hard enough for me to manage on flat ground, let alone a ship!




Yeah, I'm afraid I'll be crying. I've been known to tear up on our last day at WDW.



Do you pre-pay for photos online or at Shutters? Also, I know the rules for alcohol on the ship have changed. Do you know if they charge corking if you drink in the room? I'm not a huge wine drinker (light weight!) so I don't know if the package would be worthwhile for us.

 

[CScott095]

1) Did you have enough time for lunch? I've heard mixed things about arrival time. Most say to go later, but some say to go early so you get on early and have to explore the ship. Lord knows I don't want to schlep a bunch of crap around though.
2) Good point for #1
3) Noted! I want to minimize stress!
4) I considered Palo or Remy, but I think I'll save the $$ unless DH really wants to do it. The only meal I *truly* care about is AP. Been looking forward to that since I was in college, almost 20y ago (which is nuts, because I'm 28... really... I swear...) Did I hear right that they'll come get your kids and take them to the kids' club if you're not done with dinner but the kids are?
5) We're only doing a 4 night, so that's the plan, to stay on the ship. Nassau holds zero interest for me.
6) Great idea!
7) Good tip. Heels are hard enough for me to manage on flat ground, let alone a ship!




Yeah, I'm afraid I'll be crying. I've been known to tear up on our last day at WDW.



Do you pre-pay for photos online or at Shutters? Also, I know the rules for alcohol on the ship have changed. Do you know if they charge corking if you drink in the room? I'm not a huge wine drinker (light weight!) so I don't know if the package would be worthwhile for us.

If you pre-pay online, then you get a discount that you do not get on the ship with Shutters. The great thing about the wine package is you pay for the number of bottles you want and if you do not drink them all at dinner, they will either store for you for the next night, or let you take it to your room. For a 7 night cruise, we buy 5 bottles knowing that we won't drink one night and will not drink all of a bottle on another. In regards to heels, though you were not asking me, I wear low wedges which look nicer than my flip flops, but do not lead to the disaster heels + wine + rocking boat create!!

 

[Reddaisy]

I regret not booking a second cruise while onboard. We had no idea we would enjoy cruising as much as we did. We had the post cruise blues and paid full price for cruise #2 two weeks after we got home. Have a blast!!

 

[Beka]

To answer your lunch question - We didn't follow this advice this go around. We arrived at the port at 11 and were on the ship by 12. We signed up for some ticketed events, had lunch around 12:45 and then went to our room. This may be just fine with less luggage! Perhaps someone else can comment if the quick service places on Deck 11 are open for lunch that first day? Cabanas was a zoo!

We did dine at Palo and it was amazing. I highly recommend it. I guess that requires dressy clothes. You are poking holes in my plan! LOL. We also did the dessert experience at Remy. It was very good as well. (and I'm with you on the 28 thing - ha!)

They do come and get your kids from the late dinner seating. I don't believe they offer this for early dinner.

Oh dang, now I *really* wanna do Palo! Ok, I might have to do it anyway. The kids don't act like they're keen on the kids club, and I'm trying to turn that around! As you can see by my signature, we're fans of the food, so the kids club will be essential in Palo happening!

 

[Beka]

If you pre-pay online, then you get a discount that you do not get on the ship with Shutters. The great thing about the wine package is you pay for the number of bottles you want and if you do not drink them all at dinner, they will either store for you for the next night, or let you take it to your room. For a 7 night cruise, we buy 5 bottles knowing that we won't drink one night and will not drink all of a bottle on another. In regards to heels, though you were not asking me, I wear low wedges which look nicer than my flip flops, but do not lead to the disaster heels + wine + rocking boat create!!

Oh I didn't realize about the wine! I guess I need to search out more info on that! We also like an occasional beer. Oh I can only imagine the wine/heels/rocking disaster that I would surely create!

I regret not booking a second cruise while onboard. We had no idea we would enjoy cruising as much as we did. We had the post cruise blues and paid full price for cruise #2 two weeks after we got home. Have a blast!!

Thanks! I have a feeling we'll be hooked!

 

[Beka]

I would go on a longer cruise. It's a lot of money and hassle and 4 nights just wasn't nearly enough. A 7 night cruise is a better value IMO. I was worried about what might happen if it turned out we didn't like cruising.

That's exactly why we booked a 4 night. That and because I get motion sick just sitting in the front passenger seat if I happen to look down at my phone. Ugh.

 

[MPS516]

So much I don't want to tell you but won't, so what I would add is:
Book a place holder on board for a future cruise - with a place holder you do not need to know your future sail dates and the deposit is reasonable. If you don't care to cruise again you are refunded if cancelled in advance.
Carry on as little as possible - we consolidate into a single back pack for embarkation so we don't have much to watch for, allows more flexibility.
Look at the Navigator when you receive it in port so you can get any ticketed events you may like.

Otherwise the PP summed it up, don't read too much where others may influence your expectations.

 

[diznymom]

I would do more / better research on the excursions. I would find other people's experiences / opinions on the excursions we were planning on doing (not just DCL's synopsis).

 

[bethy]

That's exactly why we booked a 4 night. That and because I get motion sick just sitting in the front passenger seat if I happen to look down at my phone. Ugh.

I have the same problem. I can even get sick when I'm driving. But I had no problems on the cruise. It's a very different kind of motion from a car.

Granted the weather was good. Also I did take one Bonine every night before bed just in case and started 3 nights before we sailed. I don't know whether it made a difference or not but I'll always take it just in case.

 

[Beka]

So much I don't want to tell you but won't, so what I would add is:
Book a place holder on board for a future cruise - with a place holder you do not need to know your future sail dates and the deposit is reasonable. If you don't care to cruise again you are refunded if cancelled in advance.
Carry on as little as possible - we consolidate into a single back pack for embarkation so we don't have much to watch for, allows more flexibility.
Look at the Navigator when you receive it in port so you can get any ticketed events you may like.

Otherwise the PP summed it up, don't read too much where others may influence your expectations.

Why not? Give too much away?

Great tip about the Navigator.

I read things and then factor how that might or might not fit into our family.

 

[Beka]

I have the same problem. I can even get sick when I'm driving. But I had no problems on the cruise. It's a very different kind of motion from a car.

Granted the weather was good. Also I did take one Bonine every night before bed just in case and started 3 nights before we sailed. I don't know whether it made a difference or not but I'll always take it just in case.

*Awesome* advice about the Bonine. I considered taking my Antivert too, just in case, though knowing my luck it'd be expired by then... Maybe the bonine will help with sleep too!

 

[Beka]

I would do more / better research on the excursions. I would find other people's experiences / opinions on the excursions we were planning on doing (not just DCL's synopsis).

I'm sure DCL gives the happy "photoshopped" version of the excursions!

 

[Ajojo]

My 1st DCL cruise was in Europe and it was my most favorite vacation EVER! (Hoping my 10th in a few weeks is just as great)

What I have done differently on the following cruises:

• Get into it! On Embarkation day, my whole family wears matching Disney shirts. The first time I saw this, I thought "No, way" (I am a grown up!) But now we have a lot of fun and we wear our tiaras for the sail away party and dance.
• Take a bag I can carry on my shoulder on embarkation day. I do not want to carry luggage (especially a rolling bag) around when going to the lunch buffet. Dragging that around, finding a table is no fun.
• Book another cruise while on board! I am repeating myself here but, book another cruise while on board!
• Increase my budget for the ship. I was so worried about saving money that I didn't buy pictures or stuff that I wanted, buy the sail away drink, have a spa treatment, or go to Palo. This also includes getting a room with a window or balcony. I used to just go with an inside room to save money.
• Be so worried about motion sickness. I am very prone to it, but now I just take half a Dramamine in the morning and am fine. I leave all the other motion meds at home.
• Have lunch in the dining room instead of the buffet. Now my family prefers the dining room over the buffet for a relaxing lunch.
• Dont worry about getting off the ships in every port. We stayed on at Nassau and Cozumel last year and had a great time on the ship.
• Consider flying in the night before. On my first trip to Europe, I was going solo and was scheduled to leave Houston at 8:00 am to catch a connecting flight in Atlanta to Barcelona. Well, there was a Tropical Storm that closed the airport right before I was set to board the plane. They said we would have to leave by 2:30 to make my connection and we started boarding at 2:22. I later ran through the Atlanta airport like a crazy, sweaty person dragging my carry-ons prying the doors of an airport train open to be the very last person on the plane just to find someone in my seat! I made it and my luggage to Barcelona but I felt exhausted for several days of my trip and was not in vacation mode.
• Make sure to attend the shows. I am NOT a fan of entertainment on other cruise lines, so I missed some shows the first trip.
• Try new foods and not just my favorites.
• Realize that I cant do it all, and there will be more trips.
• Plan before my cruise how to transport souvenirs home. I like to collect museum posters and now take a hard mailing tube for travel home. My first trip home, I carried all my posters on the plane because I didnt want them crushed.

 

[MPS516]

Willing to share whatever you think you want but like first responder said, it was great not knowing and waiting like we do now.

You have gotten what I think are great non spoiler tips. Door magnets make room easier to find, something for motion sickness and take a couple hours before sailing (very important) and review your navigators, extra copies available at guest services on the ship.

 

[Mrslissaaa]

I'm one those people who likes to do research. Due to that and the fact that if anything Disney comes on TV I'm watching it I know a lot of what will happen. Will I miss out on some of the magic because I already know so much?

 

[MSPeeler]

Same, here. I've already ruined myself I fear, but I'm really excited to watch the kids excitement/expressions more than my own.

I've heard that the you can get free Dramamine on board for seasickness. I will probably pack my own, or get the patch for myself and my daughter since we are more prone to this problem when traveling!

 

[Starwind]

Same, here. I've already ruined myself I fear, but I'm really excited to watch the kids excitement/expressions more than my own.

I've heard that the you can get free Dramamine on board for seasickness. I will probably pack my own, or get the patch for myself and my daughter since we are more prone to this problem when traveling!

You can get free motion sickness medication on board. It is available at the medical centre and at guest services.

Note that the motion sickness medication we were given on board was a 2-tablet packet of meclizine, in a chewables tablet. NOT Dramamine brand. And they included the artificial sweetener aspartame as an ingredient (not unexpected since many of the brand name chewables do as well -- they have to sweeten a chewable somehow!).

This may or may not be a problem for you. I cannot have aspartame due to a severe adverse reaction every time I end up ingesting some, so could not use the ship-provided tablets. I was very glad I had brought my own supply of Dramamine Less Drowsy.

SW

 

[Beka]

My 1st DCL cruise was in Europe and it was my most favorite vacation EVER! (Hoping my 10th in a few weeks is just as great)

What I have done differently on the following cruises:

• Get into it! On Embarkation day, my whole family wears matching Disney shirts. The first time I saw this, I thought "No, way" (I am a grown up!) But now we have a lot of fun and we wear our tiaras for the sail away party and dance.
• Take a bag I can carry on my shoulder on embarkation day. I do not want to carry luggage (especially a rolling bag) around when going to the lunch buffet. Dragging that around, finding a table is no fun.
• Book another cruise while on board! I am repeating myself here but, book another cruise while on board!
• Increase my budget for the ship. I was so worried about saving money that I didn't buy pictures or stuff that I wanted, buy the sail away drink, have a spa treatment, or go to Palo. This also includes getting a room with a window or balcony. I used to just go with an inside room to save money.
• Be so worried about motion sickness. I am very prone to it, but now I just take half a Dramamine in the morning and am fine. I leave all the other motion meds at home.
• Have lunch in the dining room instead of the buffet. Now my family prefers the dining room over the buffet for a relaxing lunch.
• Dont worry about getting off the ships in every port. We stayed on at Nassau and Cozumel last year and had a great time on the ship.
• Consider flying in the night before. On my first trip to Europe, I was going solo and was scheduled to leave Houston at 8:00 am to catch a connecting flight in Atlanta to Barcelona. Well, there was a Tropical Storm that closed the airport right before I was set to board the plane. They said we would have to leave by 2:30 to make my connection and we started boarding at 2:22. I later ran through the Atlanta airport like a crazy, sweaty person dragging my carry-ons prying the doors of an airport train open to be the very last person on the plane just to find someone in my seat! I made it and my luggage to Barcelona but I felt exhausted for several days of my trip and was not in vacation mode.
• Make sure to attend the shows. I am NOT a fan of entertainment on other cruise lines, so I missed some shows the first trip.
• Try new foods and not just my favorites.
• Realize that I cant do it all, and there will be more trips.
• Plan before my cruise how to transport souvenirs home. I like to collect museum posters and now take a hard mailing tube for travel home. My first trip home, I carried all my posters on the plane because I didnt want them crushed.

Love the idea of getting into it! Tiaras are fun!
I'm guessing we get one carry on per person?
DH wants to drive, not sure why. Cost maybe? If we drive, we'll plan to be there at least the night before. Might go early and see family. Hmmm...
I'm looking forward to the shows! I have no interest to see shows on other ships, that just sounds boring.
We love trying new foods (well, DH & I do, the kids, not so much). The more adventurous the better!
Good thought on how to get stuff home! I'll keep that in mind if we fly! On one trip to WDW, we made good use of UPS & shipped home all of our souvenirs.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Beka]

Same, here. I've already ruined myself I fear, but I'm really excited to watch the kids excitement/expressions more than my own.

I've heard that the you can get free Dramamine on board for seasickness. I will probably pack my own, or get the patch for myself and my daughter since we are more prone to this problem when traveling!

I didn't know about the patch! I think I'll bring my own just to be safe.

I'm one those people who likes to do research. Due to that and the fact that if anything Disney comes on TV I'm watching it I know a lot of what will happen. Will I miss out on some of the magic because I already know so much?

I think that's an individual thing. I read so much about WDW I felt more like I was doing research than enjoying the magic. Yes, I love the details, but I'd almost rather read about them after I've discovered them. I love the Imagineering guides (short little books that list details on each of the parks, which I'm sure are outdated now) because they don't give away too much. I just want to be surprised for once on this trip! I barely know what the ship looks like!