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

[ludari]

My first DCL cruise was in 2010 and included a week in Barcelona, two week cruise and one week at WDW. It was perfect except that I packed way too much clothing. Since my first Disney Cruise I have completed 10 more cruises and I have quickly learned how to travel/pack light. In 2015 I did another month long land/sea/land trip and I was able to just take a carry-on suitcase.

 

[Sir William]

I did a lot of research before my first cruise (in celebration of my retirement), on crusing in general and DCL in particular. DW thought that my expectations might not be met, but I had an absolutely great time and did just about everything I wanted. No regrets and the few "lessons learned" have evolved over time.

• Research! I looked at not only the DIS, but other cruise websites and forums, the DCL website, and websites on our destinations (such as the country's tourist board website). I also checked out cruise and travel guides from the library. Consequently, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect onboard, as well as in each destination we visited.
• Our first day we flew down the day of the cruise. I wanted to fly down a day early but DW didn't want the extra expense, so we compromised and took an early flight. We were one of the last flights out of our airport due to weather, so while we made the cruise with time to spare, we could have easily missed it. Since then we always fly in at least a day in advance.
• I packed just about the right amount of clothing thanks to my research and giving serious thought to what I'd actually need and not what I might need. My general cruise packing list has not changed significantly since the first cruise. DW overpacked and continues to overpack. However, we get it all into two checked 26" suitcases, along with a day-bag for each of us.
• We took 4 bottles of wine aboard in a backpack, which also served as my day-bag. Now I use a small, European-sized rolling carry-on suitcase, the perfect size for the wine, and everything else I would normally carry in my day-bag (no wine in it when we fly). Not quite as mobile as the backpack but much easier on my shoulder and back. I get a couple of glasses from one of the bars/lounges and then ask our steward to replace them each day.
• On my first cruise I had several cocktails in the afternoon. Now I take a Tervis-type mug and make my own brewed ice-tea at the drink station, and then enjoy on our veranda as I read. It stays cold and lasts for quite awhile, and then gives me a good excuse to stretch a bit when I replenish it. Now my first drink of the day is a Mai-Tai about 4pm.
• We booked a veranda and I loved it. Since then we've tried both oceanview and interior cabins but I much prefer having a veranda as I find the pool area to be too crowded, too busy, and too noisy.
• On our first cruise we learned we loved sea-days, more than the port visits. DW suns herself by the pool while I enjoy the solitude of our veranda. We also enjoy the wine tastings on sea-days, having only skipped that once since our first cruise.
• A few years after our first cruise I began learning gourmet cooking, so now I attend the cooking demos, and tour the galley. Didn't even know these were offered on cruises, but then I wasn't interested in them.
• On our first cruise we booked an excursion for each port, but now we realize that taking an excursion is not necessary, though we do a couple each cruise. We like walking around the town, mostly window-shopping and maybe having a drink somewhere that we can people watch. We've done both DCL and DIY excursions, but DW likes the safety net of a DCL excursion, especially if its in the afternoon.
• Based on an overwhelming number of recommendations, I had a swimsuit (and still do) in my day-bag for Embarkation Day, but I've yet to visit the pool that first day. If it wasn't for the hot tub, I'd probably never visit the pool area. Probably time to move it to my checked bag.
• I took my own snorkel and mask on our first cruise and has gone with me on every Caribbean cruise since. But I no longer take the fins.
• I didn't try to do everything (thanks to advice from the DIS), but I did a lot more things onboard than I anticipated and found my day very full, to the point I felt slightly rushed and not relaxed. By mid-cruise I'd backed off, giving myself "me time" on our veranda, and now I usually only do 1-2 scheduled activities each day, the rest of the day being kept open to do as I please (read, take a nap, see a movie, browse the shops, sit in the hot tub, etc).
• When I travel I make a list of things I want to do, or places I want to see. These are prioritized into 3 groups: Those that I must do, those that I will do if I have time, and those that I could do if an opportunity presents itself. The latter two groups come in handy when I finish a must do early, or can't do it for some reason (unexpected closure, weather, etc). Consequently, when our excursion in Cozumel was cancelled due to bad weather, I had some alternatives at hand to choose from and didn't waste time wondering what to do.

 

[DizneyNutz]

NOT CHOOSE CARNIVAL!

 

[nhgirl]

Our first Disney cruise was in 2012. Our DD was eight. We spent a lot of time standing in line for characters. This time DD will be twelve. I don't think we will be spending as much time in lines

 

[RedSox68]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Our first cruise was only 4 days because I didn't know if I would like cruise. Sixteen cruises later -- if I could change one thing about our first one it would be that it was longer than 4 days LOL

 

[My2litteprincesses]

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!

My kids (2 girls ages 9 & 7) are NEVER wanting to go in any sort of kids club away from us. However....DCL sat us with a family at dinner with 2 girls about our kids ages & talked the Kids Club UP! My girls were so enthralled, they had to go see how it was for themselves. They absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! Went every night after that & did not want us to pick them up. It's Disney, so they do the kids clubs right. Have your kids at least take the tour & see for themselves! They will probably love it too!

 

[Beka]

My first DCL cruise was in 2010 and included a week in Barcelona, two week cruise and one week at WDW. It was perfect except that I packed way too much clothing. Since my first Disney Cruise I have completed 10 more cruises and I have quickly learned how to travel/pack light. In 2015 I did another month long land/sea/land trip and I was able to just take a carry-on suitcase.

Oh my! I need your packing skills! My DH overpacks, and I tend to way UNDER pack! I need to remember that we aren't staying in a condo this time and can't do laundry each night!

 

[Beka]

NOT CHOOSE CARNIVAL!

We'll just chalk it up to a lesson learned in what not to do...

Our first Disney cruise was in 2012. Our DD was eight. We spent a lot of time standing in line for characters. This time DD will be twelve. I don't think we will be spending as much time in lines

I only care to see the Fab 5 and DS is in love with Elsa. I wonder if there's a way to schedule that or if we have to just wait in line.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Our first cruise was only 4 days because I didn't know if I would like cruise. Sixteen cruises later -- if I could change one thing about our first one it would be that it was longer than 4 days LOL

Ok dang now I'm thinking we should have done 7 nights!!

 

[Beka]

I did a lot of research before my first cruise (in celebration of my retirement), on crusing in general and DCL in particular. DW thought that my expectations might not be met, but I had an absolutely great time and did just about everything I wanted. No regrets and the few "lessons learned" have evolved over time.

• Research! I looked at not only the DIS, but other cruise websites and forums, the DCL website, and websites on our destinations (such as the country's tourist board website). I also checked out cruise and travel guides from the library. Consequently, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect onboard, as well as in each destination we visited.
• Our first day we flew down the day of the cruise. I wanted to fly down a day early but DW didn't want the extra expense, so we compromised and took an early flight. We were one of the last flights out of our airport due to weather, so while we made the cruise with time to spare, we could have easily missed it. Since then we always fly in at least a day in advance.
• I packed just about the right amount of clothing thanks to my research and giving serious thought to what I'd actually need and not what I might need. My general cruise packing list has not changed significantly since the first cruise. DW overpacked and continues to overpack. However, we get it all into two checked 26" suitcases, along with a day-bag for each of us.
• We took 4 bottles of wine aboard in a backpack, which also served as my day-bag. Now I use a small, European-sized rolling carry-on suitcase, the perfect size for the wine, and everything else I would normally carry in my day-bag (no wine in it when we fly). Not quite as mobile as the backpack but much easier on my shoulder and back. I get a couple of glasses from one of the bars/lounges and then ask our steward to replace them each day.
• On my first cruise I had several cocktails in the afternoon. Now I take a Tervis-type mug and make my own brewed ice-tea at the drink station, and then enjoy on our veranda as I read. It stays cold and lasts for quite awhile, and then gives me a good excuse to stretch a bit when I replenish it. Now my first drink of the day is a Mai-Tai about 4pm.
• We booked a veranda and I loved it. Since then we've tried both oceanview and interior cabins but I much prefer having a veranda as I find the pool area to be too crowded, too busy, and too noisy.
• On our first cruise we learned we loved sea-days, more than the port visits. DW suns herself by the pool while I enjoy the solitude of our veranda. We also enjoy the wine tastings on sea-days, having only skipped that once since our first cruise.
• A few years after our first cruise I began learning gourmet cooking, so now I attend the cooking demos, and tour the galley. Didn't even know these were offered on cruises, but then I wasn't interested in them.
• On our first cruise we booked an excursion for each port, but now we realize that taking an excursion is not necessary, though we do a couple each cruise. We like walking around the town, mostly window-shopping and maybe having a drink somewhere that we can people watch. We've done both DCL and DIY excursions, but DW likes the safety net of a DCL excursion, especially if its in the afternoon.
• Based on an overwhelming number of recommendations, I had a swimsuit (and still do) in my day-bag for Embarkation Day, but I've yet to visit the pool that first day. If it wasn't for the hot tub, I'd probably never visit the pool area. Probably time to move it to my checked bag.
• I took my own snorkel and mask on our first cruise and has gone with me on every Caribbean cruise since. But I no longer take the fins.
• I didn't try to do everything (thanks to advice from the DIS), but I did a lot more things onboard than I anticipated and found my day very full, to the point I felt slightly rushed and not relaxed. By mid-cruise I'd backed off, giving myself "me time" on our veranda, and now I usually only do 1-2 scheduled activities each day, the rest of the day being kept open to do as I please (read, take a nap, see a movie, browse the shops, sit in the hot tub, etc).
• When I travel I make a list of things I want to do, or places I want to see. These are prioritized into 3 groups: Those that I must do, those that I will do if I have time, and those that I could do if an opportunity presents itself. The latter two groups come in handy when I finish a must do early, or can't do it for some reason (unexpected closure, weather, etc). Consequently, when our excursion in Cozumel was cancelled due to bad weather, I had some alternatives at hand to choose from and didn't waste time wondering what to do.

• Do they charge a corking fee if you're drinking in the room? I didn't see mention of that in what I've read yet.
• And a wine tasting?! Sign me up!
• We opted for a verandah, and I'm thinking that was the right decision. DH is claustrophobic, and while he didn't think about that when he said he wanted a verandah, I think he'll be more comfortable with it.
• I'm glad you mentioned the snorkel! Will they let us use our own at Castaway Cay?
• Great advice on the "me-time". I tend to go-go-go and it drives DH nuts!
• I like the prioritization idea!
  
  Great tips! Thanks!

 

[scgustafson]

• Do they charge a corking fee if you're drinking in the room? I didn't see mention of that in what I've read yet.
• And a wine tasting?! Sign me up!
• We opted for a verandah, and I'm thinking that was the right decision. DH is claustrophobic, and while he didn't think about that when he said he wanted a verandah, I think he'll be more comfortable with it.
• I'm glad you mentioned the snorkel! Will they let us use our own at Castaway Cay?
• Great advice on the "me-time". I tend to go-go-go and it drives DH nuts!
• I like the prioritization idea!
  
  Great tips! Thanks!

• No corkage fee if you drink in the room. Just remember to bring a corkscrew in your checked luggage (don't want the TSA to detain you on the flight there)
• Best part about the verandah is the verandah club
• You can bring your own snorkels, masks, and fins with you, but it might be a luggage hog if flying
• Every night we grab the Navigator for the next day (left on your bed with the towel animal by your cabin host(ess)) and as a family highlight what we would like to do the next day, either individually or as a family. Of course, we look for all of the bingo sessions first

 

[Sir William]

• Do they charge a corking fee if you're drinking in the room? I didn't see mention of that in what I've read yet.
• And a wine tasting?! Sign me up!
• We opted for a verandah, and I'm thinking that was the right decision. DH is claustrophobic, and while he didn't think about that when he said he wanted a verandah, I think he'll be more comfortable with it.
• I'm glad you mentioned the snorkel! Will they let us use our own at Castaway Cay?
• Great advice on the "me-time". I tend to go-go-go and it drives DH nuts!
• I like the prioritization idea!
  
  Great tips! Thanks!

As PP stated, no corkage fee if you drink in your room. Your steward will even provide you a corkscrew if you don't have one.

Wine tastings, as well as other adult beverage tastings, are offered on sea days. We've done several but enjoy the wine tastings best.

I'm not claustrophobic, but I dislike crowds and crowded places. I enjoyed the solitude of the veranda throughout the day.

You can use your own snorkel and mask at CC. I've even used mine on snorkeling excursions.

I think the real value of a cruise is to relax and destress, but that means different things to different people. As I said, I don't do well in crowds, so I like to be by myself, engrossed in a good book, listening to music I like, and perhaps enjoying an adult beverage.

Prioritization helps focus on what's personally important to your interests, but still provides some flexibility when you find extra time on your hands. I get DW and my kids to provide me with their "must do" places or activities so that I can make sure we do them. Beats hearing complaints later because we didn't do or see something they wanted but never told anyone.

 

[Starwind]

I'm guessing we get one carry on per person?

You can bring on as many carry-ons as you can haul, as long as each is no larger than the max size Disney specifies (it has to fir through the x-ray machine).

I have 3 carryons, and sometimes a 4th:

- hardside small spinner wheeled bag [it is an international carry-on size and on an airplane can fit under the seat in front of me); it rolls well and is excellent for stuffing full of bottled water and ginger ale;

- softside small wheeled bag that contains only medical supples/equipment/medication [thus when flying this bag does not count towards my carry-on allowance]; it has a slider pouch on the back that lets it slide over the handles of another wheeled bag if I want;

- a very softside tote bag (when flying this is my personal item) that contains purse, important documents, tablet, etc.; it also has a slider pouch

- sometimes another softside tote (but it can hold 50 lbs though i have never had that much in it!) that extra food and bottled water and ginger ale gets put into if it doesn't all fit in the hardside spinner; same make as the normal tote bag, just a different colour [both tolds fold down nice and small when not needed]

If I am lucky I just have the two wheeled critters stacked on each other + the personal tote. If I am unlucky, both wheeled critters are used for their wheels and the totes stack on them. Either way they move well and while a bit of a pain occasionally (there are some spots on the walkway onto the ship where you have to lift it up a bit as the wheels don't like the gap).

SW

 

[Starwind]

A few things we found useful:

Bring highlighters. Well, at least one; consider one colour for each person; but at least one yellow one.

Use the highlighter to mark up the Navigator each night so you can quickly find what you;ve already decided you are interested in.

Also, make use of the DCL navigator app -- you can mark favourites, find other times the same event is at (e.g. Art of the Ship tour was held on a coupel different days on our last cruise, so it was no biggie when we missed it the first day).

We do lunch on embarkation day in the lunch MDR -- leave the bags (locked) outside the MDR entrance where all the others are. I bring the tote that has the documents and purse and such into the dining room and put it in a spare chair -- anything left outside would not be the end of the world if it found a new home; but the tote has things like passports.

SW

 

[ilovedcl]

Hi all! We're doing our first ever cruise in Feb. '17 (4 night)! We're WDW vets, but completely new to cruising, so I pose the following question to you:

If you could do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do different on your first cruise?

I would have taken advantage of the Disney excursions. But, stick to the half day excursions at first. Full day can be pretty draining.

 

[Scherzermk]

The only thing I would have done differently is embarkment lunch. We froze outside of a crazy packed Cabanas because we did not know a lovely sit down indoor restaurant was available.
Definitely book a placeholder. Even if you can't believe how expensive dcl is and this is your only cruise, your family will love it so much that you'll be back. Better yet, now you saved 10%.

 

[TeaBee]

Hi all! We're doing our first ever cruise in Feb. '17 (4 night)! We're WDW vets, but completely new to cruising, so I pose the following question to you:

If you could do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do different on your first cruise?

We did a four night cruise for our first Disney cruise followed by a couple of days at Universal. The only thing I'd do differently would be to do the parks first and the cruise second. We were so relaxed after the cruise, but then completely exhausted by running around the parks! It was still an awesome trip, but rearranging would have made it that much better.

 

[Beka]

• No corkage fee if you drink in the room. Just remember to bring a corkscrew in your checked luggage (don't want the TSA to detain you on the flight there)
• Best part about the verandah is the verandah club
• You can bring your own snorkels, masks, and fins with you, but it might be a luggage hog if flying
• Every night we grab the Navigator for the next day (left on your bed with the towel animal by your cabin host(ess)) and as a family highlight what we would like to do the next day, either individually or as a family. Of course, we look for all of the bingo sessions first

Good point about the corkscrew!
What's the verandah club?
DH wants to drive (crazy!) so luggage space won't be an issue.

 

[RedSox68]

Ok dang now I'm thinking we should have done 7 nights!!

It's what you can afford at the time and how much time you can take off. However, look at it this way, while onboard you can book another cruise for the future and get the onboard credit and 10%. We didn't do that at the time.

 

[dclpluto]

Oh my! I need your packing skills! My DH overpacks, and I tend to way UNDER pack! I need to remember that we aren't staying in a condo this time and can't do laundry each night!

DCL has reasonable prices on laundry IMO

 

[scgustafson]

Good point about the corkscrew!
What's the verandah club?
DH wants to drive (crazy!) so luggage space won't be an issue.

It is an "adults-only experience(s)" making use of the verandah. Please make sure that the children are safely engaged elsewhere, preferably without self-checkout privileges at the club. Be warned, some members have "enjoyed" a permanent souvenir nine-months after their (re)joining.