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

[Beka]

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?

 

[tinkerone]

Personally, I would do nothing different. I was not aware of the DIS so I went in pretty much blind. That meant I had no expectations and did not know what was going to happen. Every tiny thing was a surprise. That was truly my most magical DCL cruise.
Example, imagine not knowing that you would be announced upon entry. How amazingly magical is that. So unexpected. Its still magical but the glitter is a little dull now that I expect it.
Your going to have a great cruise and I know my answer is not what your looking for. Sorry. My suggestion is just embrace the ship and don't worry about what others say to look for.
Have a great and magical cruise.

 

[Beka]

Personally, I would do nothing different. I was not aware of the DIS so I went in pretty much blind. That meant I had no expectations and did not know what was going to happen. Every tiny thing was a surprise. That was truly my most magical DCL cruise.
Example, imagine not knowing that you would be announced upon entry. How amazingly magical is that. So unexpected. Its still magical but the glitter is a little dull now that I expect it.
Your going to have a great cruise and I know my answer is not what your looking for. Sorry. My suggestion is just embrace the ship and don't worry about what others say to look for.
Have a great and magical cruise.

I'm not planning any excursions, and really refuse to look at much on the boat, because I want it to be a surprise. I'm reading more about when to arrive at port, when to check in, what to do on embarkation & disembarkation, etc. Since it feels like we have to plan every minute of a WDW trip, I'm looking forward to going into this cruise informed, but completely carefree!

 

[Jess_S]

The only thing I would change is the way I tried to handle my son's nap time on our scenic sailing day to Tracy Arm. I tried to get him to fall asleep in his stroller out on deck, but deck has Mickey and Goofy and other fun stuff to look at and he refused to close his eyes. He wound up over tired and my husband and I wound up yelling at him. But really it was our fault for not bringing him back to the cabin to nap before he got over-tired.

Other than that, maybe rebooking on board to take advantage of the 10% discount.

 

[dclpluto]

My first cruise was a short 7 night cruise. Back than DCL didn't have longer cruises. Should of did a b2b.

 

[jenpink]

On my first cruise we had second seating for dinner and were not aware we could change it. My then 5 year old daughter fell asleep at the table during every dinner. The only thing I would change on that first cruise would be to switch to early dinner seating. Everything else was wonderful.

 

[beach baby]

I would skip the shopping talk on the first day. All the exclusive coupons that you got if you went to the meeting, were being passed out to everyone as they got off the ship. .......have a wonderful cruise!!!! You are going to LOVE it!!!

 

[MickeyManiacMom]

Not try to do it all. There are so many things going on at all times that it can seem a little overwhelming. It's easy to over do it and find yourself exhausted after a couple of days when you should be relaxed and enjoying yourself. That navigator is packed full of activities - you don't have to do them all. Pick the ones that are most intriguing to you and remember, you can always book another one to catch things you missed!

 

[MunFam]

Here are some things that I am glad I did on my first cruise, because I would not change anything.

I am thankful that:
-We had magnets for our door. I made them myself and it was so fun decorating the door when we arrived. I packed them in my carryon.
-I unpacked and did not live out of suitcases
-our first DCL cruise was a 14 dayer of the Panama Canal. There were so few kids on board that DD had the most magical experience.
-We had "costumes" for pirate night
-I packed warm clothes (for a tropical destination). We were on board for the very first Frozen show and everyone was FREEZING and leaving early. We were warm and cozy.
-That we participated in the FE gift exchange.
-I preshopped for souvenirs for DD and left them on her pillow (from different characters). She had no desire to buy anything in any of the stores. It saved tons of money.

 

[MunFam]

I thought of something I would change. If we expressed that we liked something in the dining room, our servers would automatically bring out 2 or 3 additional servings. As an act of not being rude, we would stuff ourselves with food that was just "good". I gained SO much weight that my clothes did not fit by day 14. So...I would not eat extra food because I felt bad. I would only eat what I wanted and leave the rest.

 

[Saamh]

Personally, I would do nothing different. I was not aware of the DIS so I went in pretty much blind. That meant I had no expectations and did not know what was going to happen. Every tiny thing was a surprise. That was truly my most magical DCL cruise.
Example, imagine not knowing that you would be announced upon entry. How amazingly magical is that. So unexpected. Its still magical but the glitter is a little dull now that I expect it.
Your going to have a great cruise and I know my answer is not what your looking for. Sorry. My suggestion is just embrace the ship and don't worry about what others say to look for.
Have a great and magical cruise.

Exactly this!!! We went into our first cruise blindly and it was WONDERFUL. I had no expectations (except knowing that the Disney brand was top-notch). I didn't stress about all the things everyone seems to post about on these boards over and over again (matching shirts, gift exchange, menus, etc.). Every part of the trip was perfectly magical. Now, 12 cruises later, I still enjoy everything as much but nothing will ever be as magical as our first cruise where I didn't know all of the ins and outs and surprises. The only things we knew going into our 1st cruise was:
1.) You will have the same servers each night and they will rotate to the 3 different main dining rooms with you nightly
2.) There will be an optional dress up night (my girls LOVED a reason to get dressed up)
3.) Staying on the ship in Nassau was a good option for 1st time cruisers since there was so much to do on board

 

[Beka]

My first cruise was a short 7 night cruise. Back than DCL didn't have longer cruises. Should of did a b2b.

Note to self: Cruise more

On my first cruise we had second seating for dinner and were not aware we could change it. My then 5 year old daughter fell asleep at the table during every dinner. The only thing I would change on that first cruise would be to switch to early dinner seating. Everything else was wonderful.

Looks like we lucked out & got first seating. Our boys will be 5 & 8 on the trip, but the later seating is late for them. They'd rather be playing at that time or relaxing.

I would skip the shopping talk on the first day. All the exclusive coupons that you got if you went to the meeting, were being passed out to everyone as they got off the ship. .......have a wonderful cruise!!!! You are going to LOVE it!!!

I have no idea what the shopping talk is! Thanks for the tip!

Not try to do it all. There are so many things going on at all times that it can seem a little overwhelming. It's easy to over do it and find yourself exhausted after a couple of days when you should be relaxed and enjoying yourself. That navigator is packed full of activities - you don't have to do them all. Pick the ones that are most intriguing to you and remember, you can always book another one to catch things you missed!

I'm not usually the type to sit back & relax, but I think this trip will inspire me to do just that! Every time you plop me in a boat I instantly chill out - it's about the only thing that does it! I'll just use this as an excuse to re-book! "But honey, we didn't see and do everything, we *have* to re-book, for the children."

 

[summerskye]

I'm not planning any excursions, and really refuse to look at much on the boat, because I want it to be a surprise. I'm reading more about when to arrive at port, when to check in, what to do on embarkation & disembarkation, etc. Since it feels like we have to plan every minute of a WDW trip, I'm looking forward to going into this cruise informed, but completely carefree!

This is the best idea. Informed, but carefree. What a great plan. Have fun.

 

[TestingH2O]

I would have stayed on Castaway Cay longer. We knew there was a chance that DD would not nap well in the cabana, so I preemptively said I would be the one who took her back to the ship for a nap. The trip back could have been prevented in two ways.

1. I could have done a better job telling the rest of our party that I was trying to get her to sleep. I had almost done it when DH came wandering up from the beach. He didn't know, but it was frustrating.

2. We could have worked out shifts so that no one completely missed those last 2.5 hours.

 

[Beka]

Here are some things that I am glad I did on my first cruise, because I would not change anything.

I am thankful that:
-We had magnets for our door. I made them myself and it was so fun decorating the door when we arrived. I packed them in my carryon.
-I unpacked and did not live out of suitcases
-our first DCL cruise was a 14 dayer of the Panama Canal. There were so few kids on board that DD had the most magical experience.
-We had "costumes" for pirate night
-I packed warm clothes (for a tropical destination). We were on board for the very first Frozen show and everyone was FREEZING and leaving early. We were warm and cozy.
-That we participated in the FE gift exchange.
-I preshopped for souvenirs for DD and left them on her pillow (from different characters). She had no desire to buy anything in any of the stores. It saved tons of money.

I thought the magnets would be fun to do! I love an excuse to make a craft! Great tips, thanks!

I thought of something I would change. If we expressed that we liked something in the dining room, our servers would automatically bring out 2 or 3 additional servings. As an act of not being rude, we would stuff ourselves with food that was just "good". I gained SO much weight that my clothes did not fit by day 14. So...I would not eat extra food because I felt bad. I would only eat what I wanted and leave the rest.

I love food but I have NO desire to overdo it. At least now I don't. Maybe I'll go into a "massing" program (what weightlifters do to gain muscle and lift heavy) before the cruise, so then I'll have an excuse to carb load, ha!! I hear there's a gym on the ship...

Exactly this!!! We went into our first cruise blindly and it was WONDERFUL. I had no expectations (except knowing that the Disney brand was top-notch). I didn't stress about all the things everyone seems to post about on these boards over and over again (matching shirts, gift exchange, menus, etc.). Every part of the trip was perfectly magical. Now, 12 cruises later, I still enjoy everything as much but nothing will ever be as magical as our first cruise where I didn't know all of the ins and outs and surprises. The only things we knew going into our 1st cruise was:
1.) You will have the same servers each night and they will rotate to the 3 different main dining rooms with you nightly
2.) There will be an optional dress up night (my girls LOVED a reason to get dressed up)
3.) Staying on the ship in Nassau was a good option for 1st time cruisers since there was so much to do on board

I DO NOT want to know all the ins and outs, I wanna keep it a surprise for myself! I remember when I was in college, Disney was recruiting for the college program (1997 or 98) and talked about Animator's Palette, and I was *so* excited about it! Now I refuse to watch the videos or look at photos of the version on the Dream. I only got the planning DVD to get the boys excited about the trip, I barely looked at it!

Good to know about the servers! Now I know to establish a rapport the first time with them!

Thanks for the Nassau advice. It really doesn't sound like a place I'd be interested in going. A woman at work said she was nervous in the crowds there with her daughter who was a pre-teen when they cruised. She also said the shopping wasn't worth it and all of the stuff she saw was made in China, not local stuff. I figured we'd use that day as pool time.

 

[LizGirl]

We just returned from our first cruise voyage (ever!) on the Fantasy. We are also WDW fanatics but this trip is very different!

In the future I will:
1. Arrive at the port after the initial rush and closer to when staterooms are ready (1:30)
2. Have less carry on luggage and/or use only a bag I can carry on my back
3. Do less! We felt rushed the first few days trying to do everything. I will not make that mistake again. It got stressful for a minute.
4. Skip MDR dinner some nights. We felt obligated to attend and see our servers. Next time, we will take a couple of nights to eat room service or quick service on deck so we can enjoy our evening. Dinners were wonderful but they take up a ton of time. Sometimes it would be nice to just eat and go back on the AquaDuck!
5. Spend less time off the ship. We spent a ton of money trying to see Cozumel and Grand Cayman. I won't do that again in those ports. They are nice but we felt rushed. Castaway Cay is a different story! I will be off the boat earlier next time. It is beautiful.
6. Pack a shoulder bag for ship time. I was constantly juggling cameras and autograph books. I was trying to minimize packing but this item is critical.
7. We might skip formal night next time and I'll definitely skip wearing heels. I think the nicest I'll do next time is a sundress with sandals.

Happy planning!

 

[scgustafson]

I would have gone on a much longer cruise, possibly even a back-to-back. At the end of our 4-night, our daughter (8 at the time) cried uncontrollably from sadness while we waited for the rental car shuttle. My wife was doing her best to hold back her tears because she was just as sad that it was over. And this wasn't the end of our vacation, we still had 3 more days in Orlando to go to Kennedy Space Center and Universal Studios (they are both huge Harry Potter fans). On board, I wish I had spent more time doing activities with the Cruise Staff (the team that works for the Cruise Director running all of the family and adult activities), especially bingo. The Cruise Staff are great people that can do a lot to make your cruise far more enjoyable if you participate and interact with them.

 

[CScott095]

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?

So we are about to embark upon our 4th Disney Cruise so we have learned, but what I would do over again from the first is make every before/after dinner show, always sign up for the late dinner, buy the wine package, and pre-pay for photos.

 

[Beka]

We just returned from our first cruise voyage (ever!) on the Fantasy. We are also WDW fanatics but this trip is very different!

In the future I will:
1. Arrive at the port after the initial rush and closer to when staterooms are ready (1:30)
2. Have less carry on luggage and/or use only a bag I can carry on my back
3. Do less! We felt rushed the first few days trying to do everything. I will not make that mistake again. It got stressful for a minute.
4. Skip MDR dinner some nights. We felt obligated to attend and see our servers. Next time, we will take a couple of nights to eat room service or quick service on deck so we can enjoy our evening. Dinners were wonderful but they take up a ton of time. Sometimes it would be nice to just eat and go back on the AquaDuck!
5. Spend less time off the ship. We spent a ton of money trying to see Cozumel and Grand Cayman. I won't do that again in those ports. They are nice but we felt rushed. Castaway Cay is a different story! I will be off the boat earlier next time. It is beautiful.
6. Pack a shoulder bag for ship time. I was constantly juggling cameras and autograph books. I was trying to minimize packing but this item is critical.
7. We might skip formal night next time and I'll definitely skip wearing heels. I think the nicest I'll do next time is a sundress with sandals.

Happy planning!

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!

I would have gone on a much longer cruise, possibly even a back-to-back. At the end of our 4-night, our daughter (8 at the time) cried uncontrollably from sadness while we waited for the rental car shuttle. My wife was doing her best to hold back her tears because she was just as sad that it was over. And this wasn't the end of our vacation, we still had 3 more days in Orlando to go to Kennedy Space Center and Universal Studios (they are both huge Harry Potter fans). On board, I wish I had spent more time doing activities with the Cruise Staff (the team that works for the Cruise Director running all of the family and adult activities), especially bingo. The Cruise Staff are great people that can do a lot to make your cruise far more enjoyable if you participate and interact with them.

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

So we are about to embark upon our 4th Disney Cruise so we have learned, but what I would do over again from the first is make every before/after dinner show, always sign up for the late dinner, buy the wine package, and pre-pay for photos.

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.

 

[LizGirl]

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.

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.