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

[PrincessShmoo]

About the only change I would make to our first cruise is - I wouldn't get sunburned the first day out (snorkeling at Castaway Cay).

 

[kiapepito]

Our first cruise was this past July and we booked our trip a year in advance so that gave me plenty of time to do research as I have to do research so that I feel we are getting our value, time and money's worth. I had spreadsheets and all! After the trip was over, my mother in law asked me if I was disappointed in anything because of so much research and I was not. I felt like I was on top of everything like little quirks that others on the trip were not aware of.

I had read to take drink carriers to get soda. That is the only thing on the list that we never needed so I know next time two less things to travel with! The one regret we have is not booking an excursion in Jamaica after reading what a bad place it was. Totally wish we had not listened because we loved going beyond the port gate! In fact, we went back on the boat to see if there were any other excursions for the day. Nope! Darn!

My husband and I did not do Remy or Palo and had no interest in doing it at the time. Now, for our next cruise, we'll be booking Palo Brunch!

Embarkation day we arrived to port and were on the boat by exactly noon. We changed into our bathing suits in the bathroom and were the first ones in the pool and on the aqua duck! We then had lunch and then headed over to our rooms at exactly 1:30 pm. It was all perfect timing!

Will our second cruise be researched extensively like the first? Not at all.. to that extent, but it is a very merry cruise so a little research will go into it although I have already started! Lol!

I also packed a curling iron but learned quite quickly that my hair was constantly wet because of being in the ocean or in a pool, so I wore braids and updo's the entire trip!

As someone previously mentioned, researching different websites is very helpful!

My husband was even surprised at how much I knew before even setting foot on the boat and has told many people that if they want to learn about Disney Cruising, then to talk to me. Ha!

The one thing that I did love the most were the mornings that we pulled into ports! We were the first in the pools and on the aqua duck and swam for about an hour. We then went back to our room, changed and then got off the boat to explore. Amazing! We also then avoided the pools and aqua duck on sea days!

The only excursions that we booked were on CC. We walked around Cozumel and had researched where to find Kinder eggs for our girls. That was our number one priority! It's okay, I'm mexican and have been to mexico plenty of times.. hahaha..

In Grand Cayman, we purchased a day pass at the The Westin Hotel and had such a wonderful time enjoying the private beach which included a room to take a bath and change.

I'll tell you one thing for sure! There has not been one single day since our cruise in July that not one of us in the family mentions the trip in one way or another. It left such a profound happy impact on our family that I will treasure as well as the rest of us for the rest of our lives. I also made our trip into a home movie and we watch it various times every month! We can't wait for the next one!

 

[Starwind]

DCL has reasonable prices on laundry IMO

And laundry rooms where one can do one's own if one wishes. IIRC it is $2 per washer or per dryer cycle. The washer tells you how much time is left, so I set my smartphone alarm to a few minutes before that so I can be there about when it ends.

SW

 

[Starwind]

A few of the things we did differently for our later cruises as a result of our experience on our first cruise (which was a 4 night on the Dream):

- Arrive at the port as early as possible. Our first cruise we took DCL transfers from the WDW hotel, arriving around 1 pm. This made things like lunch in the MDR impossible and checking in with the dining services room really rushed. We ended up in cabanas, which while it worked out ok, is not a bright idea for someone with multiple food allergies. In fact, my sister had an allergic reaction from eating at Cabanas later in the cruise [we had an emergency visit to the very nice medical center]. Our second cruise we used a car service which got us there before noon. The last cruise (B2B on the Dream) and for future cruises, we stay 2 nights at WDW resort of choice, then the evening of the last day take the Magical Express bus to the airport and check in to the Hyatt in the airport. We then get on the first or second DCL bus out of the airport in the morning. This gets us in nicely early, lets us get what we want done [at the least: meeting dining team and confirm allergies and such; eat lunch in MDR; get rainforest room length of cruise pass(es); maybe get a tour in].

- Get Rainforest Room length of cruise pass at least for me. I fell in love with the RR on our second cruise, on the Fantasy. Especially the heated chairs. If they ONLY had the heated chairs I would still buy a pass. Absolutely wonderful and for me worth every penny. My sister is not as enamoured so she might not go at all or just get a one day pass.

- now that they have the app, use it to find out when later occurrences of an event are. E.g. the various tours are usually also offered on later days, so if you miss one on the first day, you can find out when it is on later day(s).

SW

 

[sandydk]

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.

Thanks for this. I just rearranged our itinerary because of this suggestion, and I'm completely relieved!

 

[richkaryn]

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.

Yes! This!! We took DS on his first cruise (and our first DCL, as well as our first cruise in 11 years) for his 7th bday/Christmas present (he's a December baby). Followed it with 2 days at WDW since we'd never been during the holiday season. We all decided that we did that backwards b/c we went from being so relaxed on our short 3 night cruise (wasn't sure how DS would do so kept short) then went commando in the parks for 2 days, then drove home. We were exhausted. Definitely parks first if we ever do a combo again.

 

[DisneyConvert]

Hmmm. Well DW is Platinum and my son and I will probably never catch up as I prefer the more interesting itineraries and my wife will do 3-days to Nassau/CCay at the drop of a Mickey-eared hat. We have our preferences that's for sure.

We like 2nd seating as the late supper becomes our evening's entertainment and we often only see the short lounge act right afterwards, before turning in (We are not big party-ers). Palo is worthwhile at least once/cruise as the food/service experience is a treat at a very moderate "up" charge (there are almost always resv's available later in the cruise). Getting up early allows one to enjoy the ship with only a few dozen other people, walk around, FOB meeting, early breakfast at Cabana's, etc. Getting up early when docking at CCay is a sight to behold - like the old circus trains, everything gets unloaded in an orderly procession!

Tours of the ship are good fun and meeting and getting to know as many of the CM's as possible, especially on longer cruises, is highly recommended! They are amazing people and sometimes remember us if we go back on the same ship within a year! The character "helpers" are fun to talk to and give us some insight into the magic as well.

We don't do excursions, but we do research via TripAdvisor, bring maps, and make plans to tour cities via walking, transit and taxi's/Uber. More flexibility, see more, save $$'s. Nassau is probably not worth it and a great time to explore the ship. Drinking cups for soda, plenty of single $1's, and a few laundry pods are a good idea. Bring your own favorite drinks on board too if you can manage it per the rules. Binoculars can be good for stargazing on night, or shore-gazing as one enters/leaves a port or passes another ship.

Like the parks, a smile and a positive attitude of "what's the next magical thing that might happen" goes a long, long way.

 

[Beka]

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%.

Good thought! We'll be cruising in Feb, and the weather could go either way!

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.

Oooooooooooh! Gotcha! Is there a DISboards sticker for this?

About the only change I would make to our first cruise is - I wouldn't get sunburned the first day out (snorkeling at Castaway Cay).

I burn so easily! I plan to bring plenty of sunscreen!

 

[Beka]

Our first cruise was this past July and we booked our trip a year in advance so that gave me plenty of time to do research as I have to do research so that I feel we are getting our value, time and money's worth. I had spreadsheets and all! After the trip was over, my mother in law asked me if I was disappointed in anything because of so much research and I was not. I felt like I was on top of everything like little quirks that others on the trip were not aware of.

I had read to take drink carriers to get soda. That is the only thing on the list that we never needed so I know next time two less things to travel with! The one regret we have is not booking an excursion in Jamaica after reading what a bad place it was. Totally wish we had not listened because we loved going beyond the port gate! In fact, we went back on the boat to see if there were any other excursions for the day. Nope! Darn!

My husband and I did not do Remy or Palo and had no interest in doing it at the time. Now, for our next cruise, we'll be booking Palo Brunch!

Embarkation day we arrived to port and were on the boat by exactly noon. We changed into our bathing suits in the bathroom and were the first ones in the pool and on the aqua duck! We then had lunch and then headed over to our rooms at exactly 1:30 pm. It was all perfect timing!

Will our second cruise be researched extensively like the first? Not at all.. to that extent, but it is a very merry cruise so a little research will go into it although I have already started! Lol!

I also packed a curling iron but learned quite quickly that my hair was constantly wet because of being in the ocean or in a pool, so I wore braids and updo's the entire trip!

As someone previously mentioned, researching different websites is very helpful!

My husband was even surprised at how much I knew before even setting foot on the boat and has told many people that if they want to learn about Disney Cruising, then to talk to me. Ha!

The one thing that I did love the most were the mornings that we pulled into ports! We were the first in the pools and on the aqua duck and swam for about an hour. We then went back to our room, changed and then got off the boat to explore. Amazing! We also then avoided the pools and aqua duck on sea days!

The only excursions that we booked were on CC. We walked around Cozumel and had researched where to find Kinder eggs for our girls. That was our number one priority! It's okay, I'm mexican and have been to mexico plenty of times.. hahaha..

In Grand Cayman, we purchased a day pass at the The Westin Hotel and had such a wonderful time enjoying the private beach which included a room to take a bath and change.

I'll tell you one thing for sure! There has not been one single day since our cruise in July that not one of us in the family mentions the trip in one way or another. It left such a profound happy impact on our family that I will treasure as well as the rest of us for the rest of our lives. I also made our trip into a home movie and we watch it various times every month! We can't wait for the next one!

I want to do enough research to be prepared, but I don't want to spoil any surprises. I know that balance can be achieved!

I'll ask DH if he wants to do Remy or Palo. I'm almost certain he will.

Great tips! So glad you had a wonderful cruise!

 

[Flossbolna]

I burn so easily! I plan to bring plenty of sunscreen!

If you plan on doing snorkeling, I would recommend getting a rash guard with UV protection. I found that snorkeling is the best way to get as much sun as possible on your back and sunburn is just no fun.

 

[TestingH2O]

want to do enough research to be prepared, but I don't want to spoil any surprises. I know that balance can be achieved!

I achieved this balance by taking a break from planning in the middle of my waiting. The first part of the time I was so overwhelmed by the amount of information out there that I was barely grasping the basics (what's included, what are the restaurants, etc.)

Then, I picked back up again right before our booking window opened. Then I stepped away and picked up again about a month before we cruised. Because there's so much information out there, just taking breaks will limit what you have time to learn.

Also, I was ok with knowing some stuff and watching my family be surprised.

 

[TheHippie524]

If you plan on doing snorkeling, I would recommend getting a rash guard with UV protection. I found that snorkeling is the best way to get as much sun as possible on your back and sunburn is just no fun.

OH THIS! DEFFF this!!! Couple years ago, I was snorkeling (4 day on the dream) at CC, and I stupidly didn't even have a tshirt on, and I BURNED. Like back of my legs, my whole back and ohhh it was bad. Couldn't sit for more than a couple minutes, because I would warm up the seat that bad lmfao.

 

[Beka]

A few of the things we did differently for our later cruises as a result of our experience on our first cruise (which was a 4 night on the Dream):

- Arrive at the port as early as possible. Our first cruise we took DCL transfers from the WDW hotel, arriving around 1 pm. This made things like lunch in the MDR impossible and checking in with the dining services room really rushed. We ended up in cabanas, which while it worked out ok, is not a bright idea for someone with multiple food allergies. In fact, my sister had an allergic reaction from eating at Cabanas later in the cruise [we had an emergency visit to the very nice medical center]. Our second cruise we used a car service which got us there before noon. The last cruise (B2B on the Dream) and for future cruises, we stay 2 nights at WDW resort of choice, then the evening of the last day take the Magical Express bus to the airport and check in to the Hyatt in the airport. We then get on the first or second DCL bus out of the airport in the morning. This gets us in nicely early, lets us get what we want done [at the least: meeting dining team and confirm allergies and such; eat lunch in MDR; get rainforest room length of cruise pass(es); maybe get a tour in].

- Get Rainforest Room length of cruise pass at least for me. I fell in love with the RR on our second cruise, on the Fantasy. Especially the heated chairs. If they ONLY had the heated chairs I would still buy a pass. Absolutely wonderful and for me worth every penny. My sister is not as enamoured so she might not go at all or just get a one day pass.

- now that they have the app, use it to find out when later occurrences of an event are. E.g. the various tours are usually also offered on later days, so if you miss one on the first day, you can find out when it is on later day(s).

SW

Thankfully no food allergies for us! Until this thread I had no idea the MDR was open for lunch the first day!

What's the Rainforest Room?

I've already downloaded the app, I'm so excited!

 

[Beka]

If you plan on doing snorkeling, I would recommend getting a rash guard with UV protection. I found that snorkeling is the best way to get as much sun as possible on your back and sunburn is just no fun.

Rash guard? What's this? DH had an allergic reaction to the sun 2 summers ago, so I really want to avoid that!

I achieved this balance by taking a break from planning in the middle of my waiting. The first part of the time I was so overwhelmed by the amount of information out there that I was barely grasping the basics (what's included, what are the restaurants, etc.)

Then, I picked back up again right before our booking window opened. Then I stepped away and picked up again about a month before we cruised. Because there's so much information out there, just taking breaks will limit what you have time to learn.

Also, I was ok with knowing some stuff and watching my family be surprised.

Great idea! Then I also won't burn out before the trip begins!

 

[Beka]

OH THIS! DEFFF this!!! Couple years ago, I was snorkeling (4 day on the dream) at CC, and I stupidly didn't even have a tshirt on, and I BURNED. Like back of my legs, my whole back and ohhh it was bad. Couldn't sit for more than a couple minutes, because I would warm up the seat that lmfao.

That sounds like something I would do! Every time I go to Cocoa Beach I burn so bad I blister!

 

[scgustafson]

Rash guard? What's this? DH had an allergic reaction to the sun 2 summers ago, so I really want to avoid that!

Here you go: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rash_guard

 

[Flossbolna]

Rash guard? What's this? DH had an allergic reaction to the sun 2 summers ago, so I really want to avoid that!

A t-shirt made out of swimsuit material. There might be a different name for it, I am not sure since English is not my first language.

And I have been there with the allergic reaction to sun as well. Very nasty!! So, if he is prone to that and plans to spend a lot of time in the ocean, then by all means get one of those! I would make sure to get one with UPF 50 - and still add sun screen underneath.

 

[TestingH2O]

Rash guard? What's this? DH had an allergic reaction to the sun 2 summers ago, so I really want to avoid that!

DH was skeptical, but I got him one from lands end. He wore it one day and not the next. Guess who had to find aloe for his rosy shoulders on day 2?

 

[bumbershoot]

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

First cruise was fine.

First Disney cruise wasn't, because I didn't read the Navigator thoroughly, and I missed key info because of it. Read it! Make time for it! It's important.

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!

Hmm.

Cruises, to me, are planned in 15 minute increments, ESPECIALLY Disney cruises. Because that's how often activities are starting. It's hard enough with a family of 3 but if you get more people with interests into the mix it gets more complicated.

Cruises are lovely, but there is So Much going on that IMO it requires MORE planning than Disney, and you have to do it on the fly.

She also said the shopping wasn't worth it and all of the stuff she saw was made in China, not local stuff.

Did she stop in the place right AT the port? Or did she leave the port, walk a few minutes, and go into the straw market? It's entirely possible the actual straw market has made in china stuff as well, but I'm *sure* the place that's part of the port does.

They do come and get your kids from the late dinner seating.

They meet at the front of the restaurant. They do not come in. You need to take your kids out. And you need to tell your server of your plans to have the kids take part in it, so they can serve the kids quickly. It's best if the kids are ordering just off the kid menu for this.

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

As many as you feel like carrying until the rooms open up.

NOT CHOOSE CARNIVAL!

And yet there are tons of others who are 100% happy with their choice of Carnival.

I need to remember that we aren't staying in a condo this time and can't do laundry each night!

Sure you can. It won't be free like in a condo, but DCL has laundry rooms.

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.

No, just if you take the bottle to the dining room.

I'm glad you mentioned the snorkel! Will they let us use our own at Castaway Cay?

Yes. But everyone needs to wear the bright yellow vest while snorkeling, which they'll lend you free.

If you plan on doing snorkeling, I would recommend getting a rash guard with UV protection. I found that snorkeling is the best way to get as much sun as possible on your back and sunburn is just no fun.

YES.

What's the Rainforest Room?

I think you need to study up just a teensy bit more.



I personally don't understand what *magic* there might be on a cruise ship. Cruise ship employees tend to work hard and tend to treat their guests very well. (the fact that most employees are paid almost entirely in tips helps with this) There are things going on at almost every moment. There's a lot of stuff going on. Perhaps some people feel that things happening inside of all this are magic; I'm not one. And I don't see how researching something can make it less magical.

For me I dislike the introduction thing, and once I found out that you CAN skip it (found out by researching) we did that, and we're happier for it.

And I dislike finding out that I missed something because I stopped researching. Like the "play and dine" thing. I totally thought that they would *come in and get the kids*, because it just made sense, and then because I didn't read the Navigators. Our first Disney cruise was a 3 nighter. First night wondered what happened. Second night forgot about it. Third night decided I must have missed something, and we were all enjoying dinners anyway, so I ignored the concept. Got home, was reading the Navigators at last, and there it was. That they meet outside the restaurants at x time. Of course, we were all still eating at that time, so it would have *changed* the way we had dinner if we had really wanted him to go to the kid club during dinner.

 

[TeaBee]

DH was skeptical, but I got him one from lands end. He wore it one day and not the next. Guess who had to find aloe for his rosy shoulders on day 2?

I wear a long sleeve rash guard from Lands End and it helps SO much. I burn really easily and it was nice to not have to constantly worry about my back when I was snorkeling. I saw so many sunburned backs at Castaway Cay, I felt terrible for everyone and the miserable rest of their trips.