Hey everyone! I'm getting excited but not yet into the full planning mode yet. My SIL and her family will leave my house today and MIL will leave tomorrow. Once I get my house back to myself and in somewhat order, I will be focusing on the cruise. I'm going to make some door magnets and not too sure what else.
Stacey, I thought I would try to answer your questions to the best of my ability. I've only been on DCL once but have been on 4 other cruises.
1. What suggestions do you have for the carry on bags? Anything that you thought of "after the fact" that you'll be sure to remember this time? One thing we have learned from cruising is not to overpack. Now, this is easy for me being a flight attendant, I do this all of the time. But some say a good rule of thumb is to pack and then take out half of it. In our carry on bag we will have bathing suits, all medications, jewelry, wine, extra shorts and shirt, sunscreen, camera's and door decorations. That is all coming to mind right now but I'm sure I'll think of more. A few things that I don't leave home without packing is over the door shoe holder, extension cord, hair dryer, strip plug, highlighters, post it notes, all of the Dis info that I have printed out, etc.
2. Anyone know if the Magic is still doing the Tropicalli night? I thought I heard that it was phased out/replaced with a Pirate night. I believe we are doing pirate night but not too confidant. Anyone else know for sure?
3. Has anyone ever used "safe sea" sunscreen? It was recommended in the Passporter as it has an anti-stinging agent to keep away stinging sea creatures. I have never used this but intended to bring some myself. I'm glad you reminded me of this. Does anyone know where to purchase this stuff?
4. I was looking over the options for reservations that need to be made the first day and am really torn on whether or not to plan a visit to Palo? Is it better to schedule later in the week? Since this is our first DC, I want to be sure that we experience the regular restaurants --or is there one worth skipping for Palo? We personally try not to schedule Palo during the first 3 nights so we can enjoy each restuarant at least once. Especially the first night at Animator's.
5. I read about decorations that you can bring to decorate your state room door? I'm guessing, from what I've read, that the doors are magnetic. Anyone ever done this? What decorations did you put up? Yes, the doors are magnetic. No problem there. My DF that is traveling w/ us will be bringing b/day decorations for her DS. He turns 5 on Thur. during the cruise. I read somewhere you can ask your stateroom host to hang them for you. I'd just give them some $ on the spot.
6. Has anyone done the dolphin/sting ray excursion? We're signed up for this, but just wondering what your thoughts are on this. DH and I have done this on another cruise while in Grand Cayman. We loved it. Maybe someone else has experience w/ this excursion on the Eastern cruise.
Lisa, I've never put a DIS meet together before but will try. Brack, let me know what you think.
Staci T.
Stacey, I thought I would try to answer your questions to the best of my ability. I've only been on DCL once but have been on 4 other cruises.
1. What suggestions do you have for the carry on bags? Anything that you thought of "after the fact" that you'll be sure to remember this time? One thing we have learned from cruising is not to overpack. Now, this is easy for me being a flight attendant, I do this all of the time. But some say a good rule of thumb is to pack and then take out half of it. In our carry on bag we will have bathing suits, all medications, jewelry, wine, extra shorts and shirt, sunscreen, camera's and door decorations. That is all coming to mind right now but I'm sure I'll think of more. A few things that I don't leave home without packing is over the door shoe holder, extension cord, hair dryer, strip plug, highlighters, post it notes, all of the Dis info that I have printed out, etc.
2. Anyone know if the Magic is still doing the Tropicalli night? I thought I heard that it was phased out/replaced with a Pirate night. I believe we are doing pirate night but not too confidant. Anyone else know for sure?
3. Has anyone ever used "safe sea" sunscreen? It was recommended in the Passporter as it has an anti-stinging agent to keep away stinging sea creatures. I have never used this but intended to bring some myself. I'm glad you reminded me of this. Does anyone know where to purchase this stuff?
4. I was looking over the options for reservations that need to be made the first day and am really torn on whether or not to plan a visit to Palo? Is it better to schedule later in the week? Since this is our first DC, I want to be sure that we experience the regular restaurants --or is there one worth skipping for Palo? We personally try not to schedule Palo during the first 3 nights so we can enjoy each restuarant at least once. Especially the first night at Animator's.
5. I read about decorations that you can bring to decorate your state room door? I'm guessing, from what I've read, that the doors are magnetic. Anyone ever done this? What decorations did you put up? Yes, the doors are magnetic. No problem there. My DF that is traveling w/ us will be bringing b/day decorations for her DS. He turns 5 on Thur. during the cruise. I read somewhere you can ask your stateroom host to hang them for you. I'd just give them some $ on the spot.
6. Has anyone done the dolphin/sting ray excursion? We're signed up for this, but just wondering what your thoughts are on this. DH and I have done this on another cruise while in Grand Cayman. We loved it. Maybe someone else has experience w/ this excursion on the Eastern cruise.
Lisa, I've never put a DIS meet together before but will try. Brack, let me know what you think.
Staci T.
, just wanted to write and say thanks to all the welcomes from fellow cruisers. Still have not recieved our docs yet 
will they ever come?!?!??!
....so many decisions...shorts on embarkation day or capris 
