Just Booked 1st DCL - Questions...Help!

[Duke07]

I just booked my first ever DCL on the Wish for this June and I'm surprised how confusing the planning process is.

The app is not very intuitive and I can't seem to figure out how to book anything (aside from dining which seems to have a countdown timer to when my booking window opens).

Can someone please explain the process for booking activities, including kid's activities, daycare, shows, excursions, etc?

Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

Can someone please explain the process for booking activities, including kid's activities, daycare, shows, excursions, etc?

There isn't a lot that needs to be booked in advance -- most of what you list above is not booked.

• Port Excursions -- as a new DCL cruiser you can book these at 75 days prior to embarkation.
• Adult Dining -- also booked at 75 days prior to embarkation. Note that you will be assigned a dining rotation for the Main Dining Rooms (MDRs) and the extra-charge adult dining is optional.
• Shows -- automatically assigned to the show opposite your dining time, if you have late dining you'll see the early show and vice versa; there may be an occasional matinee showing that anyone can attend, also you can attend the "other" show time if you decide to do something different for dinner any given evening
• kids activities -- except for the nursery, the kids' programs are open for drop-in and are not booked in advance; if you have a child under age 3, you can pre-book a limited number of nursery hours during your onboard booking window (75 days prior to embarkation) - note there is an additional charge for the nursery
• daycare -- there is no babysitting or daycare service offered other than the respective kids' clubs (Small World Nursery, Oceaneers Club and Lab, Edge, Vibe).

There are a few other activities that can be booked in advance -- adult "tastings", spa, special character greetings (regular character greetings occur daily and do not require pre-booking), etc. I think all are at the 75-day window for new cruisers.

 

[NAB]

You don’t have to reserve kid’s activities unless it is Princess gathering. The activities will show up in your app once on board.

Dining other than if you are going to Palo or Remey which are extra .Than you wait for your 130 days. Other wise in your app again will list your dining . It will show which one you are in for that night. Dining team follows you and will be at the same table each night. Breakfast and lunch will be the buffet, or they will have one sit down restaurant open again will say in the app. Or you can do the pool deck places. Also room service , soda and alcohol extra.

They have 2 times for shows one is while first dining is eating than second is for the first dining. Saying this you can go to either if you don’t go to the dining room during one. The pictures in the atrium works the same way they are out for the first diners before dinner since they usually go to the show after but . Anyone can line up for the. When ever though.

 

[Dug720]

Remind me again...is it when the clock turns to midnight Eastern on the day for Booking? So like if my booking window starts May 12 it's when the clock turns midnight and it becomes May 12? I know I'm overthinking.

And check-in is midnight the day it turns to the 30th day before the cruise?

 

[MomOTwins]

Remind me again...is it when the clock turns to midnight Eastern on the day for Booking? So like if my booking window starts May 12 it's when the clock turns midnight and it becomes May 12? I know I'm overthinking.

And check-in is midnight the day it turns to the 30th day before the cruise?

Correct

 

[Dug720]

Correct

Thank you! It's been a while.

 

[kiford]

The app is not very intuitive and I can't seem to figure out how to book anything (aside from dining which seems to have a countdown timer to when my booking window opens).

Booking isn't done on the app (unless you're on the ship). It has very limited functionality until you're on board. You'll book everything through the website, and it will appear in your app if relevant once you've connected to the wifi on the ship (we were actually able to connect once we were in the port terminal).

 

[Duke07]

Thanks everyone. So, the app is basically useless prior to boarding except for some general info.

Am I correct that once you're within the booking window, then the available options such as the nursery, activties like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and excursions will appear for selection? I don't see those on the site now (but I'm not within my booking window).

 

[Calantha]

Am I correct that once you're within the booking window, then the available options such as the nursery, activties like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and excursions will appear for selection? I don't see those on the site now (but I'm not within my booking window).

Correct, there will be a new button on your reservation page that lets you select the excursions, onboard, activities, etc.

 

[Duke07]

The check-in process becomes available 30 days out and that partially determines when your boarding group will be? If so, do you need documentation for that (kid's birth certificate or otherwise)?

 

[Louise97]

Thanks everyone. So, the app is basically useless prior to boarding except for some general info.

Am I correct that once you're within the booking window, then the available options such as the nursery, activties like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and excursions will appear for selection? I don't see those on the site now (but I'm not within my booking window).

Once your booking window opens you'll be able to book the same activities in the app as you can on the website. On the "My Plans" page there will be an "Add Activities" option when you're able to book. I used the website to book when the window opened but I check the app every so often to see what's available.

 

[lanejudy]

The check-in process becomes available 30 days out and that partially determines when your boarding group will be? If so, do you need documentation for that (kid's birth certificate or otherwise)?

You will need to upload photos/scans of your documentation (passports, birth certificates, etc.) to complete the online check-in at 30-days prior to embarkation. This thread may be helpful: https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-do-i-need-to-have-prepared-for-online-check-in.3885775/

 

[auntlynne]

 

[Duke07]

You will need to upload photos/scans of your documentation (passports, birth certificates, etc.) to complete the online check-in at 30-days prior to embarkation. This thread may be helpful: https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-do-i-need-to-have-prepared-for-online-check-in.3885775/

Wow...you need a passport and a birth certificate? Also that check in process seems absurdly elaborate!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wow...you need a passport and a birth certificate? Also that check in process seems absurdly elaborate!

I believe lanejudy was just giving examples of the necessary documents. If you have passports, you don't need your birth certificates.

 

[lanejudy]

Passport OR a birth certificate plus gov’t issued ID (ID only needed for age 16+).

Also a selfie photo for each guest, different from the passport photo. This will be used as your cruise ID and appears in the DCL system anytime a CM scans your KTTW card (such as buying a drink, souvenirs, debark/embark on port, etc.).

All citizenship documents are now checked electronically as part of online check-in rather than at embarkation.

 

[Duke07]

Passport OR a birth certificate plus gov’t issued ID (ID only needed for age 16+).

Also a selfie photo for each guest, different from the passport photo. This will be used as your cruise ID and appears in the DCL system anytime a CM scans your KTTW card (such as buying a drink, souvenirs, debark/embark on port, etc.).

All citizenship documents are now checked electronically as part of online check-in rather than at embarkation.

Thanks...I guess it's the selfie photo that threw me off a bit as I've never seen anything like that (but I'm new to cruising).

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks...I guess it's the selfie photo that threw me off a bit as I've never seen anything like that (but I'm new to cruising).

They used to take your picture at the port when you checked in that was what showed up when the CMs onboard swipe your KTTW card. That part of the check in is now supplied by you during the online check in. That said, if the photo you supply during online check in doesn't meet their criteria, they will re-take it at the port when you do the (now quicker) check in.

 

[lanejudy]

Thanks...I guess it's the selfie photo that threw me off a bit as I've never seen anything like that (but I'm new to cruising).

They used to take your picture at the port during embarkation check-in and create your card on the spot. Since Covid it’s done in advance with a photo you provide.

Oops! Shmoo types faster than me!

 

[EddieK76]

The check-in process becomes available 30 days out and that partially determines when your boarding group will be? If so, do you need documentation for that (kid's birth certificate or otherwise)?

You'll need either Passports, or if 16 and older ID/Birth Certificate or under 16 birth cert.
You'll also need a selfie from the shoulders and above with a plain background.

Congrats and you'll enjoy the cruise!