We just got off our first DCL cruise yesterday (Magic, W. Carrib.) and I have to say we loved it! The only problems we had were caused by our own sometimes high-maintenance children, but that's another story.
Anyway, since I got so much great advice from all of you veteran cruisers before we went, I thought I'd throw out two quick hints that I didn't see listed elsewhere (not that others might not have already known them).
1. Bring a water proof watch. I found only one small clock by the Mickey pool and none by the goofy pool, so I was frequently sneaking peeks at other people's watches. I also could have really used one for our day at CC, which has no clocks.
2. Beware of the humidity for little ones who aren't used to it. Living in California, our kids had never been in humidity for any extended time. DS3, who has asthma, found it particularly tough. After being ashore for 45 minutes, he was already panting and ready to fall asleep right in the middle of the street. When we saw a ship doctor for another reason, he suggested that before our next excursion we have room service bring Pedialyte pops for both kids (DD7, too) and have them eat them before going ashore. I think it helped. Who would have even thought to ask room service for Pedialyte pops!
Oh, one more thing, late dining is better. If your kids are so young that you worry about them eating that late, you probably don't want to eat with them anyway
Our kids were starving early, so they were just as happy to grab something with us on Deck 9 at 5:30 or 6 and then hang out in the Oceaneer Club while we ate.
Anyway, I have so many other things to say, but I will reserve them for a trip report, which I will post in the next few days.
I wish I were going back soon!
Anyway, since I got so much great advice from all of you veteran cruisers before we went, I thought I'd throw out two quick hints that I didn't see listed elsewhere (not that others might not have already known them).
1. Bring a water proof watch. I found only one small clock by the Mickey pool and none by the goofy pool, so I was frequently sneaking peeks at other people's watches. I also could have really used one for our day at CC, which has no clocks.
2. Beware of the humidity for little ones who aren't used to it. Living in California, our kids had never been in humidity for any extended time. DS3, who has asthma, found it particularly tough. After being ashore for 45 minutes, he was already panting and ready to fall asleep right in the middle of the street. When we saw a ship doctor for another reason, he suggested that before our next excursion we have room service bring Pedialyte pops for both kids (DD7, too) and have them eat them before going ashore. I think it helped. Who would have even thought to ask room service for Pedialyte pops!
Oh, one more thing, late dining is better. If your kids are so young that you worry about them eating that late, you probably don't want to eat with them anyway
Our kids were starving early, so they were just as happy to grab something with us on Deck 9 at 5:30 or 6 and then hang out in the Oceaneer Club while we ate.Anyway, I have so many other things to say, but I will reserve them for a trip report, which I will post in the next few days.
I wish I were going back soon!
Glad you enjoyed your first cruise!
