Just wanted to give a few other tips to those first time cruisers...if you get at all motion sick I would advise beginning medication that morning. Everything is great when you get on board, but once you start moving you can feel it! (Trust me, I am very sensitive to that sort of thing and have spent many first nights in the cabin sick!) My kids are usually okay. They do have free medication down in the medic area. You can help yourself to the packaged tablets they have out.
I think someone might have mentioned this, but do pack a travel bag with a swimsuit, sunblock etc. as your suitcases may not arrive until later in the day. Plus if it is warm you will want to enjoy the pools right away! (it is the first thing our family does!)
They have really nice large showers that you can use in the spa. My friend and I discovered this in August when we sailed. We didn't have any treatments done, but just used the showers and locker room to get ready in.
This left our cabin a little less crowded at the pre-dinner rush to get ready.
On the day you leave the ship you will have an assigned breakfast time. (Early if you have early seating and later if you have later seating) However, Beach and Blanket (whick is like the Topsiders of the 7 night cruise) is open with all the same foods. We have always had early dinner and so early breakfast, but we choose to sleep an extra hour and eat at Beach and Blanket. Just a thought for you late nighters! Just don't forget to say good bye to your servers the evening before!
Get your kids involved early! The graduation they do on the last day with lots of photos of the kids is very memorable for those with young children. Yes, I cried each time my girls participated! (of course so did have the audience!) They also get a t-shirt which my girls always had their counselors and friends sign.
I don't know quite how Disney does it, but it is magical from the time you step on the ship until the time you step off. Leaving is the hardest part (unless you take advantage of the onboard discount for booking another cruise! Get those dates ready!) Looking forward to those warm ocean breezes!
Mary
Almost done with most of the house stuff -- except for packing! So now -- pack for the trip!
Yeah, Kate. Nat has chorus rehearsal all week and no time for a haircut. She's really bummed. I will get a pedicure, but she might not be able to either -- even more needed than the hair!
