Need Help, 1st Cruise on the Wonder Over Christmas

[blueshog2001]

I am trying to plan for my families first ever cruise. It is becoming a little over whelming. Any ideas or suggestions for excursions, shows, or even tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AJaquins]

The Wonder is a great 1st ship. That was our first also. We've never done a Christmas cruise but I can tell you you won't be able to do everything on the 1st cruise so don't stress yourself out. Everyone will have great suggestions though. We've always enjoyed Palo brunch, character interactions, and a cooking demonstration here and there.

We over planned our 1st cruise and didn't get to everything we wanted to do. We just made a resolution to do what we missed on the 2nd one. ️

 

[MPS516]

Does this mean you are sailing out of Galveston on the 7 night including Christmas Day ? Those ports are Nassau, Castaway Cay and Key West, is that yours ? What is the makeup of your traveling family ?

I would suggest that if you are doing an excursion in Nassau use DCL. Check out the Port Adventures under things to do and find something that sounds really good to you. On Castaway Cay, lots to do planned or unplanned. Snorkel the lagoon, swim, Pelican Plunge, Biking, billiards, ping-pong, other games in "da shade hut," beach, and lots to eat. If you are looking for greater activity they also have excursions on the port adventure site; parasailing, kayaking, sting ray encounter, fishing, jet bike, again, up to you. In Key West it is very easy to do a number of things on your own like the Conch Train tour around the City, Trolley Tour (hop on hop off), or walk on your own. There is a lot in the area of the ship dock and you can walk to Southernmost Point, Truman Little Whitehouse, Hemmingway House, Duvall Street, Mallory Square, again it is whatever may interest your family.

The shows on the ship are great and you will have the new Frozen, I would not miss any of the production shows. If you are brunch people, then a brunch at Palo is always good, adults only. Bring a couple of different color highlighters and when you receive your Navigator each evening go through it and highlight the different things people want to do. If you pressure yourself to do everything and run from one activity to the next it is less relaxing, enjoy what you wish and don't forget to include some down time. Again, not knowing what "family" is, hard to breakdown clubs or activities, but if you do have kids, the clubs have always been great experiences for our DD's.

Most importantly, when checking in on line, sign up for as much as you can get out of the way there. Then when waiting in Port to board, read the navigator and see where Aboard you are to go and sign up for the other things you need to sign up for. These are things like certain character meet and greet, Palo, extra excursions, tastings, tours (if offered) and so on.

 

[blueshog2001]

It is myself, DW, and DD 15. We are traveling with another family that have 3 younger children under the age of 8. Where is this Port Adventure site you are talking about? The adults are planning on enjoying Palo. And yes it is the Christmas Cruise including Christmas. I really appreciate the help.

 

[MPS516]

On the DCL site go to Things to Do, near the bottom of the pull down menu you will see port adventures. When you expand Bahamas you will see lots of options. Filter with your ports to see what is offered.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

My best suggestion is to have your DD go to the club the very first evening when they do the icebreakers and get to know each other. Friendships form that first evening.

My other advice is to read these boards faithfully and do searches on other things you are interested in and try to learn all you can. But do not stress or get overwhelmed! There is a lot you can learn that will help enhance your experience but if you don't do another thing, you will STILL have a great time!

I am excited for you! Our first cruise was on the Wonder and oh how I love that ship!!