New Cruisers feeling overwhelmed

[ctpooh]

Hi guys, new to the cruise line thread but not to the boards.. Used to being in the camping threads.. We just booked a 5 night cruise for April 2015 with DU travel and have Kathy Werling as our agent. I feel bad and don't want to annoy here but we feel so lost as we have NEVER cruised before and we will be cruising with our 4 and 5 year old at sailing time. So many questions concerns, feeling very overwhelmed. Any tips or pointers we are sailing out of Miami. Thanks!

 

[DreamBound23]

Well you certainly found the right place! Spend some time reading the boards and if you have any questions, shoot away! We are going on our 3rd cruise in April. You are going to love it!

And don't feel like a pest! That's what the travel agent is there for and they are very helpful!

Off topic...we are campers too (it's our 1st year) and I was hoping you could let me know of any good camping boards?

 

[lbgraves]

Welcome to the cruise board! That is a very open-ended request and it isn't possible for anyone to answer without knowing specifics about your traveling group and itinerary. The best way to start your planning is to read through the FAQ thread for this forum. Next read the first 4-5 pages of posts. This will give you the basics and the most discussed topics. You will have questions of your own from these, so then post on those threads or start one of your own if you have a specific question about something not on those first few pages.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

 

[Shea&Van]

Hi there!

I just wanted to say "hi" and I can totally relate. Our family is brand new to cruising as well and my head is spinning. The good news is that we have plenty of time to learn all about the wonderful world of DCL

We are doing a 5-night out of Miami on the Wonder and can't wait!! I'm looking forward to hearing any tips for newbie cruisers out of Miami.

For example, transport to/from port to airport, local hotel recommendations, advice for things to do near port (will prob come in a day or two early), and really any other tips.

Have a super weekend DisPals!!

 

[Seamama]

It's overwhelming at first but just keep reading posts on these boards and after awhile it all "clicks"! Suddenly, you'll hit this point where most of it makes sense and for the things that don't, you'll have specific questions. People on here are awesome about responding quickly to all kinds of questions- from the mundane to the unusual/uncommon! Just give yourself a little time on here and you'll be an expert in no time!

 

[lbgraves]

I get the best results from the search feature by doing an advanced search in titles only. Doing this for Miami brings up several pages of threads with info, two started today. Here are some to get you started.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3220190&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3220151&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3218791&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3216019&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3217089&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3215794&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3214758&highlight=miami
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3166333&highlight=miami

 

[mdvlprof]

OP - Don't forget, your TA, Kathy, is a wonderful resource. She's been on multiple cruises, and can answer most of your questions.

 

[WorldWacky]

Well you certainly found the right place! Spend some time reading the boards and if you have any questions, shoot away! We are going on our 3rd cruise in April. You are going to love it!

And don't feel like a pest! That's what the travel agent is there for and they are very helpful!

Off topic...we are campers too (it's our 1st year) and I was hoping you could let me know of any good camping boards?

To answer your off topic question, popupportal is a good camping forum. Friendly, helpful people.

 

[ctpooh]

Thanks everyone, we are actually doing the 5 night out of Miami, April 12, 2015 on the Wonder...
Camping boards are hit or miss, I usually find I like to just like certain campgrounds fb pages or the dis boards camping forum we actually like to talk about camping in our "own" areas a bit too.
I have done a lot of reading so far, all 35 pages of posts, and have inter library loan requested the pass porter guide to cruising as well.

 

[ilovetexas]

Thanks everyone, we are actually doing the 5 night out of Miami, April 12, 2015 on the Wonder...
Camping boards are hit or miss, I usually find I like to just like certain campgrounds fb pages or the dis boards camping forum we actually like to talk about camping in our "own" areas a bit too.
I have done a lot of reading so far, all 35 pages of posts, and have inter library loan requested the pass porter guide to cruising as well.

Perhaps this is why you feel overwhelmed!

For your first cruise, I really think you shouldn't know too much before you get onboard the ship. Let yourself be surprised by the magic and fun of it all. Then you can over-plan your next five cruises! Don't worry about missing things, you're not going to be able to do everything in 5 days, anyway. Make sure you have the appropriate travel documents, pack your stuff and go. It will be great!

 

[junesgoofy]

I'd love to answer your questions. I could talk about the DCL for hours or days. I've been on eight myself. Our three boys have been on seven. Their ages the first time were 3, 6 & 8. They've been on four 7-nights, two 4-nights, and a 15-night Panama Canal cruise. We've had inside, porthole and veranda staterooms. We've cruised in September, January (got off the Magic yesterday), March and May/June. The time of year you are going is good. As for planning, just read the boards, join your specific cruise group and start asking questions. Most everyone is totally willing to talk cruising. The fish extender activity is fun. My kids always loved getting items in our FE.

One thing we did our first cruise which we try very hard not to do now is over pack. What really matters more than how many clothes you have is things like an outlet strip, medication for all ailments, collapsible laundry basket, old cups you can leave behind after using them for sandcastles, a luggage scale for weighing your luggage (a must), little disposable tea lights with batteries in them for night lights, a file folder for your paperwork like Navigators and pictures you purchase so they don't get bent, and a sack or something to put the FE gifts in so they don't take up all your counter space in the room.

I could go on and on so I'll stop for now. I have subscribed to this thread to give you more information as I think of it. Feel free to ask specific questions.

You will LOVE it.

 

[dromio42]

I understand the feeling! Before our first cruise, we read Passporter cuise guide. I was very helpful; kind of gave me the big picture so that I could start to look at the detail.

 

[Lita]

Hi guys, new to the cruise line thread but not to the boards.. Used to being in the camping threads.. We just booked a 5 night cruise for April 2015 with DU travel and have Kathy Werling as our agent. I feel bad and don't want to annoy here but we feel so lost as we have NEVER cruised before and we will be cruising with our 4 and 5 year old at sailing time. So many questions concerns, feeling very overwhelmed. Any tips or pointers we are sailing out of Miami. Thanks!

Definitely don't feel bad about bugging your TA. This is how they earn their commission. Their goal should be to help you and address any concerns you have.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[JohnDS]

Definitely don't feel bad about bugging your TA. This is how they earn their commission. Their goal should be to help you and address any concerns you have.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Absolutely, while I don't personally have much use for a TA, if your paying them they are working for you. Even if it doesn't feel like your paying them because the rate is no more than dcl, remember they get a commission fee from disney. If you have questions, by all means ask.

On the other hand, I suspect you will find most of your answers here if you have questions. Read all the threads as they pop up also as I'm sure they will address questions you haven't thought of.

 

[mmouse37]

WELCOME TO THE CRUISE BOARD!!! Starting your research can be very daunting but no worries....you will get tons of great info in this forum. The hardest part is done...you picked a cruise date/itinerary and booked it. The rest is easy!!!

The wonder is a fantastic ship and sailing out of Miami is very beautiful. We just sailed out of Miami on the Magic and loved it. Here are some pics:

As previous people mentioned just keep reading. You will start absorbing info and will realize which info would be helpful to you and your cruise. You could start focusing on reading threads that pertain to the Wonder, or to Miami or to your specific ports of call so you don't feel too overwhelmed all at once.

Don't ever feel it is silly to ask a question here. Even if it has been asked and answered a 1000 times sometimes it is hard to track down the info and easier to ask.

People also find it is easy to and helpful to post links (like above) so people can find some info easier. If you have not read the Official Miami Port thread here it is (it may have been posted already but if it has not here it its).

Official Port of Miami Thread

Start from the last page of the above thread and work your way back for the most recent info.

Again, welcome and happy planning!!!

MJ

 

[cruisecrasher]

Hi guys, new to the cruise line thread but not to the boards.. Used to being in the camping threads.. We just booked a 5 night cruise for April 2015 with DU travel and have Kathy Werling as our agent. I feel bad and don't want to annoy here but we feel so lost as we have NEVER cruised before and we will be cruising with our 4 and 5 year old at sailing time. So many questions concerns, feeling very overwhelmed. Any tips or pointers we are sailing out of Miami. Thanks!

First welcome!!!
The Wonder is beautiful. You'll love her!
FAQs are always a good place to start.
Hope to see you around the boards.

 

[Dawg91]

Excuse me if I missed it, but have you looked for a cruise meet thread for your cruise? That is a great way to get involved. We sail March 30 on the Wonder. We have a FB page in addition to a meet thread here.

I'll say on our cruise, I didn't do the power strip or over the door shoe holder or any of that and I didn't miss it. We did take our own cups to fill but found they were a pain to carry around. We didn't do a lot of sitting around. If you're kicked back relaxing on deck they might be.

 

[ctpooh]

Thank you everyone!! I have not found a Wonder 2015 thread yet...

 

[lbgraves]

...
I'll say on our cruise, I didn't do the power strip or over the door shoe holder or any of that and I didn't miss it. ....

Just to note that neither of those are permitted on DCL anymore.

 

[Four Swampers]

Perhaps this is why you feel overwhelmed!

For your first cruise, I really think you shouldn't know too much before you get onboard the ship. Let yourself be surprised by the magic and fun of it all. Then you can over-plan your next five cruises! Don't worry about missing things, you're not going to be able to do everything in 5 days, anyway. Make sure you have the appropriate travel documents, pack your stuff and go. It will be great!

Agreed!

Here is some good news: we went on our first Disney cruise with no knowledge whatsoever, and we had a blast. Disney Cruise Line knows how to keep you happy. With your personal navigator (a leaflet delivered to your room each night that details the next day's activities), you can decide a few minutes in advance what you want to do, then go do that thing. Only a few things, like tea with Alice, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and beer/wine/cocktail tastings require any pre-planning.

My advice? Take your travel documents, your swimsuits, your medicine and have a great time!

Here is a slightly more detailed version:

Make sure you have travel documents: either certified birth certificate and driver's license for adults and birth certificate for kids, or passports.

NOTE: there are many threads here on the pros / cons of passports vs birth certificates. Let's not rehash that argument here, ok?

Pack: Pack a lot less that you think you need. A lot less. Sunblock, hat, sunglasses. Put swimsuits in your carry-on luggage, as the luggage you check ship-side will not reach your room until late afternoon or evening. By bringing swimsuits on with you, the kids can head straight to the pools, slides, etc.

Trust in DCL. They have done this several thousand times. They know how to schedule things. For example, if you have main seating for dinner (5:45ish), then you go to the show after dinner. If you have late seating for dinner (8:00ish), then you go to the show before dinner, while the main seating people are eating. There is plenty of time to see the show and go to dinner, with rest or recreation time between the show and dinner. It really works well

Don't try to do it all. DCL has a lot of activities to cover different people's desires. You can't do everything on a 3 or 4 night cruise. You might (but I doubt it) be able to do everything on a 7 night cruise, but you will be exhausted and need a vacation.

If you walk on the ship with a good attitude and open mind, ready to have some fun, then I guarantee you will have the time of your life!! Enjoy!