Newbie here...???s

[fletchers]

We will be sailing on our very first cruise on Sept. 8th. We are very excited but don't really know what to expect. We are travelling with 2 kids... 5 year old girl and 18 month old son. My daughter will actually be turning 5 when we're on the ship..9/9. I have a few questions...and I hope somebody can help me...

1. What to pack?
2. How much to tip?
3. How do I find out what shows are playing?
4. Do you recommend any of the excursions? with or without kids?
5. Is it hard to get it at the Flounder's nursery?

I know I have some more, but I think this is enough for one post. I'll post some more ???s in another post. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[mommasita]

Hello and welcome...

I can help a bit, but suggest some great sites for information, this being one of them..Under the heading on top, their are different topics, I would browse around to nosey...

dcltribute.com is an amazing place with a ton of informatiion......

now to your questions..

1. lightweight clothing, one sweater/jacket, shorts, swimsuits, tops, underclothing, sundresses..Clothing for semi-formal, formal nights.

2. tipping guidelines are on the link I gave you, depending on how many nights you are cruising.

3. also on the link, are navigators with daily activities, including shows.

4. no help on excursions..sorry

5. you should be able to guarantee 3 spots with Flounders, and then on call and we'll see type of thing...My cousin has no problems getting her daughter in ever.

Your children, and yourselves will love love love this cruise..HTH

also disneycruiseline.com has a lot of questions and answers.

HTH

 

[staceymerrill]

1) Casual clothing is the way to go...bathing suits and tees for during the day, and for evening casual as well....at Tritons, which is slightly more formal, men can get away with a dress shirt and slacks......Nassau day is also Pirate Night, so wear tropical attire....some children wear pirate costumes....

2) There are generally 4 main CMs to tip....here are the suggested per person guidelines for each

Server -$11.00
asst Server -$8.00
Head Server - $2.75
Stateroom Host - $10.75

** tipping is highly subjective....IMO, most regulars on this message board tip more, b/c the service is extraordinary....We generally tip suggested +25% if service is excellent, which it usually is...Also, dont forget to bring single $s for room service...generally, they receive $3-$4 or more for an especially large order

3) Your Personal Daily Navigator is an hour by hour guide that you receive in your stateroom every evening (for the next day's activities) ...it outlines virtually everything going on ....I think Dave has navs posted on his website www.dcltribute.com there is also a banned website by a regular on these boards who has cruised more than 40x...Unfortunately, we are not permitted to give the URL for some reason.... I also recommend the Passporter Guide to Disney Cruise Line....3rd edition...check it out on Amazon

4)I am not big on excursions....we prefer to do "our own thing"....one of those things is to take a taxi from the dock at Nassau and go explore Atlantis on Paradise Island....short and inexpensive taxi ride $4.00 pp...they have an amazing aquarium called "The Dig" (archaeological theme)...take the kids, they will love the sharks...also, many good photo opps

5)Once you make final payment for your cruise, which you will be required very soon (I know, since I am cruising 9/1) you may go on the DCL website and make reservations for Flounders Reef www.disneycruise.com I believe you will be alotted 3 separate times.....based on availability, they will let you take more...In all our cruises, we've never had any problem whatsoever getting as much time at Flounders as we needed.....

In the 3 months til your cruise, hang out here and you will become an expert.....