Newbies - first cruise booked, any advice gladly received!

[lottiestar]

Hi all! Been stalking this forum for a few weeks now, as wanted to book our first cruise for next summer.
We have now booked the 6 night Med sailing out of Barcelona on 29th May and we are so excited!
Sailing on the Magic and we have booked an Ocean View stateroom.
So I would be super grateful for any advice you have, things we need to do before we go, things not to miss on board etc.
It's myself, my husband (who will have a birthday while we're on board) and our little girl will be 4 at time of travel. We live in the UK.
Thanks in advance for any help! It's all so new to us (seasoned WDW visitors)

 

[JoeFromSeoul]

Pack everything you think you might need or want - then leave half of it behind! The rooms are designed with decent storage, but it is limited. If you are bringing electronics (and who isn't) don't forget charging cables. There are some USB ports in the staterooms, but I recommend a good USB charging hub. They are small, lightweight, and indispensable if you have a couple of phones and cameras. Amenities like sunscreen can be purchased onboard, but you pay premium prices, best to bring what you need. When you do online check-in, look for activities you want like the Princess gathering, but don't worry too much if you miss out on some things. There is plenty to keep you occupied during your cruise. If you try to do everything, you will miss out on he relaxation part. I always pre-purchased the digital photo package. On one 3-night cruise, we decided the quantity/quality was not worth the price, so we cancelled on the last night. All the others have turned out great! The pictures always spawn great stories from my family. Lastly, and most important, have a great cruise!

 

[GPaLarry]

First, if this is your first DCL cruise, don't over-plan, let the magic come to you. Also, allow a couple of days in Barcelona, it is a fascinating city, much of it like Whoville, complements of architect Antoni Gaudi. Also, beware of pickpockets...I got tagged at a gift shop across from the entrance to Park Gruell...just a little day spending $$. I always wear a money belt with the serious money and passports. When we did this cruise several years ago it was the first of a B2B Med./WBTA. The day of our stop at Monte Carlo the water was too rough for tendering so the captain declared that day an "at sea" day and we stopped at Marcelles the next day instead. This cruise is "port intensive" with long days off the ship...of course it is your choice. In any case, if you do excursions that run until 5 or 6pm, let your wait staff know you might be a bit late. Be sure to take a camera or two to record your adventures. Some of the sites you visit will be overrun with vendors and tourists, but they are what they are...lots of memories and fun. Cruise on...

 

[Travel60]

Agree with not over planning. (1)Check out the available excursions and make a list of what you want to book when your window opens. Since it's your first cruise, some might fill up before your window and some might have an age limitation older than your daughter. Or, do excursions on your own. (2)Decide if you want to do Palo. (3) If your daughter is into the princess thing, decide what you want to book for her. That's really it. Some folks will do fish extenders groups...we never have (seems like unnecessary work for stuff I will likely throw away or eat). Some folks do alcohol tastings, again we haven't.

Also agree with packing. For Caribbean cruises, I'm all about whites and brights. For European, I like a pair of dark wash jeans, a pair of dark pants/capris/leggings, a pair of dressier pants, a handful of tops and a couple of jackets/sweaters for layering (dining rooms and deck can be chilly at night). Maybe one dress that goes with layering sweaters. One pair walking shoes, one dressier. That's it except for swimming or workout gear. Hubby can get by with couple pair nicer long pants and a couple pair more casual (shorts or cargo), a few polo/golf shirts and maybe one button down, a couple sweaters/layering tops.

Enjoy!

 

[lottiestar]

Pack everything you think you might need or want - then leave half of it behind! The rooms are designed with decent storage, but it is limited. If you are bringing electronics (and who isn't) don't forget charging cables. There are some USB ports in the staterooms, but I recommend a good USB charging hub. They are small, lightweight, and indispensable if you have a couple of phones and cameras. Amenities like sunscreen can be purchased onboard, but you pay premium prices, best to bring what you need. When you do online check-in, look for activities you want like the Princess gathering, but don't worry too much if you miss out on some things. There is plenty to keep you occupied during your cruise. If you try to do everything, you will miss out on he relaxation part. I always pre-purchased the digital photo package. On one 3-night cruise, we decided the quantity/quality was not worth the price, so we cancelled on the last night. All the others have turned out great! The pictures always spawn great stories from my family. Lastly, and most important, have a great cruise!

Thanks so much, some great things I wouldn't have thought of!

 

[lottiestar]

First, if this is your first DCL cruise, don't over-plan, let the magic come to you. Also, allow a couple of days in Barcelona, it is a fascinating city, much of it like Whoville, complements of architect Antoni Gaudi. Also, beware of pickpockets...I got tagged at a gift shop across from the entrance to Park Gruell...just a little day spending $$. I always wear a money belt with the serious money and passports. When we did this cruise several years ago it was the first of a B2B Med./WBTA. The day of our stop at Monte Carlo the water was too rough for tendering so the captain declared that day an "at sea" day and we stopped at Marcelles the next day instead. This cruise is "port intensive" with long days off the ship...of course it is your choice. In any case, if you do excursions that run until 5 or 6pm, let your wait staff know you might be a bit late. Be sure to take a camera or two to record your adventures. Some of the sites you visit will be overrun with vendors and tourists, but they are what they are...lots of memories and fun. Cruise on...

Thanks so much for your pointers. So sorry you got pickpocketed , what a horrible experience. We are hoping to tag a couple of days in Barcelona at the end for sure

 

[lottiestar]

Agree with not over planning. (1)Check out the available excursions and make a list of what you want to book when your window opens. Since it's your first cruise, some might fill up before your window and some might have an age limitation older than your daughter. Or, do excursions on your own. (2)Decide if you want to do Palo. (3) If your daughter is into the princess thing, decide what you want to book for her. That's really it. Some folks will do fish extenders groups...we never have (seems like unnecessary work for stuff I will likely throw away or eat). Some folks do alcohol tastings, again we haven't.

Also agree with packing. For Caribbean cruises, I'm all about whites and brights. For European, I like a pair of dark wash jeans, a pair of dark pants/capris/leggings, a pair of dressier pants, a handful of tops and a couple of jackets/sweaters for layering (dining rooms and deck can be chilly at night). Maybe one dress that goes with layering sweaters. One pair walking shoes, one dressier. That's it except for swimming or workout gear. Hubby can get by with couple pair nicer long pants and a couple pair more casual (shorts or cargo), a few polo/golf shirts and maybe one button down, a couple sweaters/layering tops.

Enjoy!

Great tips thank you! She is definitely into Princesses! I don't know if she will want to go to the kids club so probably won't try and book Palo. Hopefully it won't be out last cruise and we'll have chance to do it again!