Hi Maegan,
If you have a Passporter Book
DCL book, you can find the information about booking directly with excursion companies in each excursion description. If you don't have one, send me a PM and I'll be happy to help you out with contact info. Keeping in mind, one of the pros in booking directly with DCL is if by chance your excursion runs late, the boat will be held for your party because you booked through DCL, if you run late or have trouble getting back to the boat on time when booking directly w/excursion company the boat will not be held.
The weather is beautiful, when traveling last November we took very light sweaters and did not use them. Yes you can bring alcohol, water, snacks, drinks on the ship. It is recommened you carry breakables in your daybag. If you are bringing your fav. bottle of wine, a great way to pack it is in a plastic storage container, wrapped in bubble wrap real well to protect it. Then, you can use the bubble wrap and container to carry home any breakable souvenirs you find on your island shopping sprees!
As for hotels, if it were me, I would make that choice after booking airfare. It takes about an hour to get to Port C. from airport. So if you come in late, a place by airport would be great! If you come in earlier in the day, then traveling to Port C. is a bit easier and exciting, as some of the hotels have views of the Port. So when you wake up in the morning, you can see the Magic!
Congrats Mikana99 on your upcoming nuptials! How exciting! If I remember correctly there is a vow renewal happening in this group as well! Your children have such beautiful names!