Number one most valuable piece of information you learned while cruising

[jfs9900]

What was the most valuable piece of information you learned while cruising, or what one thing you would recommend most for new cruisers to DCL?

 

[Samsara]

You won't be able to "do it all" so don't forget to relax!

 

[goingbacksoon]

Originally posted by Samsara
You won't be able to "do it all" so don't forget to relax!

For that matter, you won't be able to eat it all!

A close second is "stateroom is for sleeping only"

goingbacksoon

 

[snelsonbrown]

If you are going to do some "stay" time here in Cape Canaveral, cocoa Beach etc - get some "in" information from me so that you will have a heads up - if you are going on the Western cruise which will go to my hometown of Key West - get information before going - there is nothing in this for me and nope there is no strings attached - just want to help so that you won't feel loss while here.
Always
Shirley

 

[Lisa]

Arrive the day before you cruise.

 

[eye R.N.]

Arrive two days before.

 

[webray]

Exactly..you can't do it all so just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Don't try to over-plan before you go according to navigators posted etc...they will change before you arrive.

Don't over pack...take your favorite clothing items..and then let the cruise laundry keep them fresh for you to wear again.

 

[LoveMickey]

And take some Bonine, just in case. Never thought that I would be the one to get seasick.

 

[WDWLVR]

The main ones have been covered:

Arrive the day before! Side note if you are cruising on Sunday on the Wonder then head over to Grills on Saturday night and watch the Magic leave - great way to start your cruise.

Take time to relax! The ship is beautiful so take some time to look around and don't forget to find a spot and relax. Be it on your own veranda or those comfy chairs on deck 4. Especially on a sea day!

Here's one of mine - take some time to just look out at the sea and realize how beautiful this world is. Be it early morning, mid-day or at sunset - to me there is nothing more beautiful than watching the water and realize how small a part of this world we are. God's beauty is everywhere if you just stop and look at it for a while.

 

[mrsltg]

Don't be afraid to take a nap. You may miss something in the afternoon, but you'll be refreshed and happy come dinner and show time.

Erin

 

[TMTIP]

Relax! Especially when arriving at the port. On the two Disney Cruises that we have done I feel like I was so worked up at the port (before aboarding) that I can hardly remember enjoying those first moments. For now on we will not worry so much about paperwork (boarding passes, passports, etc.) and ressies--just enjoy the "whole" experience.

 

[Lisa D]

I was so stuffed by the third day from "pigging out" three times a day! On our next cruise (April 2005) I've vowed to eat lightly at breakfast and lunch, which is standard fare anyway, to save room for the awesome dinners!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

is to pack about half of what you think you'll need.

Besides, it leaves more room for souvenirs!

 

[DisneyWill]

If you don't see it, ask. If you can't find it, ask. Ask for everything and anything. You never know what you might get.

 

[swandiverpatt]

All Hands on Deck cheese platter via room service.

 

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Eating at Palos is an experience not to be missed!!!!

 

[mickeyboat]

Fly in the night before (learned the hard way)

Denae

 

[spamama]

Fly in day before, and dont plan anything for after the cruise!
I wasnt sure a 1pm flight would be too early, and the next Delta nonstop to Dallas was at 6:40pm. Booked the 6:40 figuring we could hit Sea World or Universal for the afternoon. Thats exactly what we did, but we didnt feel like it! We just wanted to go home. Couldnt go on standby for the 1pm,(which is plenty plenty late enough, getting off the ship is easy peasy) because it was overbooked, but we were tired from the heat and humidity, and spent a lot of money getting into universal for 5 rides. Kids were beat! We went to the airport a few hours early and found a spot to chill, and in my case, nap on the floor!

Make sure you see the moon shining on the sea at night, it is beautiful.

Take some Simple Green in a little trial size bottle to rinse bathing suits, collected sea shells, etc, so they dont smell like chlorine or the ocean (sometimes a little fishy!) I would fill the sink evernight with water a little bit of Simple Green, and it works great! Got this tip from someone else.

Definetely take Bonine! Dont trust that just because the last time you cruised that it will be smooth! Mother Nature has a way of making up her own mind about that!

Dont miss the shows (loved hercules!) We went to the 2pm matinee a few times because there was something else we wanted to do at the normal time.

The adult entertainment at night is really good, we were impressed. Palos brunch - num!

 

[musicgirl]

Get set up on the cruise meet board and hook up for dinner!!

 

[jrabbit]

Your manners are more important than the clothes you wear!!

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Don't overplan your cruise - don't know everything there is to know about it. Let the "Magic" happen to you - if you go looking for it and expecting it you most likely will be disapointed!!
___________________________

Now to rehash the other posts and to add a few more items....
*Arrive at the port by 11am to enjoy the terminal (because it's beautiful), see the real ship, study the model of the ship and get pictures with the Disney Characters.
*You can't do it all (gotta make some tough decisions on what to do and not do) AND you can't eat it all (skip lunch - just get a small snack).
*The elevators are for looks - take the stairs (more room for desert)
*You don't have to do excursions at every port - but you should get off the ship and walk around for a while - so you can say that you have "been there"
*If you think you are going to do a DCL beach excursion - don't! You can do the same thing for way less than 1/2 price.