As far as Palo goes, are you going on the 3/4 day or 7 day cruise. On the 7 day, we were late getting on board and were not able to get Palo dinner reservations but we were able to get brunch ones. While at brunch, we mentioned this to our server and he was able to get us reservations for dinner. I think there are a lot of cancellations during the week. Keep checking Palo.
As far as your travel plans - PLEASE FLY IN THE DAY BEFORE. WE flew out of Manchester, NH on the day of our cruise and we were due in at 1PM (connecting through Atlanta). There was fog and mechanical difficulties in NH and we did not leave NH until 11:00, we were not able to get a seat on the connecting flight in Atlanta, we were put on stand-by and after sprinting to the gate, we got on the flight. Actually, I had to go through
DCL and a supervisor at the Delta counter. Originally, they said there was no way we could get to Orlando until 6:30PM. I was in tears. Anyway, we arrived at MCO at 4PM, were given a running escort to the DCL bus and just made it to the ship at 5PM. Our luggage did not make it and we were without it until St. Maarten.
The moral of the story, even if you book through DCL and think you have plenty of time, things come up that you don't expect. FLY IN THE NIGHT BEOFRE. Besides, you will be able to get up the day if the cruise, have a liesurely breakfast, get to the ship without hurrying and worrying, and have more time to enjoy the ship the day you board.
I know that DCL does offer the stay the night before option, perhaps you could add that to your package.
Take it from someone who knows, STAY THE NIGHT BEFORE.
Denae
