so much to know

[Madden6]

Hello there! I am new to this site but I wanted to join because I have so many questions! We are booked for the 3/6/04 trip on the Magic Eastern Cruise. This is the first time my husband and I have really taken the kids on such a wonderful vacation. My girls are age 41/2 (twins) 3 and 1! Yes we are very busy. But I don't know where to start asking questions about the cruise. Any tips for us? Do I bring a pack-n-play or is that something I should look into? Anyone know what kind of weather I should expect around that time of year? What about babysitting for the 1 year old? Thanks in advance and I will be back to chat! (after kids go to bed of course)

Kate

 

[kcashner]

They have Pack-and-play cribs on the ship, nice and clean and in good repair. Ask for one when you make your reservation--call them now since your ressie is already made.

First, don't panic about so much to learn. You will be given all the information again when you get on the ship--in the kid's navigator, the daily adult navigators, etc. It helps to learn in advance, but don't panic over it. I think you'll find that this is a very relaxing vacation from a "mom" standpoint. I think it's far easier than the parks.

Your kids will be in the Oceaneer's Club, and the 3 older ones will be in the same group (built in play mates). The baby will be in Flounder's Reef. When you board, you can go there and make baby sitter appointments. The last I knew, they allowed you to make 2 or 3 reservations initially, then add others on a "space available" basis.

Weather can vary any time, but March should be good. Best advise--pack, then remove at least 1/3 of what you thought you'd need. Do take plenty of diapers and baby supplies as these are available in limited quantities and limited sizes on board.

There are laundry facilities on board (I know you don't want to spend your vacation doing laundry, but it is nice to know that there is that possibility). Dress the kids in play clothes most of the time (including dinners). They're little...just have fun. One fancy dress for formal night...

 

[denise5374]

Welcome to the DIS!!!

You will find all sorts of information here. I can't really answer your questions but I wanted to say Hi! My kids were 6 and 10 when we went on our first cruise, our second is 8/21/04. They did enjoy the Kids Clubs.

Relax and enjoy the planning part. The cruise is relaxing(even for a Mom). Everybody will have a great time!!

 

[Dodie]

Since it can be daunting at first, I would recommend that you thoroughly review some of the standard resources often referred to here.

Examples would be:

www.castawayclub.com
www.dcltribute.com
Magical Cruise Guide

With the search function down here, it's often tough to find answers to questions that have been asked a million times by other first timers. Looking at the sites above will give you some good background information.

Aside from that, ask away!

 

[Madden6]

Thanks for everyones tips! I will try not to stress out too much before we leave. And I will just keep looking here for more answers!!

 

[mickeyboat]

Welcome to DIS! We will also be on the 3/6 Magic sailing with our two DD's 3 and 4.

Please join us on the Cruise Meets Forum. Can't wait to meet you.

Denae

 

[lbgraves]

If you need a bed rail for the 3 yo, you can simply request one from your stateroom host the first day when they introduce themselves. They have the nice mesh ones on the ship. They will put it in place when they make up the beds in the evening.

I would also recommend getting a Passporter for DCL. When I was planning our first cruise that along with this board was a huge help! We also pulled it out several times during our 9 hour drive to FL and during the cruise.

 

[Madden6]

I posted a few questions here before and I wanted to follow up on them. Where is the "Meet Cruisers site?" and how do I get there? I also didn't think about our pick up time from the boat to the airport. Is it a mad dash once the boat docks?

 

[mmouse37]

Madden6.....the Cruise Meets thread is at the top of the cruise board. It lists all different sailings...look for the one for the date you are sailing and start reading and posting!!!! Many people from these boards get to know each other by posting before the cruise and many even meet up once onboard for mini Dis meets.

Join the fun for your sail date!!!

Keep reading as many posts on these boards as you can and you will gain a wealth of info.

To answer your other questions....the ship clear customs around 7:30 or so in the morning and as soon as it is cleared people can start disembarking. Everyone has to be off the ship by 9:00 am the latest. DCL has one of the smoothest operations in the cruise industry. Your luggage will be waiting for you in a large room where there is porter service (for a tip) that will help with all baggage to your mode of transportation...be it a shuttle, rental car, personal vehicle or DCL bus. You can also carry your luggage without the porter if you do not have too many bags.

MJ

 

[alexandrew]

You know,

1/2 the fun of the cruise experience (besides the cruise itself) is the knowledge you gain from researching through this board and the various websites....its all good

 

[DVCcruise]

That is so true, alexandrew. I may be having more fun on this site than I will on the cruise. I just hope it's as much fun!