So... you are announced and then...

[tpmorley]

what do you do? I love picturing every moment of my cruise starting. I know at some point they take your picture. Do you stand in line for that? What do you do with carry-ons or do you just keep them in the picture with you (my husband will be paranoid about his laptop)?

 

[gshoemate]

If I remember correctly, your picture is taking in a hall on the way to the boat. When you are announced and you walk through the lobby area, you are then directed to lunch, which for us was Parrot Cay.

 

[WDWLVR]

Well if it is your first time it will most likely go something like this.

You stand in line waiting as the anticipation builds. Then the line starts moving through the Mickey ears. You get your KTTW card scanned and start towards the ship. You stop and take a family photo and then cross the gangway. They ask your name and hometown and you are announced. You walk into the atrium where several crewmembers are in their dress whites and applauding your arrival. If you are lucky Captain Mickey may be on an upper floor waving at you (he's not there all the time - he needs some breaks). Take a minute and look at the beauty that is the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder. Then you have a few choices. If eating is your first priority head to Parrot Cay or Topsiders/Beach Blanket. If you want to make Palo reservations or change your dining assignment (you are on late and want early or vice versa) then you'll head to where they are doing that.

If you've packed your swimsuits in your carryone you may want to hit the pools.

At 1:30 your stateroom is ready and your luggage may or may not be there yet. Now a good time to drop your carryons and just go and explore the ship.

Enjoy!

 

[SeaSpray]

I just want to also add that when you check in at the port, you will be given a sheet with a lot of info on it, such as where to go to make Palo reservations, what time this starts, etc. You will be given a lot of info right off the bat, and you never feel as if you don't know what to do.

We were on the ship relatively early and even after eating lunch in Parrot Cay, we still had a lot of time to explore the ship before we were able to get to our stateroom.

 

[PoohJen]

Go in with a plan! I had read so much on these boards, and knew what I wanted to do upon boarding (sign up for kids clubs, then head for Topsiders and swimming!)...

...but, after they announced our family and we boarded...I looked lost like a deer in headlights!!! The atrium was overwhelming! Fortunately, a kindly crew member approached us and helped me gather my bearings!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[jrabbit]

And then What??

Its Hakuna Matata time - no worries for the entire cruise (at least until that last morning when you get the bill that shows you just how much fun you had!! and they have to drag you off of the ship yelling and screeming)

 

[disneysooz]

jrabbit, you are too funny! DD5 and I would be two of those somber-looking individuals leaving on the final morning. No joke though, last time we cruised in September there was a child, looked to be around 10ish, that was crying his eyes out in the luggage pick up area, screaming he did not want to go home. I felt really bad for him...and his folks. And hope they are fortunate enough to be able to cruise again!

 

[JNorris]

We cruised for the first time in June 2004. Thanks to these boards, I knew all about the "announcement" as you walk onto the ship. Going through the tunnel, my DD6 ran ahead of us, so that by the time we were about half way through the tunnel, she was stepping on the ship. Here she is, all by herself, with a backpack slung over her shoulder, and carrying her pillow, running at top speed into the atrium, and all of the CM's start clapping for her. She turned around and gave me and DH the biggest grin you ever saw! She was so happy to be there.

And of course, we didn't have the camcorder on .

Judy

 

[my3princesses]

Wow - can't wait to do that "walk"!

One question though, we are cat 3 with concierge and I understand we are to meet the concierge somewhere. Are we do this immediately, before eating, or going to our rooms? Does anyone know where?

 

[tecdavidt]

Being in a cat. 3 you have priority boarding. After you get all signed in you can wait up front by the windows and sofas. When boarding begins first the handicap people then the concierge catorgories. (At least our family always lets the handicap people enter first.) Once on the ship head toward Sessions, forward deck 3 If I remember correctly--and we were just there in Jan. The concierge staff is waiting and their will be some beverages, cookies while you wait for your turn. That is where you sign up for everything but not the spa. On our Dec. 28th New Year's Eve cruise they started sending Spa people up to the Spa for ressies. We were told there would be a seperate line for concierge level cruisers. We choose not to do the spa. This is where you sign your children up for the programs, excursions, hairbraiding, Palo. Have a great cruise. Kathy

 

[tvguy]

what do you do? I love picturing every moment of my cruise starting. I know at some point they take your picture. Do you stand in line for that? What do you do with carry-ons or do you just keep them in the picture with you (my husband will be paranoid about his laptop)?

First, LEAVE THE LAPTOP AT HOME.

Second, enjoy the cruise.

 

[jgmklmhem]

First, LEAVE THE LAPTOP AT HOME.

Second, enjoy the cruise.

Hey you gotta have the laptop to download your pics....my cards are too small for a long cruise.

 

[aprilgail2]

Hey you gotta have the laptop to download your pics....my cards are too small for a long cruise.

Just have shutters brn them on to a disk for you and save yourself the trouble of lugging a laptop around. Or buy a bigger memory card. I know mine holds 500 and something pictures.

 

[tpmorley]

Thanks for the WONDERful descriptions! I can't wait!!

When they are taking your picture, do you set your carry-ons to the side or are they in the picture?

 

[Skallywag]

Just do not like a fuss and wonder if it is possible to just walk on without being introduced etc.

 

[disneysooz]

tpmorley-You can set your bags to the side and they won't be in the picture.

Skallywag-I think you can give the officers/CM at the entrance to the ship the "no thanks" wave and they will honor it. But...to be honest, everyone is so engrossed in looking around and where they are headed next once they get on the ship, that no one is paying any attention to you anyway. It's really done for you and your family to have fun with!

HTH!
Susie

 

[jrabbit]

But...to be honest, everyone is so engrossed in looking around and where they are headed next once they get on the ship, that no one is paying any attention to you anyway. It's really done for you and your family to have fun with!

Exactly!! Just how often do you get to feel THAT special. Even if you are a total introvert, it can't help but bring a smile to your face or the kids faces (especially if they don't know its comming)

 

[Ratt45]

I have to second you on that jrabbit!!! I am one of the biggest people who don't like attention drawn to me. DW knows to not have a restaurant come over and embarrass me with their version of Happy Birthday. It is one the great feelings walking on to the ship and hearing your name or family name being announced. Can't wait for that to happen again!!!

 

[ElenitaB]

Any chance that they would notice that it's my son's birthday? (I'll be sure to have his Magic Kingdom "It's My Birthday" badge on)

 

[3xthecharm]

I'm getting all jittery at the thought of our turn. There will be 24 or us, with 11 kids. I'm not sure who is more excited them or the adults.