"the thing I wish we would have done differently...."

[jkovick]

What is the one thing you wish you would have done differently on your DCL cruise? Why?

 

[RagamuffinMom]

When we got the the terminal I was so excited to get on the ship that I practically ran on board. I didn't stop to enjoy the terminal or get pictures taken or anything.

I wish I had relaxed and not been in such a hurry. Guess I'll just have to keep cruisin till I get it right!!

Edited because it is a ship, not a boat...

 

[dclwdwlover]

The last two cruises we took pictures in front of the statues (Mickey-Magic-Lumiere's & Ariel-Wonder-Triton's) & this time we just didn't feel like waiting for it to be free & now I don't have one to put on the wall for this past cruise.

 

[Michelemouse]

I wish we would have had more portraits taken. We did get a very nice picture of the whole family on Formal Night but I would have liked a few more.

We rebooked for next year and "More Portraits" will be at the top of my to-do list!

 

[jrabbit]

Rookie mistake: Staying longer at WDW, having lunch there and then arriving at the port around 2:30. Guess what, they have a ton of food you already paid for at lunch (I thought that the food would start at dinner time - I was a ) We didn't spend much time in the terminal and we were rushed from the time we boarded until we went to be that evening.

So now we arrive early at the terminal (after having a very light breakfast), enjoy the terminal, board, have a nice lunch and enjoy the ship "rush free" because we are on it.

 

[minnieluvzmickey]

I wish i would have taken the time to see the sun rise or set.

 

[WIcruizer]

What a great question! It got me thinking, and I guess I would say this. We would definitely be more organized in how we spend time at the ports of call. We had fun on shore, but I think next time we will plan out ahead of time which excursions we will do (if any, depending on the port), understand how long we will be in that port, if there's extra time to see or do something in addition to the excursion...all that stuff.

But your question made me realize we wouldn't change anything else including how/when we got to Olrando and spent time there, how/when we got to the Port, our dining rotation (late), the shows we saw, exploring the ship, ignoring the pool during peak time, I could go on and on. And most of that is thanks to theis board!

 

[swandiverpatt]

The only thing I'd change: I wish I hadn't gotten the Bellini at Palo the last night -- it just wasn't to my taste. Everything else was superb. Upcoming cruise, I'm wondering if I'll eat the same things, or order something different -- I was the only one at our table in Triton's to order the escargot -- and they were superb!

 

[UMTerp]

Would like to have gone to some of the later entertainment. We went to bed about 10:30 every night because the kids were worn out. Would like to have attended some of the special parties/dueling pianos later at night. Probably won't change much on our next cruise because we like the calm of getting up early on the ship too! Can't have it all!

Would have purchased a digital camera BEFORE my cruise so I wouldn't have so much hassle about my film when re-boarding.

 

[Jillie]

After two cruises i think the only thing we would do differently now is to stay on board in ports unless something extraordinary was to be seen or done. we really loved being on the ship and hanging out by the pool. We are taking this year off from the cruise (going to Hawaii instead) but hope to be back on board the Magic in 2005.

 

[abitjaded]

Next time we want to take it slower. More time sitting by the pool instead of rushing from one presentation to another. We also want to see some of the evening adult clubs. We rushed so madly all day that we were shot after early seating dinner and the main show. We went to bed too early then got up too early roaring to go again. I want to sit on my verandah, drink something sweet and alcoholic and watch the islands go by. I'm hoping my younger son will stay in the clubs enough to allow a little "adult time". Last time he kept paging us, mostly, I think, because he could! Then we'd feel guilty and go get our older son, protesting, out of his club so we could all be together.

Carla

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Make my younger son go to the shows! He was so involved in the club that he didn't want to go to the shows after dinner. My older DS didn't want to go to the shows very badly either. So DH & I would go to the shows then sit there throughout the evening going "Jeez I wish we would have made the boys come with us...they really would have enjoyed this one..."

 

[Lisa D]

The three-day was absolutely awesome - I wish I would have held out for the four-day. We did the 3-day so the kids would not miss as much school (got back to PA and the teachers had gone on strike - if only I had known!).

Seriously, one thing I would do differently next time (and there will be a next time) is take the late dinner seating. Our boys wanted to eat with the other kids after the first night anyhow, and it felt very rushed to try to get to dinner by six.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I wish I hadn't carried a couple cases of bottled water. I'm pretty picky about the taste of water, and I expected to <b><i>hate</i></b> the taste of shipboard water, but the shipboard drinking water was just fine. And that bottled water was <b><i>really</i></b> heavy.

 

[RellingTwin]

I wish I had gone to some of the evening adult stuff. By the time dinner was over I was usually ready for bed!
Next time I will also spend MORE time exploring the ports, instead of rushing back to the ship. Cozumel was really worth exploring!
I'll skip Palo next time. The brunch and dinner are nice, but getting the reservations were just not worth the hassle!

I will ALWAYS get to the port early in order to board as soon as possible. It's well worth it to get to spend almost a full day on board!

 

[Favorite Auntie]

I wish I had taken one of my little nieces or nephews. They would have enjoyed it soooomuch.

Later this month I am taking my 5 year old nephew!!! I can't wait to see him enjoy everything!!!!

 

[Bacrd]

I wish I would have FORCED the kids out of their clubs to see Disney Dreams!! DH & I went alone to let them enjoy themselves and I was sorry they missed it. It is an incredible show!

 

[walczak4]

We cruised for the first time last September & flew in from WI the day of departure. Our flight landed in Orlando about 12:30pm so we were completely rushed the first day. My 3 yo DD could was a complete beast during dinner because she was so over tired! We are cruising again Feb '05 & we will DEFINITELY be flying in the night before!

 

[jlawall]

GO MORE OFTEN?

 

[natdencro]

Take minimum luggage, but pack empty cases too! Clothes, etc far cheaper in the Carribean! AND no one has the same outfits back home! St, Maarten is great for cheap, but lovely summer clothes! May just have to go back to re-stock wardrobe! Good excuse eh? Hehe