Tips from Seasoned Cruisers.....

[giandave23]

I am traveling with approximately 30 adults (with some first time cruisers) . I am creating a list of helpful tips (re: packing, laundry, tips, dining etc...etc...) and would like some feedback from all of you that have cruised and came up with some helpful ideas making your cruise more fun and organized. Thank you all for your tips and ideas!!!! Much Appreciated!!

:thewave::thewave::thewave:

 

[traycie2201]

Hi Gia and Dave , first let them all know about this site, it's invaluable with planning also this link will tell you all the best tips in one place for ease.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=460639

 

[staceymerrill]

Here is a Cruise Packing List you might find helpful... http://www.cruisesinc.net/CruisePacking/

 

[mickeyboat]

Over the door shoe holder was a life saver for me because it elimintated the clutter that would have driven me crazy in such a confined space.

Try to do laundry before you leave the ship - at least a couple of loads. It makes it so much easier to unpack when you get home.

Bring an extra pair of cheap sunglasses. DD broke DH's pair and he spent $16 for new ones.

Spend some quality time on Deck 4. It was beautiful to watch the ocean go by in those comfy deck chairs. We saw a gorgeous sunset one evening.

Denae

 

[TheWog]

Welcome to the Boards! Go down the night before! That's my biggest tip.

 

[CM_Mom]

Another vote for going down the night before and the over the door shoe holders.

Luggage pieces that nest inside each other make luggage storage much nicer.

Have couples split their clothes between bags so if one bag is lost they BOTH still have clothes. Great for peace of mind.

Take a bottle or two of water in your carryon on the airplane if flying. Then you can get a drink when YOU want a drink whether they're serving or not. (This is a lifesaver if your plane is delayed on the ground for three hours like ours was.)

Also highly recommend Passporter's Guide to the Disney Cruise Line at your local bookstore or www.passporter.com. Great info to share with your group.

 

[Dreamer04]

Hi.

If your party includes all adults, then I would go with late dining. This being as group event, find out, by calling Disney, if you can arrange a cocktail hour for your group, Palo reservation, etc..

Also, if you all manage to stay in the same hotel, assuming you're flying down the night before, all chip in and rent a bus to take you to the port! $20 a head should get you somthing!


I had no problem doing laundry on the ship. As a matter of fact, next year I am bring more detergent and less clothing! Don't forget your dryer sheets and quarters! I did laundry very late at night and found it peaceful and quiet.

My biggest mistake was bringing my laptop ( I never used it) and bring too many shoes. I ended up wearing my Keds, white sandals and black slingbacks. I brought 7 or 8 pairs! What a waste of space!

As far as group activities, I would arrange for one or two-max, get togethers onboard. IMHO, trying to plan everyone's cruise will backfire on you. Let each make their own shore excursions reservations.

Many people stress the importance of a carryon bag. Bring less than people suggest. I suggest any daily meds you take, in their prescription bottles, a pain/fever reliever, an antihistamine and motion sickness meds. Please do not do what I did and clear out Duane Reade in preparation for your trip. It is a waste of money and time. A bathing suit, if you plan to swim on embarkation day (I didn't). A good book- (I love to read).

Important packing tip. Do not pack your cruise documents in your checked luggage. They belong in your carryon bag.


Gosh- I have turned into such a windbag!!!

Good Luck

Ursula

 

[webray]

I think the shoe bag depends on the type of cabin you have...we never even opened ours up...cat 5 on deck 7...we had plenty of space with three people in the cabin.

Less shoes, definately..less of everything. Take advantage of disneys laundry service, (or do it yourself..we won't..not on vacation..lol). You can send dirty clothes out..disney will do them and have them back the next day...ours were usually back in the morning..but they give you a time...like before a certain hour in the afternoon. So much better than packing extra..since I like to wear my favorite things/most comfy things in the ports anyway.

Clothes pins (just a few) were very helpful so we could hang up swimsuits..as there were always at least two for each of us drying at the same time...made for more room on the little clothes line over the tub area.

We take a case of water and our rolling cooler inside our largest suitcase...then we use the suitcase for souveniers or dirty clothes on the way home. We use the rolling cooler to roll off the breakables or pjs from the night before on debarkation morning. Works out great and everything is easy to manage.

We don't worry about bringing alcohol..we did twice..and never even opened the bottles. It is so easy and great to try the fun drinks on deck or grab a quick glass of champagne/wine/beer here and there.

A beach type bag if you are doing beach excursions is excellent.
Don't forget a nice hat...for men and woman...something that protects all the way around including back of neck. Hubby got his first one at Ron Johns before our first cruise..it was a life saver..I of course, had got a packable one at our local dillards on clearance for the great price of $7...also a lifesaver. And...packable is a good thing..hubby's is also..means..when you flatten it out in the suitcase..it comes back to life. Perfect!

Have a great time!