Here's a short list (falls in line with what others have said)
1) Do NOT fly in the day of. Fly in no later than the night before, even if you just end up crashing at a local hotel near the airport. You do not need the stress of a last minute flight delay or some other situation the morning you are trying to get to Port Canaveral. That said, I think the best way to do it is to plan a short WDW stay, even if only for a day or two, before your cruise. WDW will take you from the airport to your resort for free if you book it as a Magic Your Way package.
DCL (for a reasonable fee) will then transport you straight from your hotel to the ship, and then back to MCO (or back to WDW for another stay) after your cruise.
2) Don't do FE groups or really overthink it. For the first cruise you'll have enough trouble finding your way around the ship. You don't need the added distractions.
3) DO look into the onboard activities, but if you want to do them (say the golf simulator) book them early. Also, note, for any missed activities / excursions that you reserve, if you miss them, you will be charged for them upon check-out, so...don't overbook.
4) For a first Bahama's cruise, and a short one at that, I'd say skip Remy and Palo (as someone else mentioned). With kids, I'd suggest the Atlantis Aquaventure for your day there. I wouldn't book any excursion for Castaway, rather I'd use that time to hit the beach for a bit, and then spend some time exploring the ship (you'll have it largely to yourself...no lines for the Aqua Duck!)
5) This is a personal preference, but I'd shell out for a veranda room, and I'd look for something midship.
6) When you first get going, remember, DECK 4 and Deck 11 are your FRIENDS! Those are the easiest ways (without getting lost) to get from the front of the ship to the back, and vice versa!
7) Never forget that Room Service is free! (aside from a few items like canned sodas)
8) Bring a mug for the free sodas on Deck 11. You can buy one on the cruise, or if you stay at WDW first and get a resort mug there, you can bring it along. It's fantastic.
9) Unlike other cruise lines, Disney allows you to bring booze on board. There are some limitations to that. You can only carry it on (not in your checked luggage) and I'm fairly certain it must be sealed (so, no night cap the night before at the hotel!).
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...aring-for-your-cruise/alcohol-onboard-policy/
10) Do your documents early, put them in one place, and do NOT forget them (especially your identification docs)
11) Buy the
trip insurance. It not only covers your cruise in case of a cancellation or other issue, but it also has riders for medical services and medical transport. Forbid something happens while at Sea, a medivac can cost upwards of 6 figures. You don't want that. So, shell out the hundred or so bucks and set that concern aside.
12) Book a placeholder while on board. You'll want to do another cruise, probably a longer one...I promise!
13) Dress up for Pirate Night!0
14) Budget for the fact that on your last day you will be presented with a packet to clear out your on board charges. Now, things you charged yourself you'll be aware of, however, you will also be asked to pay a tip for your room steward (Mousekeeper) and restaurant staff. There will be 4 of them listed (Steward, Head Waiter, 2 Assistant Waiters), and there will be a recommended tip amount. If you tip above that, you can do so on the form, however it's probably better to bring along some cash and give it to the people directly (I won't get into why).
15) When you pack your carryon, be sure it has things you think you may want within the first few hours of the cruise. Swimsuits, suntan lotion, sunglasses, maybe even some basic toiletries (toothbrush?). The reason is due to the fact that your checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until a few hours after the cruise departs.
16) Familiarize yourself with the list of banned items, and don't bring them with you (or be prepared to surrender them at the port...they'll hold onto them until your cruise returns for you). That list may be found here:
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...plans/faqs/prohibited-items/prohibited-items/
17) Download the Disney Navigator App
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/faqs/disney-cruise-navigator-app/
18) Bring some cash for shopping at the ports. Not all of the vendors will accept credit cards.
Have fun!
